Bicycles are among the best modes of transportation. They are great for getting you to your destination, as well as keeping you fit and healthy.
Better for the environment than cars, but with more manoeuvrability and freedom than public transportation, bikes are one of the best ways to travel.
A 10-mile bike ride may seem intimidating, especially if you’re just starting to get into cycling. However, it’s much more manageable than it seems. 10 miles is the average distance for cycling commuters, as well as the standard length of beginner cycling paths.
If you’re interested in a switch to (or increase in) cycling, but aren’t sure if 10 miles is within your limits, don’t worry – this guide has got you covered.
In this handy guide, we’ll take a look at the average time it takes to bike 10 miles depending on skill level and fitness. We’ll also go over some of the differences between regular bicycles and electric bikes, as well as the pros and cons of both.
Ready? Then let’s get started!
Different Bikes, Different Speeds
Before we get to how long it takes to travel 10 miles by bike, we first need to break down the different types of bikes.
Standard Bicycles
This is the typical type of bicycle, with pedals, gears, and two wheels. A normal bicycle is great for getting around, without the need for any power other than yourself.
They also take up very little space, and most pedestrian areas will have a bike rack nearby to store and lock your bike up.
Bicycles are also great for getting in some exercise while you travel. Cycling works out your legs and core, and improves your cardio too. A good cycle can even burn up to 500 calories an hour!
Electric Bicycles
As the name suggests, electric bikes are similar to regular bicycles, but with one key change. They are powered by batteries and don’t require nearly as much pedalling with an electric motor aiding your movement.
Like other electric vehicles, an electric bicycle needs to be charged so it can go. The battery on an electric bike is smaller than in an electric car, so you won’t be able to travel anywhere near as far on your bike.
That said, electric bikes can get an average of 25 miles of cycling between charges, so you don’t need to be worried about getting stranded on bike rides as long as you plan ahead.
What Are The Differences?
There are several differences between the two types of bike, which can greatly affect how quickly you can travel 10 miles in addition to other factors like fitness and elevation.
The most obvious difference between the two is that electric bikes have a battery-powered motor that assists pedalling. Not only does this make an electric bike easier and less tiring to ride, but it also means you can travel faster than on a regular bicycle.
Steeper slopes are also less of a problem, as the motor means you don’t have to pedal as hard to go uphill.
However, there are some things that put normal bicycles ahead. While their lack of motor and battery means they are slower, it also means they aren’t dependent on charging stations to be able to move around.
Bicycles are also easier to store and walk with when compared to electric bikes, which have larger and heavier frames that make them cumbersome and awkward to move around.
There isn’t a definite right answer for which bike is best for you, and it mostly comes down to personal preference and needs. Both types of bike have their pros and cons, but either way, you’ll be switching to a better way of travelling.
How Long it Takes To Bike 10 Miles
On a Bicycle
On a regular bicycle, a 10-mile ride can take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and a half depending on a couple of factors. In general, a beginner cyclist can expect to cycle 10 miles in around an hour. A skilled cyclist can complete a 10-mile bike ride in between 30-45 minutes in the right circumstances.
Skill level can make a big difference in how long it takes to cycle 10 miles. While beginners tend to average speeds of 10mph (or 16km/h), experienced cyclists can be much faster.
Environmental factors can also affect cycling times. The elevation of the land and how much uphill cycling you need to do can have a big impact on your total time, as well as how much physical energy you need to use.
Weather conditions also come into play, as wet and windy weather can make you cycle slower.
Traffic can also be a factor, as more built-up areas may have more congestion that affects your travel time.
Overall, in good conditions and on reasonably flat ground, beginner cyclists should be able to cycle 10 miles in 45 minutes to an hour. Meanwhile, skilled cyclists can complete the same distance in as little as half an hour if they are fit and healthy.
On an Electric Bike
Electric bikes are, in general, faster than cycling unaided. What’s more, they take less energy to ride so you can keep up a consistent pace throughout your whole journey.
For the most part, weather conditions and hills don’t have too much of an impact on an electric bike’s speed (unless they are on the extreme side).
Even with less-than-desirable conditions, electric bikes typically reach speeds of 15.5mph (~25km/h) until the motor stops assisting the pedals, although some will go up to 28mph (45km/h).
This means that electric bikes can complete a 10-mile ride in (on average) between 25-40 minutes.
While electric bikes aren’t as bothered by weather and slopes as regular bikes, there is an issue that affects them more. Traffic, while less of a problem for a standard bicycle, can have a much bigger impact on an electric bike.
Where bike paths are scarce and electric bikes face more regulation, an electric bike may not be the best choice for a highly developed urban area with lots of stoplights and congestion.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it: how long it takes a regular bike and an electric bike to travel 10 miles.
Electric bikes are, on average, faster than a standard bicycle and can complete a 10-mile bike ride in around 30 minutes. On top of that, their ease of use and the energy they save give them plenty of advantages over normal bikes, especially for commuting to work.
Normal bicycles, on the other hand, are slower and will take the average cyclist between 45 minutes to an hour to finish. They are still a great option though, with advantages over electric bikes that continue to make them one of the best alternative modes of transport available.
Now that you have a bit more information under your belt, a 10-mile bike ride should seem much more manageable. With a bit of planning and some practise beforehand, you’ll be able to hit your goal in no time. All you have to do now is go for it.
Good luck!
