Always follow the posted speed limits when riding, staying within your abilities. Electric bikes are heavier than traditional bicycles and can travel much faster in certain conditions, so they require a bit more control. Take it easy to keep yourself and others safe.
How Fast Can I Ride My Electric Bike?
Written by: Rémy Rossi | August 27, 2025 | Time to read 3 min
Speed is thrilling on an e-Bike—but knowing your limits keeps every ride safe and legal.
More about the Author: Remy Rossi
Rémy Rossi is a bike writer, mechanic, and educator who got his start in community-based bike shops and co-ops. With a decade in the industry, he still wrenches on bikes when he can and plays bike polo on a fixie.
Electric bikes give the gift of speed, but there are limits to how fast your e-Bike can go and how fast you’re allowed to ride. Ride within the rules to keep yourself and the others around you safe, ensuring an enjoyable cruise for everyone. Here’s all you need to know about how fast you can ride an e-Bike.
Top speed determined by e-Bike class
In the US, electric bike top speed is limited to either 20 mph or 28 mph, depending on its classification. Class 1 and Class 2 e-Bikes provide motor assistance up to 20 mph, while Class 3 models can support riders at speeds up to 28 mph.
It’s worth noting that these limits apply only to the motor’s assistance. Riders can still exceed those speeds—such as when descending a hill or riding with a strong tailwind— but any extra momentum beyond the class limit won’t come from the motor.
Any motorized bike that can travel faster than 20 mph via throttle or 28 mph on pedal-assist cannot be legally considered an electric bike, and may be subject to additional requirements like a license or vehicle registration.
It’s worth noting that these limits apply only to the motor’s assistance. Riders can still exceed those speeds—such as when descending a hill or riding with a strong tailwind— but any extra momentum beyond the class limit won’t come from the motor.
Any motorized bike that can travel faster than 20 mph via throttle or 28 mph on pedal-assist cannot be legally considered an electric bike, and may be subject to additional requirements like a license or vehicle registration.
Follow posted speed limits
Just because you can travel fast on an e-Bike, doesn’t mean that you should. There are often posted speed limits on multi-use paths or trails. A high speed differential between walkers, regular bicycles, and e-Bikes can increase the chance of incidents, especially on crowded or narrow routes. Be aware of posted signs and follow your local e-Bike regulations. In a controversial move, the city of New York is trying to impose a 15 mph speed limit for e-Bikes.
Mountain bike trails may only allow slower Class 1 electric mountain bikes, or prohibit electric bikes altogether. Follow these rules to respect the trail system and other trail users, and always abide by electric mountain bike trail etiquette when riding.
Mountain bike trails may only allow slower Class 1 electric mountain bikes, or prohibit electric bikes altogether. Follow these rules to respect the trail system and other trail users, and always abide by electric mountain bike trail etiquette when riding.
How fast can I ride my electric bike?
Ride only as fast as you are comfortable, and always follow the local rules. A fast electric bike can travel up to 28 mph with pedal-assist, but may be prohibited from certain trails or have to curb its top speed due to speed limits on multi-use paths.
Upway has a large selection of Class 3 electric bikes to provide riders with the fastest legal speeds out there! Browse models across popular categories, including commuter, cargo, all-terrain, and folding electric bikes.
Upway has a large selection of Class 3 electric bikes to provide riders with the fastest legal speeds out there! Browse models across popular categories, including commuter, cargo, all-terrain, and folding electric bikes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a safe speed for electric bikes?
Do you need a license for an electric bike?
In nearly all states, riders do not need a license to operate an electric bike. However, riders of Class 3 e-Bikes in New Jersey need a license, and e-Bike users in Hawaii will need to pay a $30 registration fee.
Key Takeaways
- Top speed varies by class: Class 1 & 2 assist up to 20 mph; Class 3 can reach 28 mph.
- Rules matter: Local laws and trail restrictions may require slower speeds—or ban e-Bikes altogether.
- Ride smart: Follow posted limits, stay safe, and choose a Class 3 for the fastest legal e-Bike experience.
