E-Bike Electric Motor | Types, Speed, and Legal Aspects

E-bikes are changing the way commutes are done. They are more fun to use than traditional bicycles and are eco-friendly as well. Motors are a very important feature on e-bikes which can be used for severe cycling, riding an adventure bike or for performance biking. Queries like ”What type of motors does an electric bike use?” or ”Are 1000 Watt e-bikes legal in the UK?” and ”What is the speed of an e-bike motor that’s 2000 watts?” are important considerations when deciding on an e-bike. Let’s get right into it.

What type of motor do e-bikes have?

E-bikes have electric motors that give both pedal propulsion and throttle powered movement. These engines are of various types with some having certain benefits over others.

1. Hub Motors

These are the most common types of motors found on e bikes. Hub motors are located on the front wheels and rear wheels of e-bikes.

Geared Hub Motor: Ideal for climbing hills due to lower gears for better torque.

Gearless or Direct drive hub motors are less effective during climbs but more power efficient during higher speeds. 

Pros of using geared hub motors include:

Not expensive so they are cost friendly. 

Could use a simple installation or replacement of parts because of how simple it is. 

Preventative upkeep is also straightforward.

Ebike parts are cheaper and more available to the public.

Cons: 

Not as effective mid-drive motors in terms of efficiency. 

The front wheel can feel unbalanced. 

2. Mid-Drive Motors

Power is given directly to the bike’s chain via the crankset where mid-drive motors are fitted. 

Pros:

Better weight distribution and balance. 

Higher efficiency, especially on hills. 

Interacts perfectly with the bike gears for better results. 

Cons:

More pricey than hub motors. 

Hub motors generally need the most maintenance because of potential drivetrain wear and tear. 

3. Friction Drive Motors

These motors drive a small roller that pushes against the bike’s tire to provide movement. They are rare in modern e-bikes but still found in some models designed to be ultra-lightweight and portable. 

Pros:

Simple to step-up.

Lightweight and portable. 

Cons: 

Less effective than hub and mid-drive motors. 

Causes tire damage over time. 

Which Motor Is Best For An E-Bike? 

Casual riders and people commuting to work:  Hub motors are an excellent selection for first-time users due to their effortless design. 

People going off the road or working out in the wild: Mid-drive motors have better power efficiency and balance, making them ideal for mountain e-bikes and long distance rides.

Are 1000W eBikes Legal in the UK?

The UK has strict laws governing the use of e-bikes. In the UK, e-bikes are categorized as Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles (EAPCs). To an EAPC be roadworthy without needing registration, it must fulfill certain conditions.

Legal Requirements for EAPCs in the UK.

Maximum Motor Power: 250W

Maximum Speed: 15.5 mph (25 km/h).

Pedal Assistance Only: The motor must work only when pedaling (no throttle-only e-bikes are permitted unless registered as mopeds).

Are 1000W E-Bikes Legal in the UK?

No, this essentially means that a 1000W e-bike would surpass the UK limit of 250W and be considered a moped or motorcycle, which means:

It requires registration with DVLA.

Must possess a valid motorcycle licence.

Must possess insurance, road tax, and other required safety documents.

Legally, you can ride a 1000W e bike off road or on private land without restrictions. However, in public, only 250W e-bikes are permitted.

How Fast Does a 2000W E-Bike Motor Go?

A 2000W e bike is specifically an all terrain electric bike made for off road use or adventure rides at legally permissible speeds.

Estimated Speeds of a 2000W E-Bike:

Terrain	Estimated Top Speed
Flat Road	45-55 mph (72-88 km/h)
Uphill	30-40 mph (48-64 km/h)
Downhill	55+ mph (88+ km/h)

Factors Affecting Speed:

Battery voltage: Speeds can be further increased with a high voltage battery such as 72V.

Tire type: Road tires enable an increase in speed, while off-road tires provide increased grip at the expense of speed.

Rider weight: Speed may be impacted negatively with an increase in the rider’s weight.

Terrain: Bike riding on rough trails, inclines and other types of severe rough will greatly slow the bike.  

Is a 2000W E-Bike Road Legal?

With the exception of off-road riding, adventure trails, and private land, a 2000W E-Bike serves most off-road uses. In the EU and UK, it substantiates its existence as a motorcycle as legally a 2000W E-Bike fails to coat-road a-e-bike.

How Fast Can a 36V 1000W E-Bike Motor Go?  

Riding on rough terrain may increase their speeds. Off-road riders who are looking for speed off-road mula will surely consider a 36V 1000W motor of such grade ideal as it balances efficiency while optimizing мощность. 

Estimated Speed of 36V 1000W E-Bike: 

Terrain	Estimated Top Speed
Flat Road	28-35 mph (45-56 km/h)
Uphill	18-25 mph (29-40 km/h)
Downhill	35-40 mph (56-64 km/h)

Battery voltage: Speeds can be further increased with a high voltage battery such as 48V or 52V.

Some e-bikes have enforceable speed controllers that prevent riding over set speed limits.  

The posture a rider takes when riding, as well as how the bike is constructed, affects the speed.  

Is a 36V 1000W E-Bike Road Legal?  

EU countries along with the UK do not permit riding 1000W e-bikes.  

In the United States, the legality changes from state to state. Some states will permit up to 750W while others have higher restrictions for class 3 e-bikes.  

Permitted use on private land and off-road has no restrictions.  

Conclusion  

Various types of electric bike motors are available, each designed for a specific riding style. If you find yourself asking, “What kind of motor is an e-bike equipped with?”, the most commonly used ones are hub and mid-drive motors, with the latter taking the advantage in terms of efficiency. Regarding power, legal boundaries need to be respected, but they can offer significant speed. For instance, a 1000W or 2000W e-bike motor will provide great performance, but will not be street legal. In the UK, riding a 1000W e-bike on the public roads is prohibited, only 250W e-bikes are permissible.  

A 2000W e-bike will best serve those seeking speed and performance, accelerating to 55 mph. A 36V 1000W motor will be able to reach speeds around 35 mph. However, always check local regulations if you plan to purchase a high-powered e-bike for road use.

It’s good to keep in mind the bike’s motor type and legal considerations in order to make the best choice when selecting a bike for commuting, casual off-road biking, or high-speed riding.