How fast does an e-bike go in the UK?

The legal assist limit

Under the Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles Regulations, an e-bike in Great Britain must stop providing assistance when it reaches 15.5 mph, which is 25 km/h. The motor must have a maximum continuous rated power of 250 W and must only assist while you pedal, apart from a walk-assist mode up to 6 km/h. The gov.uk electric bike rules summarise these points.

The limit applies to the motor, not to the bike. If you pedal harder or ride downhill, you can go faster than 15.5 mph without breaking the EAPC rules, as long as you follow the normal rules of the road and any speed limits that apply. Northern Ireland has its own rules; check nidirect if you live there.

Typical riding speeds

These are rough figures. The real benefit of an e-bike is keeping a steady speed up hills and into headwinds, which makes average journey speeds higher even though the top assisted speed is modest. Riders who stop and start a lot in town often find that an e-bike shortens their journey more through faster getaways from junctions than through a higher top speed.

What happens above 15.5 mph

As you approach the limit, assist fades and then stops. On a heavy bike you will feel the extra weight and rolling resistance once you are pedalling unaided, so most riders settle just below the limit. Lighter e-bikes with narrow tyres are easier to ride above it.

If your bike stops assisting well below 15.5 mph, the wheel size setting may be wrong or a sensor may be misreading. Our assist levels explainer covers display settings, and our motor cutting out guide covers other causes.

Faster e-bikes and the law

Listings for 750 W, 1000 W or 2000 W bikes that reach 28 mph or more describe vehicles that are not EAPCs. In law they are motor vehicles. To use one on a public road, it would need type approval, registration and tax, and the rider would need a suitable licence, insurance and a motorcycle helmet. In practice most cannot be registered, so they are only usable on private land with permission. See off-road only e-bikes explained.

The same applies to a legal e-bike that has been derestricted with a dongle or changed settings. Police can seize vehicles used without insurance. Use the UK e-bike law check to see how a bike's power and assist speed compare with the rules. This is general information, not legal advice.

Note:Higher speeds mean longer stopping distances. Ride at a speed that suits the conditions, especially on shared paths with walkers.

Check a bike against EAPC rules →

Getting the most from legal speed

For longer commutes, range matters as much as speed. Our long range e-bike guide compares battery sizes.

• Choose a lighter bike with narrower tyres if you want to ride above the assist limit easily; see our electric hybrid guide.
• Keep tyres at the right pressure to reduce rolling resistance.
• Use the gears to keep a comfortable cadence near the limit.
• Pick a torque sensor bike for a smoother, more natural feel at speed.

Frequently asked questions

What is the top speed of an e-bike in the UK? The motor assists up to 15.5 mph. You can go faster on your own power.

Is it illegal to ride an e-bike at 20 mph? Not if you are pedalling unaided above 15.5 mph on a legal EAPC and following road rules.

Can I make my e-bike faster? Derestricting it for road use makes it a motor vehicle in law, needing registration, insurance and a licence.

How fast is 25 km/h in mph? About 15.5 mph. To convert, divide km/h by about 1.609, so 25 km/h works out at just over 15.5 mph.