Electric bikes are gaining more and more enthusiasts every day. Pedal assistance allows cyclists to reduce effort and ride faster. As a result, electric bikes offer many advantages. Have you ever wondered how long it takes to cover 15 km on an e-bike? We have looked into this question below.
Electric Bike: The Question of Speed
If you want to know how long it takes to travel a certain distance on an electric bike, various factors must be considered. Among them is the speed of your e-bike. The type of bike also plays a role: for example, a mountain bike performs much better on rough terrain than a city bike or a lightweight folding e-bike. Your goals and riding habits are equally important. You may choose to pedal faster to get to work on time or take your time for a relaxing weekend ride.
In France and the European Union, the speed of an electric bike is limited to 25 km/h. What does this limitation mean? In reality, the electric motor that assists pedaling automatically cuts off when the bike reaches 25 km/h. This is a safety measure, which essentially restricts the performance of your e-bike, even though an electric bike is capable of going faster, especially if equipped with a powerful motor. In France, the maximum power allowed for a certified e-bike is 250W.
Several Factors Influence the Actual Speed of a Bike:
- The terrain (flat, uphill, downhill)
- The type of bike (road bike, mountain bike, hybrid)
- Weather conditions
However, these factors have a greater impact on a traditional bicycle than on an electric bike. The assistance of an e-bike is designed to compensate for the difficulties encountered along the route.
Time Required to Travel 15 km on an Electric Bike
How can you calculate the time needed to complete a 15 km ride? It’s relatively simple, but it requires a small calculation. We have seen that in France, the electric assistance of a bike stops when it reaches 25 km/h. Let’s use this speed to calculate the time required for a 15 km trip. At this speed, the cyclist covers 25 km in one hour.
Using a simple proportion, we can determine the necessary time for 15 km:
- At 25 km/h, it will take 36 minutes to complete the trip.
- At 20 km/h, it will take 45 minutes.
- At 15 km/h, it will take one hour to reach the destination.
Of course, you are not required to ride at full speed, and many cyclists, even those with an e-bike, prefer to take longer and enjoy the ride.
Comparison Between the Speed of an Electric Bike and a Classic Bike
The performance of an electric bike is influenced by the motor power (often between 250 and 500 watts), the battery capacity, and the assistance mode used (eco, normal, turbo). Even if you ride a bike limited to 25 km/h, you can exceed this speed, at least for short periods, reaching 28 or 30 km/h. Indeed, once the e-bike reaches 25 km/h, its motor cuts off, but the bike is still moving, and if you keep pedaling, you can legally exceed the motor’s maximum speed.
In this case, you will reach your destination faster: at 30 km/h, it would take 30 minutes to complete the trip. However, this travel time may vary since maintaining 30 km/h throughout the ride is not always possible. Another factor to consider is the type of route: in the city, you will frequently have to stop, for instance, at stop signs or red lights.
Unlike an electric bike, the speed of a classic bike depends mainly on the cyclist’s strength and endurance. Well-trained riders can maintain high speeds over long distances, but this requires considerable physical effort. A person with average fitness typically rides between 15 and 25 km/h in urban areas, with speeds reaching 30 km/h on open roads. However, this requires more effort, and the speed is rarely constant.
Tip: Some regions may have different regulations for electric bikes. It is recommended to check local laws and regulations before purchasing an e-bike to ensure compliance.
Why Choose a Fiido Bike for Your Rides?
Whether you're riding 15 km or more, Fiido electric bikes are designed to provide maximum comfort and optimal performance. Our brand offers all types of e-bikes, including folding models like the Fiido X.
With disc brakes and a sleek design, the C11 is the ultimate city e-bike.
Fiido C11 City E-bike
Fiido C11 - the best electric bike for a dynamic and safe city adventure.
You can also use it for road trips. For more demanding routes, you might prefer a fat bike, such as the M1 Pro.
Fiido M1 Pro Fat Tire Electric Bike
The most cost-effective fat tire ebike for off-road adventures.
As we have seen in this article, the type of bike and terrain affect the duration of your 15 km journey. However, the performance of your electric motor helps you overcome obstacles and fully enjoy your ride.
