In this article, we'll go over the differences between advertised "on-road" maximum speed ratings intended for city use which have laws that restrict how fast an e-bike, e-scooter, esk8 or other personal electric vehicle (PEV) is capable of going while in the city or on public roads and pathways. Learn how to unlock your device to achieve its off-road top speeds here. The "off-road" maximum speed ratings indicate the PEV's maximum-performance capabilities, intended for off-road trails, race tracks, private property, or other designated riding areas. While we're not lawyers and can not offer legal advise, we want to help demystify some of the confusion behind what is generally considered a "street legal" and what should only be used outside of the city limits when riding an electric bike, e-moto, e-scooter, etc.
City Mode
At REV Rides, we sell a wide variety of e-bikes, e-motos, electric scooters, and electric skateboards. Most of our high performance models come with a factory-installed "City Mode" with an on-road maximum speed of 20 mph, making them street legal, and complaint with common city laws and ordinances, and perfect for safely navigating crowded cities with ease, portability, and reliability. With advanced suspension, powerful acceleration and braking, and long-range capabilities, these vehicles provide an exceptional riding experience in both on-road, and off-road riding modes.
Off-Road Mode
For some people, 20 mph just isn't enough, and If city commutes and urban cruising aren’t your thing, maybe you prefer the thrill of riding trails, hitting top speeds on race tracks, or exploring designated off-highway vehicle (OHV) areas. You might consider unlocking your vehicle’s off-road mode. This simple modification allows you to tap into the maximum performance and top speeds of your PEV. But remember, enabling this mode comes with potential legal consequences, so it's essential to understand and comply with local regulations.
We'll talk more about that in a bit...
Here's What You Should Know...
How fast can I legally ride my PEV?
If you're into personal electric vehicles (PEVs), like e-bikes, e-scooters, e-skateboards, etc. you might be curious about their speed capabilities and the maximum legal speeds allowed in public areas. Knowing the difference between "top speed for on-road use" and "top speed for off-road use" is key to riding safely, avoiding unwanted attention, and riding within the rules.
Before You Ride
It’s important to check your local laws and regulations regarding personal electric vehicles. Each city and state can have different rules about where and how fast you can ride your e-bike, e-scooter, e-skateboard, etc. Make sure you're aware of these regulations to stay safe and legal, whether you're cruising on-road or taking an off-road adventure. Always ride responsibly and within the limits set by your local authorities.
Maximum Speed for On-Road Use (City Mode)
Many of the vehicles we sell are designed to be used in cities, on public roads, bike paths, and sidewalks, with a factory-set speed limiter of 20 mph. This is in line with Class 2 e-bike regulations, ensuring you can ride safely and legally in most urban and suburban areas, however it's still important that you check your local laws and regulations pertaining to PEV use in the areas you plan to ride in.
Why 20 mph Top Speed?
The 20 mph limit isn't just a random number. It's a common standard that balances safety and practicality. At this speed, you can keep up with traffic on bike lanes and shared paths without posing too much risk to yourself or others. Plus, it helps you stay compliant with local laws that often set this as the max speed for such vehicles.
Faster Top Speed for Off-Road or Track Use (Off-Road Mode)
Many of our high performance electric bikes, Minibikes/Pitbikes and electric scooters have an "off-road mode" that allows you unlock the vehicle's full performance and top speed potential. This is mode is for use in off-road environments, closed courses, private property or on race tracks, not on public roads or pathways in the city. We recommend wearing a full suite of motocross safety gear when riding in off-road mode.
Why Unlock the Off-Road Mode? Unlocking the full speed of your e-bike, e-moto, e-scooter, or other PEV is an absolute blast if you have an appropriate place to let er’ rip! It lets you see what your vehicle is really capable of in a safe and controlled setting. But be cautious—using this mode on public streets isn't just risky; you might also be breaking some laws! Learn how to unlock your device to achieve its off-road top speeds here.
Legal Implications and Safety Concerns
While it might be tempting to use the higher speeds unlocked by off-road mode on the streets, it's important to stick to the legal limits when riding in public spaces. This could help you avoid the unwanted attention of the authorities, and more importantly, keeps everyone safer.
TLDR...
Understanding the difference between "top speed for on-road use" (City Mode) and "top speed for off-road or track use" (Off-Road Mode) is essential for personal electric vehicle owners. Stick to the 20 mph limit while riding in public areas to stay within legal and safety guidelines. If you want to unlock your vehicles top-speed potential and push the limits, we recommend doing it responsibly, and legally! Learn how to unlock your device to achieve its off-road top speeds here.