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. Or whether they can ride far enough, comfortably enough, to enjoy some of the great cycle trails we are blessed with in New Zealand.
How Fast Can an Electric Bike Go Using Its Motor Power Only?
This is a moot question for electric bikes that are not equipped with 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 up to around 30-35km/hour on a smooth, flat surface. (To put a 300-watt motor in context, 300 watts equals 0.4 horsepower – less than half a horsepower.) Understand, however, that e-bikes equipped with throttles are not designed to be run continuously by throttle only. 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 30-35km/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.
Can I Change The Factory Speed Settings?
On some makes and models of MeloYelo electric bikes, the answer is “Yes.” And it is easy to do. Bear in mind, however, that a 300-watt motor is 0.4 horsepower, so even if you override the factory settings to 40km/hour, a 300-watt motor will still reach its maximum assistance at around 35km/hour.
Conclusion
Some great New Zealand trail rides require covering 50-60 kilometres daily, sometimes more. 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.
