Do you want to know how to make electric bike faster? Look no further because you have come to the right place. It is a thrilling experience to increase the speed of your electric bike whether you use it for commuting or leisurely adventures.
In this guide, we will explore various methods to make your electric bike faster. From optimizing the motor and battery performance to reducing weight and improving aerodynamics, we will cover both hardware and software modifications.
Remember that safety should always be your priority. You should check local regulations and consider your own riding abilities before implementing any modifications.
Let’s dive in and unlock the full potential of your electric bike!
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How to Make an E-Bike Faster?
Electric motors power your electric bikes. The motor works on the basic principles of physics and controls how fast your e-bike can go. We can use these principles to make the electric bike go faster.
There are electric bikes that have internally programmed speed limiters. Sometimes it is possible to turn off these speed limiters to increase your bike’s speed.
Keep in mind that most things you can do to increase the speed of your electric bike can affect its warranty. This could make it illegal to ride on the roads in some areas.
It is also possible that you increase the power of your e-bike beyond its capacity. This can burn out the bike’s electronic components when going very fast.
Following are the 9 ways to make to your electric bike faster:
Change or Upgrade the Motor
The motor of your electric bike is the first thing you should consider making your bike go faster. Find out the watt and torque of your motor to calculate its power. You can upgrade your e-bike motor with a powerful unit that has higher Kv ratings and RPM for the recommended voltage.
For example, you can use a 48 volts motor and battery system if your e-bike has a 24 volts system. A better option is to replace or rewind your e-bike motor, but it depends whether your bike has a mid-drive motor or an integrated hub motor.
Motor K-Value
Every motor has a parameter called motor velocity constant or “Kv value”, and it is measured in RPM/volts. A motor with a Kv value of 100 RPM/volt will spin 1200 revolutions per minute when it is supplied with a voltage of 12 volts.
This motor will not spin faster than 1200 revolutions per minute when given a voltage of 12 volts. But there is one way you can make it spin faster, and that is to increase input of voltage. In other words, it will spin 1400 RPM when given a 14 volts input.
Motor Controllers
The motor controller is like a sophisticated on/off switch. Its primary function is to regulate the motor’s speed by rapidly switching the motor on and off. The motor runs at lower speeds when the controller increases the off time during the switching process.
The controller operates with a 0% off time at maximum throttle. For 50% throttle, the controller switches off during 50% of the cycles or pulses. Keep in mind that a motor controller cannot exceed the speed determined by the motor’s Kv value. Simply switching on the controller will not increase the speed.
Increase Motor K-Value
To increase the speed of your electric bike without altering the battery or input voltage, you need a motor with a higher Kv value. This is necessary to achieve a higher number of revolutions per minute (RPM) with the same input voltage.
There are two ways to do this: get a new motor or rewinding the current motor.
Replace Motor
The majority of electric bikes come with either a mid-drive motor or an integrated hub motor. It’s not so easy to swap them out for larger hobby-grade motors available online.
Replacing a rear hub motor means purchasing a new motor and rear wheel. Upgrading a mid-drive motor requires you to buy a new mid-drive unit.
For example, if you currently have a 24 volts e-bike, then you will need a higher voltage system like a 48 volts motor and battery pack to increase the speed.
Rewind Motor
Another method of having a motor with a higher Kv value is to rewind your existing motor. Every motor has coils of wire wound around its armature. To increase the motor’s rotational speed, you can reduce the windings around the armature.
This reduction in windings will result in a higher Kv value, which will enable your e-bike to go faster. However, there are some drawbacks you should consider.
The motor will consume more current, generate more heat, and have less range. Moreover, it will have less torque during startup, which means slower acceleration.
Use a High Voltage and Fully Charged Battery
It is a wise choice to increase the voltage of your e-bike’s battery to increase the bike’s speed. However, you should be careful because it can burn out your motor.
We advise you to seek guidance from your manufacturer or an experienced technician to determine whether your current motor can handle a battery with a higher voltage.
You should ensure that your battery is fully charged when you go on a ride. Less charged battery provides less power to the bike, which reduces its speed. Moreover, it will also reduce your journey.
Increase Voltage – Upgrade the Battery
The next thing you can do to make your e-bike go faster is to increase the battery voltage. There are two methods for doing this.
The first method is to increase the number of battery cells. The second method is to find premium quality batteries with higher voltage under load and lower internal resistance. You can add more cells or switch to a higher voltage battery because some e-bike power systems are compatible with a range of voltages.
Replace the Battery With a Higher Voltage Battery
If your current e-bike battery is of 36 volts, you can find a 48 volts battery pack that is compatible with your bike. You can make your electric bike go faster by simply replacing the battery pack and ensuring any speed limiters are deactivated.
Hack the Battery and Add More Cells
Examine your electric bike battery to determine if there is space for additional cells. Make sure your electric bike’s interior can accommodate the extra cells. Also, assess how the current batteries are interconnected. Are they connected in series? Are there any balancing circuits for charging?
To increase the output voltage, you will need to add more cells. Each cell contributes a specific voltage, such as 3.6 volts for lithium-ion and lithium-polymer batteries. Adding each cell will yield an additional 3.6 volts to the total voltage.
When adding cells, ensure they are of the same type and capacity as the ones already present in the battery pack. Avoid mixing different cell types and capacities within the pack. This can create potential hazards during charging, such as the risk of overcharging.
It is important to note that the charger provided with your electric bike may be designed for a specific battery voltage. It might not be compatible with a higher voltage battery. Therefore, you may need to explore alternative charging methods for your electric bike batteries following the modification.
Keep in mind that the motor controller in your electric bike has a voltage limitation within which it can operate. By adding more cells, you may exceed this limit. This can potentially cause the motor controller to burn out or trigger overvoltage or overcurrent shutdowns.
Use Batteries with Lower Internal Resistance
Batteries designed for higher current outputs are typically of higher quality because they have lower internal resistance. This lower internal resistance results in a higher voltage output when the battery is under load.
It is important to note that all batteries experience voltage sag when subjected to high current output. The extent of sag varies among different battery types. By using superior batteries, you can achieve a higher voltage under load due to reduced sag.
Besides lower internal resistance, higher capacity batteries also demonstrate greater tolerance for higher currents with minimal sag. If you switch to higher capacity cells of comparable quality, you can expect an increased output voltage under load and enjoy extended range as an added advantage.
To gather more information about your e-bike battery pack, you may need to open the housing and examine its contents. Look for any labels or serial numbers that can help you identify the type of cells used in the battery pack.
Once you have this information, conduct an online search. Utilize resources like search engines to find details about the specific cells, including their internal resistance and capacity. This research will help you determine if there are superior alternatives available in the market.
Eliminate the Speed Limiter
In general, e-bike manufacturers incorporate adjustable speed limiters to ensure safety by restricting the maximum speed. However, you can modify and customize the speed settings to comply with local government regulations and increase the speed of your electric bike.
If your bike is equipped with a wired speed limiter, you can disable it by disconnecting the wire. On the other hand, some electric bikes have a speed sensor attached to the rear wheel. The smaller wheel tends to move slower when you compare the rotation speed of smaller and larger wheels.
You can trick the bike’s computer into perceiving a slower pace than the actual speed by indicating on the controller that you are using smaller tires. By doing so, the speed limiter won’t hinder you even when you reach higher speeds.
Certain manufacturers offer speed limit enhancements through software upgrades. However, you should contact your electric bike manufacturer in advance to seek support. Such modifications may impact the warranty of your electric bike.
Manage Appropriate Tire Pressure
It is essential to maintain the optimal tire pressure for your e-bike to maximize efficiency and minimize drag. You can find the recommended tire pressure indicated on the side of the tires. Before going on a ride, you should check the tire pressure for optimal performance.
However, it is important to exercise caution and avoid over-inflating the tires beyond the recommended pressure level. Doing so can lead to reduced traction and compromised stability, especially when riding on wet or off-road terrains.
Moreover, selecting smoother and narrower tires can help you achieve higher speeds and increase the overall speed of your electric bike. Narrower tires reduce drag and promote forward thrust, which enhances your speed. On the other hand, tires with deep treads provide increased surface grip, and ensure higher speeds and smoother rides.
Change the Tires
Consider replacing your electric bike’s tires to enhance its performance. If your e-bike has off-road or mountain bike tires, then change them with road tires. Road tires have a smooth surface that results in reduced rolling resistance.
If your bike currently has knobby tires, consider swapping them out for slick tires. This change will increase your e-bike’s speed because it will not have to work against the tire’s resistance.
Reduce Air Resistance
Enhancing the aerodynamics of a high-speed electric bike can have a remarkable impact on its speed. The best way to achieve this is by installing a windshield. It will enable your e-bike to achieve greater velocity.
You can experience an increase of up to 3 miles per hour in the top speed of your e-bike if you add a windshield. This will result in faster and smoother rides. The presence of a windscreen redirects the airflow to the sides, which prevents your body from being affected by excessive wind resistance.
Fortunately, the market offers specially designed windshields that are compatible with electric bikes. You can attach these windshields to the handlebars. It will provide you a convenient solution for improving aerodynamics and enhance your overall riding experience.
Change Riding Posture
You can increase the speed of your electric bike by adjusting your riding position. The way you position your body directly affects the aerodynamics and level of wind resistance you encounter while cycling. Experiment with various postures to find the one that best suits you.
One effective technique is to lean slightly forward, which reduces your surface area and promotes smoother airflow behind you. If this doesn’t yield the desired results, you can try other positions, such as hunching over or crouching down low onto the handlebars. These positions are proven to maximize speed and enhance your riding experience.
Focus on your pedaling technique to optimize your electric bike’s speed and performance. Keep your feet flat on the pedals instead of pointing them up or down. It will ensure the most efficient motion possible.
Explore different cadences and gear settings that align with your riding style and the terrain you are traversing. These adjustments can make a significant difference in overall efficiency and propel you forward at a faster pace.
Make the Speed Sensor Think You Are Going Slower for Mid-Drives
In the case of mid-drive e-bikes, a wheel speed sensor is typically used on the rear wheel instead of measuring speed through the motor, as the latter method is not effective. You can manipulate the speed readings and trick the sensor into registering a slower speed. There are a few techniques you can employ.
One of the most effective ways involves relocating the sensor from the wheel to the crank. By attaching the sensor to the crank, you can take advantage of the fact that the crank usually rotates at a slower pace compared to the rear wheel.
Keep in mind this modification will render your speedometer inaccurate, since it will be based on the crank speed rather than the wheel. Moreover, removing the sensor from the wheel will eliminate the speed limiter functionality.
Modifying the sensor’s placement may have implications for safety and compliance with local regulations. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with any legal requirements and consider the potential effects on your overall riding experience before implementing such modifications.
Change Software Settings or Update the Firmware
Some electric bikes come equipped with a speed limiter feature that is integrated into the bike’s software or settings. You can disable this speed limiter through a specific setting within the software. Sometimes it is possible to deactivate the speed limiter by uploading alternative software onto the bike’s system.
Class 1,2 and 3 E-Bikes, E-Bike Laws, and E-Bike Top Speeds
Do you know why there is a speed limiter on your e-bike in the first place? The presence of a speed limiter is due to electric bike regulations that determine the maximum speed at which they can operate without being classified as mopeds or motorcycles.
These regulations are in place to ensure that certain trails and paths designated for non-motorized vehicles are not used by faster motorized vehicles.
California has established a classification system for electric bikes, which is also adopted by several other states and federal organizations. The classifications are as follows:
Class 1 E-Bike: This type of e-bike operates solely on pedal assist, without a throttle, and has a maximum powered speed of 20mph.
Class 2 E-Bike: These e-bikes can be powered by the motor alone, with a maximum powered speed of 20mph.
Class 3 E-Bike: Similar to Class 1, these e-bikes rely on pedal assist only, without a throttle, but they have a higher maximum powered speed of 28mph.
If you remove the speed limiter from your electric bike, it may no longer meet the criteria for being classified as a Class 1, 2, or 3 e-bike. Once your e-bike exceeds the speed limit of 28mph, you may be required to obtain a moped or motorcycle license to legally ride it on the road.
We advise you to consult your local regulations to determine what is considered legal or illegal for your specific e-bike. You should also inquire about any license, registration, and insurance requirements that may apply if your electric bike can exceed the speed limit set for Class 1, 2, or 3 e-bikes.
Conclusion
There are several ways to make an electric bike faster. You can upgrade the motor and battery to significantly increase its power and speed. You can upgrade to a higher voltage battery or a more efficient motor, which will provide you a substantial boost in performance.
You can reduce the bike’s weight through lighter components and optimize aerodynamics to enhance its speed. You can also modify the bike’s controller settings to unlock higher speeds. But it is important to check your local regulations to ensure compliance.
Lastly, you should maintain the bike properly, especially regular tire pressure checks and chain lubrication. It can help you maximize its overall performance. Remember to prioritize safety and legal requirements while seeking to enhance your electric bike’s speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can electric bikes be modified to go faster?
Yes, electric bikes can be modified to go faster. There are various methods to increase their speed, such as upgrading the motor or battery, optimizing the controller settings, or reducing weight. However, you must consider local laws and safety regulations before making any modifications.
Altering an electric bike’s speed may lead to legal implications or compromise the bike’s stability and safety. Therefore, you should always consult with a professional or manufacturer to ensure any modifications are safe and compliant.
How much does it cost to make an electric bike go faster?
The cost of making an electric bike go faster varies depending on the upgrades. It may cost $200-$800 to upgrade the motor. A higher-performance battery can cost up to $300-$1000.
Optimizing the controller settings might involve minimal costs, and aerodynamic enhancements or weight reduction could add $50-$500. However, it’s important to consider safety, local laws, and potential warranty voids before modifying your electric bike.
What are the factors that affect the speed of an electric bike?
The speed of an electric bike is influenced by several factors. Key factors include the power and type of motor, the capacity and condition of the battery, the weight of the rider and the bike, the terrain, type and air pressure of tires, riding posture, wind resistance, and the efficiency of the bike’s components and overall design.
How do you remove the speed limiter on an electric bike?
Removing the speed limiter on an electric bike varies depending on the model and manufacturer. It can involve accessing and modifying the bike’s controller settings or upgrading the firmware. Keep in mind that tampering with the speed limiter may be illegal and compromise safety and warranty coverage.