How to Upgrade Any Ebike to Go Super Fast (Safely and Legally)

If you're dreaming of building a super fast ebike, the key is not just speed—but safe, smart upgrades. Everyone wants the same thing: wind in your face, the world blurring past, and the quiet hum of an electric motor pushing you faster. You want to know how to upgrade any ebike to go super fast. It's an exciting goal and you can achieve it.

But getting that next level of speed isn't just about adding new parts. Real speed that is both thrilling and safe needs three important things: Safety, Legality, and Compatibility. This guide will show you everything you need to know.

We'll cover simple free changes and complete hardware upgrades. Every change you make will be smart, effective, and safe. You'll get the speed you want without risking your safety or breaking the law.

Foundation: Safety & Legal Rules Before You Upgrade Any Ebike

Before you touch any wire or turn any bolt, you must think about the most important part of any e-bike upgrade: safety and legal rules. Ignoring this is the biggest mistake any rider can make.

Adding major speed and power to a machine not built for it can cause serious problems. First, understand that changing your e-bike's top speed can instantly change how the law sees it. In the United States, most e-bikes fall into one of three classes that control where and how you can ride.

Class 1 bikes have pedal-assist only with no throttle and a maximum speed of 20 mph. Class 2 bikes have throttle-assist with a maximum motor speed of 20 mph. Class 3 bikes have pedal-assist only with no throttle and a maximum speed of 28 mph.

Once your e-bike can go faster than 28 mph with motor help, it may legally be considered a moped or motorcycle. This means you need a license, registration, and insurance. Laws change a lot between different places, so check your local rules with resources that track state-by-state e-bike laws before you start.

Next, do a required "Safety Check" on your bike. Adding power is useless if your bike's main parts can't handle it.

Check your brakes first - are they cheap mechanical disc brakes or powerful hydraulic ones? Higher speeds need much more stopping power, so hydraulic brakes are almost required for any high-speed build. Look at your frame and fork for any cracks, especially around the welds and rear dropouts where the wheel connects.

A high-power motor can literally rip a wheel out of a weak frame. Check your tires too - are they worn out or rated for higher speeds? Good, properly inflated tires are your only connection to the road.

Can Any Electric Bike Be Turned Into a Super Fast Ebike?

The keyword is "any ebike," but the truth is more complex. Your e-bike's upgrade potential depends almost entirely on whether it uses a closed or open system.

Finding out which you have is the most important check you can do.

Closed Systems

Think of these as the locked gardens of the e-bike world. Major brands like Bosch, Shimano, Brose, and Yamaha build systems where the motor, battery, display, and controller are a matched set. They are designed, tested, and certified to work only with each other.

These systems have smooth performance, high reliability, and a polished user experience. The parts communicate through special software that only they can use. Your upgrade potential is extremely limited with these systems.

You cannot simply swap in a more powerful battery or motor from another brand. The system will recognize the foreign part and shut down completely. While third-party "tuning chips" or software hacks exist to remove speed limits on these bikes, they void your warranty, can cause early motor failure, and often don't work reliably.

For most users, we advise against trying major performance upgrades on these systems. You can learn more by reading a breakdown of different e-bike motor systems to see how integrated they are.

Open Systems

This is the world of DIY, direct-to-consumer brands, and conversion kits. These systems are built with modular parts, often from manufacturers like Bafang, or may use unbranded parts that follow common standards. The parts are more like PC components - you can swap them out and configure them differently.

Connectors are often standardized using things like Julet or Higo connectors. Your upgrade potential is excellent with these systems - this is the playground for those who want to go super fast.

You have the freedom to upgrade the controller, battery, and motor independently to create a truly custom, high-performance machine. If your e-bike is from a direct-to-consumer brand or is a DIY build, you likely have an open system and are a perfect candidate for the upgrades in this guide.

These systems make it easy to modify your ebike for higher performance, whether you're replacing components or tuning settings for speed and torque.

How to Make an E-Bike Go Faster: Safe and Legal Upgrades

If you’ve ever wondered how to make an e-bike go faster without compromising safety or breaking local laws, you’re not alone. Many riders seek extra speed—whether for commuting, fun, or improved hill-climbing performance. Fortunately, there are smart, effective, and legal ways to unlock more performance from your electric bike.

The key lies in understanding what’s allowed, what your e-bike is built for, and which upgrades offer real results. From simple free tweaks to full hardware upgrades, this guide explores the best ways to boost speed while staying compliant with electric bike regulations.

Let’s start with the easiest changes that require no tools or extra money—and build up from there.

Level 1: Free & Easy Tweaks to Make Your Ebike Go Faster

Before you spend any money, you can squeeze more performance out of your current setup. These improvements provide immediate results and are essential good practice for any e-bike owner.

First, maximize your bike tire pressure - this is the simplest speed boost and it's free. Underinflated tires sag and create a larger contact patch with the road, which dramatically increases rolling resistance. Check the sidewall of your tire for the recommended PSI range and inflate your tires to the higher end of this range for riding on pavement.

For even better results, consider switching to slick, narrower tires—especially if you're riding mostly on pavement. Thinner tires have less surface contact and reduce rolling resistance, allowing your super fast ebike setup to accelerate and maintain speed more efficiently. Avoid heavily treaded or fat tires unless you need grip for off-road terrain.

The bike will roll with noticeably less effort. Second, lighten the load - this seems obvious, but every pound matters. If you're going for a speed run, remove any unnecessary weight like heavy locks, bags, and racks.

This won't transform your bike, but it will make it feel more nimble and accelerate quicker. Third, perfect your riding posture - at speeds over 15 mph, wind resistance becomes the main force you're fighting against. You are the biggest source of drag on your bike, so by simply lowering your torso and tucking your elbows and knees in, you create a smaller profile that allows you to cut through the air more efficiently and reach a higher top speed.

If you regularly ride at high speeds and want even less wind resistance, consider adding a windshield to your e-bike. A small aerodynamic screen mounted to your handlebars can redirect airflow around your body and reduce drag. Some riders have seen speed gains of up to 2–3 mph with this simple addition. Just make sure it's designed for e-bikes and securely mounted before riding.

Fourth, keep your battery charged - an e-bike battery doesn't deliver power uniformly. It provides its peak voltage and peak power when it's fully charged, but as the charge depletes, the voltage drops and slightly reduces the motor's top-end performance. For maximum punch, head out with a battery that is at least 75% charged.

Fifth, clean and lube your drivetrain - a gritty, dry chain is an inefficient chain. It creates mechanical drag, robbing you of watts that should be going to your rear wheel, so regularly cleaning your chain, cassette, and chainring and applying a quality bike-specific lubricant ensures every bit of power from your legs and the motor is transferred as efficiently as possible.

Level 2: The Holy Trinity — Top 3 Hardware Upgrades to Build a Super Fast Ebike

For a truly "super fast" e-bike, you need to go beyond tweaks and into hardware. The heart of any open-system e-bike's performance lies in the relationship between three components: the battery, the controller, and the motor.

Upgrading one often requires upgrading the others to unlock their full potential and avoid creating a bottleneck.

Upgrade 1: The Battery

One of the easiest ways to unlock more speed for your super fast ebike is by increasing battery voltage. In the e-bike world, volts equal speed. Voltage is a measure of electrical potential and is directly related to a motor's maximum rotational speed. A higher voltage battery will spin the same motor faster, which is the most direct way to increase your e-bike's top speed.

When we made the jump from a standard 48V to a 52V battery on our test bike, the difference was immediate and exciting. It wasn't just a few extra miles per hour at the top end - the bike felt more alive, with instant, thrilling acceleration from a standstill. This is known as "overvolting," and a 52V battery is often a safe jump for a system designed for 48V, as most controllers can handle the modest increase.

Going to 72V is an expert-level move that will require a new, compatible controller and a motor built to handle the power. Never compromise on battery quality - lithium-ion battery fires are a serious risk with cheap, uncertified cells. Always buy from a reputable vendor who uses quality cells like Samsung, LG, or Panasonic and look for UL certification. 

Bonus Hack: Parallel Dual Battery Setup
If your controller supports it, adding a second battery in parallel can double your available amp-hours (Ah), reducing voltage sag and allowing higher sustained power delivery. This doesn't necessarily increase top speed but dramatically improves performance under load and extends high-speed range.

Upgrade 2: The Controller

If the battery provides the potential, the controller is the brain that releases it. The controller is a small box with a web of wires that takes the raw power from the battery and sends it out to the motor based on your throttle or pedal-assist input.

Its key rating is amperage, or amps, and amps equal torque. While voltage determines top speed, amperage determines how hard the bike accelerates and its ability to climb hills. A stock 20A controller might feel sluggish, but upgrading to a 35A or 45A controller paired with a battery that can safely deliver that current will transform your bike's off-the-line punch.

The bike will feel dramatically more powerful. It's crucial that your new controller's voltage rating matches your battery and its amp rating is within the tolerance of your motor. According to performance builders and DIY e-bike modders, a proper controller upgrade is key to achieving safe super fast ebike acceleration.

Upgrade 3: The Motor

The motor is the heart of your fast e-bike, converting electrical energy into motion. If you've upgraded your battery and controller, your stock motor is now the bottleneck and may not be able to handle the increased power.

It can overheat and fail. Motor power is measured in watts, which is simply Volts x Amps. If you're selecting a custom motor for your super fast ebike, pay attention to its KV rating (RPM per Volt). This number tells you how many times the motor will spin per volt of input. A 100KV motor on a 48V system spins at about 4,800 RPM. Higher KV means higher top-end speed, but often at the cost of torque. For a good balance, choose a KV range that fits both your voltage and terrain needs. Upgrading to a higher-wattage motor ensures it can safely handle the increased electrical load from your new battery and controller.

For hub motors, this is also where you must consider frame safety. A powerful hub motor can generate enough force to damage or break your frame's dropouts, so installing a steel torque arm is not optional - it's a mandatory safety device that braces the motor's axle against the frame to prevent this.

Level 3: Advanced Tuning for Maximum Ebike Speed

Once your hardware is in place, you can fine-tune performance. This is for experienced users with open-system bikes only. With the right tuning, a super fast electric bike can cruise well beyond 30mph—legally or off-road.

Unlocking Controller Settings

Many generic e-bike controllers have a hidden settings menu, often accessed by holding two buttons on the display. These "P-settings" allow you to customize the bike's behavior, but before changing anything, document the original settings. Common adjustable parameters include wheel size, which is essential for an accurate speedometer after changing tires.

Speed limit is another parameter - many controllers have a setting that sets a top speed limit in the software, and adjusting this can unlock the full speed your new hardware is capable of. Current limit is also adjustable - this setting controls the maximum amperage sent to the motor, allowing you to dial in your desired acceleration.

This is fundamentally different from a "tuning chip" on a closed system. Here, you are simply configuring the hardware you installed to work at its full, intended potential.

Pro Tip for Open Systems:
If your system uses a Bafang mid-drive or similar controller, consider using apps like BafangConfigTool or EggRider display for advanced tuning via smartphone or PC. These tools allow fine-grained control over power curves, assist levels, and throttle response.

Electric Bike Speed Limiter: How to Unlock or Adjust It

Some open-system controllers have a built-in speed limiter, usually set to comply with local regulations. You may be able to adjust or disable it through software menus by tweaking the wheel size or top speed setting. In some cases, physical limiters exist—like a dedicated wire that can be unplugged.

These methods can increase top speed but come with trade-offs. Disabling the limiter may void your warranty or make the bike illegal in your area. Before lifting any restrictions, confirm whether your e-bike would still fall under legal Class 1, 2, or 3 definitions—or if it would now be considered a moped or motor vehicle. Always check local laws.

Some riders attempt electric bike hacks using unofficial tools, software, or speed sensor tricks. While these may temporarily boost performance, they often lead to system errors, warranty loss, or even unsafe riding conditions. If you want reliable long-term speed, stick with proper open-system upgrades instead of risky hacks.

Gearing and Drivetrain

A powerful motor is useless if you "spin out" - pedaling furiously but unable to go any faster because you've run out of gears. This is a common problem on high-speed builds, so to keep applying useful power at 30, 40, or even 50 mph, you need to adjust your mechanical gearing.

The solution is to install a larger front chainring or a rear cassette with a smaller high-gear cog like an 11-tooth cog. This gives you a "harder" top gear, allowing you to match your pedaling speed to the motor's speed.

Conclusion: Smart Speed

The path to making an e-bike super fast is a rewarding journey of mechanical and electrical upgrades. It begins with free, basic improvements and can extend to a full system overhaul that transforms your ride into a high-performance machine.

We've shown you how to upgrade any upgradeable ebike, distinguishing between the flexible open systems ready for modification and the closed systems best left alone. Remember the hierarchy of performance: more voltage brings more speed, more amperage brings more torque, and a more powerful motor is needed to handle it all.

But above all, power must be balanced with responsibility. Every increase in speed must be met with an equal or greater upgrade in safety, especially your brakes and frame integrity. Always respect your local laws and prioritize quality components.

Build smart, ride safe, and enjoy the unmatched thrill of a faster e-bike built with your own expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Q: Can I upgrade any e-bike to go super fast?
A: Not all e-bikes can be upgraded equally. E-bikes with open or generic systems (like those from direct-to-consumer brands or DIY builds) offer excellent upgrade potential. However, proprietary systems from major brands like Bosch, Shimano, and Yamaha are designed as closed systems where components only work together, making significant speed upgrades extremely difficult or impossible.

2. Q: What's the most important safety consideration when upgrading my e-bike for speed?
A: Brakes are the most critical safety component when increasing speed. Higher speeds require dramatically more stopping power, so upgrading to hydraulic disc brakes is nearly essential for any high-speed build. You should also inspect your frame for cracks and ensure your tires are rated for higher speeds before making any power upgrades.

3. Q: Will upgrading my e-bike's speed make it illegal to ride?
A: Possibly. In the United States, e-bikes are classified into three categories with speed limits of 20-28 mph. Once your e-bike exceeds 28 mph with motor assistance, it may legally be considered a moped or motorcycle, requiring a license, registration, and insurance. Laws vary significantly by location, so check your local regulations before upgrading.

4. Q: What's the difference between voltage and amperage in e-bike upgrades?
A: Voltage determines your e-bike's top speed - higher voltage batteries will make the same motor spin faster. Amperage determines torque and acceleration - higher amp controllers provide more powerful off-the-line acceleration and better hill-climbing ability. For maximum performance improvement, you typically need to upgrade both voltage (battery) and amperage (controller).

5. Q: How fast do electric bikes go by default?
A: Most electric bikes are limited based on their class: Class 1 and 2 models typically top out at 20 mph with motor assistance, while Class 3 models can reach 28 mph. With upgrades, open-system e-bikes can reach 30–40+ mph, but this often requires custom hardware and may exceed legal limits in some regions.

6. Q: How much does it cost to upgrade an e-bike to go super fast?
A: Costs vary widely depending on your current setup and desired performance level. Free optimizations like proper tire pressure and riding posture cost nothing. Basic hardware upgrades like a higher voltage battery can range from $300-800, while complete system overhauls including new battery, controller, and motor can cost $1000-3000 or more. Always prioritize quality components, especially for batteries, as cheap parts can be dangerous.

7. Legal Note: Is It OK to Remove Speed Limiters?

While speed unlocks are technically possible on many open-system e-bikes, removing the limiter may violate local vehicle codes. In some states, e-bikes exceeding 28 mph are considered mopeds or motorcycles, requiring a license and registration. Always check the laws in your area to ensure your super fast ebike stays street-legal.

Local traffic laws and vehicle classifications may change over time. Always refer to your regional DMV or local traffic authority for the most current e-bike regulations before performing speed-related modifications.