Sometimes, we see e-bike riders online complaining that their e-bike just isn't fast enough. They say the motor feels weak or the top speed is disappointing.
Actually, speed depends on many different factors. Your tire pressure, suspension setup, riding posture, battery charge level, chain condition, and even whether your brake pads are rubbing against the disc. Any of these can quietly steal your speed without you even noticing.
In fact, your fat tire e-bikes already have incredible potential hidden inside them. You don't need to cut any wires or modify the motor if you want to make it faster. In this guide, I will share 10 simple and safe tips. Let's dive in and make your ride faster, smoother, and safer.
Top 9 Safe Tips to Make Your Electric Bike Faster
1. Adjust Your Tire Pressure Every Week
When your fat tires are soft, they stick to the road like glue. The motor has to work much harder to push you forward. This wastes battery power and lowers your top speed.
Get a pump that has a built-in pressure gauge and fill your tires to the proper level. For 26''×4'' fat tires, a pressure between 40 and 50 PSI is usually a good starting point. However, the exact number isn't fixed. It actually depends on your body weight, the tire size, and the bike model you ride. To be safe and accurate, always check the numbers printed on the tire sidewall or follow the official guidelines from the manufacturer.
2. Use a Fully Charged Battery
Top speed is limited by available voltage, which is directly impacted by battery charge level. That means when your battery voltage drops, your top speed drops too. A 60V battery is fully charged at about 67.2 volts. When it falls below 60V, the controller starts to limit power to protect the battery.
So, if you want maximum speed, always start your ride with a high state of charge. Don't go out with only two bars left and expect full power. If your bike feels noticeably slower than before, try charging the battery fully and see if the problem persists. Also, double-check that you are using the correct charger for your specific model.
3. Check Your Ebike's Speed Settings
Using the display, controller menu, or official manufacturer tools, users can modify speed-related settings on certain electric bikes. These settings may change depending on the model, area, and bike setup.
Make sure the speed modification is compatible with your particular e-bike by consulting your owner's handbook or manufacturers before making any changes. Modify the parameters only in accordance with local laws and the bike's intended range. Don't guess or try to force a change if a setting is ambiguous.
4. Improve Your Riding Posture
Wind is your biggest enemy at high speeds. When you sit straight up, your body acts like a big sail. The faster you go, the harder the wind pushes you back.
For this, you can lower your upper body toward the handlebars and keep your elbows bent and tucked in. It feels a little weird at first, but it reduces wind resistance. This small change can easily give you an extra 1-2 mph without using any extra battery power. Also, pedaling technique is important as well. Use a smooth cadence, keep your feet steady on the pedals, and change gears when necessary. When you pedal effectively, the motor collaborates with you rather of working alone.
5. Check for Brake Drag
Are your brakes rubbing against the wheel? This is very common and very annoying. If your brake disc is slightly bent, it touches the brake pads even when you aren't pulling the lever. This creates friction. Friction creates heat. Heat kills your speed.
Lift your rear wheel off the ground and spin it with your hand. Does it stop quickly? Do you hear a scratching sound? If yes, your brake caliper needs adjustment. Align the caliper so the wheel spins freely. A free-spinning wheel means all your motor power goes to moving forward, not fighting the brakes.
6. Reduce Extra Weight
Your motor has to carry everything on the bike. The heavier the total weight, the slower the acceleration and top speed.
Take a look at your bike bag or basket. Do you really need that heavy chain lock, that big water bottle, and all those tools for a short ride? Take off anything you don't need for that specific trip. Losing just 5 pounds makes a big difference. It feels like you are riding a lighter, zippier bike.
7. Lubricate Your Chain or Belt
A dry, dirty chain creates a lot of friction. This friction wastes motor power. It also makes the motor work harder and get hotter.
Clean your chain with a simple degreaser. Then apply a good bicycle chain lubricant. Make sure to wipe off the extra oil. A smooth-running drivetrain transfers power perfectly. This is a basic maintenance tip that keeps your bike running like new.
8. Adjust Your Suspension Preload
If your suspension is too soft, it absorbs a lot of your pedaling and motor power. Every time you hit a small bump, the shock compresses and eats up your speed energy.
Look at the rear suspension. Adjust it to a slightly stiffer setting. Since your fat tire e-bike is heavier than a normal city bike, it needs more support. A stiffer rear shock keeps your rear wheel planted on the ground. This means more power goes to the wheel.
9. Upgrade Brakes Before You Go Faster
Here is one thing many riders overlook: if you make your ebike faster, you also need to make it stop faster. Your stock brakes were chosen for the bike's original top speed. Once you push beyond that, they may not have enough stopping power.
At higher speeds, your stopping distance increases significantly. Mechanical disc brakes can overheat and fade under heavy use. Upgrading to hydraulic disc brakes with larger rotors gives you more reliable stopping power and better control.
What Not to Do When Trying to Make an Ebike Faster
Some speed-related changes are not worth the risk. They may damage the bike, reduce braking safety, void warranty coverage, or make the bike illegal to ride on certain roads or trails.
- Do not install a battery that is not officially compatible with your model. This includes higher-voltage batteries, aftermarket options, refurbished units, or cheap low-quality alternatives. Even if they fit physically, they can damage your motor, controller, and wiring. Worse, they may create serious fire safety hazards.
- Avoid modifying the controller or tampering with the internal wiring. Electrical changes are not simple plug-and-play upgrades. They can affect motor performance, reduce overall system reliability, and often lead to costly repairs. In most cases, these modifications also instantly void your manufacturer warranty.
- Never ignore your brakes and handling. This is the most important rule of all. If you manage to make your bike faster, you also need to make sure your braking system is up to the task. Higher speeds mean longer stopping distances and greater demands on your brake pads, discs, and tires. Always prioritize safety over speed.
🚲Skip the Mods, Get the Real Thing
Trying to modify a basic e-bike to go faster is risky and frustrating. You might damage the motor, overheat the battery, void your warranty, or worse, create safety hazards. And even after all that hassle, you still won't have a bike that is properly built for speed. Why go through all that trouble? Just start with a bike that already has the power you want.
The Philodo Falcon comes ready to ride with dual motors, each rated at 2,000W (5,000W peak power), delivering a massive 210 N·m of torque. It hits speeds up to 45 mph right out of the box. The 60V 32Ah battery gives you up to 100 miles of range, so you can ride longer without worrying about running out of power. It has a robust dual motor system optimized for off-road performance and can withstand challenging riding conditions that would overwhelm regular commuter e-bikes.
Final Thoughts
Notice that I didn't ask you to break any speed laws or damage your motor. All these tips are about reducing energy loss and using the bike's own smart features correctly. Take 20 minutes this weekend to check your tires, adjust your suspension, and clean your chain. Then go for a ride. I promise you will feel the difference.
If you decide to make your ebike faster, remember that more speed means more responsibility. Faster bikes require faster reaction times, better braking, and greater awareness of your surroundings. To stay safe, always follow the manufacturer's guidance on parts and settings. Avoid aftermarket modifications that may compromise your bike's reliability. Also, be aware of local traffic laws. Violating these regulations can lead to fines, bike confiscation, or even legal liability in case of an accident. Ride smart, ride safe, and enjoy the thrill of your ebike responsibly.
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