Interested in purchasing a speedbike: a rapid electric bicycle exceeding 28 mph? Here’s our current ranking of the top speedbikes. Our ranking is based on a thorough market analysis, testing, and the features of each speedbike.
What’s the Best Electric Speedbike?
Samedi 28.5
Suntour 2.5 inches suspension front fork. 10-speed transmission and 500Wh battery for long rides.
Budget: $ | Speed: 15 mph | Range: 74 miles
Fat bike Ride66 RX02
A 26-inch, height-adjustable fatbike, well-suited to riders over 5’9”. 750W motor and hydraulic disc brakes. 3-year warranty.
Budget : $ | Speed : 25 mph | Range : 80 miles
Bafang BBSHD (1000W)
Tested and approved. A very powerful and robust motor, guaranteed for 2 years (after-sales service available 24 hours a day). Quick assembly (2h). Ideal for mountain roads and mountain biking.
Budget: $ | Speed: 37 mph | Battery: optional
What Is a Speedbike?
A speedbike is a type of electric bicycle designed to reach speeds of up to 28 mph. They are intended for smooth road surfaces (rather than rough terrain or mountain trails). Essentially, the farther you need to travel, the more time you can save with a speedbike.
When riding a speedbike, you have control over your speed. On the one hand, you can adjust the assistance level using the onboard computer. On the other hand, you can adjust the assistance level by varying your pedal strokes (the electric assistance of the speedbike adjusts to your pace). This allows for a customizable riding experience depending on the terrain.
What Sets Apart an Electric Bike from a Speedbike?
| Speedbike | Electric bike | |
|---|---|---|
| Motor | Between 350W and 1200W | 250W |
| Speed | 28 mph | 15.5 mph |
| Brakes | Hydraulic disc brakes | Classic disc brakes |
| Tires | Approved 28 mph | Single tires |
| Legislation | Moped | Classic e-bike |
| Helmet | Speedbike approved | Single helmet |
| Insurance | Mandatory | Optional |
How to Select Your 28 mph Electric Bike (Speedbike)?
Below, you’ll find all the advice you need to select the right electric speedbike for you.
The Battery
A speedbike that can reach speeds of up to 28 mph requires a robust battery. It’s one of the crucial components of this type of bicycle. Achieving high speeds relies on the motor drawing power from a sufficiently strong battery! Furthermore, the battery significantly impacts the bike’s range. The larger the battery capacity (expressed in Watt-hours), the more kilometers it can cover.
Nowadays, there is an increasing availability of speedbikes equipped with high-capacity batteries exceeding 1000Wh. Certain electric speedbikes even feature dual battery setups.
The Motor
Motor power is measured in Watts. While basic e-bike motors start at 250W, speedbikes typically feature motors ranging from 350W to 1200W. The motor in an electric speedbike is typically situated in the bottom bracket or the rear wheel, but never in the front wheel. Renowned motor brands include Bafang (notable models: BBS01 and BBS02 B), Yamaha, and Bosch.
Safety
Safety is paramount when traveling at speeds of 28 mph, especially on an electric bike. I strongly recommend choosing a speedbike equipped with hydraulic disc brakes, as they offer superior stopping power. Additionally, it’s important to note that on speedbikes, brake lever positioning is reversed due to regulations: the rear brake lever is on the left, and the front brake lever is on the right. The rear brake should also activate a brake light, illuminating a red light at the rear of the speedbike when engaged.
The handlebars must be equipped with a mirror and a horn. Additionally, your speedbike should feature 2-position headlights (position lights and full headlights.) To ensure maximum safety, the tires fitted on the bike must be rated for speeds of up to 28 mph.
Cost of Electric Speedbikes
On average, an electric speedbike costs around $2800 for mid-range models and up to less than $8300 for high-end models (such as the Moustache Friday 27 FS Speed Dual Speedbike.)
It’s worth noting that electric speedbikes do not qualify for subsidies available for conventional electric bikes.
Leading Speedbike Manufacturers
Numerous e-bike manufacturers have ventured into the speedbike market. Presently, the top speedbikes are produced by Kalkhoff, Moustache, Cube, Cannondale, Trek Bikes, Gazelle, and Haibike. Several prominent bicycle and e-bike manufacturers offer one or more speedbike models in their lineup.
Legal Requirements for Riding a 28 mph Electric Bike
Purchasing a speedbike entails adhering to specific regulations for road usage, as explained in our guide to speedbike regulations (28 mph). It’s important to note that a bicycle capable of reaching speeds of 28 mph is legally classified as a moped.
To be able to use your speedbike, you must wear a helmet approved for speedbikes, i.e. it must meet the Department of Transportation (DOT) standards. These standards ensure superior protection and enhanced resistance to impacts at high speeds (accelerated by 40% compared to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standard.)
These helmets provide broader coverage for the skull, particularly the temporal and occipital lobes (the back of the skull and temples), offering approximately 10% additional protection. It’s strongly recommended to wear gloves while riding speedbikes. Additionally, electric speedbikes must be insured as moped, powered by electricity.
Another crucial requirement is obtaining a Title (or Certificate of title) for your electric speedbike that will be necessary in some States. To obtain this, you must ensure your speedbike has a certificate of conformity. Additionally, upon obtaining the Title, you’re obligated to register the bike and affix a license plate to it.
Furthermore, akin to all mopeds, a speedbike capable of reaching speeds up to 28 mph must be operated on roads and is prohibited from use on cycle paths. Due to the speed of 28 mph, attaching a child seat to a speedbike is prohibited.
Summary: The Best Electric Speedbikes
Samedi 28.5
Suntour 2.5 inches suspension front fork. 10-speed transmission and 500Wh battery for long rides.
Budget: $ | Speed: 15 mph | Range: 74 miles
Fat bike Ride66 RX02
A 26-inch, height-adjustable fatbike, well-suited to riders over 5’9”. 750W motor and hydraulic disc brakes. 3-year warranty.
Budget : $ | Speed : 25 mph | Range : 80 miles
Bafang BBSHD (1000W)
Tested and approved. A very powerful and robust motor, guaranteed for 2 years (after-sales service available 24 hours a day). Quick assembly (2h). Ideal for mountain roads and mountain biking.
Budget: $ | Speed: 37 mph | Battery: optional