Average Bicycle Speed vs E-Bike: Complete Guide

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 legally limited to a top assisted speed—typically 20 or 28 mph in the US—their true advantage lies in their real-world average bicycle speed. 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 will break down what these numbers mean in practical terms. It will help you decide which type of bike best suits your goals.

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.

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.

• 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 an e-bike's true benefit isn't its top speed, but its ability to elevate your average speed with less effort. A Class 3 e-bike won't constantly be traveling at 28 mph. In real-world conditions with traffic, hills, and wind, the average speed will be lower. However, that average will be consistently higher and easier to maintain than on a conventional bike.

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.

Here is a snapshot of what to expect:

The Feel of Speed

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.