Written by Muneeb Rana · Last updated 26 October 2026
Quick answer: Average cycling speed on flat ground for a casual rider is often about 10–14 mph (16–22 km/h), while fit road cyclists hold 18 mph or more. Commuting averages are lower because of stops. Wind, hills, bike type and tyres matter a lot. A phone GPS speedometer or bike computer can measure your own numbers.
TL;DR
- Casual: about 10–14 mph.
- Fit road riders: 18+ mph.
- Stops lower commute averages.
- Aerodynamics dominate at speed.
- E-bike assist has legal caps.
Average cycling speed ranges
| Rider | Typical flat speed |
|---|---|
| Leisure | 8–12 mph |
| Commuter | 10–15 mph |
| Club road rider | 16–20 mph |
| E-bike (assist cap) | up to 20 or 28 mph US; 25 km/h EU |
Illustrative; see bicycle performance sources.
What slows you
Air drag grows with the square of speed and dominates above about 10–15 mph; hills, headwinds, heavy bikes and soft tyres add resistance. Wikipedia's bicycle performance article details this.
E-bikes
US e-bike classes cap motor assistance at 20 or 28 mph; the EU limits assistance to 25 km/h. See e-bike speed limit.
Measuring
Use a handlebar mount and start a trip in Speedometer PRO. Compare with a wheel-sensor bike computer if you have one.
Safety
Ride within path limits; never handle the phone while riding; NHTSA bicycle safety guidance applies.
Plan rides
Use the travel time calculator.
Factors that matter
Aerodynamic drag rises with the square of speed, so going a little faster takes a lot more effort at higher speeds. Wind, riding position, tyre pressure, bike weight on climbs, and traffic stops all shape your average. Group riders save energy by drafting.
Urban averages
City commutes include junctions and lights, so average speed often sits well below cruising speed. That is why a door-to-door average around 10–12 mph is common even for fit riders.
Measuring your own average
Ride a regular route with a trip running for a couple of weeks. Your own average on that route is the best benchmark to watch improve.
Factors that matter
Wind, gradient, tyre pressure, bike type and traffic lights all change average speed far more than fitness alone.
Related
Related: Bike speedometer app: GPS speed for cycling · E-bike speedometer: GPS speed for e-bikes · E-bike speed limit and classes · Best bike speedometer apps · Travel time calculator · Average running speed · Speedometer use cases · Average walking speed
Get Speedometer PRO on Google Play · Download on the App Store · Set it up before you move; never handle your phone while driving.
Sources
- Bicycle performance (Wikipedia): en.wikipedia.org (accessed 26 October 2026)
- Electric bikes and the three-class system (PeopleForBikes): peopleforbikes.org (accessed 26 October 2026)
- Electric bicycle laws (Wikipedia): en.wikipedia.org (accessed 26 October 2026)
- Bicycle Safety (NHTSA): nhtsa.gov (accessed 26 October 2026)
FAQ
What is a good average cycling speed?
For casual riders 10–14 mph on flat roads is common; club riders often average 16–20 mph.
Why is my commute average so low?
Stops at lights and junctions add time without distance.
How fast do e-bikes go?
Motor assistance is capped by law, for example 20 or 28 mph in US classes and 25 km/h in the EU.
Is a phone as good as a bike computer?
For average speed in open sky, often close. Wheel sensors work better under trees and in tunnels.
Can I use Speedometer PRO on a bike?
Yes, with a secure handlebar mount, set up before riding.