There are often situations where you might want to squeeze more speed or performance out of your existing electric bike. While there are some major constraints, it is something that is possible if you understand what you are doing. Here are several ways to make an electric bike faster:
Upgrade the Motor
Upgrading the motor on an electric bike is one way to make it go faster. When upgrading the motor, it is important to ensure that the new motor is compatible with the rest of the bike's components, such as the controller and battery. It is also recommended to upgrade the controller and battery to match the higher power of the new motor, otherwise, it can cause damage to the components and void the warranty.
Use a Higher-Voltage Battery
A higher voltage battery will increase the speed of the electric bike. Voltage is directly proportional to the speed of the electric bike. The higher the voltage, the more power the motor has, allowing the bike to reach higher speeds.
Using a higher-voltage battery can also increase the risk of damage to the motor, controller, and other components if they are not designed to handle the higher voltage.
Additionally, a higher voltage battery may require a new, more powerful controller that can handle the increased voltage, and may also have a shorter life span than a lower voltage battery.
Lighten the Bike
Removing unnecessary weight from the bike will make it faster, as it takes less energy to propel a lighter load. Here are some ways to lighten an electric bike:
Use Lighter Materials
Consider using lighter materials for the frame, such as carbon fiber or aluminum, rather than steel.
Remove Unnecessary Parts
Take off any unnecessary parts such as racks, fenders, or lights that add weight to the bike.
Use Lightweight Wheels
Switch to lightweight wheels, such as carbon fiber or aluminum, which can significantly reduce the weight of the bike.
Use Lightweight Components
Use lightweight components such as handlebars, seat posts, and pedals that are made from lightweight materials.
Keep the Battery as Small as Possible
Electric bike batteries can be quite heavy, so try to use the smallest, most lightweight battery possible.
While lightening the bike can make it faster, it's important to maintain the balance between the weight and structural integrity. Removing too much weight can make the bike less stable and less safe to ride.
Use Aerodynamic Enhancements
Adding aerodynamic enhancements such as fairings or streamlined handlebars can make the bike faster by reducing wind resistance. Some ways to enhance the aerodynamics of an electric bike include:
Use a Fairing
A fairing is a streamlined cover that attaches to the front of the bike and reduces wind resistance.
Use Streamlined Handlebars
Streamlined handlebars, such as bullhorns or aero bars, can help reduce wind resistance and make the bike faster.
Pick a Smaller Front Wheel
A smaller front wheel can reduce the area exposed to wind resistance and make the bike faster.
Add a Rear Wheel Fairing
A rear wheel fairing can help reduce wind resistance and make the bike faster.
Use a Full-Body Fairing
A full-body fairing can cover the entire bike and can make the bike faster by reducing wind resistance.
It's worth noting that, while aerodynamic enhancements can make an electric bike faster, they can also make the bike less stable and less maneuverable. Additionally, aerodynamic enhancements can make the bike less visible to other road users and increase the risk of accidents.
Change the Gear Ratio
Changing the gear ratio on an electric bike can help increase its speed. The gear ratio is the relationship between the number of teeth on the front chainring and the number of teeth on the rear cog. A higher gear ratio allows the bike to reach higher speeds, but at the cost of more effort required to pedal.
Changing the gear ratio can make an electric bike faster, but it can also make the bike harder to pedal, especially when climbing hills or tackling other challenging terrains. Check the compatibility of the new gear with the existing parts before installation.
Use a Programmable Controller
Using a programmable controller to make an electric bike go faster is possible, as many electric bikes come with programmable controllers that allow you to adjust the speed limit, torque, and other settings.
A programmable controller can be used to increase the speed of the bike by adjusting the speed limit setting, which is the highest speed at which the bike can travel. By increasing the speed limit setting, the bike will be able to reach higher speeds.
The torque setting can be adjusted to increase the power output of the motor, which can also increase the speed of the bike.