Differences Between a High-Speed and a Regular E-Bike

deepening the contexts

An E-Bike is a broad term for bicycles powered by electricity — it describes a bike that provides power only when the rider is pedaling.
Technically, this type of bicycle is known as a regular e-bike — Pedelec, short for Pedal Electric Cycle.

High Speed (HS) or Speed Pedelecs, are electric bicycles that offer motor assistance up to 45 km/h.
Unlike standard pedelecs, which assist only up to 25 km/h, speed pedelecs are equipped with more powerful motors and a sturdier design. This allows them to meet the demands of higher speeds and the corresponding safety requirements.

All revolves around some key factors like speed, power, regulations, and usage restrictions.

regular E-BIKE - pedeleC

The word Pedelec (an abbreviation of pedal electric cycle) was created in 1999 to differentiate between bicycles with automatic pedal support and those with a drive powered by a gas handle – meaning e-bikes.

• Provide motor assistance up to 25 km/h (15.5 mph) — after this speed, the motor cuts out;

• Personalised riding modes — selected riding modes can be configured to your very own preferences;

• Cycle paths may or must be used – depending on the national or local regulations.

• No licence plate/insurance needed.

HIGH SPEED - speed pedelec

Speed Pedelecs are popular among commuters who want to cover longer distances quickly and efficiently while still getting some exercise. They provide a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to cars or motorcycles for getting to work, particularly in urban areas with congested traffic.

• Increase the overall pedal assistance from 25 km/h to 45 km/h (28 mph);

• Lighting system with daytime running light and brake light;

• Mandatory mirror + eletrical horn;

• Can’t ride on cycle lanes on most European Union (EU) countries;

• Licence plate and insurance needed;

• Compulsory use of helmets.

Legal Classification, Licensing and Insurance:

HS e-bikes are classified as a motorized vehicle. This means it is subject to licensing, registration, and insurance requirements in most European countries, like Portugal. Regular e-bikes are classified as a bicycle under EU law, meaning no special licensing or registration is required.

Having said that, HS e-bikes require a license, insurance, and vehicle registration with a visible license plate.

wHERE YOU CAN RIDE

Regular e-bikes: Can be used on bike paths, bike lanes, and roads, with no restrictions in most European countries.

HS e-bikes: Restricted from using bike paths or cycle lanes in many countries, such as Portugal. Must often use roadways instead.

RANGE

High Speed models are quick and equipped with a more powerful electric motor than regular e-bikes, typically ranging from 500 to 900 watts.

They often feature larger batteries to support the increased power output. The electric motor on these bikes helps proportionally with the rider’s pedalling input, meaning the more force the rider exerts on the pedals, the more assistance they receive from the motor.

Regular e-bikes typically offer a longer range when riding at lower speeds compared to HS one’s when riding at top speeds due to higher power consumption, although larger batteries can/might mitigate this.

RIESE & MÜLLER - HIGH SPEED MODELS

A varianteHS aumenta a assistência global ao pedal de 25 km/h para 45 km/h, o limite legal da União Europeia, trocando o motor de série por um Bosch Performance Line Speed.

Todos os R&M HS bicicletas elétricas vêm com um espelho retrovisor (obrigatório para HS). E na frente e atrás, temos um par de luzes Supernova M99 Mini Pro-25, que é simplesmente um dos sistemas de luzes mais fiáveis e robustos atualmente disponíveis.

A luz de fundo funciona também como luz de travagem. Para completar este cenário, a buzina Supernova é capaz de produzir um som excelente que pode fazer corar alguns carros.

RIDING MODES CONFIGURATION

With the option to configurate your riding modes on regular e-bikes, the amount of extra power your e-bike deilvers is entirely up to you.

The various riding modes are easily accessible via the control unit, so you can quickly adapt the level of support to your needs. This way, you not only get the best possible support, but also a riding experience that is precisely tailored to you.

summary

The High Speed variant increases the overall pedal assistance from 25 km/h to 45 km/h (28 mph), significantly faster than a regular pedelec — this is the key factor.

A vantagem de poder circular a 34 km/h na estrada, por exemplo, pode significar que o carro atrás de si não terá qualquer incentivo para tentar ultrapassá-lo ou dar-lhe a confiança extra de circular no meio da estrada, se necessário. 

More than reducing travel time, with a high speed e-bike you’ll increse your efficiency and have a powerful motor, ideal for longer commutes or quickly navigating through urban traffic.

Come test-ride some at our shop!

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