A number of Australian riders complain that the 25 km/h electric bike speed limit is too low. Do you ever feel the same? If not, then you must have gone through how distressing it would be. You have come to the right site if you have never had this experience but still want to learn how to speed up your electric bike. The main reason for the speed limit is to cut road taxes. Electric bikes are heavier, and it may be claimed that increasing their speed will result in more deaths. What is most important is to ride safely and understand that higher speeds result in shorter reaction times. The purpose of this blog is to explain to you the reasons why your bike is not going fast enough and how to make an e-bike go faster.
Understanding Electric Bike Limits
You can adjust the speed of your electric bike using multiple methods. However, there are a few things that you should know:
- Don't play around with parts of your bike that you don't understand anything about.
- If you fool around with the mechanics of your electric bike, you can invalidate your warranty. The manufacturer wouldn't be liable for any repairs or replacements.
- Any replacement or upgrading of parts on the e-bike will have to be sourced from the same manufacturer that produced the original component.
- If you increase the speed of your electric bike beyond the legally allowed limits, it can get you on the wrong side of the law, so check the laws in your state of residence before any attempt.
- Speed on an e-bike is dangerous, especially if you have never ridden electric bikes before. The higher the speed is, the faster your battery will run out.
Tips to Increase Electric Bike Speed
In this section, we will discuss the ways to increase the speed of your electric bike:
Technical Modifications
Battery Upgrades
The battery significantly affects your e-bike's performance. A higher-voltage battery provides more power to the motor. If you want to go faster, you can choose a bigger capacity battery. This will boost your speed but also allow you to install a second battery that gives you double power.
Motor Upgrades
If your e-bike has a speed limit that is legal in your location, you may be able to disable or change it in the settings. Some e-bikes allow you to change the current or voltage settings for more power, but be mindful of battery life and motor strain. An upgrade to your existing motor or a dual-motor setup is an option; it is going to provide some extra speed and power to your e-bike motorcycle styles. Normally, a 500-watt motor can be expected to push past 20 miles per hour. Prior to upgrading, check that your speed controller, battery, and other parts are sturdy enough to take the increase in power.
Brakes Adjustments
Brakes cause friction to slow you down when not adjusted. The process of getting the brakes adjusted can be a bit complex and may need a professional expert. Those who know how to fix a bike will require tools for the job such as open-end spanners, needle-nose pliers, a Torx set, some clean rags, cleaner or alcohol, a cable stretcher, a cable cutter, a screwdriver, and grease.
Riding Techniques
Ride When Fully Charged
Make it a practice to charge your bike after every ride in order to keep it fully charged, as the speed of the motor depends upon higher voltage. If you travel, consider getting a second charger so that you always have enough juice for quicker trips and avoid the consequences of a drained battery.
Aerodynamics
During the Olympics, did you ever notice how tucking your body and crouching low decreases wind resistance? A more aerodynamic riding position helps reduce wind resistance and gets you moving faster. Experiment with a tucked position while riding to help cut down drag. Wind resistance is your enemy when it comes to speed. You can beat it by:
- Consider wearing an aerodynamic helmet and replacing bulky equipment with stylish, form-fitting clothing.
- Replace wide baskets and panniers with more aerodynamic accessories.
Optimise Tyre Pressure
Maintain proper tyre pressures. An accurate bike pump with exact PSI readings is required. Speed lovers should pump their tyres to the maximum range indicated on the sidewall. All-terrain fat tyres offer higher grip but reduce speed due to extra resistance. Higher-quality tyres will boost your speed by at least one kilometre per hour. However, changing tyres is challenging for hub motor e-bike riders, especially those riding fat tyre bikes with larger wheels. Use thinner tyres with a width of 1.5 to 2.5 inches since their design and smooth surface allow for speedier travel on flat ground.
Use a Pedal Assist Mode
Most e-bikes feature various pedal-assist levels and throttle modes. Use higher pedal assist levels, particularly on flat terrain, to achieve faster speeds, though it will drain your battery more quickly. Start with a lower assist level and increase it when you need extra power, such as on hills or during acceleration.
Reduce Weight
Heavier e-bikes are harder to ride because of the heavier components and weight that affect the aerodynamics. Begin by shedding your extra weight. If you have unwanted heavy accessories, remove them. Select a light backpack or a minimalist frame bag if you need one. You may wish to reduce the weight of a battery, seat, and/or handlebar. In much the same way as traditional bicycles, the less that a bike weighs in total, the faster it goes.
Install a Windshield
Surprisingly, adding a windshield can increase your top speed by up to 5 km/h. At lower speeds, it doesn't matter much. A windshield reduces wind resistance because air flows around your body so that you can ride with ease and speed. It takes some technical know-how to fit in, but you can mount windshields from motorcycles or scooters, especially when there is enough space on your bike.
Maintenance and Safety
Regular Maintenance
Proper maintenance is the key to optimum performance and speed. One should regularly check the tyres, brakes, and drivetrain for a smooth run with everything in good condition. The chain should be lubricated, tyres properly inflated, and the brakes in perfect working order.
Legal Restrictions
If you want to increase the speed of your e-bike, you must first check the legal speed limitations in your area. Exceeding the permitted speed limit may result in a fine and, in some cases, the confiscation of your bike.
Safety Guidelines
- Understand the risks before increasing your electric bike’s speed, as it can affect handling, steering, and stopping.
- Wear proper safety gear, like a helmet and high-visibility clothing, at higher speeds.
- Gradually practice at higher speeds in safe, traffic-free areas and observe your bike's steering and braking.
- Get familiar with legal matters relating to speed modification. You may face extra licencing requirements and could even be restricted on where you can go.
- Higher speeds stress your bike’s components, so regular maintenance checks on brakes and tyres are essential.
- Always ride responsibly, ensuring the safety of yourself and others, especially around pedestrians, and obeying the traffic rules and limit.
Final Thoughts
This article about how to make an e-bike go faster has given tips to be used while increasing the speed of your electric bike but that simultaneously maintains security and legality. Of course, you should be reminded of the maximum speed your state allows for e-bikes. Some modifications in part or settings may also cause voiding of some warranties. A trick for you: if your e-bike can reach 28 miles per hour, it means it is already sufficiently fast, and further attempts to increase the speed may require professional assistance.