Average Bicycle Speed vs E-Bike: Electric Bike Speed Explained

Conventional Bike Speed Baseline

When comparing electric bikes to regular bikes, the first question is always about speed. How much faster is an e-bike, really? While e-bikes are capped at 20 or 28 mph by law, their real-world speed varies by terrain, rider effort, and assist level—factors that shape how fast they actually feel and perform. This is the number that truly impacts your commute or weekend ride.

A casual cyclist on a regular bike might average 10-14 mph on flat ground. That same rider on an e-bike can often maintain 15-20 mph with much less effort. This article breaks down these numbers into practical insights to help you choose the right bike for your needs.

Before we can appreciate the e-bike difference, we need to establish a realistic baseline. The term average bicycle speed isn't a single number but a wide range influenced by the rider's fitness, the type of bike, terrain, and weather. A fit cyclist on a lightweight road bike will be much faster than a beginner on a heavy mountain bike.

To provide a clearer picture, we've broken down typical speeds for non-electric bikes on paved, relatively flat terrain. According to comprehensive cycling speed data, factors like ride purpose—leisure vs. commuting—also play a significant role in overall pace.

These numbers represent a sustained pace. Your actual average for a full ride will be lower once you factor in stops, hills, and traffic.

What Limits Electric Bike Speed?

Before diving into how fast an electric bike can go, it's important to understand what limits its speed.

In the U.S., electric bikes are regulated by both federal guidelines and state-level laws. The most common federal regulation limits motor-assisted speed to 20 mph for Class 1 and 2 e-bikes, and 28 mph for Class 3. These limits exist to ensure rider safety and to distinguish e-bikes from mopeds or motorcycles.

But legal limits aren't the only factor. The motor wattage, battery capacity, rider input, terrain, and even tire pressure can all influence how fast an electric bike goes. For example, even if your Class 3 e-bike supports 28 mph, headwinds, steep inclines, or a drained battery can bring your real-world top speed down.

So, how fast can an electric bike go in theory? According to the Leoguar BIKES – Ultimate Guide to E-Bike Speed Limits in 2025, staying within the defined class speed caps (20–28 mph) isn't just a legal requirement—it’s a safety threshold based on braking distances, rider reaction time, and urban traffic dynamics. Most cities apply these limits to separate e-bikes from mopeds, especially in mixed-use bike lanes. With the right modifications and no legal restrictions, some e-bikes can exceed 35 mph or more—but these speeds are not legal for road use in most regions and may reclassify your bike as a motor vehicle.

Looking ahead to 2025, how fast can electric bikes really go?

While standard commuter e-bikes stay within the 20–28 mph legal cap, newer high-performance models—especially off-road Class 3 bikes—now reach 30–35 mph in real-world tests, thanks to refinements in motor efficiency, torque management, and smart software regulation. If you're looking for the fastest electric bikes in 2025, pay close attention to motor rating (750W or higher), torque specs, and speed unlock features offered by some manufacturers.

As Movcan’s 2025 Electric Bike Report highlights, newer Class 3 and off-road e-bikes are reaching speeds up to 35+ mph under ideal conditions. These gains come from improved motor designs, torque management, and smart controllers that optimize speed within regulatory bounds.

The E-Bike Speed Advantage

An e-bike doesn't have a throttle that makes it a motorcycle. Instead, its motor provides assistance as you pedal, making it easier to get up to speed and maintain it. This assistance is legally capped, and in the US, e-bikes are categorized into a class system that defines their top assisted speed.

E-Bike Top Speed by Class: A Quick Breakdown

• Class 1: Features a motor that provides assistance only when you are pedaling (pedal-assist). The assistance cuts off once you reach 20 mph.
• Class 2: Also has a top assisted speed of 20 mph, but it is equipped with a throttle that can power the bike even when you are not pedaling.
• Class 3: The fastest class. It is pedal-assist only (no throttle) and provides assistance up to 28 mph.

The key takeaway is that while e-bike top speed matters to some riders, the true benefit lies in its ability to elevate your average speed with less effort. In real-world conditions with traffic, hills, and wind, even a Class 3 e-bike rarely sustains its 28 mph top speed. However, that average will be consistently higher and easier to maintain than on a conventional bike.

Public health sources like Johns Hopkins Injury Prevention Brief emphasize that higher e-bike speeds correlate with increased injury risk, especially in dense urban environments. This makes speed classification not just a legal formality, but also a public safety measure.

It's crucial to know that e-bike laws can vary by state, affecting where and how you can ride different classes of e-bikes.

Real-World Speed Comparison

Let's move beyond abstract numbers and see how these two bike types perform in specific, everyday scenarios. The e-bike's ability to neutralize challenges like hills and wind is where its speed advantage becomes most apparent. This real-world advantage is backed by research.

A German study on cycling behavior found that pedelec (e-bike) riders were significantly faster on average than conventional cyclists across various environments. A 2025 preprint on SSRN, “How Do E-Bikes Measure Up?”, confirms this finding across multiple trials, showing that e-bikes averaged 4.5–7 mph faster than conventional bikes in urban and mixed-terrain routes, with lower perceived effort. The study also noted the importance of controlling for stop-start intervals and incline angles when measuring speed.

Here is a snapshot of what to expect:

The Feel of Electric Bike Speed vs Pedaling Effort

Data and tables only tell part of the story. The most significant difference between an e-bike and a conventional bike is the feel of the ride and the concept of perceived exertion.

Achieving and holding 18 mph on a regular road bike on flat ground requires a dedicated, athletic effort. You are focused, your breathing is deep, and your heart rate is elevated. On an e-bike, achieving that same 18 mph can feel like a comfortable, brisk cruise. Your heart rate is lower, you can hold a conversation, and you can enjoy the scenery instead of just focusing on the pavement in front of you.

We've tested both on a notorious local 10% grade hill. On the road bike, it's a grinding, out-of-the-saddle effort, with speed dropping to 5-7 mph and legs burning. On a Class 1 e-bike, we could stay seated, maintain a conversation, and hold a steady 12-14 mph with moderate pedaling.

The difference in both speed and comfort is night and day. This "easier speed" translates into tangible, real-world benefits:

• The Commuter's Edge: You can get to work faster, conquer the hills on your route, and arrive without feeling like you need a shower.
• The Great Equalizer: It allows riders of different fitness levels to enjoy cycling together. A fitter partner can ride their conventional bike while the other keeps pace on an e-bike, ensuring no one gets left behind.
• Exploring Further: A daunting 30-mile ride with 2,000 feet of climbing can seem impossible on a regular bike. On an e-bike, it becomes an achievable and enjoyable weekend adventure.

Choosing for Your Needs

So, which bike is right for you? The answer depends entirely on your primary goal. Use this simple framework to guide your decision.

If Your Goal is Fitness

For building cardiovascular fitness and raw leg strength from the ground up, a conventional bike is often the superior tool. The direct, unfiltered correlation between your physical effort and your speed is the foundation of structured training. You feel every watt of power you produce, which is essential for measuring improvement and pushing your physical limits.

If Your Goal is Commuting

For the vast majority of commuters, an e-bike is the clear winner. Its primary advantages are consistency and reliability. An e-bike flattens hills, cuts through headwinds, and reduces travel time, ensuring you arrive at your destination on time and with minimal physical strain.

As e-bikes become more popular for commuting, it's worth noting the ongoing discussions about e-bike use in cities, which shape how these vehicles are integrated into traffic.

If Your Goal is Exploration

This is a more nuanced choice. A conventional bike is perfect for relaxed rides through a local park or on a familiar bike path. However, if your idea of exploration involves tackling new regions, bigger hills, or simply going further than you thought possible, an e-bike opens up a world of possibilities. It provides the confidence that you'll always have the assistance you need to make it back home.

If Your Goal is Accessibility

For anyone facing physical barriers—whether due to age, injury, or chronic conditions—the e-bike is a transformative tool. It's not about going faster; it's about making cycling possible. It empowers people to stay active, regain mobility, and experience the joy of riding when they otherwise couldn't.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the average bicycle speed for a beginner rider?
A: A beginner rider on a hybrid or commuter bike typically averages 10-12 mph on flat, paved terrain. This speed can vary based on fitness level, bike type, and riding conditions.

Q: How much faster can I go on an e-bike compared to a regular bike?
A: Most riders see a 3-8 mph increase in their average speed on an e-bike. For example, if you average 12 mph on a regular bike, you might maintain 15-20 mph on an e-bike with less effort.

Q: What's the difference between Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 e-bikes in terms of speed?
A: Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes provide assistance up to 20 mph, while Class 3 e-bikes assist up to 28 mph. Class 2 includes a throttle option, while Class 1 and 3 are pedal-assist only.

Q: Will an e-bike help me climb hills faster?
A: Yes, significantly. While you might struggle to maintain 4-7 mph on steep hills with a regular bike, an e-bike can help you maintain 10-15 mph on the same hills with much less physical effort.

Q: Can I still get exercise on an e-bike?
A: Absolutely. E-bikes provide assistance, but you still need to pedal. You can adjust the assistance level to control how much exercise you want. Many riders find they actually ride more often and for longer distances on e-bikes, leading to more overall exercise.

Q: How do local speed regulations affect which e-bike I should buy?
A: Speed laws vary widely by country, state, and even city. For example, some U.S. states limit Class 3 bikes from bike paths, while European regulations often cap assisted speed at 25 kph (15.5 mph). Cities may also restrict throttle use or require registration for faster models. Before purchasing, check your local laws to ensure your e-bike's speed class and features (throttle, pedal-assist only, unlockable speed) are compliant with where you'll ride most often.