How to Unlock Your Ebike Speed Limit (2025 Guide)

Modern ebikes are designed to balance performance, efficiency, and safety — and one of the most common questions riders ask is: “Can I make my ebike go faster?”

The answer is YES — within limits. Most electric bikes, including Velotric models, come programmed with a top speed restriction to comply with U.S. regulations. However, depending on where you ride, you may be able to unlock your ebike’s Class 3 mode to reach higher speeds on open roads or private property.

This 2025 guide explains how ebike speed limits work, how to safely unlock them, what impact it has on range and battery life, and what you should know about local laws before you ride faster.

Why E-Bikes Have Speed Limits

By law, e-bikes in the United States are divided into three classes based on how they deliver power and how fast they go:

• Class 1: These ebikes are pedal-assist only so they have no throttle. The maximum assisted speed is 20 mph.
• Class 2: These ebikes also have a maximum speed of 20 mph, but they also have a throttle.
• Class 3: Like Class 1, Class 3 ebikes are pedal-assist only (i.e. no throttle), but they have a maximum assisted speed of 28 mph.

Class 1 and Class 2 ebikes are the most widely used in the U.S. as they have the fewest restrictions surrounding who can ride them and where you can ride. You can usually ride these ebikes mostly anywhere you can ride a traditional, non-powered bike.

Class 3 ebikes are faster and more powerful, and with that comes some additional restrictions, including age and where you can ride. For instance, many states don’t allow Class 3 ebikes on bike paths.

All Velotric bikes ship in Class 2 mode to comply with local transportation regulations. But riders who want more performance can easily unlock Class 3 mode on supported models for higher assisted speeds.

Please note that each state differs in their legislation regarding ebikes. We highly recommend that you check your state’s specific policies here.

Which Velotric Models Can Unlock Higher Speed Modes?

Velotric designs ebikes with flexibility in mind — allowing riders to customize performance safely and legally.

Velotric Discover 2

• Motor: 750W Peak Motor, 75Nm Max Torque
• Top speed: Up to 28 mph (unlocked)
• How to unlock: Access through the display settings; switch from Class 2 to Class 3 mode.
• Best for: Urban riders who want extra speed for longer commutes.

Velotric Nomad 2X

• Motor: 750W Peak Motor, 105Nm Max Torque
• Top speed: Up to 28 mph (unlocked)
• How to unlock: Via handlebar display menu (Class 2 → Class 3).
• Best for: Adventure and off-road riders who need more power and speed on open terrain.

Both models use SensorSwap™ technology, allowing smoother power delivery even at higher speeds, and UL-certified safety systems, so you can unlock with confidence.

How to Unlock the Speed Limit on a Velotric Ebike

Before You Begin: Only unlock your ebike if you plan to ride on private property or areas where Class 3 ebikes are allowed. Always follow local regulations.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Power on your Velotric ebike.
2. Press and hold the “+” and “–” buttons together for several seconds to open the settings menu.
3. Enter the access code 1919 (or check your model manual).
4. Navigate to Speed Limit / Class Setting.
5. Change from Class 2 (20 mph) to Class 3 (28 mph).
6. Save your setting and restart the display.

You’ll now be able to reach higher assisted speeds — up to 28 mph — depending on your motor and terrain conditions.

Prefer watching instead of reading? Here’s our quick step-by-step video guide on unlocking your Velotric’s Class 3 mode:

For details on other specific features, please refer to the user manual. Should you have any questions regarding the safe and proper adjustment of your bike's speed settings, please feel free to contact us at help@velotricbike.com.

Legal Considerations: Know Before You Unlock

Ebike laws vary by state and city. Unlocking Class 3 mode may not be legal on all bike paths or shared-use trails.

Examples (2025 Updates):

• California: Class 3 ebikes are allowed on some shared paths under AB-1909, if locally approved.
• Florida: Class 3 recognized statewide; riders must be 16 or older.
• Texas: Some municipalities (Austin, Dallas) allow Class 3 on shared-use lanes.
• Oregon / Washington: Minimum age for Class 3 riders is now 15.

Tip: Always check your local Department of Transportation or Parks authority before unlocking your bike for higher speeds.

Does Unlocking Affect Battery Life or Range?

Yes — higher speeds draw more current from the motor, which reduces range.

For example, the Velotric Discover 2 offers up to 75 miles per charge in Class 2 mode, but around 60 miles when fully unlocked.

Other factors that affect range:

• Terrain (hills consume more power)
• Rider weight and cargo
• Tire pressure and wind resistance
• Pedal-assist level (PAS 3–5 uses more power)

Pro Tip: Keep your tires inflated to the recommended PSI and use moderate assist levels to balance speed and range.

Safety Tips for Riding at Higher Speeds

1. Always wear a helmet. Class 3 speeds require faster reaction times.
2. Brake early and smoothly. Hydraulic disc brakes (like those on Velotric bikes) help maintain control.
3. Use lights and turn signals. Stay visible, especially at night.
4. Ride predictably. Avoid weaving or overtaking suddenly at high speeds.
5. Stay alert to traffic. Cars may underestimate your pace — signal clearly before changing lanes.

Can You “Hack” the Speed Limit Beyond 28 mph?

Technically, some riders attempt firmware modifications or sensor bypasses. However, Velotric strongly discourages third-party modifications — doing so can void your warranty, reduce system safety, and make your ebike non-compliant with UL or federal standards.

Remember: unlocking your bike via official settings keeps it safe, legal, and under warranty.

FAQ: Unlocking E-Bike Speed Limits

Is unlocking my e-bike legal?

• It depends on local laws. In most U.S. states, Class 3 (28 mph) is legal on roads but not always on shared trails.

Will unlocking damage the motor or battery?

• No, if done through official Velotric settings. The system is engineered to handle Class 3 speeds safely.

Can I switch back to Class 2 mode?

• Yes — simply reverse the process in your settings menu.

Does unlocking void my warranty?

• No, as long as you use the approved Velotric display settings and comply with local e-bike regulations.

The Bottom Line

Unlocking your ebike’s speed limit is about finding freedom — responsibly. With Velotric’s UL-certified systems, Smart Battery Management, and SensorSwap™ technology, you can enjoy both performance and safety in one ride.

Ready to experience the best of both worlds? Explore the Velotric Discover 2 and Velotric Nomad 2X, engineered for smarter, faster, and safer rides.