If you own an e-bike and you’re wondering how to make it go faster, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re trying to increase your top speed for daily commutes, exploring bike trails, or just looking for some extra fun, knowing how to maximize your e-bike’s performance is key. In this guide, we’ll dive into 6 methods to help you make your e-bike go faster, including upgrades, modifications, and best practices to boost your electric bike to its maximum potential.
How Do Ebikes Work?
To understand how to make your bike faster, first, you must grasp the fundamentals of how bikes work and what factors influence their speed. E-bikes are powered by an electric motor that draws energy from a battery. The motor provides additional power to assist the rider, allowing you to pedal with less effort or achieve higher speeds than a traditional bike.
The main factors that limit the speed of your electric bike include:
- Motor wattage: Most e-bikes have motors rated between 250 and 750 watts, determining how much power they can output.
- Speed limiters: Some e-bikes come with a factory-installed limiter that restricts the bike’s speed so that it complies with local regulations.
- Controller settings: The controller regulates the power flow from the battery to the motor, and it may limit your bike’s speed.
- Battery capacity: The size of the battery and its voltage impact how long you can maintain higher speeds.
8 Methods to Make Your Ebike Go Faster
Now that you understand the basics let’s explore 8 methods for making your bike go faster. These strategies include simple tweaks and more advanced upgrades to increase your electric bike’s top speed and overall performance.
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1. Remove or Adjust the Speed Limiter
One of the easiest ways to make your e-bike go faster is to remove or adjust the speed limiter. Many bikes are equipped with a speed limiter that restricts the bike’s maximum speed, often capping the top speed at 20 to 28 mph.
- How to remove the limiter: Depending on your bike, you may be able to access the limiter through the controller or display settings. Some bikes have a switch or a code that allows you to disable the limiter.
- Legal considerations: Be cautious when removing the limiter, as it may cause your bike to exceed the legal speed limits for bikes in your area, potentially reclassifying it as a motor vehicle.
Removing the limiter can instantly increase your bike’s maximum speed, but it may also lead to faster battery depletion.
2. Upgrade the Motor
The motor is the heart of your electric bike, and upgrading it can significantly increase its speed. If your bike has a lower-powered motor, upgrading to a higher-wattage motor (such as 750 watts or more) can give you the extra push you need.
- Higher wattage motors: A more powerful motor allows your bike to handle more intense terrains, such as steep hills, and go faster on flat surfaces.
- Torque and acceleration: A higher torque rating on your motor can improve acceleration, making reaching and maintaining higher speeds easier.
Remember that upgrading the motor may also require changes to the controller and battery to ensure they can handle the increased power output.
3. Use a higher-voltage battery
Another effective way to boost your electric bike’s performance is to upgrade to a higher-voltage battery. The voltage of your battery directly impacts the motor’s power and the speed you can achieve.
- How voltage affects speed: A higher-voltage system (such as switching from a 36V to a 48V battery) provides more power to the motor, allowing it to spin faster and reach higher speeds.
- Battery and controller compatibility: When upgrading to a higher voltage battery, ensure that your bike’s controller and motor can handle the increase in power. You may also need a new controller with a higher amp rating to manage the increased voltage safely.
Using a larger battery can also extend your range, allowing you to maintain higher speeds for longer periods without recharging.
4. Optimize Your Riding Posture
Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most effective. Your riding posture can significantly impact your bike’s speed by affecting the amount of wind resistance you face.
- How posture affects speed: The more upright you are while riding, the more wind you face, which slows you down. Adopting a more aerodynamic posture—such as bending forward or crouching—reduces wind resistance and makes your bike go faster.
- Practical tips: Try to keep your body low and close to the handlebars. This reduces your profile against the wind, allowing you to ride more efficiently and increase your speed.
5. Adjust Tire Pressure
Tires play an important role in determining the speed of your e-bike. Low tire pressure or high-traction tires (such as those on mountain bikes) can create unnecessary drag, slowing you down.
- Increasing tire pressure: Ensure that the tires are properly inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. This reduces the rolling resistance and allows the bike to move more efficiently.
- Switch to road tires: If you’re riding on pavement, switching to smoother tires with less rolling resistance will help you reach higher speeds. Off-road or cruiser tires are designed for grip and stability, but they can slow your bike down on smooth surfaces.
6. Upgrade Your Controller for More Power
The controller regulates the power that flows from the battery to the motor. Upgrading to a controller with a higher amp rating can increase the speed of your e-bike by allowing more power to reach the motor.
- Amp controller upgrade: Installing a more powerful amp controller can increase the flow of electricity, giving your motor more power to drive the bike faster.
- Pairing with a larger battery: For the best results, upgrade your controller alongside a larger battery and a higher wattage motor. This combination will maximize your bike’s speed and overall performance.
7. Install a Speed Sensor Bypass
Some e-bikes come with a speed sensor that automatically limits the maximum speed. By installing a speed sensor bypass, you can trick your e-bike into thinking it’s moving slower than it is, allowing you to exceed the factory-set speed limit.
- How speed sensors work: The speed sensor monitors how fast your wheels spin and sends this data to the controller. When the bike reaches a certain speed (such as 20 or 28 mph), the controller limits the power output to keep the bike from going faster.
- Speed sensor bypass: You can bypass the speed limiter by adjusting the sensor or using a dedicated device that alters the speed readings. This can unlock your bike’s full potential, allowing you to achieve faster speeds.
8. Streamline Your Ebike by Reducing Weight
The heavier your e-bike, the harder it is for the motor to reach higher speeds. Reducing the overall weight of your bike can improve acceleration and top speed.
- Remove unnecessary accessories: Remove any heavy accessories you don’t need, such as racks, baskets, or extra lights. A lighter bike can move more efficiently, especially when climbing hills or accelerating from a stop.
- Switch to lighter components: Consider upgrading your bike’s frame, wheels, or drivetrain to lighter materials, such as carbon fiber or lightweight aluminum.
