When I first got my ebike, I was amazed by how it brought together modern, environmentally smart transportation and a dash of everyday adventure. The way it allowed me to commute across busy roads while avoiding the noise and pollution felt like a quiet revolution.
E-bikes have truly evolved to support micro-mobility, offering cheap, flexible alternatives that don’t just reduce expenses but also improve your health and fitness over the long term. Whether you’re riding a cruiser downtown or climbing a mountain path, there’s a feature-rich machine designed to suit your needs.
Still, for those of us who crave a bit more speed, learning how to make ebike faster becomes an exciting challenge. The trick is knowing how to adjust, derestrict, and unlock the default settings that limit your bike’s potential. Some practical tweaks can have you feeling the blowing wind against your face and the swirling air in your hair as you pick up pace on your favorite road.
Over the years, I’ve experimented with at least 8 different solutions, all aiming to enhance the biking experience without compromising safety or bike performance.
how to make ebike faster: Top 11 Methods
1. Change or upgrade the motor
When I first started tweaking my ebike, the biggest improvement came from focusing on the motor. To really improve speed, you need to understand how to measure your motor’s power—look at the watt, torque, RPM, and KV ratings. I once had a 24-volt setup, but after switching to a 48-volt system with a stronger battery, the jump in top speed was hard to ignore. A higher voltage gives your electric bike more push, especially when paired with the right type of motor, like a mid-drive or integrated hub.
Depending on what’s used in your unit, you can either upgrade, replace, or even try rewinding the motor. Each of these can help you unlock better performance and make your ride feel more powerful. From my experience, it’s important to match all components according to the recommended specs and make sure you’re working with a motor that can handle the increased charge.
2. Use a high voltage and fully charged battery
One of the easiest ways I found to boost my electric bike’s performance was to upgrade the battery to a higher voltage. This instantly increased the power and improved the output, giving me a noticeable lift in speed, especially when climbing hills or trying to hit max velocity on flat ground. But here’s the thing—there’s always a risk of the motor burning out if the existing setup isn’t designed for that much increased energy. I made sure to consult with the manufacturer and also checked in with an expert technician before making the switch. That step alone saved me from costly repairs.
Also, I always ensure the battery is fully charged before every ride. A lower charge not only reduces your power but leads to decreasing performance, cutting your ride short before the intended time. I’ve had moments where I forgot to check the charge, and my stay on the road was far from long.
3. Eliminate the speed limiter
One of the more overlooked ways to make ebikes faster is by removing the speed limiter that many manufacturers install for safety concerns. These adjustable systems are often set to restrict the maximum speed of your electric bike based on local government regulations.
Some bikes have a wired limiter, and you can often turn it off by disconnecting the wire. Others use a speed sensor on the back wheel that works in sync with the controller and computer. If your bike detects RPM from a smaller tire, it assumes you’re going slower, even if you’re actually going fast. This means you can trick the system by indicating you’re using smaller tires, while actually having larger ones. Since the wheel is being rotated at the same rate, the actual pace increases without triggering the limiter.
Some manufacturers also offer software upgrades that allow lifting the speed limit through official support. If you’re considering this, make sure to contact the product team in advance. This may impact the warranty of your vehicle, so proceed only if you’re comfortable with the change and understand the trade-offs.
4. Manage appropriate tire pressure
One simple trick I always rely on to make my electric bike feel faster is managing tire pressure correctly. Always aim for the optimal psi, which is usually recorded on the side of the tires. If the pressure is too low, it creates drag that can slow you down; too high and you risk losing traction and stability, especially during a ride on wet or off-road terrains. For best performance, I make a habit of checking my ebikes before heading out and never inflate the tires beyond the required level.
If your goal is to hit higher speeds, switching to smoother, thinner, and narrower tires can make a noticeable difference. These types of tires reduce rolling resistance and thrust your bike forward more efficiently. Avoid deep treads unless you’re planning to tackle rough surfaces, since those only increase grip at the cost of speed. On paved roads, slimmer tires lead to smoother rides, and that’s exactly what makes your bike respond quicker and ride faster.
5. Reduce air resistance
When I started looking for ways to make my electric bike go faster, I didn’t expect air resistance to be such a major factor. But once I focused on reducing and controlling it, my rides became noticeably smoother.
On higher-speed ebikes, even small changes can help your bike move more freely and hit its top speed. A good windshield or windscreen does exactly that—it diverts the air to the side, preventing your body from sailing like a drag chute.
I picked up a specially designed windshield from the local market and had it attached to my handlebar in minutes. It boosted my bike’s speed by nearly 3 m/h, which made my daily ride not just quicker but more fun too.
6. Change riding posture
Even if you’re not adamant about making big changes to your ebikes, simply adjusting your riding posture can make a real difference in how fast your electric bike feels. I’ve seen riders—especially on motorcycles or scooters—keep a straight back, which causes their body to face the air like a wall, building resistance and affecting their speed. That upright position might work for stability, but it makes you slower on a lighter electric ride.
I move to a crouching or bending position to achieve a more streamlined stance when riding adult e-bikes. This lets me move through headwinds with less drag, and it really helps increase my speed significantly.
7. Have Better Aerodynamics
If you really want to improve your speed without changing any major parts on your bike, focusing on aerodynamics can make a big difference. Just like the pros in the Tour de France, who spend thousands of dollars to be more aerodynamic and slick, you can gain an edge by optimizing smaller things. I’ve found that swapping out bulky accessories, choosing tighter clothes, and even changing my helmet or shoes can reduce drag. You don’t need to go full Lycra, but being mindful of what’s hanging off your bike—especially around the handlebar—matters more than most people think.
Your handlebar selection is another subtle but smart upgrade. One that’s swept back or has a slight curve can make your ride more aerodynamic. I also started removing unnecessary items from my bars and adjusted my posture into a more aggressive position, learning to lean forward into the wind.
8. Use Slim Tires
In my experience, one of the most overlooked upgrades that truly boosts speed is switching the type of tires you use on your ebike. While fat, cushy tires may feel comfortable and roll over bumps with ease, they slow you down when you’re trying to go fast. The critical spots on your setup include the contact areas where your tires meet the ground—the more rubber touching the road, the more power it will require to keep momentum. That’s why fat tires often make your ride slower, especially due to extra rolling resistance and aggressive tread patterns.
If you want to go faster, slimmer or skinnier tires are the way to go. I swapped mine out for slick tires, and the results were clear: much less friction and less contact with the street, making each pedal stroke count more. This small change can contribute to major improvements in your ride.
9. Adjust Pedal Assist
One of the easiest and often overlooked ways to increase your speed is to adjust the pedal assist level on your ebike. Instead of just pedaling harder, use the LCD display to check your current assist setting. You’ll usually see buttons marked “+” and “–” that you can press to switch through various levels. The higher the setting, the more your motor will allocate power to your ride, giving you a noticeable push—especially when going uphill or trying to maintain pace on longer routes
10. Change the Drivetrain
If you’re not fully satisfied with your speed even after trying all the basics, you might consider altering the drive train—though be aware, it can get expensive. On an internal hub setup, you can change the size of the front ring to a bigger one, which adds more resistance and lets you push harder. At the rear, you can replace the cassette with a faster one that has smaller rings.
This combination of a larger front and smaller rear ring will result in higher speeds, and I’ve personally seen a noticeable difference in acceleration and top-end performance after doing this mod.
11. Use Bigger Wheel Size
One major factor that can instantly increase your speed is upgrading the wheel size on your ebike. The bigger the wheels, the faster your ride will feel, and this is something you’ll notice when looking at race bikes—many use 700 or 29-inch wheels like those found on mountain bikes. On the other hand, 20-inch wheels are more commonly used on standard ebikes, but they don’t roll as efficiently. If you’re serious about going quicker, try to optimize for the biggest possible wheel that will fit your bike’s frame.
How Fast Can an E-Bike Legally Go?
Before you try to tweak your e-bike for more speed, it’s important to understand the legal limit in your area. In the U.S., Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are limited to 20 mph, while Class 3 models can reach 28 mph but only with pedal assist. That’s about 32 km/h to 45 km/h. In contrast, the majority of e-bikes in the UK and Europe have a top speed limit of 15.5 mph (25 km/h).
The main reasons behind these restrictions are safety and transportation regulations. Once you exceed the defined speed, your bicycle could be seen as a motorbike, which means you’re subject to different rules—like licensing, insurance, and registration. If you’re unaware of local laws and push your bike past the max, you could face fines or other penalties.
Legal Considerations & Warranty Risks
Before making any changes to your e-bike, it’s important to know where you stand legally, as different regions have strict regulations on speed, power, and usage limits. In the U.S., anything over 750W or faster than 28 mph may be classified as a motor vehicle, which means you’ll likely need a license, registration, and insurance. In the UK and across Europe, tampering with your e-bike to exceed 15.5 mph or 25 km/h on public roads is considered illegal.
Another key point many riders overlook is the warranty. Most manufacturers won’t cover damage caused by modifications, especially when you upgrade the motor, swap out the battery, or adjust the controller beyond factory settings. Doing so can void your warranty completely.
Also, some brands now install tracking systems that can detect unauthorized changes. So if anything goes wrong, even minor, you may be on your own for repair costs. Weigh the risks before diving into custom upgrades—it’s not worth ending up with a huge bill for just a few extra miles per hour of speed.
Can You Make an E-Bike Faster Without Breaking the Law?
Yes, you can absolutely make your e-bike faster without breaking the law—you just need to focus on optimizing the setup instead of bypassing speed limits. I’ve done this myself by making simple changes like reducing the weight, adjusting tire pressure, improving aerodynamics, and even fine-tuning the gear ratio. These small tweaks can increase your riding performance legally.
If you’re aiming for more speed without violating regulations, you can look into upgrading your battery—just stay within the voltage limit. Pair it with a more efficient motor and a better controller that improves acceleration while staying under legal caps. Some e-bikes even have settings that allow slight adjustments within legal boundaries, especially when riding on private property or off-road trails, where the rules may differ. Still, always double-check local laws before changing anything.
In my view, it’s about balancing performance, safety, and legality. Smart, lawful upgrades let you enjoy better speed without taking unnecessary risks. You avoid fines, confiscation, or warranty issues and still get the thrill of a more responsive ride.
Conclusion
Increasing your electric bike’s speed can turn an average commute into a more smooth and fast ride, especially when you optimize your ebike setup. Your ebikes rely heavily on motors, battery, and overall wattage—and making the bike faster isn’t hard if you follow the right methods.
But remember, pushing your bike to breakneck pace without caution can be dangerous. From my own experience, the key is to maintain safety—always wear protective gear, and don’t ignore basic traffic rules.
Also, every state, city, and local authority has rules, limits, and regulations for ebike performance. Governments publish clear guidelines, so if you’re modifying your bike, make sure you comply fully.
Also Read: Ohio Ebike Laws: What You Should Know Today
FAQs
Does pedaling make an e-bike go faster?
Yes, pedaling absolutely helps your e-bike go faster, especially when you’re using pedal assist mode or PAS. The more effort you put in, the less the motor has to work, which can not only increase your speed, but also extend your battery life.
Will switching to a bigger battery make my e-bike faster?
Switching to a bigger battery doesn’t always directly increase speed, but going for a higher voltage definitely can. When I upgraded from a 36V to a 48V battery, my motor delivered more power, which improved both acceleration and top speed. Just make sure your controller can handle the new setup.
Do thinner tires make an e-bike faster?
Yes, switching to thinner, high-pressure road tires can absolutely reduce rolling resistance and help you reach higher speeds with less effort. When you’re riding on smooth pavement, I’ve found that switching from wide, knobby tires to slick ones makes a noticeable difference.
Can I ride my modified e-bike on public roads?
That depends on your local laws. If your modifications push the e-bike beyond the legal power or speed limits, it may be reclassified as a motor vehicle. In that case, you could be required to get a license, insurance, and registration to ride it on public roads. Before making any changes, always review the regulations in your area to ensure you’re staying within the rules and avoiding legal trouble.
Is it safe to modify an e-bike for more speed?
Modifying your e-bike to increase its power is safe, but only if done properly and within reasonable bounds. From my own upgrades, I’ve learned that increasing speed beyond what the bike was originally designed for can cause the motor to overheat, wear out components, or drain the battery faster. If you go this route, make sure your controller, motor, and battery can handle the changes—otherwise, you risk serious damage to the system.
How can I increase my e-bike’s range while going faster?
Maintain speed steadily instead of speeding up and slowing down often—this helps save battery life.
Use a higher voltage battery (if compatible with your motor) to get more efficient power delivery at faster speeds.
Pedal more often to reduce the strain on your motor, especially on inclines or when accelerating.
Keep your tires properly inflated to minimize rolling resistance, which lets you glide more efficiently.
Avoid unnecessary braking and sudden accelerating, as that drains power more quickly.
Ride in a lower-assist mode when high speed isn’t necessary, which preserves both energy and range.
