Ebikes have speed limits because their components are not really suited for high speed and can cause serious accidents. Since you’re wondering how to make an ebike faster, this means you want to do this anyway no matter the consequences.
There are several ways to go about it but you need to be really cautious for the safety of yourself and others on the street. So we will talk about the potential risks and legal implications before we share the methods.
A Word of Caution
Here are the reasons you should think twice before you try to speed up your bike.
- Safety
Increasing your e-bike’s speed beyond its limits will make it more challenging to control, especially in unexpected situations or harsh weather conditions.
- Legal Issues
Since e-bikes are subject to regulations in many regions, modifying your e-bike may cause legal consequences, such as fines or penalties.
- Warranty
Changing your e-bike’s components or programming could void its warranty and even damage the motor, battery, and other parts.
- Battery Life
Operating your e-bike at higher speeds might drain the battery more quickly and reduce your overall range. This will also cause wear and tear on the battery and shorten its lifespan.
- Risk of Accidents
As said before, there is a high risk of accidents since other drivers or pedestrians won’t be expecting such high speeds from a bicycle.
- Handling and Control
You should have advanced handling skills and be confident about controlling your bike safely at higher speeds.
How to Make an Ebike Faster?
1. Reprogram the Settings
The easiest way is modifying the settings. E-bike manufacturers usually set the speed limiters to avoid legal problems only. For example, some would intentionally label the bikes as class 1 and some as 2 despite their capacity to run at 28mph (while class 1 and class 2’s speed limit is 20mph). So, we highly recommend that you check and reprogram your settings.
Here is how to do it:
2. Update the Firmware
Sometimes, you’ll find your bike slowing down though the settings seem right. The reason might be the firmware installed. Some manufacturers load firmware that requires regular or periodical upgrading. Consult the manufacturer if possible and get the firmware updated.
Unless yours is a good brand like Trek or Specialized where after-sale support is readily available, it will be challenging to get help from a supplier that provides cheap Chinese ebikes. In that case, you can look for some ebike expert nearby that can do it for you.
3. Add a Higher Voltage Battery
If you think your speed is decreasing although you have updated configurations, your battery probably is the reason. It’s time to replace the battery with a high voltage one.
However, remember that this can burn out your motor. For example, while a 48V battery might work fine with a 48V motor, the same battery will damage a 32V one. The battery and the motor should always be compatible.
4. Change the Motor
The motor can be exhausted or malfunction for a variety of reasons. If that’s the case, you need to swap out your motor with a more powerful unit that matches with your battery voltage.
Ebike motors are usually evaluated based on their watt and torque values. A 1000W motor will go faster than a 750W or 500W unit.
So, if your bike is running on a 250W motor, you can upgrade it to higher capacity but make sure the new motor is compatible with the rest of the components such as battery voltage and controller.
5. Remove the Speed Limiter
Before you try this, know that this will turn your e-bike to a motor vehicle as per law. If managing a motor license and registration is not too much trouble for you, you can go for it. All you have to do is cut off the wire that controls the speed. We don’t recommend this method unless it’s absolutely necessary since there can be safety issues and loss of warranty.
Here’s how to make an ebike faster with this process:
6. Trick the Limiter
Some e-bikes are attached with speed sensors instead of wires. These sensors detect the speed and prevent you from crossing the set limit.
Just move the sensor from the wheel to your bike crank. The crank will create an impression that the bike is going at a steady pace even when you’re speeding.
7. Manipulate the Controller
Another method of making the e-bike think that you’re going slower than you actually are is tweaking the controller. If you give the input onto the panel that your wheel size is smaller, the speed will automatically increase.
8. Install a 3rd-Party Device
Some commercial speed limit increasers are now available like SPEEDi that will help boost your speed without interfering in any of the bike’s natural mechanisms.
9. Replace the Tires
If your ebike has MTB tires, replace them with road tires since they are smoother and help reduce traction to a great extent.
Also, avoid too narrow or too wide tires because while narrow tires help with aerodynamics, wider tires provide greater stability. The best idea is to choose semi-slick tires that have both of these properties.
10. Maintain the Tire Pressure
The air pressure is easily controllable but you have to find out what works best for you yourself. Low air pressure ensures a smooth ride but it will be damaging in the long run. This is because too low pressure means a higher contact between the tire and the road surface, leading to a higher rolling resistance. As a result, more energy from the motor will be spent on overcoming that friction; eventually damaging the rim of the wheel and compromising the overall speed. A higher pressure reduces traction in the ground and makes you go faster. So, keep increasing your tire pressure for as long as you’re comfortable.
Here’s a guide you can check out:
11. Attach Bigger Wheels
Bigger wheels cover more ground per revolution and give you higher speeds with less effort. But keep in mind that this modification might require adjustments to the frame and fork so you can accommodate the larger wheels.
12. Enhance the Aerodynamics
Remove all the unnecessary accessories from your bike so there is less air resistance. For example, if your bike features a basket or steel locks, take them off if possible. If not, you can cut them off with a mechanical grinder.
Also, go for a lightweight frame to prevent the drag. Choose handlebars that are a little curved. Don’t hang any items on them.
You should also be committed to reducing your own weight. If you’re heavy yourself, you can’t expect to be aerodynamic. Make a diet plan, and exercise to lose
13. Minimize Air Resistance
You can add a windshield to your E-bike that can add up to 3 mph of speed to your bike. The windshield will deflect air to both sides and prevent you from acting as a sail.
Fixing your posture is also important. Lean forward while pedaling to shorten the surface area and allow more airflow behind. You can also try hunching down or crouching on the handlebar. You can bike in places where there is trail-wind (wind that flows behind the rider) to push you forward.
14. Upgrade the Throttle
Replace your current throttle with a high-performance one. You can explore aftermarket options that offer added control and responsiveness. All class 2 e-bikes and some of the class 3 e-bikes offer a “throttle mode,” which should be activated for a smooth acceleration.
15. Optimize Your Riding Style
Experiment with different pedaling techniques coupled with shifting gears to find the ultimate balance and comfort. Be confident and try everything until you figure out what works best for you.
16. Use the Pedal Assistance Mode
Though not all, some models come with the pedal assistance mode and you can adjust the level digitally. If you decide to increase the level, the motor will transfer more energy to your pedaling, making you bike faster as a result.
17. Lube the Chain
You can lubricate the chain for a smoother contact between the chain and the drivetrain. The lack of friction will allow the motor to provide more power to the wheels. You can’t always get to your top speed through this method but it will help restore the efficiency and high performance of your bike.
18. Change the Drivetrain
If you’re willing to spend some money, we recommend that you change the entire drivetrain. You can replace the front ring with a bigger one for more resistance. The rear cassette can also be made faster with smaller rings. By changing the entire internal hub of the drivetrain, you can expect a higher speed.
Final Words
If you’re a speed enthusiast or not happy with the slow speed of your ebike, see which of these methods make you happy! Once you know how to make an ebike faster with the right method, it’s time to hit the road with more confidence.
Don’t forget to put on your helmet and safety gear and comply with the local law. We get how exciting it might be for you to finally get the opportunity to speed up your bike. But it’s not worth the shot if you can’t handle it and end up with an accident.
FAQs
1. How to override the speed limit on my eBike?
Ans. The easiest way to override the speed limit is removing the limiter or tricking the bike into believing that the speed is in control. However, in doing so, the e-bike will no longer be considered electric according to U.S federal law.
The U.S. federal speed limit for e-bikes is:
| E-bike Class | Mechanism | Max Speed (mph) |
| 1 | Pedal assist only | 20 |
| 2 | Pedal assist with throttles | 20 |
| 3 | Pedal assist with optional throttles | 28 |
2. How fast is too fast for an eBike?
Ans. A class 3 e-bike can reach around 30 mph. If anyone crosses this limit, it maybe considered unconventional for an e-bike.
3. Is 20 mph on an e-bike fast?
Ans. 20mph is the top speed set for class 1 and class 2 e-bikes. So, yes, 20 mph can be considered fast for these Classes.
4. How do I unrestrict my electric bike?
Ans. If the speed limiter is wired, simply cutting off the wire will help unrestrict your e-bike. If not, your bike has speed sensors instead. In that case, you can transfer the sensor from the wheel to the crank, which will trick the e-bike processor to accept your high speed as normal.
5. Is it safe to derestrict an ebike?
Ans. It’s not recommended because there will be legal repercussions to derestriction. For example, removing the speed limiter renders your e-bike a motor vehicle. So, you’ll need renewed licenses to ride it on public properties. Also, without a limiter, there arises some serious questions of safety.
