Electric bikes can be an efficient way to navigate quickly without getting sweaty – but how fast are they really capable of going?
All bikes fall into one of three main classes and should be treated accordingly when riding them. Most countries, states and manufacturers follow this system when regulating e-bikes.
Top Speed
Electric bikes typically stop providing assistance once you reach their maximum supported speed, usually 20 to 28 mph, and any speed beyond this ceiling will come from you, not the motor. Therefore, electric bikes are classified according to their maximum supported speed and may only be allowed on certain paths or roads depending on their class.
Other factors affecting top speed include motor size and power, battery capacity, tire size and riding terrain. You will be able to travel much faster on smooth, paved roads compared to loose gravel trails.
Distance
New riders of Electric Bike often express apprehension regarding its range. This depends on many variables including battery size and motor size as well as rider weight; weather and terrain also play a part. Ebikes equipped with larger batteries and smaller motors typically cover longer distances.
Finding your e-bike’s approximate range by looking at its battery capacity in watt hours (Wh) is only an estimate, since this does not account for many factors that impact its range, including wind (headwind tends to reduce it, while tailwind can enhance it), pedaling power and the speed you are traveling at; frequent stops and starts use up significant energy; coasting to stops rather than driving all out until stopping is required will reduce energy use and extend your range further.
Battery Life
Making the most out of your e-bike requires some knowledge. First and foremost, its battery must be charged regularly in order to preserve its maximum capacity – but what constitutes a full charge and how long should your battery expect to last?
On average, you should expect between 20 and 70 miles on one charge depending on your battery size (24, 36 or 48V), how hard you ride and whether or not pedal assist is being used.
Kapoor suggests 500 discharge/recharge cycles before your battery’s capacity begins to diminish significantly, so to preserve its health, never recharge immediately after riding and use a timer on your charger to ensure unplugging it at its scheduled time. Furthermore, never run down completely as this can damage it and result in permanent capacity loss; rather store your e-bike with between 30%-60% capacity remaining instead.
Ease of Use
Some electric bikes allow riders to switch between modes: either using only the motor (known as “electric only”), or pedal-assist which kicks in when using cranks – providing longer and farther rides with reduced effort; or “electric only”. Once your top speed or battery run-out occurs, this feature will stop working automatically.
Torque refers to the amount of power an electric motor can deliver, providing greater bursts of power when climbing steep hills or long terrain. A higher torque amount offers greater surges of acceleration for hill climbing purposes.
Electric bicycles offer people with physical limitations a way to extend their cycling adventures in a more comfortable way than traditional bikes can. Electric bicycles make commuting, running errands or carrying loads on trails and roads simpler while being great option for active seniors looking for new outdoor activities to participate in.
