It's hard to give a precise answer! You can find the CAB Recon, an electric bike that can reach a top speed of 60 mph in a few seconds. The Delfast Top 3.0 is also very fast. It has a top speed of 50 mph. A massive 3,000W electric motor powered by a high-capacity battery propels it to these high speeds. These speed bikes blur the lines between electric bikes and motorocycles.
The fastest electric bikes on the market
There is little chance of encountering an electric bike doing close to 60 mph on the roads in the US, and yet…
More and more brands are developing bikes for thrill-seekers, with top speeds of up to 50 mph without much effort from the rider. While one might question the term "bike" for these road monsters, they are often marketed as such to reach a wider audience.
On the other hand, you must remember that for an electrically assisted bike to be legally authorized for use, it must not exceed 28 mph. Above that speed, it falls into the category of a moped. These are known as speed bikes. Fast electric bikes that can travel at speeds of up to 28 mph.
Adrenaline junkies, harried commuters, and high-speed bike collectors can all find something to enjoy with these fast e-Bikes.
How fast are electric bikes?
EBikes are fast! They allow you to pick up speed much faster than pedaling a conventional bike. However, they have a maximum speed at which they stop helping you.
Electrically assisted bikes help you reach speeds of 20 mph, while speed bikes can reach speeds of 28 mph. You can exceed these speeds, but your legs will have to work hard.
However, there is another category of electric bikes that can happily exceed 28 mph. These machines have little to do with "bikes" in the strict sense of the word. But they’re still considered e-Bikes. At long last, here are those bikes designed to break speed records and make you feel the wind in your hair…
Here are the fastest electric bikes on the market and the speed bikes to follow if you like speed!
Delfast Top 3.0: The fastest electric bike on the market
The Delfast Top 3.0 blurs the line between motorcycle and electric bike. Its design is more reminiscent of a futuristic motocross bike than a bicycle, but the brand seems committed to marketing this model as a full-fledged electric bike.
With a top speed of 50 mph, the Top 3.0 is probably the fastest electric bike available for purchase. Other models hold even more impressive speed records, but these are usually prototypes that are not for sale.
This bike is available to everyone for the modest sum of $6,599 on the manufacturer's website. If you are interested and worried about the legal aspect, the brand indicates that the bike is delivered in a version that respects your local laws. After you received the e-Bike, you can activate the "Unlimited mode" so that the motor delivers its full power of 3000 W! The reality of using this bike in the world is a challenge. With such a design, this seems difficult to control at such high speeds while on a bike path.
This oversized machine seems best for use on open roads or motorbike trails, far from traffic. Now if you want speed while still looking like a cyclist, you should look into speed bikes…
Speed bikes: powerful and fast bikes
It's hard to ignore speed bikes when talking about the fastest electric bikes.
What are speed bikes and what can they do?
Speed bikes are a category of electric bicycles that assist the rider up to 28 mph using a more powerful motor, usually 500-750 W. Because of their increased speed, they’re not allowed everywhere that bicycles are allowed.
The motor assistance starts automatically when you start pedaling. There is no throttle. No matter how hard you push on the pedals, the engine runs at full speed. As with other e-Bikes, the rider can increase or decrease the level of assistance by selecting a mode on the head unit. Note, however, that the speed bike can continue to move forward even if the cyclist stops pedaling. Very practical!
They are often used to travel long distances and can be used on the road, on trails, or on private property. However, because of the pedal assist, they cannot be used on bike paths, let alone sidewalks.
In the city, with a speed bike, you often go at the same speed, or even faster, than cars and other vehicles. For instance, the average speed in most American cities is around 25 miles per hour.
Make no mistake, 28 miles per hour is really fast! So, it’s no suprise that the regulations are much stricter than for speed bikes. To find out more, read our article on the different speeds of electric bikes.
3 speed bikes to boost your daily life. You can find them all at Upway ! 😉
Stromer ST5
Specifications | Details |
---|---|
Engine | 850W SYNO Sport motor |
Battery | Battery 48V / 934Wh |
Autonomy | 112 m |
Charging time | 5h30 |
Maximum speed | 28 mph |
Price | $10 555 |
Why we love it: This is one of the flagship models in the Swiss Stromer range! It’s powerful, dynamic, and highly aesthetic. Its flawless design is suitable for everyday driving, on the road, and in urban environments.
- Automatic locking/unlocking via Bluetooth
- A Sport mode
- A high level of equipment
Dashboard is a little too low (you lose sight of the road). The Stromer ST5 is very efficient, torquey, dynamic, and has a long battery life. By choosing this speed bike, you can travel between 38 and 110 miles.
It has all the practical accessories for city riding: daytime running lights, fenders, headlights, and a Supernova M99 light. It is also hyper connected. You can locate the bike with GPS, lock and unlock it by connecting your smartphone via Bluetooth. The touch screen integrated into the frame indicates, among other things, the speed and range.
Fuell Flluid-1S
Specifications | Details |
---|---|
Engine | Bofeili intermediate drive motor 500W |
Battery | Battery 48V / 1008Wh |
Autonomy | 125 m |
Charging time | 5h |
Maximum speed | 28 mph |
Price | $5900 |
Why we love it: This e-Bike is suitable for city and country riding. Quiet and elegant, it combines performance and robustness. With a range of 125 m, it is surely one of the best on the market..
- 2 removable and exchangeable batteries
- Quiet carbon belt drive
- Minimum maintenance
Its weight: more than 66 lbs
Lack of maneuverability at low speeds
The Fuell Flluid-1 has a power of 500W and a torque of 100 Nm, which exceeds the most powerful motors from Brose, Bosch, and Shimano.Its internally geared hub has 8 speeds and requires minimal maintenance. A PIN code protects the screen and comes with a ring lock attached to the frame.
Kalkhoff Endeavour 7.B Excite
Specifications | Details |
---|---|
Engine | Bosch Performance Line Speed 350W motor |
Battery | Battery V / 625Wh |
Autonomy60 m | 60 m |
Charging time | - |
Maximum speed | 28 mph |
Price | $5900 |
Why we love it: Your commute will become an adventure! Fast and versatile, this e-Bike is great for commuters. It’s ideal for short and long distances, anytime of day or night!
- Lots of features
- Quality components
- Very good handling
Shorter range
The Kalkhoff Endeavour 7.B Excite is a great bike. It has a dynamic and sporty aluminum frame. There is no shortage of accessories: aluminum fenders, kickstand, rear cargo rack, license plate, and rear view mirror.
The tail lights act as brake lights, while the Supernova M99 Mini Pro headlights can be used in high or low-beam mode.
The difference between electrically assisted bikes and speed bikes
Maximum speed and assistance:
The main difference comes down to the methods of propulsion. Electric bikes are generally divided into two distinct categories based on their maximum speed. An standard e-Bike has a maximum speed of 20 mph, while a speed bike can reach - and exceed - 28 mph.
The speed bike continues to move forward even if the cyclist stops pedaling. This is not the case with a standard electric bike, which has a motor that only assists while you pedal. What does that mean? It means the motor starts when you pedal and cuts off when you stop pedaling or exceed 20 mph (as required by law). This is "pedal assist".
Autonomy
As we stated earlier, speed bikes can be used without the rider pedaling. Since the motor is running continuously, it tends to put a lot of pressure on the battery, which (not surprisingly) reduces its range.
For standard electric bikes, the power supplied by the motor is linked to the effort provided by the cyclist. Thus, the motor engages only when you’re pedaling and leads to a longer battery range.
Let's take the same 500W battery! On a speed bike, it will be discharged after 25 to 30 miles, while on an electric bike, it will last 35 to 45 miles.
Autonomy
The speed bike is sometimes considered a moped, which means that it is able to go beyond the maximum speed allowed for a standard Class 1 e-Bike or Class 2 e-Bike, i.e. 20 mph.
Speed bikes are not allowed in pedestrian areas where cyclists have access, such as multi-use trails.
On roads where the speed limit is greater than 30 mph, speed bikes must use the bike lane. However, on roads with a speed limit of less than 30 mph, they can use the bike lane or the road.
Insurance
The speed bike is considered a moped. This means that you need to take out a family insurance policy for third-party damage and/or a private accident insurance policy, which will cover your own disability after an accident. Please note that some family insurances exclude high speed bikes, so be sure to check with your insurer to see if third-party damage is included.
You can also take out other types of insurance, such as breakage and theft.
As a result, fast electric bikes must be registered as motorcycles, while standard electric bikes do not require registration.
Safety equipment
The safety equipment of a speed bike and a standard e-Bike varies slightly. All speed bike drivers must wear an approved helmet. For e-Bikes, children under the age of 12 must where a helmet. However, it is strongly recommended for teenagers and adults to also wear a helmet.
Other mandatory accessories include lighting, horns, braking system, and visual signaling.
Why buy a fast electric bike?
Whether you want to get from point A to point B quickly or minimize your effort when traveling, there are many reasons why you might want to consider a fast electric bike. Other mandatory accessories include lighting, horns, braking system, and visual signaling.
Knowing if it's worth buying
- You like to ride fast: One of the most obvious reasons for choosing a fast electric bike is that you love speed. With a top speed of 28 mph, you can easily get around town. It's a green alternative to scooters and 50cc bikes.
- Better handling: A side effect of fast electric bikes is that they tend to be heavier. This is due to the power of the motor and battery. On the bright side, they offer better handling. That's a real plus if you like to ride on rougher roads.
- You are a commuter: If your home is at least 6 miles from your workplace, you don't want to waste time. A fast bike can save you valuable minutes on your commute.
Why a speed bike may not be for you?
- Administrative constraints: As we mentioned before, you need at least a moped license, registration, insurance, and an approved helmet.
- Power: You may not be comfortable with an electric bike that is too powerful. You may also be a beginner e-Bike rider. Or maybe you're worried about having a bike you can't control at high speeds. Whatever the reason, it's best for you to choose a lower-speed e-Bike.
- Frequency of use: If you don't use your electric bike regularly, you don't need the fastest electric bike. Especially since you high-speed e-Bikes are more expensive.
- Price: Speedbikes are generally much more expensive to buy than other electric bikes, and you will also have to add mandatory equipment and monthly insurance.
How does motor power influence the speed?
Whether you want to get from point A to point B quickly or minimize your effort when traveling, there are many reasons why you might want to consider a fast electric bike. Other mandatory accessories include lighting, horns, braking system, and visual signaling.
- A 250W motor reaches a maximum speed of 15 mph
- A 350W motor reaches a maximum speed of 22 mph
- A 500W motor reaches a maximum speed of 25 mph
- A 750W motor reaches a maximum speed of 28 mph
- A 1000W motor reaches a maximum speed of 34 mph
Why a speed bike may not be for you?
If you are buying a speed bike, you shouldn't just look for the best-performing models. Many other factors should influence your decision, including how you intend to use the bike and your budget.
Here is a criteria for finding the best fast electric bike for you:
- Price/performance ratio: the price of electric bikes varies considerably. Fast electric assist bikes, with their more powerful motors, are often at the top of the range. You should generally expect to pay more than $5,000.
- Motor efficiency: compare the power, efficiency, and smoothness of the electric motor.
- Battery efficiency: Batteries should be compared in terms of efficiency, power, and charging speed.
- Overall performance: How do the bikes perform on climbs and descents? How well do they handle? How is the suspension? What is their weight capacity?
- Reputation: How does the brand compare to its competitors? Is it known for producing sturdy, high-performance bikes? Does it offer a good warranty?
FAQ of the fastest electric bikes
What is the fastest electric bike in the world?
Which helmet do you need for a speed bike?
You should choose ECE2205-approved helmets, such as the Cratoni Vigor or the Kali Java. These helmets are suitable for driving motorcycles and mopeds.
How to register a speed bike
It's so easy! Simply fill in a form to request a registration certificate.