7 Proven ways to make ebike faster in 2024 [TRIED & TESTED]
Just imagine cruising down your favorite bike trail, effortlessly outpacing everyone around you. Feeling the wind rush past as your ebike powers you forward with exhilarating speed.
As an ebike rider, have you ever wondered how to make ebike faster? well, me too. In the world of electric bikes, SPEED is often a hot topic!! In my 8 years of career in electric bikes, I have figured out 7 SIMPLE ways to make ebike faster.
CAUTION:
Before you attempt to increase the speed of your electric bike. Beware that doing such can increase the risk of injury or even put you in legal trouble in specific speed-restricted regions.
Also, riding a bike at high speed requires a high level of expertise and alertness.
1. Upgrade or change the motor:
Motor is the crucial component of your electric bike. It provides Torque (motor’s rotational force) to the wheel. The motor’s capacity is measured in KW or Torque. The higher the KWs, the higher the torque and the higher the speed.
By changing or upgrading the motor, you can increase the speed of your electric bike. Replacing your original motor with high power output motor will definitely unlock high speed for you.
However, changing the motor while the bike is in the warranty period may violate the company policy and could affect the safety of the bike. So it is advised to do research before making any move.
2. Get a higher voltage ebike battery
As you know, the battery is the heart of an electric bike. It provides power output to the motor. Replacing it with a higher voltage battery can increase the power output, so the speed.
Voltage (V) and ampere-hour (AH) are the main parameters that you should look at while upgrading the battery. For example, upgrading from a 36V to a 48V battery can give your ebike a noticeable speed boost. Also, its more ampere-hour (AH) determines its capacity to provide current for a specific time.
Using a higher voltage battery can boost the speed of your electric bike, but it also increases the chances of overheating. To avoid this, you must keep in mind the battery’s compatibility with your ebike model, motor and controller. Always opt for good brands that offer safety and high-quality batteries.
3. Reduce the weight
Reducing the weight of an electric bike is one of the easiest way to get the most out of it. The heavier your bike, the more energy it takes to move it. Reducing weight decreases the efforts required by motor to move the bike forward. allowing you to ride faster with less strain on the motor and battery.
You can remove unnecessary accessories like water bottle stand, rear rack, or the bulky locks. Even if you manage to reduce 5-6 pounds from the overall bike weight, it will greatly improve the speed.
Let’s say your e-bike currently weighs 55 pounds. By removing unnecessary accessories (5 pounds), upgrading to lighter components (2 pounds), you reduce the total weight by 7 pounds. This brings your e-bike down to 48 pounds. This 13% reduction in weight can significantly improve acceleration, handling, and speed, making your rides more enjoyable and efficient.
4. Change the Tires
Tires play an important role in determining the speed of the bike. If the tires are old, you should consider changing them. Because old tires cannot give you peak performance due to wear and tear on them over time. Wider tires provide better stability, while narrower tires are more aerodynamic.
Also, optimizing your ebike’s tire pressure is a simple yet effective way to make your ride faster. Proper tire pressure reduces rolling resistance (friction between the tire and the road). Lower rolling resistance means your bike can go more smoothly with less efforts.
Suppose your e-bike tires have a recommended PSI range of 30-50. If you typically ride on smooth pavement, inflating your tires to around 45-50 PSI can reduce rolling resistance and increase speed. On the other hand, if you frequently ride on gravel or uneven terrain, maintaining a pressure closer to 30-35 PSI can improve traction and control while still offering a speed advantage over underinflated tires.
5. Adjust pedal assist levels
Adjusting the pedal assist levels on your e-bike is a straightforward answer to how to make ebike faster. Understanding and utilizing pedal assist levels can significantly improve your bike’s speed in different conditions.
Pedal assist is a feature that usually controlled by a display on your handlebars, which controls the power assist provided by the motor to help you pedal. This assistance comes in different levels (low-medium-high) or (0 to 5 PAS mode) in different models of electric bikes.
Use low-level pedal assistance when riding on flat terrain; use medium-level if you want balanced performance between manual efforts and pedal assistance. If you want to reach your destination quickly or climbing a steep hill, select high-level pedal assist.
6. Regular maintenance of ebike
Regular maintenance of your ebike can significantly enhance its speed by reducing friction, ensuring efficient power transfer, and maintaining optimal performance of all components. There are some easiest ways that you can do to get the most out of your electric bike.
In regular maintenance, you can consider
- Cleaning dirt and mud
- Checking tire pressure from time to time
- Check electrical connections.
- Checking battery health monthly
- Lubricating and cleaning of chains
- Checking brake functionality
7. Streamline Your Riding Position
Your riding posture directly affects the aerodynamics. When you ride, wind resistance slows you down. The more streamlined your position, the less air resistance you face, making it easier to go faster.
Imagine you are riding on a flat road with slight headwind. By sitting upright, your body acts like a sail, catching the wind, which slows you down. If you lower your upper body, tuck in your elbows, and use the drops on the handlebars, it reduces the wind effect on you.
With this streamlined position, you can cut through wind and ride faster with the same amount of effort. However, if you have any existing back problems, you should not consider this.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What’s the fastest ebike can go legally?
The legal limit for class 1 and class 2 ebikes is 20 miles per hour, while for class 3 ebikes the speed limit is 28 miles per hour.
2. What tools do I need for regular e-bike maintenance?
Basic tools for e-bike maintenance include a tire pump with a pressure gauge, a set of Allen keys, a chain lubricant, a cleaning brush, and a bike multi-tool. These will help you perform most routine maintenance tasks.
3. How often should I perform maintenance on my e-bike?
It’s recommended to check tire pressure and brake functionality weekly, clean and lubricate the chain monthly, and perform a comprehensive check, including battery and motor maintenance, every few months or as needed based on your riding conditions.
Conclusion
Use these seven ways to make your electric bikes faster. Speed is thrill but also remember rules & regulations, and safety are paramount. Be a responsible rider, always wear a helmet while riding, and follow the traffic rules. If you have more suggestions to increase the speed please write down in comments below.
Till then, Happy Riding. !!
