The short and simple truth is, as fast as you can pedal. An eBike is no different from a regular bike - you do not need to have the batteries or a motor turned on to pedal and make the bike ‘go’. What the motors actually do is give a little assistance. Even the best eBikes have their motors limited to 15.5mph and a maximum watt output of 250 watts - this is in order to make them UK-legal. This means that the second your eBike goes over 15.5mph, the motor cuts out, and your pedal power would be taking that bike faster.
The limit on watts means the motor will only put 250 watts out. Anything after that is down to your muscle strength.
Remember eBikes have different power modes, which will deliver up to a certain amount of watts from the motor. So its most powerful mode will assist you with up to 250 watts - if you’re putting out 300 watts on a climb and in the most powerful mode, the motor will be putting 250 watts out, and you’ll be supplying 50 watts.
Do you need a licence for an eBike?
No. You don’t. No such licence exists, there is a cycling proficiency certificate, but anyone can get on a bike and cycle on UK roads without cycling proficiency or having passed a test.
Are eBikes legal in the UK?
Provided the motor on your eBike is limited to 250 watts and 15.5mph, then yes, your eBike will be legal in the UK. We recommend buying your eBike from a reputable dealer and from a reputable brand; this way, you’ll be able to pedal confidently that your bike is safe to ride.
What are the different types of eBike?
There are many different styles of eBike, similar to that of a regular push cycle, from hybrid bikes to city bikes, commuters, and mountain and road bikes. The added difference an eBike brings is where the motor is. You can have a rear hub motor or a crank motor. Both have advantages and disadvantages.
The different types of eBike motors explained
A rear hub motor sits, unsurprisingly, in a bike's rear hub. A rear hub eBike motor generally has less torque than a crank motor, but they are more lightweight. They fit into the bike’s design so well that you may not even notice it at first glance. They’re just as powerful in terms of watts, but getting off the line carrying goods can be a bit tricker with this style of motor.
A crank motor drives your pedals around instead of turning the rear wheel for you. This gives much more torque but is bulky and heavier. Bosch makes some excellent crank motors that are popular among brands.
Myles is a Autos & Fitness Product Writer for What's The Best, Parkers and CAR. His areas of expertise include cycling, fitness tech and hot hatches.
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