Gravel Road Climbing Test: Is the 25Kph Limit Too Slow for E-Bikes

Electric bikes offer riders the ability to tackle challenging terrains with greater ease and endurance.

However, the 25km/h speed limit imposed on many electric bikes, particularly in Europe, has sparked debate among enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Is this limit too restrictive, especially when climbing gravel roads?

In this comprehensive analysis, we will compare the performance of three different types of bikes—gravel, mountain, and e-bikes—on gravel road climbs and evaluate whether the 25km/h limit truly impacts the riding experience.

The 25km/h (15.5mph) speed limit is a regulatory standard that applies to most e-bikes, particularly in European markets.

This restriction is primarily aimed at ensuring safety on public roads, balancing the power of the motor with the need for controlled, predictable speeds in various environments.

While this limit is sensible for urban commuting, its implications for off-road and gravel riding are less clear, particularly when considering the diverse range of terrains that e-bikes are used on.

SEE ALSO Why are ebikes limited to 15 or 20 mph

Comparison of Bike Types on Gravel Roads

To thoroughly examine the impact of the 25km/h limit, we conducted a detailed comparison of three different bike types: a road gravel bike, a traditional mountain bike, and an e-bike.

Each bike was tested on both flat gravel roads and gradual hill climbs, allowing us to analyze their performance across various conditions.

Gravel Bike

Gravel bikes are designed to combine the speed and efficiency of a road bike with the rugged capabilities of a mountain bike.

The gravel bike used in this comparison featured a full carbon frame, carbon wheels, and 28mm tires.

This setup is optimized for versatility, allowing the bike to perform well on both tarmac and gravel surfaces.

On a relatively flat fire road, the gravel bike excelled, completing the course in 1 minute 30 seconds with an average speed of 27.4km/h (17mph).

The absence of a speed limiter allowed the rider to push beyond the 25km/h threshold effortlessly.

The bike’s light weight and narrow tires contributed to a smooth and fast ride, demonstrating the gravel bike's advantage on less rugged terrains.

When tackling a gradual hill climb, the gravel bike maintained its efficiency, completing the climb in 1 minute flat with an average speed of 14.1km/h (8.8mph).

The bike’s performance on the climb was aided by its lightweight frame and high tire pressure, which minimized rolling resistance.

As the gradient increased, the bike’s speed began to drop, highlighting the limitations of non-assisted bikes on steeper inclines.

Mountain Bike 

Mountain bikes are built to handle rough, uneven terrains, with features like 135-140mm travel suspension and semi-soft compound tires designed to absorb shocks and provide grip on challenging surfaces.

However, these features also add weight and increase rolling resistance, which can impact speed on smoother gravel roads.

On the flat gravel road, the mountain bike was noticeably slower than the gravel bike, completing the course in 1 minute 52 seconds with an average speed of 21.8km/h (13.6mph).

The bike’s heavier frame and wider tires required more effort to maintain speed, making it less efficient on flatter, less technical terrain.

The mountain bike’s superior control and stability were evident, particularly on rougher sections of the gravel road.

When climbing, the mountain bike’s performance improved relative to its flat road performance.

The bike completed the hill climb in 1 minute 12 seconds, 12 seconds slower than the gravel bike.

The bike’s suspension system and wider tires provided better grip and stability on the incline, though the extra weight continued to be a factor.

The mountain bike’s design is clearly optimized for more technical climbs, where its features offer significant advantages over less rugged bikes.

Electric Bike

Tesway Ebike offer the unique advantage of motorized assistance, which can be adjusted across various modes: Eco, Trail, and Turbo.

This allows riders to tailor the level of assistance to the terrain and their desired effort level.

For this comparison, we tested the e-bike in all three modes, as well as with the motor turned off, to fully understand its capabilities and limitations under the 25km/h speed restriction.

With the motor off, the Tesway e-bike performed similarly to the mountain bike, completing the flat gravel road course in 1 minute 52 seconds.

When the motor was engaged in Eco mode, the time improved to 1 minute 38 seconds, though the bike was still 8 seconds slower than the gravel bike.

In Trail mode, the time dropped further to 1 minute 33 seconds, and in Turbo mode, the Tesway e-bike matched the gravel bike’s time of 1 minute 30 seconds.

The data clearly shows that while the 25km/h limit can be restrictive on flat terrain, the e-bike’s motor assistance still allows it to perform competitively.

However, as the bike approaches the speed limit, the motor begins to fight against the restriction, which can create a choppy, inconsistent riding experience.

On the hill climb, the Tesway e-bike’s motorized assistance became even more advantageous.

With the motor off, the e-bike completed the climb in 1 minute 15 seconds, only slightly slower than the mountain bike.

In Eco mode, the e-bike’s time dropped dramatically to 36 seconds, with an average speed of 19.3km/h (12mph).

In Trail and Turbo modes, the times were nearly identical at 35 and 36 seconds, respectively, demonstrating the Tesway e-bike’s ability to maintain consistent speed on inclines, even under the 25km/h limit.

Is the 25km/h Limit Too Slow

The data from our tests suggest that the 25km/h limit can be restrictive, particularly on flat gravel roads where the e-bike’s motor is often fighting against the limiter.

On these surfaces, the speed limit can feel frustrating, especially for riders who are used to the faster, more fluid experience of a non-restricted bike like the gravel bike.

However, the situation changes significantly on more challenging terrains, such as steep climbs or technical trails.

On these surfaces, even the most powerful e-bikes struggle to maintain speeds close to the 25km/h limit, making the restriction less of an issue.

In fact, the motor’s assistance becomes a vital tool for maintaining momentum and control on difficult inclines, where a traditional bike might falter.

Rider Weight, Tire Pressure, and E-Bike Motor Differences

It’s important to consider additional factors that can influence e-bike performance under the 25km/h limit.

Rider weight plays a significant role; heavier riders may find it more challenging to reach and maintain speeds near the limit, particularly on climbs.

Tire pressure is another critical factor, as higher pressures reduce rolling resistance, making it easier to approach the speed limit.

E-bike motor differences are also crucial—some e-bikes, like those from Tesway, feature motors that decouple when the speed limit is reached, allowing for a smoother transition beyond 25km/h, while others may feel more sluggish and resistant, adding to the effort required to maintain speed.

Practical Implications for E-Bike Riders

For riders who frequently travel on flat roads or smooth gravel paths, a gravel bike may offer a more satisfying experience, free from the constraints of the 25km/h limit.

However, for those who regularly encounter hills, mountains, or technical trails, an e-bike’s motorized assistance can be invaluable, making the 25km/h limit a minor inconvenience in exchange for the significant advantages it offers in more demanding conditions.

It’s also essential to consider the broader context of your riding environment. In urban areas, the 25km/h limit is often sufficient due to traffic and other obstacles that naturally reduce speeds.

Conversely, in more open, rural settings, the restriction may feel limiting, particularly on longer rides where higher speeds are desirable.

Conclusion

The debate over the 25km/h speed limit on e-bikes is multifaceted, with valid points on both sides.

Our comprehensive comparison of gravel, mountain, and Tesway e-bikes on varied terrains reveals that while the speed limit can be restrictive on flat, smooth surfaces, it becomes less of an issue on challenging climbs and rougher terrains.

For riders who prioritize speed on flat roads, the 25km/h limit may indeed feel too slow, making a traditional gravel bike a better choice.

For those who value the versatility and assistance of an e-bike, particularly in hilly or rugged environments, the 25km/h limit is a reasonable trade-off for the power and support the motor provides.

Ultimately, the best bike choice depends on the rider’s typical terrain and personal preferences.

Tesway e-bikes shine in situations where extra power is needed, and for many, the 25km/h limit is a small price to pay for the convenience and capability they offer.

FAQs

What kind of maintenance does an e-bike require?
An e-bike requires regular maintenance similar to that of a traditional bicycle, including checking tire pressure, lubricating the chain, and ensuring that the brakes are functioning properly. Additionally, the electric components, such as the motor and battery, should be inspected periodically by a professional.

Can I use an e-bike for long-distance touring?
Yes, e-bikes are suitable for long-distance touring, especially models designed for endurance and comfort. Plan your route with charging stations in mind, and consider carrying a spare battery for extended trips.

Are e-bikes water-resistant?
Most e-bikes are designed to be water-resistant, meaning they can handle light rain and splashes. However, it's advisable to avoid riding in heavy rain or submerging the bike in water to prevent damage to the electric components.