Firstly, it’s important to understand New Zealand electric bike laws, as defined by NZTA. Be aware that the current rules have been in effect for many years, are outdated, and are subject to change in the near future.
Ebikes are referred to by NZTA as “power-assisted cycles.” And the rule states: “A power assisted cycle has an auxiliary electric motor with a maximum power not exceeding 300W and is designed to be primarily propelled by the muscular energy of the rider. Electric bikes exceeding this limit require registration as mopeds.”
There is no New Zealand law (at present) that limits the top speed of an ebike. However, when you understand that a 300W motor is the equivalent of 4/10ths of a horsepower, it becomes clear. The legal motor size itself regulates speed.
Electric bikes make it easier to go faster, up to a point. However, the bottom line for most riders is not whether or not they can ride at 50 or 60km/hour but whether they can enjoy a more effortless riding experience than they would on a regular push bike. Whether they can ride far enough and comfortably enough to enjoy some of the great cycle trails New Zealand offers.
How Fast Can an Electric Bike Go Using Its Motor Power Only?
This is a moot question for electric bikes that do not equip a thumb throttle or twist throttle. The motors on such e-bikes are designed to work only in collaboration with pedal power. This is the case with European brands because throttle assistance—i.e., powering the e-bike without pedaling—is not legal in Europe.
However, some brands and models of e-bikes do offer a throttle. So, how fast would these bikes go without pedaling?
Assuming that the bike meets NZ road-legal requirements of having a motor with 300 watts of power or less, the engine will propel the bike. It will reach up to around 30 km/hour on a smooth, flat surface. Understand, however, that e-bikes equipped with throttles are not designed to run continuously on throttle alone. Using the throttle without pedaling for short bursts of power, such as getting going from a standstill or adding a turbo boost while tackling a big hill, is fine. However, running an e-bike on throttle only for an extended time can cause damage to the motor, and the battery will drain very quickly.
How Fast Will an E-Bike Go Using Leg and Motor Power Combination?
Although the motor output stops supporting you when you reach its maximum speed capability (typically around 30 km/hour), you can supply the leg power to go faster.
Different people have different amounts of power in their legs. A recreational cyclist on a long ride might average 150-200 watts of leg power output. A professional bike racer specializing in sprints might hit 1500 watts for a short burst. A Tour de France rider might put out 300 watts on average over the day. So, the recreational rider’s legs are about half as powerful as a 300-watt motor.
The bottom line is that, beyond the motor’s maximum speed capability, top speed is remarkably rider- and terrain-dependent. Most bike riders can quickly achieve 40 km/hour in short bursts, and racers can easily reach 60 km/hour in sprints. Steep downhills can allow an average bike rider to achieve 90 km/hour.
Safety Requirements?
In NZ, it is mandatory to wear a helmet. And, with regard to lights, the law states: “You must use lights between sunset and sunrise, and at any other time when you can’t clearly see a person or vehicle 100 metres away – about the length of a rugby or football field. You must have one or two front lights on your bike. Only one front light may flash. Front lights must be white or yellow. You must have at least one rear light. Any rear light may flash. Rear lights must be red. Lights must be seen from 200 metres away at night.
Conclusion
Some great New Zealand trail rides such as Alps to Ocean, Otago Rail Trail, Pureora Timber Trail and West Coast Wilderness Trail require covering as much as 40-60 kilometres daily. For many people, riding such distances would only be possible and enjoyable with an e-bike.
An e-bike’s motor takes physical pressure off your legs and allows you to ride along faster than on a pedal bike and to ride further so that you can enjoy these great rides.
For many seniors, it’s also about:
- Finding a new and fun way of improving physical and mental wellbeing
- Being able to go riding with – and keep up with – the kids and grandkids
- Getting to, seeing, and experiencing parts of NZ that they would not otherwise be able to explore
- Being able to meet and enjoy the company of other like-minded seniors
Read this article to learn whether electric bikes are safe for older riders.
FAQs
How fast can electric bikes go without pedaling?
Some electric bikes, such as those from Europe, will not go at all without pedaling. Others, like those fitted with Bafang motors for example, have thumb throttles that can propel the bike without pedaling for short distances, such as getting moving from a stop light, or for an extra burst of power climbing a hill. The maximum speed a legal ebike can reach without pedaling is in the vicinity of 30km/hour.
What is the legal top speed of an electric bike in NZ?
There are no regulations (at present) governing top speed, however, there is a legal maximum motor size of 300 watts (4/10ths of a horsepower), which limits top speed to around 30 km/hour on flat surfaces.
What is the average lifespan of an electric bike?
The lifespan of an electric bike varies significantly, much like cars, depending on how often you use it, the conditions you ride it in, and how well you maintain it. It’s also important to note that an ebike consists of many different components, and some, such as tyres, brake pads, and chains, will wear out sooner than others. The motors are very reliable and will generally last for many years. The ebike battery is like a cell phone or laptop battery. They are designed to last at least 500 to 600 charge cycles, but will often last much longer, albeit with a diminishing range over time.
Can an ebike motor be replaced?
Yes. There is seldom the need for a motor to be replaced, because electric motors have very few moving parts and have proven extremely reliable, but if indeed a motor replacement is required, then yes, it is feasible. In the case of MeloYelo electric bikes, we carry spare motors in NZ.
