Dual Motor Electric Bike | Are They Worth It and What You Need to Know

The emergence of technology has made almost every type of bike easier to use, and electric bikes are not an exception. Nowadays, the market offers an electric bike for avid riders which is extremely powerful – the dual motor electric bike. If you’re thinking of buying it for easy commuting or for casual cycling, you are probably curious about the question “Is it sensible to buy a dual motor electric bike?” This blog will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of dual motor motorized bicycles, its speed potential, and its legal limitations in the UK. We will also respond to some common questions like the legality of throttles and other differences of eBike motors.

A Dual Motor Electric Bike is Defined

As its name hints, a dual motor electric bike has a motor placed on both the front and the rear wheels of the bike. The configuration aims to achieve a better performance propulsion, improved thrust, and bigger overall power. For riders who need more help for steep hills, rough terrains, or when carrying a heavy load, this system is perfect because of the assistance that it provides.

Modern dual motor bikes allow for optimally smooth acceleration and extra traction on eBike models with two motors instead of one. This makes the riding experience much more enjoyable for seasoned riders looking to get more power from their eBike.  

Do these dual motor eBikes offer added value?

The inquiry of whether ebikes with two motors are worth the price was the primary concern with dual motor models; the answer mostly comes down to riding preferences. Take a look at some of the characteristics that may justify the price:  

Power and Performance: If pedaling a eBike over steep hills is challenging, you may find taking a ride in snowy, muddy, or even mountain trails daunting. The dual motors provide unmatched traction and can withstand all ‘test’ conditions utilizing the additional power such a model offers.  

Enhanced Battery Life: Riders are bound to assume that employing two motors would have a negative impact on battery life with one being used at a time, but controlled energy consumption provides better efficiency in rough terrains with a well-fitted dual motor.  

Acceleration and Speed: The ability to accelerate faster with added control is made easy with the motors. Commuters stuck in traffic, or anyone looking to have some fun on the bike will find this most useful.

The Comfort and Stability: The dual motors enable power to be shared with both wheels, resulting in greater stability and comfort over bumps. This greatly helps larger riders or people who carry weight on their bikes.

The dual motor system does have some negatives, however. These bikes tend to be heavier and more expensive than single motor bikes. In addition, they may limit your range for longer trips if you don’t ride in an efficient manner due to increased battery consumption, which can sub-optimally boost economy range.

How Fast Can a 5000W eBike Motor Go?

A 5000W motor is one of the most powerful configurations and, as expected, causes the most speed. Many riders wonder how fast a 5000W eBike motor goes and understandably so. Based on rider weight and terrain as well as aerodynamics, a 5000W motor can achieve speeds of 50 to 60 mph (approximately 80 to 97 km/h) on a flat surface.

You would rarely find a 5000W eBike that isn’t used for racing or other high-speed endeavors as they reach incredibly high speeds. They are, however, not street legal everywhere so keep that in mind. Many regions have local laws that set a maximum speed limit for eBikes and a 5000W motor would most likely be over that limit.

Is the 750W eBike Allowed in The UK?  

In the UK, eBikes have to follow certain rules, especially when it comes to the motor’s power. In this case, 750W eBikes outperform the permitted motor power in the UK which is 250W for normal eBikes. However, 750W motors are usually found in powerful eBikes meant for off-road excursions or specific performance oriented settings.

The UK legislature permits the use of eBikes with 750W of motor power if the bike is designed for off-road riding or racing. For road eBikes, the motor limit should not exceed 250 watts and they may not aid pedaling beyond 15.5 mph (25 km/h). If you are planning to use a 750W eBike in the UK it’s important to note that it would likely only be legal in certain situations such as off-road or private land.

Is an eBike with Throttle Illegal in the UK?

Another FAQ that comes up often is “Is eBike with throttle illegal in the UK?” In UK law, it is mandatory to have a pedal assist system on an eBike if a throttle control is installed. If there is a throttle, an eBike’s top speed limit should not exceed 15.5 mph (25 km/h) and should not be increased with the use of a throttle. Above this speed an eBike is considered illegal for road use.

In the UK, if police are to check the legality of an eBike’s throttle, the throttle must only come into action when pedaling is involved. There are a lot of regulations that govern eBikes and failure to abide by them may lead to confiscation of eBikes from their owners.

Pros and Cons of Dual Motor eBikes

Unlike other forms of bikes, dual motor eBikes have their upsides and downsides. These are some of the pros and cons that might concern you. Following are the pros.

Increased Performance: With two motors you get greater performance since the two motors will provide greater speed and power which is a must for every sport.

Better Control: The two motors provide even perfusion of power in all wheels which helps improve control and ride smoothly over difficult terrains.

Comfort and Handling: The dual motor power eBikes enhance the stability and handling of the bikes, giving more comfort to heavy or big riders.

Riding Efficiency: The dual motor bikes, especially on difficult terrains, can maintain their range more efficiently than single motor models.  

Cons:

Pricey: The dual motor eBikes come with a higher price tag than single motor bikes, thus making it a costly purchase.

Increased Weight: Adds difficulty to transporting or storing, the extra motor increases the bicycles weight.  

Battery Drain: Increased use of both motors quickly reduces the battery of dual motor bikes compared to single motor models.

Conclusion:

For riders looking for greater performance, increased power, and a smooth riding experience, dual motor electric bikes are an ideal option. If you are looking for a more stable and easy ride on steep hills and rough terrains, then the second motor will significantly help. But keep in mind the extra weight, cost, and potential battery drain from a dual motor setup.

For those asking if dual motor eBikes are worth it, the answer lies within how you ride and what you expect from your bike. If you’re looking for a performance ride, they may be the ideal choice. For more relaxed commuting, a single motor eBike might be more appropriate.

When it comes to issues concerning the legality of 750W eBikes in the UK and whether eBikes with throttles are illegal, one needs to know the local rules governing the use of bikes to ensure one rides legally. As usual, it is prudent to understand the specifics in the legal framework of your region to avoid contraventions with the law.