Picture this, you are running late for a meet but you can’t generate enough speed on your fat tire electric bike to go faster. Has this ever happened to you? If yes, then you already know how frustrating the experience can be.
If you haven’t experienced this but still want to know how to increase your electric bike speed, then you are in the right place.
The goal of this article is to show you possible reasons your e-bike isn’t going fast enough and the top five ways to increase the speed of your electric bike. Here we go!
Why is My Electric Bike Not Fast Enough?
Is your e-bike slow? Here are possible reasons for the problem:
1. Your E-Bike Battery is Low
When your electric bike battery gets low, the motor automatically reduces the power and speed it generates to conserve the battery life. If you are getting a low battery voice prompt or notification while riding, you should park the bike and charge the battery after it cools using a standard electric bike battery charger.
2. There is Too Much Load On The Bike
All electric bikes have a rider weight limit. If your weight or luggage weight surpasses this limit, the bike won’t reach its top speed and you’ll find it difficult to accelerate, especially when going up steep hills.
Read more: Will Exceeding an E-Bike's Weight Limit by 30 lbs Occasionally Cause Damage?
3. Your E-bike has a Weak Motor
If your electric bike is equipped with a weak motor, you won’t go as fast as other electric bikes because the speed of your bike is heavily reliant on the motor output. A 250 watts motor will not give you as much speed as a 500 watt or 750 watt electric motor.
4. There is a Speed Limit on The Bike
E-bike manufacturers program speed limits on brand-new e-bikes to comply with speed regulations and make the e-bike safer, especially for beginners. If your bike has a set speed limit, the motor will automatically shut off when you reach the set speed limit.
Macfox X1S
$999.00 – $1,367.00Can You Adjust The Speed of Your Electric Bike?
You can adjust the speed of your electric bike using several methods that will be revealed in this article. But before we discuss these methods, there are a few things you should know:
- Don’t go tampering with parts of your e-bike that you know nothing about.
- If you or a third person tampers with the mechanics of your electric bike, you can void your warranty, meaning the manufacturer wouldn’t be responsible for any repairs or replacements.
- If you are to replace or upgrade any part of the e-bike, ensure the replacement or upgrade is from the same manufacturer as the existing component.
- Increasing your e-bike speed above the legally permitted levels can get you on the wrong side of the law, so consider the e-bike laws in your state of residence before increasing the speed of your e-bike.
- Increasing e-bike speed is potentially dangerous, especially if you aren’t experienced with electric bikes. Also, the faster your bike goes, the faster your battery will run down.
Related Reading: How fast does a 750 watt Electric Bike Go
Top 5 Ways To Make Your Electric Bike Go Faster
Here are the top five ways to increase the speed of your electric bike:
1. Activate The Throttle Mode
Class 2 electric bikes and some class 3 e-bikes are equipped with throttle mode to generate acceleration while riding. If your bike has a throttle, activate it to make the bike go faster without pedaling.
Read more: Class 2 vs. Class 3 e-Bikes
2. Change To a Powerful Motor
Since the speed of your e-bike is reliant on the motor output, changing from a small electric motor to a more powerful motor will help you go faster. For most cyclists, a 500-watt electric bike motor gives enough speed, up to 20 miles per hour.
However, before changing electric motors, you should check if the speed controller, battery, and other components of the e-bike can cope with a bigger motor.
3. Use Regular E-Bike Tires
Fat e-bike tires aren’t designed for speed because they are heavier and bigger. If you want to go faster, change to thin e-bike tires between 1.5 and 2.5 inches in width. These tires have a streamlined design and smooth patterns that make you go faster on plain ground.
Read more: You Should Choose the Right E-Bike Tire Size
4. Get a Higher Voltage E-Bike Battery
The electric bike battery determines the overall performance of your bike. More voltage from the battery equals more power to the motor and more speed generated to propel the electric bike. So, if you want more speed, try installing a larger-capacity battery.
The Macfox 48V addable electric bike battery is the best to go for. Not only is the battery powerful enough to give you desired speed on your e-bike but it also allows you to add another battery to the existing one, giving you double the power and speed.
5. Reduce The Weight On Your Bike
We have already established in this article that the more load your e-bike carries, the slower it will go. If you want to increase speed, lighten the weight on the bike.
Here are some other tips that can increase your e-bike speed:
- Change your riding posture - Experts advice to bend or lean forward on the bike so your body shape is more streamlined.
- Remove speed limiters on the bike.
- Ensure the battery is fully charged before riding.
Macfox X2
$1,699.00 – $2,198.00Safety Considerations and Best Practices for Increasing E-Bike Speed
Understanding the Risks: Before attempting to increase the speed of your electric bike, it’s crucial to understand the risks involved. Higher speeds can significantly alter the handling and control of your e-bike, making it more challenging to navigate turns, avoid obstacles, and stop quickly. It's important to assess your riding skills and the conditions in which you'll be biking.
Essential Safety Gear: Regardless of your bike’s speed, wearing appropriate safety gear is non-negotiable. A well-fitted helmet, gloves, and high-visibility clothing are essential, especially at higher speeds where the impact of any fall can be significantly greater.
Maintaining Control and Stability: As you increase your e-bike’s speed, maintaining control and stability becomes more critical. Practice at gradually higher speeds in a safe, traffic-free area. Pay attention to how your bike responds, especially in terms of steering and braking. Remember, the faster you go, the longer it takes to stop.
Legal Implications: Be aware of the legal implications of modifying your electric bike. In many places, increasing the speed of your e-bike beyond certain limits may classify it differently under the law, requiring additional licensing, insurance, or even restricting where you can legally ride.
Regular Maintenance Checks: Higher speeds put more strain on your bike’s components. Regular maintenance checks are essential to ensure that brakes, tires, and electrical systems are in top working condition. Faulty brakes or worn-out tires can be especially dangerous at higher speeds.
Responsible Riding: Finally, with great speed comes great responsibility. Always ride responsibly, considering the safety of not just yourself but also those around you. Be particularly cautious in areas with pedestrians, and always adhere to traffic rules and speed limits.
By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the increased speed of your electric bike while ensuring your safety and the safety of others. Remember, the goal is to enjoy your ride safely and within the legal boundaries of your region.
What is a Good Speed For an Electric Bike?
In many states in the country, 28 mph is the legally-accepted top speed for an electric bike. This speed level isn’t dangerous and is fast enough to get you anywhere you want to go. The Macfox X1 electric commuter bike and the Macfox X2 full suspension electric bike have a top speed of 28 miles per hour.
Final Words
In conclusion, you can make your Macfox e-bike go faster by replacing bike parts with more powerful ones or changing program settings on the bike. However, before increasing the speed of your e-bike, you should check the maximum speed of an e-bike allowed by law in your state.
You should also remember that switching components and changing the manufacturer’s settings can void the warranty on your bike. As a pro tip, if your bike can reach speeds up to 28 miles per hour, it’s fast enough and you shouldn’t try to increase its speed. Rather, get a motorcycle.
