In the world of electric bikes, there are numerous capacities of batteries which add more power to your push pedal bike. Electric bikes are one of the fastest growing commodities in the US, as anyone can ride them, from veteran cyclists to children.
To answer the question of how fast does a 1000W electric bike go, there are a number of factors that we need to consider. There’s a little confusion about how fast they can actually go, plus the fact that there are laws in place to prevent electric bikes from going too quickly.
There are a number of different watt electric bikes available, from 250, 500, 750, to 1000. At the top end, a 1000w bike is a very powerful choice and will definitely give an extra boost.
In this article, we’ll be discussing these factors along with the different types of electric bikes available.
The Two Types of Electric Bike
Currently, there are two types of electric bike on the market. The first type of bike is the pedal-assisted electric bike. These ebikes usually max out at the 20mph, which makes them ideal for short distances or if you need a speed boost when riding up hill.
The type of peddle-assisted bike you purchase will determine the amount of effort you need to put into peddling.
The second type of electric bike has a throttle. Typically, these throttles are either twist or thumb throttles and allow the rider to control their speed with one hand. They can reach speeds of up to 30mph, making them great for commutes or longer rides.
Does The Type of Terrain Affect Speed?
The short answer to this question is yes, the type of terrain you’re riding on will affect the speeds you can reach.
Generally speaking, electric bikes are divided into two types of terrain: leisure and rough terrain, depending on their intended use. As a lot of people use electric bikes to get to and from work, many electric bikes are aimed towards leisure activities.
That being said, any electric bike can and will work brilliantly on flat ground or city streets because they were initially designed for this type of ground.
Electric mountain bikes are ideal for rural settings where automobiles are expensive. They are also ideal for areas which would otherwise be inaccessible for automobiles. If you’re considering doing some rough trail cycling, there are serious benefits to using an electric mountain bike.
In terms of battery and motor, a 750w or above is preferred. Most of these types of bike are available with full suspension or hard tails. As you might expect, full suspension models are better for rough terrain.
Motors’ Assistance
Another factor worth considering when discussing the speed of a 1000W bike is the motors’ assistance to speed ratio. The motor used in your electric bike will nearly always influence electric bike speed. A common misconception is that the higher the wattage of your battery, the faster the bike.
You’d need to calculate your weight versus power to determine your motors’ assistance to speed ratio.
As an example, a 110-pound woman is planning on biking up a hill. She doesn’t need a powerful electric bike, as she is light enough to climb the hill without the need for much peddling or throttle. A 250w electric bike would be ideal.
Are 1000W electric bikes legal in the US?
This has been an ongoing debate for a number of years, and can vary from state to state. Their growing popularity in recent years is set to continue, with a number of states placing legal restrictions on electric bike wattage. Ideally, 1000w electric bikes are best suited for off-roading purposes.
The use of 1000w electric bikes on the road may constitute breaking the law and as such they are not recommended for the daily commute.
The Three Class Classification System
California was the first state to adopt the Three Class system for the classification of electric bikes. In total, 26 states define electric bikes in the Three Class system. This legislation includes a limit on the motor of an electric bicycle to 1 horsepower (750w) across all classes of electric bike.
We’ve included a brief breakdown of the Three Class system below:
Class 1: These bikes assist pedaling but not the throttle. They’re passive and can be ridden on bike paths.
Class 2: Also known as low-speed throttle assisted electric bikes. This class of bike has a motor with propels the rider without the need for pedaling. The rider cannot exceed 32.19 km/h (20mph).
Class 3: Class 3 electric bikes are also known as speed pedal-assisted electric bikes. They provide assistance to the rider even if they’re pedaling. These class of bikes can have a maximum speed of 28mph (45 km/h).
In Summary
A 1000W electric bike generally are pretty rapid. They’re powerful options and will most certainly give you the extra boost you require, especially if you’re going up an incline.
Depending on factors such as weight and terrain, a 1000W electric bike will get up to speeds of around 35 mph.
Electric bikes with 1000w motors are closely related to small motorbikes and mopeds due to their power and speed. As such they may not be necessary for short commutes.
