How to Upgrade Any eBike to Go Super Fast?

Electric Mountain Bikes For Adults | VICTRIP

If you're tired of your eBike capping out at 15-20 mph and you're ready to unleash some serious speed, you're not alone. eBike upgrades are the secret sauce to turning your average commuter into a street demon. Let’s dive deep into exactly how you can upgrade your eBike to go super fast without frying your system—or your face.

Understanding Your eBike's Basics

What Determines Your eBike’s Speed?

Your speed depends on four major factors:

Motor power (Watts)
Battery voltage (Volts)
Controller limits (Amps)
Weight and aerodynamics

Legal Speed Limits and Regulations

Before anything else, know your local laws. In the U.S., Class 1 and Class 2 eBikes are usually capped at 20 mph, while Class 3 goes up to 28 mph. Anything beyond that enters moped territory and may need registration.

The Power of the Motor and Its Limitations

Most stock eBikes come with a 250W–750W motor. If you’re serious about hitting 35+ mph, you'll eventually need a motor that can handle 1000W or more.

The First Step – Unlock the Speed Limiter

What is a Speed Limiter?

It’s a firmware-locked barrier that restricts your eBike’s speed electronically.

How to Bypass It Safely

LCD Controller Settings

Many eBikes allow you to enter a secret menu using a button combo. Increase the top speed setting from 25 km/h to 50 km/h (or more).

DIY Wiring Hacks

Some models use a speed sensor hack where you trick the bike into thinking it’s moving slower than it actually is.

Manufacturer Firmware Unlock

Some brands offer official unlocks—either paid or via software updates.

Upgrading the Battery for Higher Voltage

Voltage vs Current vs Power

The power your motor receives is calculated as:

Power (Watts) = Voltage (V) × Current (A)

So, if you move from:

36V 10A (360W) to
48V 20A (960W)

You’re almost tripling the power output—hence, a major speed increase.

Battery Chemistry Options

Most eBikes use:

Li-Ion (Lithium-Ion): Long lifespan, moderate discharge rate.
LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate): Safer, but bulkier.
LG/Samsung Cells: Premium-grade cells with better thermal control.

VICTRIP electric bike uses high-quality LG battery cells in their eBikes to ensure reliable performance, enhanced thermal safety, and extended battery life.

Always check:

Discharge rate (C rating)
Built-in BMS (Battery Management System) – A good BMS prevents overcharging, overheating, and cell imbalance.

Battery Upgrade Safety Tips

Use XT60, XT90, or Anderson connectors for high current.
Secure battery with straps or frame brackets.
Never overcharge – always use a matched charger.

Motor Upgrade – Going Beyond 1000W

Mid-Drive vs Hub Motor (Performance Benchmark)

Feature	Mid-Drive (e.g., Bafang BBSHD)	Hub Motor (e.g., QS Motor)
Torque	High	Moderate
Hill Climbing	Excellent	Average
Max Speed	30–45 mph	35–65+ mph
Complexity to Install	Medium	Low
Cost	$$$	$$

Pro tip: High-performance hub motors (3000W–5000W) like QS or MXUS require:

72V battery
Heavy-duty controller
Reinforced frame and torque arms

Controller Mods – Tune Like a Pro

Key Specs to Compare:

Voltage Support Range (e.g., 36V–72V)
Current Output (e.g., 25A, 40A, 60A)
MOSFET Quality – Determines thermal efficiency
Programmable Settings – Use software like BafangConfigTool or Grin Tech Cycle Analyst

Field-Oriented Control (FOC) vs Sinewave Controllers

FOC: Smarter torque and smoother response
Sinewave: Quieter and more efficient, ideal for stealth

Custom Wiring and Heat Management

Wiring Best Practices

Always solder high-current joints.
Use heat shrink tubing on all exposed terminals.
Use 12 AWG or thicker for battery/motor connections.

Add a Heat Sink or Thermal Paste

Stick-on heat sinks for your controller’s FETs.
Thermal paste can be applied between motor casing and heat fins.

Install a Temperature Sensor

Use NTC thermistors inside the motor windings.
Connect to your controller to trigger thermal cut-off above 80–100°C (176–212°F).

Custom Tires for High-Speed Riding

Tire Type	Feature	Speed Impact
Slick Tires	Low rolling resistance	★★★★★
Knobby Fat Tires	More grip, less speed	★★☆☆☆
Hybrid Tread	Balance of grip/speed	★★★★☆

Go for puncture-resistant liners, and increase pressure to 80–100 PSI (as per sidewall rating).

Software/Firmware Mods

For foldable eBikes with smart controllers or displays:

Use open-source firmware on Bafang, Tongsheng, or VESC-compatible systems.
Some allow:
- Throttle curve editing
- Assist level custom tuning
- Overcurrent protection disabling

Tools: VESC Tool, OpenSourceEBike, ST-Link + PC

Boosting Performance with a Better Motor

Types of eBike Motors

Hub Motors (rear/front): Simpler and cheaper.
Mid-Drive Motors: More torque, better for hill climbs and high speeds.

Swapping to a More Powerful Motor

Upgrade to a 1000W, 1500W, or even a 3000W hub or mid-drive system if you're chasing serious speed.

Rear Hub vs Mid-Drive Performance Gains

Mid-drive wins on torque and efficiency. Rear hub motors are easier for raw speed hacks.

Controller Upgrade for Speed Freaks

What a Controller Does

It regulates how much power is sent to your motor. No matter how big your battery is, the controller decides how much juice flows.

Matching Controllers with Motors and Batteries

Use a controller that supports higher amperage (30A–50A) and is compatible with your motor’s wattage.

Amp Output and Firmware Tuning

Custom firmware can allow fine-tuning throttle response, power curves, and regen braking strength.

Reduce Drag and Rolling Resistance

Use High-Pressure Tires

Lower rolling resistance = faster speed. Inflate to the max PSI your tires allow.

Swap for Lightweight Wheels

Less rotating mass improves acceleration and top-end speed.

Streamline Your Riding Position

Tuck in those elbows and lean forward. A more aerodynamic posture makes a surprising difference.

Upgrade the Drivetrain and Gearing

Install a Larger Front Chainring

This increases gear ratio, allowing higher speeds at lower pedaling cadence.

Fine-Tune Gear Ratios for Higher Top Speeds

Pair your chainring upgrade with smaller rear cogs to maximize efficiency.

Improve Electrical Wiring for Efficiency

Use Thicker Gauge Wires

Thin wires can choke your power. Use AWG 12 or lower for high-current systems.

Shorten Cable Lengths

Shorter wires = less resistance = more usable power.

Advanced Upgrades for Hardcore Riders

Dual Motor Setup

Double the torque and speed—but also double the battery drain and weight.

Regen Braking as Power Booster

Some advanced controllers offer regenerative braking. It recovers some energy during braking, though it won’t majorly affect speed.

Safety Considerations at Higher Speeds

Brake System Upgrades

Hydraulic disc brakes are a must above 30 mph. Mechanical brakes simply won't cut it.

Helmet and Protective Gear

Always wear full-face helmets and gloves. Speed equals risk.

Lighting and Reflectors

Be seen. High-speed eBikes need motorcycle-grade lights.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overheating Your Components

Going faster means more heat. Watch your motor and controller temps.

Ignoring Weight Distribution

Top-heavy or rear-heavy setups become unstable at speed.

Using Mismatched Parts

Your motor, controller, and battery must be in sync to avoid performance loss or even explosions.

Cost Breakdown of Each Upgrade

Upgrade	Estimated Cost
Speed Limiter Unlock	$0–$50
Higher Voltage Battery	$300–$800
New Motor (1000W+)	$200–$600
Controller Upgrade	$100–$300
Tires and Wheels	$50–$150
Gear System Mods	$40–$100

Realistic Speed Gains You Can Expect

Stock 250W: ~20 mph
48V, 750W Setup: ~28 mph
52V, 1000W Setup: ~35 mph
72V, 2000W Beast: 45–60+ mph (Not legal for street use in many areas)

Legal Risks and Insurance Issues

Upgrading beyond legal specs may:

Void your warranty
Get you fined
Require registration and insurance
Make you liable in case of accidents

Final Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Upgraded eBike

Always upgrade incrementally—don’t throw everything on at once.
Monitor battery temps during your first few rides.
Use apps like eBike Analyzer to track performance data.

Conclusion

Upgrading your eBike to go super fast is part science, part rebellion, and all about understanding your machine. If you're willing to dive into voltages, amps, and a few trial-and-error rides, the speed and thrill payoff is absolutely worth it. Just remember—more speed equals more responsibility. Ride safe, ride smart, and enjoy the wind in your face.

FAQs

Can I upgrade a 250W eBike to go faster?

Yes, but you’ll need to replace or modify the motor, battery, and controller. Most 250W setups aren't built to handle high performance.

Will upgrading my battery void the warranty?

Most likely, yes. Always check with your manufacturer before making changes.

Is a 72V battery safe for daily riding?

Only if your motor and controller can handle it, and you’ve got proper cooling and safety measures in place.

What’s the fastest legal eBike setup?

In many regions, Class 3 eBikes with 750W motors and 28 mph top speeds are the legal max.

How can I check if my motor is overheating?

Use a temp sensor or smart controller with thermal readouts. Signs of overheating include power drops, smell, or error codes.