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Over the past couple of years, I have reviewed several electric bikes, including the affordable £499 250W Engwe T14 and going up to the 750W Cyrusher XF900 electric bike.
People inevitably wonder how fast these bikes can go and what they are capable of. There is no accurate answer to many of these questions. A lot of it depends on the bike design, weight, rider weight and the terrain. Legal restrictions are also a major factor to consider.
This guide will give you a rough idea of what a bike might be capable of.
UK Laws for Electric Bikes – 250W Power Restriction
For UK buyers, the first thing you should consider is if the eBike can be used on the road legally. I know many people ride on the road with bikes that are not technically legal, but you should always be aware of these restrictions.
Electric bikes in the UK are legally known as Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles (EAPCs). To be classified as an EAPC, the bike must meet certain requirements:
- The motor’s maximum power output should not exceed 250 watts.
- The motor should provide assistance only when the rider is pedalling (using a throttle is not allowed)
- The motor assistance should cut off when the bike reaches a speed of 15.5 mph (25 km/h).
Anything that does not comply with these requirements would be treated as a moped or motorcycle, where a licence, registration, tax, and insurance will be required.
For US buyers, the laws are more lenient with:
- Class 1 Electric Bikes: These are pedal-assist electric bikes with a maximum motor-assisted speed of 20 miles per hour (32 kilometers per hour) and a motor power limited to 750 watts. The motor assistance only operates while the rider is pedalling.
- Class 2 Electric Bikes: These are throttle-assisted electric bikes with a maximum motor-assisted speed of 20 miles per hour (32 kilometers per hour) and a motor power limited to 750 watts. The motor can propel the bike without pedalling.
- Class 3 Electric Bikes: These are pedal-assist electric bikes with a maximum motor-assisted speed of 28 miles per hour (45 kilometers per hour) and a motor power limited to 750 watts. The motor assistance only operates while the rider is pedaling.
How fast can electric bike go?
Ignoring the legalities of electric bikes and assuming all built-in speed restrictions are removed, how fast can an e-bike go?
This will obviously be dependent on the ebike design and weight, rider weight and terrain.
For example, my 15.5 kg Vanpowers City Vanture would likely go faster than the 34 kg Cyrusher XF900.
It is also worth noting that with pedal assist, you can go faster than what the motor is capable of. My Vanpowers cuts the motor off at 25kph, but I regularly ride around at 32kph.
How fast can a 250w electric bike go?
In general, a 250w eBike will reach a maximum speed of 20mph (32kph), and depending on the terrain, you may be able to get up to 25mph.
For the sake of comparison, I will say a realistic speed is 20mph.
How fast can a 350w electric bike go?
In general, a 350W electric bike will have similar speeds to a 250W bike and can reach speeds of up to 20mph (32kph) on the lower end of the spectrum and should be able to do 28 miles per hour (45kph) quite easily.
These should be able to hit around 22mph (35kph) reliably.
How fast can a 500w electric bike go?
Again, there is not a huge amount of difference once you hit the 500W speeds, will typically range from 20mph (32kph) to 30mph (38kph), and I would say that 25mph should be easily achievable on most bikes.
How fast can a 750w electric bike go?
A 750W electric bike typically has the potential to reach higher speeds compared to lower-powered e-bikes. Under ideal conditions, a 750W electric bike can reach speeds ranging from approximately 25 to over 30 miles per hour (40 to 48 kilometres per hour).
When I reviewed the Cyrusher XF900 with the speed limiter removed, I was easily able to hit 28mph(45kph), and that’s on a 30kg bike with full suspension and fat tyres. Other bikes should comfortably exceed that.
How fast can a 1000w electric bike go?
A 1000W electric bike can potentially achieve even higher speeds compared to lower-powered e-bikes. Under ideal conditions, a 1000W electric bike can reach speeds ranging from approximately 28 to 35 miles per hour (45 to 56 kilometers per hour).
I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.
As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.
In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.
