How Many Watts Should E-Bikes Have?

Okay motorheads, let’s talk about electric bikes and how much wattage you need on them because as you all know, it plays a big role in determining the power and performance of your steed machine.

 

Now the first thing to know when you are looking at different power levels of e-bikes is that because of issues such as local laws, naming of motors, and different standards for testing motors from different manufacturers may not be equal even when rated the same.

 

Just because two manufacturers offer a 250W motor doesn’t mean that the motors or e-bikes are going to be putting out the same power level. Therefore, we are going to look at what a wattage rating on an e-bike means for the activities you can do on the bike but understand that one manufacturer’s e-bike may be a little more powerful than the other even if they are rated the same.  Okay, here is a look at wattage ranges you’ll find on e-bikes.

 

250W E-Bikes

This is the minimum amount of power you can find in an e-bike, be it a mid-drive or hub motor. We are talking about just the right power level for flat land cruising but not shredding off-road terrains or carrying heavy loads. Anytime you run into hills, you’ll notice that you begin to slow down because 250W is just not enough to push uphill. These bikes are suited for regions with strict regulations.

 

350W E-Bikes

A 350W motor will give your E-Bike a little more oomph than a 250W motor. We are talking about a somewhat higher top speed and power to take on small hills or carry heavy loads. These bikes are perfect for riders who want more power in a lightweight design.

 

However, you are going to notice that you won’t be able to climb bigger hills because an extra 100W doesn’t make a big difference on power levels. That being said, you still get a bike that’s faster and stronger than a 250W and less expensive than a 500W bike.

 

500W E-Bikes

Okay motorhead, once you reach the 500W e-bike, is when you can start thinking about off-road riding. 500W is the minimum amount of power needed for a decent hill climbing performance for people of medium weight. However, if you are above medium weight range, you’ll need more power than 500W to cycle up a hill.

 

That being said, when it comes to mid-drives, you can climb hills better because they offer better torque. Unlike bikes with one gear ratio, you can drop your mid-drive bike into a lower gear and climb hills better.

 

750W E-Bikes

If you are in the US, you are going to find a lot of 700W e-bikes. It’s the standard for e-bikes in the US because it’s the legal limit in many states. In Europe, you need special licenses for bikes that exceed 250W so you won’t find a lot of 700W e-bikes.

 

With this motor rating, you really start to get good power and fantastic performance. We are talking better hill climbing and acceleration off the line. However, don’t expect much difference from a 250W bike when it comes to flatland riding.

 

Apart from being able to pick up speed quicker, there’s no difference between riding a 250W and a 750W bike on flat land. The difference in these bikes comes when accelerating or hill climbing.

 

1000W+ E-Bikes 

The e-bikes are designed for impressive speed, acceleration and hill climbing than other wattage categories. We are talking about faster, heavier bikes with longer range than their smaller motor counterparts.  

 

These high-performance off-road models are designed for racing, cargo transportation, mountain biking, and such like demanding activities. The amount of power of the line is going to be a big difference compared to 500- and 700-watt motors, even for heavier riders.

 

These bikes feature sturdy frames, advanced braking systems, and other safety features but they are not for everyone. Plus, they need special regulations and licenses even in the US. Think about your specific needs and riding style before investing in one of these.

 

Alright, these are the wattage ranges you’ll see on e-bikes. As already mentioned, some ranges are more common in some places than others, i.e. EU regulations vs US regulations. If you are ready to get your electric bike, we would love to talk to you about our e-bikes and e-bike accessories ranging from dual motors to foldable designs, mountain bikes, and city commuting steeds in various wattages.

 

It all depends on your local regulations and the activities you want to do on the bike. Is it city commuting or hill climbing? Do you prefer casual riding or high-speed racing? Will you be doing some transportation and what is the average load amount? Whatever your needs, we will be happy to find you the right e-bike.