Different types of e-bikes can reach different speeds.

If you want to buy an e-bike, you should do your research beforehand and decide what speed you expect. If, for example, you want to race around particularly quickly, you could buy a racing bike. You can buy a racing bike here in the MYVELO online shop and get extensive advice beforehand.

To help you figure out exactly what you expect from a new e-bike, you will find information about e-bike speed in this article.

How fast does an e-bike go?

In order to be called an e-bike in Europe, a bike can only have motor support up to 25 km/h. Bikes with support from 25 km/h to 45 km/h are called speed pedelecs (S-pedelecs).

You can of course go faster than 25 km/h if you pedal hard. However, the motor will no longer support you above 25 km/h. So if you want more motor support, you should buy a speed pedelec. You will then no longer be allowed to ride on cycle paths. These rules are laid down in the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO).

An e-bike is only considered a pedelec if it requires pedal assistance to operate the motor. All bikes whose motor works on its own are considered small mopeds or small motorcycles and are no longer subject to the road traffic law for bicycles. For these vehicles, you will then need an operating permit and a driver's license. Helmets are also compulsory for these bikes and you will need a license plate.

How is the speed affected?

Various factors influence the speed of an e-bike. These include the weight of the rider, the surface, weather conditions, the type of bike and motor support and, of course, the fitness of the rider.

Weight: The weight of the rider and the e-bike only has a small effect on the speed, but you can increase the speed with more weight, especially when riding downhill. If you want to buy an e-bike, you should pay close attention to the weight of your potential new companion. Some bikes are very light and weigh less than 20 kg, others up to 40 kg.

Accessories such as luggage racks , batteries, rims and sturdy frames have a major impact on the weight of the e-bike. A standard e-bike weighs between 20 and 25 kg. The weight is particularly important if you want to carry your e-bike regularly.

In that case, you should consider buying an electric folding bike . These bikes are easy to fold and transport, and you can comfortably take them with you on the bus or train, carry them up stairs or put them in your car.

Surface: The terrain and the type of surface have a huge impact on the speed of an e-bike. Especially with an electric single speed or a city e-bike, you will have to sacrifice speed outside of the city.

If you want to ride on uneven surfaces frequently, it's worth buying a fat bike or investing in an e-mountain bike . These bikes ride perfectly over sandy ground, sticks and stones and also give their all on hilly terrain.

So before you buy, think carefully about what you want to use your e-bike for, because the surface also determines the speed – depending on the bike.

Motor support: With an e-bike, the motor helps you to increase the pedal power and thus speed up your ride. The performance of the motor and therefore the speed of your bike differs depending on the model. In general, you can ride faster with a stronger drive power. However, you must also remember that the motor of a pedelec will only support you up to 25 km/h.

The drive power of an e-bike is measured in watts. A typical e-bike often has a 250 or 500 watt motor. A more powerful motor is recommended for hilly routes and uneven terrain, although you can get by with a weaker motor in the city.

However, the motor support, and thus also the speed, is influenced by external factors such as wind or the weight of the rider. Even a very powerful motor can therefore reach its limits in strong headwinds.

E-Bikes vs. S-Pedelecs

In Germany, speed pedelecs are equipped with a motor that can reach speeds of up to 45 km/h without pedal assistance. This means that they are classified as so-called small motorcycles and you need a driving license and liability insurance to drive one.

S-Pedelecs require registration and are not allowed on normal cycle paths. These fast bikes are ideal for commuting, especially in the city, but are more reminiscent of mopeds than e-bikes.

Pedelecs, on the other hand, do not require a license or a driving license as long as they only have pedal assistance and travel at speeds below 25 km/h. You can ride them on normal marked cycle paths and there is no helmet requirement if you accelerate below 20 km/h. Nowadays, the term e-bikes has become the accepted term for pedelecs and when people talk about e-bikes, they usually mean pedelecs.

There are many different types of e-bikes and S-Pedelecs, each with its own advantages. Before buying an e-bike or an S-Pedelec, you should consider what is important to you in an electric bike.

While an S-Pedelec certainly sounds tempting, you should remember that in many countries it is classified as a moped and not a bicycle. It is therefore not suitable for bike tours with marked cycle paths and will also cost you a lot more due to the registration and insurance requirements.

An e-bike, on the other hand, is easier to handle and does not require any special permits. It still offers you a good way to cover long distances at high speed and improve your fitness.

So if you are planning to buy an e-bike, then take a look at our online shop and get advice on buying an e-bike.

Which e-bike is right for me ?

Choosing the right e-bike requires a lot of research and careful consideration. An e-bike is a wonderful way to commute and travel, but depending on your needs, you need the right model. If you want to use the e-bike for everyday use, to go to work or go shopping - then a city e-bike is the best choice for you.

If you also want to take it with you to the office or transport it on the train, we recommend that you buy an electric folding bike. This type of e-bike is comfortable and easy to maintain and is usually equipped with a luggage rack on which you can store your shopping.

If, on the other hand, you are more of a sporty type and like to cover longer distances in a short time, then you should buy a trekking e-bike or a racing bike . These two types of e-bikes are lighter than city e-bikes and therefore faster. A trekking e-bike has an upright seating position for the most part and is more comfortable for long distances.

If you like to go off-road and plan complex tours through the terrain, then an e-mountain bike is the perfect companion for you. With an MTB you get a stable frame construction, speed and optimal grip.

No matter which bike you choose, speed is always an important factor. So get good advice and don't decide on a bike too quickly. If you want to buy an electric bike, take a look at our online shop - with the variety of different models, you'll find the right e-bike for you.