Unlocking the Speed Potential of Your e-bike: Tips and Tricks for Going Faster in Australia
Electric bikes are gaining popularity globally as people shift away from traditional modes of transportation. The sales have grown by more than 50% from 2016 to 2020, reaching nearly $24 billion. With more people working remotely and on hybrid schedules, the demand for traditional transportation has dwindled.
Some years ago, electric bikes used to be seen as the exclusive domain of fitness freaks and tree-huggers. But times have changed, and now e-bikes are the hottest new trend for anyone who wants a fast, fun, and eco-friendly way to get around.
But, let's face it, sometimes we all have the urge to push our e-bikes to the limit and go as fast as we can, especially with the electric bike speed limit in Australia being up to 25 km/h. Fortunately, there are some tips and tricks you can use to unlock the full potential of your e-bike and make your ride even more exhilarating.
It's essential to stick to the electric bike speed limit for legal, insurance, and safety reasons in Australia. After all, we don't want to take unnecessary risks and put ourselves and others in danger. So, buckle up (or helmet on), and let's take a ride through the world of high-speed e-biking within the electric bike speed limit in Australia!
Understanding the Basics of e-bikes
Before we dive into the tips and tricks, it's important to understand the basics of e-Bikes.
Classifications of e-bikes and their maximum speeds
Class 1 e-bikes: These have a maximum power output of 250 watts and can assist the rider up to a speed of 20 mph.
Class 2 e-bikes: These have a maximum power output of 200 watts and can assist the rider up to a speed of 20 mph using a throttle.
Class 3 e-bikes: These have a maximum power output of 250 watts and can assist the rider up to a speed of 28mph.
But are all these e-bikes legal in Australia? Well, Yes and No.
It's important to know the classification of your e-bike to ensure that you are abiding by the laws and regulations in Australia. After all, what’s the point of having an e-bike if you cannot ride it? So let’s understand the laws first.
Understanding the Speed Laws for e-bikes in Australia: Ride Safe and Stay Legal
Australia's e-bike laws were introduced in 2012 and are based on European standards.
So what are the speed laws for e-bikes in Australia? Let's explore what you need to know to ride your e-Bike safely and legally in Australia.
Understanding the Speed Laws for e-bikes in Australia
|
Classification |
Motor power limit |
Assistance limit |
Maximum speed |
|
Power-assisted bicycle or pedelec |
200 watts |
Must stop assisting when the bike reaches 25 km/h or the rider stops pedaling |
25 km/h |
In Australia, many e-bikes are equipped with 250W motors and throttles, but their speed is limited to 6 km/h to help with walking the bike.
However, you may be wondering how fast e-bikes really go in Australia. The answer is that it depends on a few factors, including the type of e-bike you have and whether you have unlocked the speed limit.
If you're looking to unlock the speed potential of your e-bike, there are some important tips and tricks to keep in mind. But first, it's essential to understand the electric bike speed limit in Australia and the potential legal and safety risks of breaking it. While it may be tempting to push your e-bike to the limit, it's important to prioritize your safety and follow the guidelines set in place.
How to Make an E-bike Go Faster?
So if you are craving the thrill of going faster and breaking the speed limit on your electric steed, here are some tips.
Upgrade your motor:
The motor is the heart and soul of your e-Bike. Upgrading to a more powerful motor can give you the speed boost you've been looking for. But it's not as simple as it seems. One must seek professional help to get the process done.
Upgrading your battery:
Your e-bike's battery is like its fuel tank. A larger and more powerful battery can give you more power and speed. Before you consider upgrading your e-bike, it's important to do your homework first. Make sure your bike can handle the higher voltage before making any changes. If you upgrade without proper research, you could risk damaging the controller.
Tuning Dongle:
A tuning dongle is a device that can be used to remove the 25 km/h speed limit on your e-bike. This means you can use the full potential of your e-bike motor and go faster than the legal limit.
The great thing about the latest plug-in dongles is that they can be easily removed, and your e-bike will have its original riding characteristics back, making it legal to use on public roads again.
Remove the speed limiter
Some e-Bikes come with a speed limiter that restricts your maximum speed. If you're feeling rebellious, you can remove the limiter to unleash your e-bike's full-speed potential. Although, it's very risky and not recommended.
Maintain Your e-bike:
Keep your tyres inflated to the recommended pressure, check the brakes, and keep the chain lubricated.
Use Proper Posture:
A little bit of common science here, proper posture can help to maintain the speed and reduce wind resistance. So keep your back straight, your shoulders relaxed, and your arms bent at a 90-degree angle.
Optimize your pedal-assist settings:
Most e-bikes come with multiple pedal-assist settings. Experiment with different settings to find the one that provides the most assistance without draining the battery too quickly. This can help you maintain a higher speed for longer periods of time.
Use the right tyres:
The type of tyres you use can affect your e-bike's speed and performance. Choose tyres that are designed for high speed and low rolling resistance.
Use a lighter frame:
Now here’s another secret. A lighter frame can make your e-Bike more agile and easier to handle at higher speeds. So you must look for frames made of lightweight materials like carbon fiber or aluminum.
Just make sure to check with your local laws and regulations before upgrading to ensure that you don't exceed the legal speed limit.
Why Breaking e-bike Speed Limits is a Bad Idea: Legal, Insurance, and Safety Risks
You may be tempted to increase the speed of your e-bike beyond the legal limit of 25km/h, but it's not worth the risks. Here's why:
Legal Risks:
If you exceed the legal speed limit, you're no longer riding an electric bicycle in the eyes of the law. You're just operating a road vehicle that may require licensing and registration. And if caught by the police, you risk fines and penalties as an unlicensed, unregistered driver.
Insurance and Warranty Issues:
Tuning your e-bike may void your warranty and insurance coverage. If you have an accident, you'll be considered as riding an unregistered road vehicle, which won't be covered by e-bike insurance. Manufacturers can detect the use of tuning devices and won't repair them under warranty. So yeah, it’s not a good idea.
Long-term Damage:
Tuning can dramatically shorten the lifespan of your e-Bike due to the increased load on the system. Riding at faster speeds than it can handle will cause overload and wear the drivetrain out faster. The worst part? This all adds up to increased maintenance and cost to replace parts.
Safety Risks:
Increasing your e-bike speed beyond legal limits can lead to an increased risk of injury, for you or others. People have been injured and even killed, in accidents involving illegally modified e-Bikes. Don't put yourself or someone else at risk!
Stay Legal and Avoid Penalties
It's essential to follow the rules and regulations around e-bikes to stay legal and avoid penalties. Here's what you need to know:
- Exceeding the maximum speed limit of 25 km/h can result in penalties and fines
- Riding an e-bike that exceeds the maximum power output of 200 watts can also result in penalties and fines
- The rules and regulations around e-bikes may vary between states and territories in Australia. Check with your local transport authority for specific rules and regulations in your area
Ride Responsibly
Riding an e-bike can be a thrilling and enjoyable experience. However, it's important to ride responsibly to stay safe and protect others. Here are some tips for responsible e-bike riding:
- Always wear a helmet to protect your head in case of an accident
- Be mindful of other riders, pedestrians, and vehicles on the road
- Follow the rules of the road, including traffic signals and signs.
- Keep your e-Bike well-maintained to ensure that it's in good working condition
Riding an e-Bike in Australia is like navigating through a beautiful garden. It may be tempting to take a shortcut through the flowers and bushes, but doing so could damage the delicate petals and leave you with thorns in your path. Similarly, breaking the e-bike top speed limit in Australia may seem like a convenient option, but it could also lead to legal troubles, insurance headaches, and safety hazards. So, stay on the path and follow the rules, enjoying the scenery without putting yourself or others at risk. By doing so, you'll have a safe and enjoyable ride on your e-bike.
Enjoy the ride and have fun!
