For each type of bike, it’s now possible to find an electric alternative, and electric bikes are becoming one of the most popular modes of transport in urban environments.
These machines serve as sustainable and health-promoting alternatives to short and medium-distance car journeys. In addition, they are excellent tools for leisure, mobility, and, in some cases, exercise.
E-bikes vary greatly in their performance and capabilities, and a significant part of this is the motor’s power. A 1000W electric bike is the most powerful type of e-bike commonly found.
These machines can reach speeds over 30 mph, charge up steep climbs, and haul heavy cargo. However, more power isn’t always better for everyone.
In this article, we will discuss the benefits, downsides, and legal considerations of 1000W e-bikes. Then, we will review five of the best models currently available so you can decide if a 1000W electric bike is the right choice for you.
What Are the Benefits of a 1000W Electric Bike?
An electric bike with 1000 watts has a motor with a sustained power output of 1000W. Watts (W) is the unit used to measure power, and power is equal to torque (Nm) x speed (rpm).
Many manufacturers will provide two unique watt ratings for a specific e-bike; one is sustained (nominal) power, and the other is peak. The max sustained wattage is the more important of the two.
A motor may have a peak power output of 1000W but just 500W nominal power. The five bikes we selected for this article have 1000W nominal power.
These 1000W e-bikes are appealing because they allow you to reach high speeds, exceeding the 28 mph speed limit set by e-bike manufacturers. In addition, they make it possible to haul heavy cargo and ride up steep inclines without losing much speed.
The downside of these bikes is that many are illegal to ride on public roads in unrestricted mode, as they exceed the 750W max power restriction given to e-bikes under US law.
Another problem with having so much power is the faster use of energy. As a result, these bikes must have large, heavy batteries or dual battery capacity to return reasonable riding ranges. This drives up the price and weight.
How Fast Does a 1000W Electric Bike Go?
A 1000W electric bike can achieve top speeds as fast as 35 mph. For example, the Juiced HyperScrambler 2 (reviewed below) can reach 34 mph in ‘Race Mode,’ making it one of the fastest electric bikes around.
While most 1000W e-bikes come with an unrestricted mode, they are typically sold with a 750W, 28 mph restriction in place so they can comply with Class 3 regulations.
External factors also influence how fast an electric bike with 1000W can go when using unrestricted mode. The type of motor, weight of the e-bike and rider, wheel diameter, tire size, and weather conditions are just some of the factors that influence the top speed you can reach.
750W vs. 1000W E-Bikes: Which Should You Get?
If you have two e-bikes with hub motors from the same brand, one 750W and the other 1000W, the differences won’t be very noticeable, particularly if each bike is limited to 28 mph.
The extra wattage is typically most noticeable when climbing steep gradients or hauling heavy cargo, which the more powerful motor can do while maintaining higher speeds.
The difference between these systems is most evident in unrestricted mode, where the 1000W motor can achieve higher max speeds. However, the 750W e-bike is fully compliant with the law in states that allow Class 3 e-bikes and will usually have a longer range and weigh less (if the battery size is the same).
1000W electric bikes are best suited to riders who want the fastest possible e-bike but aren’t concerned about having tons of range or those who want to climb steep hills effortlessly or haul heavy cargo over challenging terrain. Hunters, adventure riders, and those with private land to ride on will benefit most from a 1000W e-bike motor.
750W electric bikes are ideal for riders who live in urban areas and need a bike that complies with local speed and wattage restrictions. These e-bikes are sufficiently powerful and provide more than enough capability for the average e-biker. Moreover, 750W motors can be used for any type of ebike.
How Well Does a 1000W Electric Bike Climb Hills?
High-power 1000W electric bikes can climb hills like they aren’t there. Unrestricted, these bikes maintain high speeds on steep inclines.
Mid-drive motors are even more efficient than hub-drive motors on hills. With the rider’s input and the appropriate gear chosen, 1000W mid-drive e-bikes can crush hills faster than the equivalent power hub-drive e-bike. For this reason, the most extreme performance e-bikes, like Rambo’s Rebel, use mid-drive motors.
Regardless, any e-bike with a sustained power of 1000W will make light work of hills, no matter how steep.
Legal Considerations for 1000W Electric Bikes
An electric bike with 1000W is technically not road legal, as it falls outside the 750W max power limit set out by the ebike classification system adopted across most US states.
The electric bike classification system mentioned throughout the article is how regulators distinguish between e-bikes to apply different regulations. As of July 2023, 38 of 50 US states use this system.
Because of the 40% increase in max speed between Class 1 and 2 (20 mph) and Class 3 (28 mph), more stringent rules apply to Class 3 e-bikes.
The three classes are as follows:
- Class 1: Pedal assistance (PAS) only, top speed of 20 mph, max power 750W.
- Class 2: PAS and throttle, top speed of 20 mph for both, max power 750W.
- Class 3: PAS only, top speed of 28 mph for PAS, max power 750W. Many manufacturers add a removable throttle.
Models that exceed the Class 3 limitations are subject to the same licensing and registration as mopeds and scooters. If you need clarification on your state’s laws, check out PeopleForBikes.org or read our guide on ebike licensing requirements.
Many manufacturers of these 1000-watt electric bikes make it possible to adjust the top speed and max wattage through the display or a companion application. This limits them to a 750W sustained power and 28 mph, so licensing and registration aren’t required. You can then access an unrestricted mode for riding on private land.
5 Best 1000W Electric Bikes We Recommend
1. Bakcou Scout
Price: from $5,599
- Motor Torque: 160 Nm
- Battery: 48V, 17.5 or 21 Ah
- Range: N/A
- Gears: 11-speed, SRAM NX
- Brakes: 4-piston Tektro hydraulic disc, 203 mm rotors
The Bakcou Scout 1000-watt e-bike is a fat-tire commuter from specialists in high-power models. Bakcou Bikes equips most of its models with huge 1000W motors capable of reaching speeds above 30 mph.
The Scout sports a 1000W Bafang mid-drive motor with a 1500W peak power and 160 Nm of torque, leaving plenty on the table for going fast. You can also reduce its power to 750W if you want to make it street-legal. A 48V battery and controller ensure you can reach max speed in just a few seconds.
The Maxxis Minion 4″ puncture-resistant fat tires and RST Renegade Air Fork (120 mm of travel) and Rockshox Monarch Air Rear suspension give this bike a smooth ride quality that eats up bumpy pavement and handles light off-roading.
Other valuable features include powerful hydraulic 4-piston Tektro electric bike disc brakes for stopping the heavy 76 lb chassis, an ample SRAM NX 11-speed rear derailleur, and a large LCD screen.
Don’t miss out on this powerful fat-tire electric bike with 1000W if you want huge power and range without sacrificing practicality.
2. QuietKat Apex Sport
Price: $3,999
- Motor Torque: 160 Nm
- Battery: 768 Wh, 48V
- Range: 48 miles
- Gears: 8
- Brakes: Tektro hydraulic disc
This e-bike is available in a camo paint finish for an extra $100 which turns it into one of the best hunting electric bikes, blending in with the surroundings thanks to its whisper-quiet motor.
The frame-integrated rack ensures you can load up the rear with your cargo or fresh kill, carrying up to 100 lb (325 lb, including rider and cargo).
The Apex Sport has a 100 mm inverted air suspension fork, enormous Kenda Juggernaut 4.5″ fat tires, and Tektro hydraulic disc brakes to deliver off-road performance.
The main downside of this bike is the limited range, which is just 48 miles at a very maximum, but significantly less if you’re hauling cargo over rugged backcountry terrain.
However, you should add this powerful hunting electric bike to your list if you want all-terrain capability and a customizable motor output that makes it legal to ride on roads.
3. Bakcou Mule
Price: $4800 – $5,200
- Motor Torque: 160 Nm
- Battery: 1008 Wh, 48V
- Speed: 35+ mph
- Gears: Shimano Alivio 9-speed
- Brakes: Tektro HD E750 Quad Piston Hydraulic, 203/180 mm rotors
Bakcou E-Bikes, like QuietKat, is a specialist in the design of powerful hunting electric bikes. The Mule is one of the company’s top models, equipped with a 1000W Bafang M620 Ultra mid-drive motor.
The massive 48v 17.5ah – 25Aah lithium-ion battery (you can choose the capacity on checkout) on this bike provides enough juice for long rides, so you can explore the countryside or commute for up to a week without recharging.
One impressive feature of this bike is the Maxxis Minion 4.0″ tires, which are a step above the typical Kenda tires seen on bikes in this category. These pair with a BCEB GT MRK 100 mm AIR Fork, ensuring unbeatable stability and traction on extreme terrain.
Bakcou equips the Mule with powerful four-piston hydraulic disc brakes with a 203 mm front and 180 mm rear rotor for reliable stopping.
All things considered, this is a solid choice if you need a 1000-watt e-bike to reach extreme terrain for hunting or camping trips, and you don’t need to add any accessories, as all the most important ones are already included.
4. Quietkat Lynx
Price: $3,999
- Motor Torque: 83 Nm
- Battery: 960 Wh, 48V
- Range: 60 miles
- Gears: Single-speed
- Brakes: Hydraulic discs, 203 mm rotors
The Lynx is another 1000W electric bike by Quietkat Bikes, capable of reaching speeds over 30 mph.
This e-bike comes with a 48V, 960 Wh battery that returns around 60 miles of range. That’s decent, but slightly lower than some other options on our list. But, keep in mind that the Lynx weighs 100 lb with the battery, which puts things into perspective.
- Related review: Best Moped Style E-Bikes
With all that weight, the 83 Nm of torque might feel slightly underwhelming on the steepest gradients, but the 1000W motor can quickly reach the top speed on flatter terrain.
The Lynx does not come with a lot of accessories, but it does have front and rear fenders, bright lights, and a synthetic leather passenger seat. In addition, the full-suspension setup, 4.5″ fat tires, and hydraulic disc brakes help keep you in control and provide a comfortable ride on pavement and light off-road terrain.
Choose the Quietkat Lynx if you want a moped-style 1000-watt electric bike with all the bells and whistles for urban riding.
5. FREESKY Swift Horse
Price: Check the price on Amazon
- Motor Torque: 100 Nm
- Battery: 960 Wh, 48V
- Range: 90 miles
- Gears: 7
- Brakes: Hydraulic disc, 160 mm rotors
The FREESKY Swift Horse is an affordable full-suspension 1000-watt e-bike designed to go fast on mixed terrain, thanks to its large 4″ tires and Bafang hub motor.
A large 960 Wh battery has a max range of 90 miles, which is probably exaggerated, given the 80 lb weight, massive power, fat tires, and suspension. Nonetheless, riders can enjoy five levels of pedal assistance and throttle mode, with a max speed of 28 mph.
The basic 7-speed Shimano drivetrain will limit your ability to spin on steep terrain but is sufficient for urban riding. Likewise, the hydraulic disc brakes are a decent addition for the bike in this price category, but the 160 mm rotors are slightly small, given the weight and power.
Finally, FREESKY equipped the Swift Horse with features like a 600-lumen headlight, a taillight, and a horn for safer urban riding.
Overall, this is the best 1000-watt electric bike if you’re on a tight budget and want a smooth, capable ride.
WHY do we have to keep asking for years, for a nominal 1500 watt 20-22 ah full size ebike, rear or mid drive, with 1.75 x 26 in tires?
There probably aren’t enough people who would buy a bike with those specs, otherwise someone would have made it by now. I agree, it would be nice to have that option!