Electron Drift Velocity in Semiconductors

[Izero]

Homework Statement

"The low [electron] density of a semiconductor means that the conduction electrons travel much faster than they do in conductors."

In order to fully understand this, I feel that I need to know why this occurs.

Homework Equations

I = nAve

Where:
I = current
n = electron density
v = average drift velocity
e = charge on one electron

The Attempt at a Solution

I know that, mathematically, the electrons need to travel faster in order for the current to be maintained, since current is flow of charge per unit time. I understand from the equation why this is the case, and the numbers make sense. However, I can't understand why the electrons would move faster just because there are fewer of them, and why the current doesn't just fall when a semiconductor is inserted into a circuit.

 

[EternusVia]

Totally guessing here, but perhaps you have the same amount of EMF distributed among fewer electrons, resulting in a higher speed for each electron?