How far and fast can you commute on an electric bike?

Cycling has changed significantly in the past decade, and many people have turned to ebikes not just for a relaxing weekend ride but to make their life easier and cheaper. Cycling infrastructure has improved, and governments and cities are creating better cycle paths and making it safer to ride. We also see electric bikes with power and technology we never thought was possible. A question we are often asked as cycling experts is about electric bike commute time. How long is a realistic electric bike commute, and what are the capabilities of current Ebikes compared to a traditional bike? This article will tell you everything you need to know about Ebikes and electric bike commute time.

How far can ebikes commute?

So you’re thinking about commuting to work but are unsure of how far an electric bike will get you. Typically ebikes will offer between 25 and 75 miles. The range of ebikes greatly differs depending on a few different variables. Click here for more info.

Motor power

Motors on electric bikes come in many different shapes and sizes. Some are small and can generate up to 250w. Others are huge and have power up to 1000w which can greatly improve your electric bike commute time.

Battery power

The larger the battery, the more power you have available, giving you a much further range. Some electric bikes have enough capacity to cover over 100 miles on a single charge. On most electric bikes, you can choose how much power you want to give the motor while riding.

Type of ebike

The type of ebike is also very important. An electric mountain bike will require much more power than an electric commuting bike. This is because it has a harder job to do in the fact it has to be on rough terrain and requires larger grippier tires.

The rider

Most electric bikes work on a mix of your own pedal power and the ebike giving you pedal assistance. The harder you work, the less effort the ebike puts in, and the longer the battery will last.

How fast can ebikes commute?

Ebikes are very different from normal bikes and come in separate categories depending on their ability. Before buying an Ebike online or at a local ebike shop, it is vital to understand each one so you know what to expect.

Class 1 – Top speed of 20mph, and the motor only engages when you are pedaling.

Class 2 – Top speed of 20mph can be controlled by pedaling or throttle.

Class 3 – Top speed of 28mph and must have a speedometer and are pedal assisted.

Depending on laws in your state or country, certain ebikes are only allowed in certain places. A class 1 electric bike will be able to go anywhere like a normal bike, but a class 3 will only be used on roads and bike lanes on hard shoulders. For more info on speed.

How quick is electric bike commuting?

Now we know everything we need to know about electric bikes, let us put that all together and give you an electric bike commute time.

Speed – 10 – 28mph

Most electric bikes, with your assistance, will go 20mph, so let’s use that as a figure for the top speed you are able to do. We will also consider that riding in cities is slower and you must stop for lights and can be in traffic as well.

Range – 50 miles

The average range of a commuting electric bicycle is 50 miles, so that will be our range before it needs charging.

Advantages of commuting with an Ebike

Firstly it’s important to speak about the benefits of commuting with an electric bike as many people don’t understand how valuable a commute can be.

It’s fun and fast

If you live in a city or a heavy traffic town, a commute by ebike can be very fast and can have you flying past cars pedaling. Riding a bike is enjoyable, but riding an electric bike is a lot more fun and can help improve motor skills.

It makes you feel good

Exercise releases endorphins that make you feel happy, leading to a more positive day ahead of you. Many commuters find they have a much happier day when they commute compared to driving.

It’s cheaper

With the rising fuel cost and the amount you waste sitting in traffic, you will see a huge saving switching to an electric bike which costs cents to run. Overall, ebikes are much cheaper, especially when it comes to servicing, insurance, and general maintenance.

It helps the Environment

The carbon footprint you leave from cycling compared to using a car is entirely different. Commuting helps reduce pollution and the number of cars waiting in traffic.

Parking is much easier

Many people commute because parking can be so challenging. As cities get busier, parking close to the center has become a premium, which you don’t get by cycling.

Disadvantages of commuting with an Ebike

If we talk about the advantages, it’s vital to speak about the disadvantages. Fortunately, there are only a few which make commuting by ebike even better.

Weather

The weather can be challenging when commuting. In winter, you can find commuting fairly testing on a rainy or snowy day.

Ebike security

Keeping your ebike secure is much harder than a car. You will need to invest in a good lock and keep it locked in a safe place.

Conclusion

As you can see, commuting with an Ebike is an amazing way to get to places you need to go with a huge amount of benefits. In cities, cycling is one of the quickest and easiest forms of transport, and with many new bike paths being built, you can avoid being stuck in traffic and keep the average speed high. We highly recommend commuting on a regular bike or an Ebike, thanks for taking the time to read our article on electric bike commute time. For more info

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