QuietKat 20mph Article

So you've decided to look for the best electric mountain bike. You're looking at suspension and geometry. You're making certain that you have high-quality brakes and a build kit that suits your riding style. Before you go all in on speed, consider what you give up when you go all in on power that is exclusively focused on speed. We've compiled a list of pointers to assist you select and build the fastest electric fat tire bike possible.

The Fastest E-Bike

We get further away from the realm of electric bicycles when we see a bike that does not use pedal assist and boasts a motor power of more than 5KW (that's more than five times our most powerful motor). They truly belong in a class of their own, somewhere between e-bikes, motorbikes, and mopeds. They're also not permitted on many bike trails or in National Parks. So, before you make a decision, make sure you fully grasp what increasing the speed may prevent you from accessing.

The Three E-Bike Classifications

As electric mountain bike technology becomes more sophisticated and more people across the world purchase and explore on their e-bikes, local and national governments are enacting more legislation to ensure that all user groups may coexist in smart ways that encourage a positive experience for all.

Recently, there was a monumental announcement from the National Forest Service that paves the path for local governing bodies to decide where and how e-bikes can be used on trails owned and managed by the US Forest Service. This news helps to clarify the terminology surrounding the three types of electric bikes. Yes, this is a positive move for e-bikes, but it is also something to keep in mind when considering your demand for speed.

Class 1: electric bikes in this category are pedal-assist only—meaning the bike will not move without active physical engagement by the rider—and there’s no throttle with a maximum assisted speed of 20mph.

Class 2: electric bikes in this category are also pedal-assisted but also feature a throttle. The maximum speed is still 20mph.

Class 3: like Class 1 bikes, electric bikes in this category are pedal-assist only and there’s no throttle. But, unlike Class 1, the maximum assisted speed is 28mph.

It should be noted that all grades understand that the motor's power is limited to 1 horsepower. As a result, the aforementioned fastest electric bikes on the market fall outside of this category.

5 Ways to Make Sure Yours is the Fastest Electric Bike

To ensure the best possible access for our electric bikes, all QuietKat e-bikes will roll at around 20mph (which, all things considered, is rather fast while pulling through the forest on the path). However, there are a number of different techniques to ensure that your electric fat tire bike is the fastest possible. Here are some pointers:

1. Make sure you’re fully charged.

A fully charged electric mountain bike produces more voltage. On our blog, we went into great length about what to expect from a (fully charged )1000 watt electric bike.

2. Invest in a higher voltage battery.

As previously stated, a bike with a larger charge produces a higher voltage output, ensuring you get the most out of your speedometer. Examine the whole QuietKat batteries and charging accessories array to discover whether an update is right for you.

3. Opt for smoother tires.

If you're taking your mountain steed off the trails and into the concrete jungle, one way to ensure top speed is to replace your knobby, sticky tires with smoother tires. Smoother tires offer reduced rolling resistance and can add 1-2mph to your speed.

4. Tune your brakes.

Did you realize that badly adjusted brakes might cause your e-bike to slow down? The unnecessary friction caused by brake rub can prevent you from reaching your full speed capability. It is simple to learn how to tune your brakes. Simply take it to your local bike shop if you'd prefer leave it to the pros.

5. Tuck!

Have you ever seen the Tour de France? The riders will then gain up amazing speed as they crouch low into their handlebars to reduce wind resistance. It's remarkable how much speed you can feel yourself gaining when rolling downhill.