What Is an Average Bike Speed? How E-Bikes Compare in MPH and KM/H

Understanding Average Bike Speed

What is an average bike speed? It depends on many things. A cyclist's average speed changes based on fitness level, wind direction, and many other factors. However, we can set clear benchmarks for different types of riders. For most cyclists, this speed falls somewhere between 10 and 22 mph.

Electric bikes make this conversation more interesting. They help you maintain higher average speeds with less effort. They don't just make you faster. They make speed easier to reach for everyone.

Here are the typical average speeds you can expect:

• Beginner/Casual Rider: 10-12 mph (16-19 km/h)
• Recreational Cyclist: 12-15 mph (19-24 km/h)
• Experienced Club Rider: 15-22 mph (24-35 km/h)
• Average E-Bike Rider (with assist): 15-25 mph (24-40 km/h)

Average Speed on a Bike: Traditional Riders by Experience Level

We need to understand regular bikes first. The average speed on a traditional bike depends on the rider, the bike, and the terrain. A beginner riding a cruiser bike on flat paths will likely average 10-12 mph (16-19 km/h).

As fitness improves, riders often reach 12-15 mph (19-24 km/h). This is common for daily commuters on hybrid bikes or road cyclists on social rides. For experienced cyclists who ride with clubs, the average speed climbs much higher.

These skilled riders often maintain 15-22 mph (24-35 km/h) on flat terrain. According to age-group data from cycling apps like Strava, the average cycling speed also varies with generations—riders in their teens and 20s (Gen Z) average around 12.9 mph, while Boomers average slightly lower at 12.6 mph. This helps normalize expectations depending on your age and fitness stage. According to Strava data, the global average for all cyclists is around 12.7 mph for men and 11 mph for women. This includes every type of ride, from mountain biking to city commuting.

The type of bike makes a huge difference. A lightweight road bike with thin tires will always be faster on pavement than a heavy mountain bike with thick tires. The table below shows these differences clearly.

🚴 Note: Commute speeds reflect real-world average speeds including stop-and-go traffic, lights, and urban terrain.

This comparison is based on real-world commuting tests conducted by our editorial team using Class 3 electric bikes and hybrid traditional bikes over consistent routes. The numbers represent actual rider performance under typical urban conditions.

How Electric Bikes Affect Average Bike Speed (With Classes)

Electric bikes change how we think about average speed. Their main advantage isn't a higher top speed, but the ability to maintain consistently higher average speeds with much less effort. Hills that would slow a regular cyclist to a crawl become easy, and speeding up from stoplights becomes smooth.

In the United States, ebike speeds follow a class system. Understanding this is important because it controls the maximum speed where the motor helps you. These official e-bike classifications are:

• Class 1: The motor helps only when you pedal and stops helping at 20 mph (32 km/h).
• Class 2: The motor can work with a throttle, so you don't have to pedal. The help stops at 20 mph (32 km/h).
• Class 3: These are pedal-assist only but help up to 28 mph (45 km/h). They are often called "speed pedelecs."

While a Class 3 fast ebike can help you reach 28 mph, your real average speed will usually be lower. When you factor in stops, turns, traffic, and slower riding periods, most e-bike commuters average closer to 15-20 mph (24-32 km/h). For comparison, Strava data shows that average speed on a bike ride during daily commutes—without motor assist—is often closer to 12.1 mph on pavement and 9.8 mph on dirt. This contrast shows how e-bikes significantly boost average pace, especially in stop-and-go urban environments. This is still much faster than a traditional bike, often cutting commute times by 25-50% while requiring much less effort.

The motor does the hard work, letting you cruise at speeds that would normally require high fitness levels.

A Tale of Two Commutes: Pedal Power vs Electric Boost

Numbers help, but real experience shows the true difference. To show the practical impact on average speed, we tested a typical 5-mile (8 km) urban commute. The route had flat sections, several stop-and-go intersections, and one steep quarter-mile hill.

Average Speed on a Bike Ride: Traditional Commuting Example

On a standard hybrid bike, the ride started well. We held a steady 14 mph on flat sections. At each stoplight, getting back up to speed took real physical effort. Then came the hill, and our speed quickly dropped from 14 mph to just 6 mph, with burning legs and a racing heart.

After reaching the top, it took time to recover and return to a comfortable speed. The effort was real, and we felt like we'd had a proper workout when we arrived.

The E-Bike Journey

Next, we rode the same route on a Class 3 e-bike using medium pedal assist. The difference was immediate and dramatic. Speeding up from stops was instant and smooth, needing little more than light pedaling. We maintained a steady 18-20 mph on flats with minimal effort. When we reached the hill, we kept the same easy pedaling rhythm. The motor handled the strain, and our speed barely dropped below 15 mph. We arrived faster, more relaxed, and without sweating.

Beyond the individual commute experience, Strava’s national ride data tells a similar story. While leisure rides on pavement average 14.1 mph, those on dirt drop to just 8.3 mph. For average cycling speed, surface condition plays a bigger role than distance or rider intent.

Here's how the two journeys compared:

Factors That Affect Your Speed

Your average speed is never just one number. It changes based on several key factors, whether you're on a regular or electric bike. Understanding these helps you set realistic expectations and find ways to improve.

Top 6 Factors That Influence Your Cycling Speed

🔋 Fitness level — Stronger legs, higher cadence = more speed
🌬️ Wind direction — Headwinds slow you down, tailwinds help you cruise
⛰️ Terrain type — Hills and gravel reduce speed, flats improve consistency
🚲 Bike weight & tire type — Lighter frames and thinner tires = faster ride
🧍 Riding position — Lower posture reduces wind drag, adds 1–2 mph
🌦️ Weather conditions — Rain, cold, or heat all impact performance

How Fitness and Riding Position Affect Your Average Cycling Speed

This is the biggest factor on a traditional bike. Your heart and muscle strength determine how much power you can produce and for how long. Even on an e-bike, a fitter rider can pedal faster than the motor's limit. Your riding position also matters a lot.

Sitting upright creates significant wind resistance, while a lower position can add 1-2 mph to your average speed with the same effort. To put fitness in perspective, a pro cyclist's power output can be double or triple that of a regular rider, letting them sustain speeds over 25 mph for hours.

The Terrain and Environment

Where you ride is just as important as how you ride.
* Hills: Climbing is the biggest speed killer, with a 5% grade easily cutting your speed in half. Surface type also matters—rough dirt trails often reduce your average speed on a bike by 30–40% compared to smooth pavement, especially during leisure rides.
* Wind: A headwind forces you to work much harder to maintain speed, while a tailwind feels like a free motor. Weather can also play a surprising role in your average speed on a bike ride. Riding into strong headwinds can drop your speed by 2–4 mph, while a tailwind can give you a free boost. Cold temperatures can reduce tire pressure and road grip, while rain often forces you to brake more and slow down, especially on downhills.
* Road Surface: Smooth asphalt offers the least resistance, while rough pavement, gravel, or dirt will slow you down considerably.

Your Bike and Equipment

Your gear matters more than you might think. A heavy bike is harder to speed up and climb with, while tire choice is also critical. Wider, knobby tires create more friction and are slower on pavement.

Making sure your tires have the correct air pressure is one of the easiest ways to reduce resistance and ride faster. This focus on specialized fitness and equipment shows how overall cyclist physiology is built purely for efficient forward motion.

How to Increase Your Speed Safely

Getting faster isn't just about training harder. It's about riding smarter with these five practical tips that can help you increase your sustainable speed, whether you're powered by legs, a motor, or both.

1. Master Your Pacing
   A common mistake is starting too fast and burning out early. Instead, ease into your ride with a steady effort. On an e-bike, this means using lower assist on flat ground to save battery, then increasing it for hills or headwinds. If you ride for fitness, understanding heart rate zones can be more helpful than chasing speed. For most riders, Zone 2 training (60–70% of your max heart rate) is where you build endurance without burnout. Your average cycling speed in this zone might feel “slow,” but it lays the foundation for long-term gains—and can still average 12–16 mph depending on terrain and gear.

2. Improve Your Cadence
   Cadence is your pedaling speed, measured in revolutions per minute (RPM). Pushing hard gears at low RPM is inefficient and strains your muscles. Aim for a smooth, steady cadence of around 80-90 RPM for better endurance.

3. Ride Aerodynamically
   You don't need special clothing to be more aerodynamic. The simplest change is riding with hands on brake hoods and bent elbows. This lowers your body and reduces wind resistance significantly.

4. Look Ahead and Maintain Momentum
   Momentum is your best friend since every time you brake, you waste energy. Scan the road far ahead and anticipate red lights so you can coast through as they turn green. Take wide, smooth turns instead of braking hard and speeding up again.

5. Use Gears and E-Bike Assist to Maintain Speed
   Shift gears before you need to, not after you're already struggling. As you approach a hill, shift to an easier gear while your cadence is still high. The same applies to e-bike assist levels - increase power before you hit the climb for smooth transitions.

With smart riding, the benchmark for a decent club cyclist of averaging 20 mph becomes much more achievable.

What’s a Normal Speed on a Bike? Find Your Ideal Pace

The discussion of average bike speed comes down to personal context. While a recreational cyclist might average 12-15 mph, an e-bike can easily boost that to 15-20 mph, turning a sweaty workout into a comfortable commute. Factors like fitness, bike type, terrain, and wind will always play a role in your final speed. Even the normal speed on a bike can vary based on where and how you ride. A 14 mph average on a quiet bike trail might feel relaxed, but that same pace in city traffic can feel like a sprint.

One surprising thing many riders experience is the mismatch between “felt speed” and actual numbers. On a steep downhill, it may feel like you’re flying—but your average speed on a bike ride might barely move if you had to crawl uphill earlier. Likewise, a long gentle climb may feel slow, but your overall normal speed on a bike could still land near 13–15 mph if you keep steady pacing.

The most important point is that there's no single "correct" speed. The best pace is one that fits your goals—whether that's getting to work on time, improving your fitness, or simply enjoying the freedom of two wheels.

🚴What’s Your Average Speed on a Bike Ride?

✅ Think of your last ride. Ask yourself:

• Was it mostly flat or hilly?
• Did you track your time and distance?
• How much effort did you feel you used?

📍 Now match your experience to this guide:

• 10–12 mph? You're likely a beginner or relaxed rider
• 13–16 mph? Solid recreational pace
• 17+ mph? You might be club ride ready
• 15–20+ mph with ease? E-bike power is helping!

🚴Want to go faster with less effort?
Explore our top-rated electric bikes designed to boost your average speed on a bike—without sacrificing comfort.

FAQ

1. What is the average speed of an electric bike?
The average speed of an electric bike typically ranges from 15-20 mph (24-32 km/h) in real-world conditions. While Class 3 e-bikes can assist up to 28 mph, factors like stops, traffic, and terrain usually result in lower average speeds during actual rides.

2. How much faster is an e-bike compared to a regular bike?
E-bikes are generally 25-50% faster than traditional bikes for the average rider. A recreational cyclist who averages 12-15 mph on a regular bike can typically maintain 15-20 mph on an e-bike with much less effort, especially on hills and during acceleration.

3. What factors most affect my cycling speed?
The biggest factors affecting cycling speed are your fitness level, terrain (especially hills), wind conditions, bike type, and riding position. On traditional bikes, fitness is the most important factor, while e-bikes help level the playing field by providing motor assistance.

4. Can beginners achieve good speeds on e-bikes?
Yes, beginners can achieve speeds of 15-18 mph on e-bikes with minimal effort, which would typically require significant fitness on a traditional bike. The motor assistance makes higher speeds accessible to riders of all fitness levels while reducing fatigue.

5. How can I improve my average cycling speed?
To improve your average speed, focus on maintaining steady pacing, keeping a cadence of 80-90 RPM, riding in a more aerodynamic position, anticipating stops to maintain momentum, and shifting gears proactively. On e-bikes, learn to use assist levels strategically to maintain consistent speeds. For those interested in tracking progress, tools like Strava or heart-rate monitors can help. You can monitor how your average pace on a bike evolves over time and compare rides under similar conditions. This lets you see real fitness improvements without obsessing over single-ride speeds.

All data and tips shared here are backed by cycling community insights, Strava user stats, and field-tested rider experience.

Written by Leoguar Editorial Team
Our cycling content is created in collaboration with experienced riders, e-bike engineers, and certified trainers to bring you field-tested advice that balances speed, comfort, and safety.