How Fast can an Electric Bike Go Without Pedaling

Most riders see about 15 to 20 mph on throttle alone, because in the U.S. throttles are usually capped near 20 mph under Class 2 rules. Speeds up to 28 mph come from pedal assist under Class 3. Your actual speed depends on the controller limit, your weight, wind, temperature, and your tires. This guide will walk you through the rules, the real world speed bands, and what to change if you are slower than you expect.

How fast an electric bike can go without pedaling (U.S. classes)

No pedal speed in the U.S. comes down to your e-bike class. Throttles almost always cut off near 20 mph, even if the motor sticker shows higher watts. On Class 3, pedal assist can take you up to 28 mph, but only when you are pedaling, not using the throttle. Path access and helmet rules change from place to place, so check your city’s policy if you ride shared trails or park paths.

Table: Class overview

If you want upper-20s on public roads, plan on Class-3 pedal-assist. If you prefer relaxed, no-pedal cruising in traffic, Class-2 throttle at ~20 mph is the norm.

Real-world e-bike speed numbers you can trust (conditions, ranges, expectations)

Street speeds are not lab speeds. To give you numbers you can plan around, these ranges assume flat, clean asphalt, light wind under 5 mph, 68 to 72°F, a stock legal speed limiter, proper tire pressure, and GPS verified speed. “System weight” means rider, bike, and cargo together. The ranges are the approximate mph you can expect on throttle only.

Table: Throttle-only expectations (Class-2 behavior)

Note: Often capped by the ~20 mph legal throttle limit. Many bikes won’t sustain >20 mph on throttle even with a 750W label.

Short climbs and cargo change these numbers. On a steady 3% grade, figure on about 2–3 mph less than your flat speed. With a 250 W setup and a 240 lb system weight, subtract another 1–2 mph. Long tail cargo layouts and child seats add weight and frontal area, so headwinds hit harder.

Keep tires firm and balance the load to hold roughly 17–19 mph in city traffic on throttle. For context, a Class 3 bike with pedal assist can sit around 20–25 mph on the flat until assist eases at 28 mph. The same wind, weight, and temperature hits still apply.

Quick adjustment rules (use with the table above):

• Add ~40 lb to system weight: reduce by ~2–3 mph.
  
• Headwind 8–12 mph: reduce by ~2–3 mph (stronger winds can cost ~4–5 mph).
  
• <45°F sustained temps: expect ~1–2 mph loss over time (battery sag).
  
• Coarse tread or low PSI: subtract ~1–2 mph.
  
• Steady 5%+ grades: plan on ~4–6 mph lower with lower power motors.

What actually sets an e-bike’s no-pedal top speed (beyond motor watts)

Many riders think motor watts set top speed. In real life, the controller and the software limit do. A 750 W hub with a cautious controller will still sit near 20 mph on throttle if the software enforces Class 2. Voltage matters too.

A healthy 48 V pack feels stronger near full charge and sags at low charge, which trims speed under load. Wheel size and gearing affect how fast you hit the limit. Bigger wheels give less shove at the tire at the same motor rpm, which you will feel on hills and takeoffs.

Mid drives and hub motors act differently. Hubs give a smooth, steady push on flat roads and work well for simple commuting. Mid drives love gears, and with pedaling they hold speed on climbs.

On throttle only, that edge gets smaller because the gearing still needs your legs. If you live with short 8 to 10 percent hills, look for at least 80 Nm with sensible gearing and plan to pedal on the climbs. Throttle alone will drop into the low teens on steep grades no matter what the watt rating says.

Small drags eat speed too. A lightly rubbing brake, a fender that touches, or tires at the wrong pressure can quietly cost you a full speed band.

Region rules, safety, and troubleshooting for e-bike speed

Rules change by region. In the EU and UK, EPAC assist stops at 25 km/h(15.5 mph), and throttles are limited or restricted. S-Pedelecs assist to 45 km/h(28 mph), and bring moped-style duties in many countries, including insurance, plates, and a helmet, and they are meant for roads, not shared paths.

Australia and New Zealand generally follow the 250 W EPAC standard with assist up to 25 km/h, with small throttle allowances at low speeds. In the United States, local access rules decide where Class 2 or Class 3 can ride on a given path. City websites and trail kiosks are your best final check.

Speed choices affect safety and range. Air drag climbs fast as speed goes up. Moving from 18 mph to 22 mph uses a lot more battery and stretches stopping distance. On crowded paths, hold a pace that fits your sight lines, ring a bell or call out briefly when you pass, and keep both hands ready over the brakes.

Regenerative braking helps on long descents but returns only a small slice of energy, and it does not raise flat-road top speed. If the battery dies, you can still ride like a normal bike, only with heavier steering and earlier shifting on hills.

When no-pedal speed feels low, find the real bottleneck before you blame the motor. Start with tire pressure, brake rub, and a full charge. Check your class mode in the display or app, since some bikes ship set to Class 1 or Class 2.

Make sure wheel circumference is set correctly, or your speed readout and limiter behavior can be wrong. Older packs sag sooner; if both range and speed dipped in cold weather, that is normal battery chemistry, not a defect. Firmware from a dealer can restore normal limiter ramps or fix odd throttle behavior.

Electric cargo bike spotlight: Letrigo Minivan SE for steady city speed and load

If your main question is how fast an electric cargo bike can go without pedaling, the Letrigo Minivan SE is set up for that everyday Class 2 style rhythm, about 20 mph on throttle where legal, even when you carry kids or groceries. Its cargo friendly geometry and balanced weight help the bike stay steady at that pace, so starts, stops, and lane changes feel predictable. Use the throttle for clean launches from lights, then tap PAS on mild hills to hold speed without draining the battery. Keep tires at the recommended PSI and pack loads evenly to keep a smooth 17 to 20 mph cruise through city traffic.

Note: Valid as of October 21 , 2025. Prices may change at any time. Click to see the latest price.

Final Word

Without pedaling, most e-bikes top out near 20 mph on throttle. To see upper-20s, you need pedal-assist and a Class-3-compliant setup. Your real-world result depends on controller limits, weight, wind, terrain, and tire setup. Ride within your local rules, aim for smooth control rather than raw speed, and you’ll get farther, safer, and happier miles.

FAQs

Can an e-bike go 28 mph without pedaling?

Typically no. 28 mph is the pedal-assist cap for Class 3. Throttles are usually limited to ~20 mph.

Why does my 750W bike only hit ~20 mph on throttle?

The controller’s speed limiter enforces the legal cap. Motor wattage alone doesn’t set top speed.

How much does weight affect no-pedal speed?

Add ~40 lb to total system weight and expect about one band lower speed on flat ground.

Will higher voltage make me faster?

A healthy 48V pack holds speed better under load, but the limiter still caps your top speed.

Is regen worth it for speed or range?

Regen helps on long descents but recovers only a small fraction of energy. It won’t raise your flat-road top speed.