How long does it take to bike a mile on bicycle and ebike

 

We were asked the question on a blog: how long does it take to bike a mile?  To answer this question we packed up the bike in the car and headed out.

Our mile test consisted of riding through an empty parking lot, a slight elevation change and a flat road.

The test was completed without any pedestrian or car traffic.

The elevation was fairly flat except for a small rise through a road overpass.

The sidewalk then continued to a flat road

We tested

• How long does it take to bike a mile at a casual speed
• How long does it take to bike a mile as fast as possible
• How long does it take to ebike a mile with a 1000Watt Mid Drive electric bike

We’ll provide you with the results that we came up with in an afternoon of bike riding.

There are several factors that could make bike riding mile times faster or slower.  We will show you how each of these factors plays a role in biking speeds.

• Weather
• Terrain
• Type of Bike
• Rider Skill
• Equipment

Always make sure when riding at fast speeds that you are aware of cycle safety and riding laws.

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Equipment Used in Test

 

To get accurate results we used the Speedometer app found in the app store. This app uses gps and had many functions.  We were able to get readings on:

• Current Speed
• Distance
• Average Speed
• Maximum Speed
• Stopwatch

The app was great except for the ads that popped up frequently.

For the bicycle we used a 7 speed, 4″ fat tire bike that was converted into an ebike.

With a lighter road bike, and advanced riding skills it would be easier to achieve faster times.

We didn’t wear any special biking gear during the tests. But we did wear a helmet! 

The first mile we rode was paced at a casual speed.

 

How long does it take to bike a mile at a casual speed

Well, what is casual speed?  Think of it as the average cruising speed for a beginner rider.

Many advanced riders already have a very good idea of their typical speed because they’ve rode thousands of miles.

Our best answer for how long it takes to casually ride a bicycle for one mile is between five and six and half minutes. 

On this ride we didn’t break a sweat or rapidly increase our heart rate.  As you can see the terrain had turns but not many elevation changes.

The maximum speed achieved was 12 mph.

It took us approximately six minutes to bike a mile with an average speed of 10mph.

If we were riding an uneven surface uphill in the wind with a one speed rusty beach cruiser it probably would have taken us 12 minutes for a mile.

Our bike and gear isn’t optimized for speed. Here is gear typically worn by advanced riders, which is made for speed.

 

How long does it take to bike a mile as fast as possible?

As fast as possible requires applying full physical effort into the pedals. This is a mile sprint on a bike.

Typically when advanced cyclists ride fast they go for longer distances than a mile. Longer than marathon distances.

But for this test we used every ounce of energy for a distance of one mile.

Advanced riders develop efficient riding techniques to maximize output.

 

We were able to hit a speed of 23 mph on the straightaway and were only slowed down by the twists, turns, and slight elevation change.

Our average speed was 18mph, although we wouldn’t be able to keep that speed for a long distance unless our bike and equipment was made for speed and distance.

It took us 3:22 to travel one mile with full effort.

On average it will take beginner riders between three to four and half minutes to ride a mile.

If we were riding 20 miles on this bike, our sustained average speed would probably be closer to 13 mph.

The number to pay attention to for fitness and longevity in riding is the average speed.

Your average distance travelled while riding will probably be longer than one mile.

If you’re seeking speed, make sure to optimize your riding equipment, bike and riding techniques.

Next we will see how long it takes us to ride a mile on the ebike.

Check out the video of the mile tests from this blog:

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How long does it take to ebike a mile?

For this test we turned on the 1000Watt Mid Drive Motor Ebike to test its capabilities.

We rode the same mile long course as previous tests.

In full electric mode we did not use the pedals of the bike, only the handlebar throttle to power the ebike.

 

On the straight section were able to achieve a maximum speed of 31mph. This is 3 mph faster than the previous maximum speed of this ebike.

This increase in speed was due to the wind at our back.

That’s why factors like weather make it very difficult to give an exact measurement for how long it takes to ride a bike a mile.

Our average speed was 23mph which accounted for the twists and turns.

 

This bike also has a pedal assist mode. Which means that electric is supplied with your pedal efforts. The time it would take to ride a mile in pedal assist mode depends on your level of effort put into the pedals.

For a beginner, Between two and three and half minutes is how long it takes to ride an ebike quickly for a mile.

How fast do you ride?

We’d be interested to hear how you are documenting your ride speeds or distances.

The average mile times that we arrived at for beginner riders on our tests:

• Between five and six and half minutes for a casual bike ride mile
• Between three and four and half minutes for full effort ride
• Between two and three and half minutes for quick ebike ride

To improve your speed first find your average speed for 10 or more miles.  Take a close look at your bike and equipment to fully optimize for speed.

Ride Safe and make sure to follow your state bike and ebike riding laws