You’re cruising on your e-bike, wind in your hair, hitting that sweet spot of 24 km/h. But suddenly, as you nudge past 25 km/h, it feels like you’re pushing through invisible peanut butter. Many e-bikers wonder: Is my bike secretly slowing me down when I go faster?
Here’s the short answer: Nope, your e-bike isn’t putting on the brakes. But it does stop giving you a boost – and you’ll definitely feel that!
Why does my e-bike stop helping at 25 km/h?
Most e-bikes are built with a 25 km/h speed limit – a legal limit for “class 1” e-bikes in many countries. This isn’t just a quirky design choice; it’s the law. If your e-bike provided pedal assist beyond that speed, it would be classified as a motor vehicle, with all kinds of extra rules: licenses, insurance, registration – the works.
So to keep things simple and street-legal, manufacturers cap motor assistance at 25 km/h. Above that? You’re on your own. (Of course, class 3 e-bikes, also called speed pedelecs, can assist up to 45 km/h – but they come with extra rules and gear.)
How does this limit actually work?
Here’s the technical bit (but don’t worry – we’ll keep it light). Your e-bike has a speed sensor (usually near the wheel) that monitors how fast you’re going. Once you hit that magical 25 km/h mark, the system sends a message to the motor: “Cut the juice!”
Some newer e-bike systems make this transition smooth, gradually reducing support as you approach the limit. Others are more abrupt, dropping the assist like a hot potato right at 25 km/h. Either way, you’ll notice the “push” disappear – and suddenly it’s just you, the bike, and gravity.
That “sudden slowdown” feeling explained
Why does it feel like your bike’s secretly hitting the brakes? It’s all about perception. Imagine you’re pedaling hard, and your e-bike’s motor is working overtime to help you along. Then you cross that threshold and – poof – the assist vanishes.
Your speed might drop a bit, but it’s not because the bike’s braking. It’s simply that you’ve lost the helping hand from the motor. Plus, e-bikes tend to be heavier than regular bikes (thanks, battery and motor!), so without the boost, pushing that weight feels tougher. It’s a classic case of “you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone.”
Can I override the 25 km/h limit?
Maybe you’re thinking: Can I tweak the settings to get more speed? Technically, yes – there are ways to “tune” e-bikes to bypass the speed cap. These kits trick the bike’s system into thinking it’s going slower than it is, so the motor keeps assisting at higher speeds.
But here’s the catch: It’s illegal to use a modified e-bike on public roads. Once you remove that limit, your e-bike stops being a bicycle and becomes a motor vehicle. That means licenses, insurance, and a big legal headache if something goes wrong. Not to mention, your bike might not be designed to handle higher speeds safely – think faster wear on brakes, tires, and a greater risk of crashes.
If you really need a faster ride, consider upgrading to a speed pedelec, which can assist up to 45 km/h – but be prepared to follow specific regulations and gear up with a helmet.
Rules are rules
So, does your e-bike slow you down when you go faster than 25 km/h? Nope! It just stops giving you that motor assist. 🚲💨
It might feel like resistance or a sudden slowdown, especially if you’re used to the motor’s push. But really, it’s just you doing the work now. Embrace the extra effort – it’s a chance to get a mini workout on your commute. And hey, who needs the gym when you’ve got a bike?
💡 Check out our other bike tips here:
- Can I share my e-bike with my partner who’s much taller or shorter?
- How long does it take to fully charge my e-bike battery?
Feeling inspired to hop on one of those 25 km/h capped e-bikes after reading this blog? Let’s ride!
- Discover the 5 benefits of bike leasing through your employer
- Get in touch with us for more info about bike leasing! 👇
