Want to make your electric bike go faster? This guide covers safe, effective ways to increase speed—from tuning your motor settings to upgrading key parts like tires and batteries. Learn practical upgrades and maintenance tips to get the most out of your e-bike without compromising safety.
Key Takeaways
- Check local laws first: Many areas limit e-bike speeds to 20–28 mph. Modifying your bike may make it illegal for road use.
- Upgrade your battery: A higher-voltage or higher-capacity battery can deliver more power to the motor, increasing speed and range.
- Optimize tire pressure and type: Properly inflated, low-rolling-resistance tires reduce drag and improve efficiency.
- Reduce weight: Lighter bikes accelerate faster—remove unnecessary accessories or switch to lighter components.
- Maintain your drivetrain: Clean, lubricated chains and well-adjusted gears ensure maximum power transfer.
- Use pedal assist wisely: Higher assist levels drain the battery faster but boost speed—balance performance with range.
- Consider a speed unlock (with caution): Some e-bikes allow speed limit removal via software, but this may void warranties or violate regulations.
How to Make My Electric Bike Go Faster
So you’ve got your electric bike, and it’s great—but you’re craving a little more speed. Maybe you’re tired of being passed by regular bikes on hills, or you just want that extra zip during your commute. The good news? There are several safe and effective ways to make your electric bike go faster. This guide walks you through practical upgrades, smart settings adjustments, and essential maintenance tips to boost your e-bike’s performance—without turning it into a liability.
Before we dive in, a quick note: **always check your local laws**. In many regions, electric bikes are classified by speed and power limits. For example, Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are typically capped at 20 mph, while Class 3 can go up to 28 mph. Modifying your bike to exceed these limits may classify it as a motor vehicle, requiring registration, insurance, or a license. Stay legal and safe!
Now, let’s get your e-bike moving faster—responsibly.
1. Upgrade Your Battery
Your battery is the heart of your electric bike. If it’s underpowered or aging, your motor can’t deliver its full potential.
Choose a Higher Voltage Battery
Most e-bikes run on 36V or 48V systems. Upgrading to a 52V or even 72V battery (if your motor supports it) can significantly increase speed and torque. More voltage means more power delivered to the motor, especially on inclines or during acceleration.
Tip: Always confirm compatibility with your motor and controller before upgrading. A mismatched battery can damage components or pose safety risks.
Increase Battery Capacity (Ah)
A higher ampere-hour (Ah) rating means longer range, but it also helps sustain high speeds without voltage drop. A 48V 17Ah battery, for example, will outperform a 48V 10Ah one under heavy load.
Example: Swapping a 10Ah battery for a 20Ah model can give you double the range and more consistent power output—ideal for speed lovers who don’t want to stop often.
2. Optimize Tire Pressure and Type
Tires might seem like a small detail, but they have a big impact on speed. Rolling resistance is one of the biggest enemies of efficiency.
Inflate Tires to the Recommended PSI
Underinflated tires create more friction, slowing you down and draining your battery. Check your tire sidewall for the recommended PSI and use a quality gauge to maintain it.
Pro tip: Use our guide on how to check bike tire pressure to learn the best practices for accurate readings.
Visual guide about How to Make My Electric Bike Go Faster
Image source: ridereview.com
Switch to Low-Resistance Tires
Slick or semi-slick tires with smooth tread patterns reduce rolling resistance compared to knobby mountain bike tires. If you ride mostly on pavement, consider upgrading to road-specific e-bike tires.
Bonus: Lighter tires also reduce rotational weight, making acceleration quicker. For help choosing the right tread, check out our article on how to choose road bike tires.
3. Reduce Overall Weight
A lighter bike accelerates faster and climbs hills more easily. Every pound counts when you’re pushing the limits of your motor.
Remove Unnecessary Accessories
Racks, baskets, mudguards, and heavy lights add weight. If you don’t need them for your ride, take them off. Even small items like phone mounts or water bottle cages can add up.
DIY idea: If you still want fenders but want to save weight, try making your own lightweight version with our guide on how to make DIY bike mudguards.
Upgrade to Lightweight Components
Consider swapping heavy parts for lighter alternatives:
– Carbon fiber handlebars or seat posts
– Aluminum or titanium pedals
– Lightweight saddle
Even saving a few ounces can improve responsiveness and speed.
4. Maintain Your Drivetrain
A clean, well-lubricated drivetrain ensures that every pedal stroke translates into forward motion—no wasted energy.
Clean and Lubricate the Chain Regularly
A dirty or dry chain increases friction, forcing the motor to work harder. Use a degreaser to clean the chain, then apply a quality bike-specific lubricant.
Tip: For fat tire e-bikes, use our guide on how to oil a fat tire bike chain for best results.
Check Derailleur Alignment and Cable Tension
Misaligned gears cause slippage and inefficiency. If your chain skips or shifts poorly, have your local bike shop adjust the derailleur or do it yourself with a few basic tools.
5. Adjust Pedal Assist Settings
Most e-bikes have multiple pedal assist levels. Using the highest setting gives you maximum motor support—and maximum speed.
Use “Turbo” or “Sport” Mode
If your bike has a performance mode, use it when you need extra speed. Just remember: higher assist = faster battery drain.
Combine with Efficient Pedaling
Pedal smoothly and consistently. The motor works best when it’s supplementing your effort, not doing all the work. Shift to lower gears on flats and higher gears on descents to maintain cadence.
6. Consider a Speed Unlock (With Caution)
Some e-bikes allow you to disable the speed limiter via a hidden menu or app. This is often called a “speed unlock” or “derestriction.”
How It Works
Manufacturers often limit e-bikes to 20 mph (32 km/h) to comply with regulations. By accessing the controller settings, you can raise or remove this cap.
Warning: This may void your warranty, reduce battery life, and make your bike illegal for road use in many areas. Only proceed if you understand the risks and ride in private or legal zones.
Use a Reputable Tuning Kit
If you go this route, use a trusted tuning module like the ones from Bafang or Swytch. Avoid cheap, unbranded hacks that can damage your system.
7. Improve Aerodynamics
At higher speeds, air resistance becomes a major factor. Even small changes can help you slice through the wind more efficiently.
Tuck Your Elbows and Lower Your Torso
Adopt a more aerodynamic riding position. Keep your arms close to your body and lean forward slightly.
Install Aero Accessories
Aero handlebars, a streamlined front basket, or even a small fairing can reduce drag. Just make sure they don’t interfere with steering or safety.
Troubleshooting Common Speed Issues
Even with upgrades, you might hit speed limits. Here’s how to diagnose common problems:
- Battery drains quickly at high speed: Your battery may be old or undersized. Consider upgrading to a higher-capacity model.
- Motor overheats: Pushing the motor too hard can cause thermal shutdown. Let it cool down and avoid sustained max speed.
- Speed drops on hills: Check tire pressure and battery charge. If the issue persists, your motor may not have enough torque—consider a mid-drive upgrade.
- Erratic speed readings: A faulty speed sensor can confuse the controller. Clean or replace the sensor near the wheel hub.
Final Thoughts
Making your electric bike go faster isn’t just about cranking up the power—it’s about optimizing every part of the system. From upgrading your battery and tires to reducing weight and maintaining your drivetrain, small changes add up to big gains in speed and performance.
Remember: speed is fun, but safety and legality come first. Always wear a helmet, follow traffic laws, and respect your bike’s limits. With the right approach, you can enjoy a faster, more thrilling ride—without sacrificing reliability or peace of mind.
Now get out there and feel the wind in your hair!
