September 15, 2021

E-Bike classes: What do they mean?

In recent years, electric bicycles have become more and more popular. People are willing to choose an electric bike as their primary or secondary ride of transportation, especially during COVID-19. However, with the booming in electric powered bikes or escooters, some road rules or regulations have also appeared. August 30, 2019, the US government established a policy explicitly outlining the ebike classes in the interest of residents' safety and social order.

Understanding E-Bike Classifications

As we have already said, the increasing diffusion of electric bikes, mopeds, electric scooters involves a whole series of reactions from the market and consumers. And among the reactions, there is undoubtedly the fact that various states and nations are now trying to legally define this new electric vehicle with laws and tables, so as to be able to differentiate it from both bicycles and motorcycles.

The e-bike is something still relatively young, and for sure there will be countless course corrections, but for those states that do not yet have clear regulations, it is time to start considering this "electric phenomenon", as well as states that have old laws may want to reformulate them in step with the times.

Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 E-bike

Class 1: electric bikes that are pedal-only assisted, have no throttle, and have an assisted top speed of 20 mph. 

Class 2: ebikes that also have a top speed of 20 mph, but are throttle-assisted. 

Class 3: ebikes that are only assisted by pedaling, without a throttle, and a maximum assisted speed of 28 mph.

Class 1 Electric bike

A Class 1 Ebike is defined as follows:

• Pedal-assist only
• No throttle
• Max assisted speed of 20mph
• Max motor power limited to 750W

A class 1 is a bike equipped with a motor that can only provide assistance when the cyclist is pedaling, and which in any case stops the provision of assistance once the bicycle reaches the limit of 20 miles per hour;

Examples of Class 1 ebikes:

OUXI V5 Ebike

HX H1 Flyfish Ebike

Electra – Townie Go! 7D Step-Through

Trek – Domane+ LT 9

Cannondale – Moterra Neo 5

Class 2 E-Bikes

A Class 2 Electric bike is defined as follows:

• Throttle-assisted
• Max speed of 20mph
• Max motor power limited to 750W

A class 2 e bike has a throttle and reaches a maximum of 20 mph. The throttle is limited to a certain speed for safety and regulation reasons. Class 2 electric bike tops out at 20 mph in acceleration and 28 mph in pedal assist. In most places, you will be able to ride a class 2 e bike anywhere you ride a non-electric bike.

Examples of Class 2 electric bikes:

• Super73 S1
• HX Q3 Fat Bike
• OUXI V8 Fat Tire Electric Bike
• Aventon Pace 350
• Rad Power Bikes – Rad Runner Plus

Class 3 Electric Bikes

A Class 3 Electric bike is defined as follows:

• Pedal-assist only
• No throttle
• Max assist speed of 28mph
• Max motor power limited to 750W

A class 3 electric bike is a bike equipped with a motor that can only provide assistance when the cyclist is pedaling, and which in any case stops assisting once the bicycle reaches the 28mph limit, and is equipped with a speedometer.

In many countries, this class of electric bike is considered a motor vehicle for which a license from cyclists.

Examples of Class 3 electric bikes:

• Specialized Turbo Vado SL Equipped
• Aventon Pace 500
• OUXI V7 Off Road Electric Bike
• Trek Domane+ HP

How to choose from class 1, 2 or 3 e bike?

To begin with, the offer of a class 1 e bike is quite affordable, and it is legal to ride on most roads; nevertheless, the pedal-assist design requires greater physical strength from the user, therefore it is better suited to persons who commute small distances.

A class 2 e bike with a throttle design is not only of greater quality but also less expensive than a class 1 ebike. It accomplishes the goal of exercise without causing excessive sweating. It may help individuals save time or transfer large goods, and it is ideal for everyone, especially the middle-aged and elderly people don't want heavy physical exercises. A class 2 e bike is the finest option for long-distance commuting or vacationing. Fanco step-thru electric bike belongs to class 2 e-bike. Moreover, we have more detailed article about step-thru bike.

In comparison to class 1 ebike and class 2 electric bike, class 3 electric bike have higher physical requirements for users and, as a result, their price is assured to be higher. Many ordinary bicycle lanes and sidewalks are off-limits, and the government has more strict laws for class 3 e-bikes. An electric bicycle in class 3 will be more suitable for you if you want to go faster and have a higher budget.

As we analyzed earlier, class 2 electric bike should be the most cost-effective. With class 2 electric bicycles, we can get the greatest enjoyment and accessibility.

Why class 2 e bike

Class 2 e bike, unlike other electric bikes, has a pedal-assist mode up to 20 mph plus a purely throttle-powered mode. As a result, you always have the option of relying on your own two legs or riding your bike without pedaling. 

It's a feature that can be very enticing, especially if you're in a hurry to work or go home but no-sweat exercises before get to destination(that won't leave you a hot mess). It can assist you in getting up to speed after stopping at a traffic light and make transporting large items up steep hills easier and more stable.

In total, there are three classifications of electric bicycles: 1, 2, and 3. Class 1 ebike and class 3 are only pedal-assisted and do not have a throttle, but class 2 bikes have. Class 1 ebikes and class 2 e-bikes can ride in most bike lanes and trails, but class 3 electric bikes have greater restrictions. Class 2 e-bikes are typically allowed in the same places as class 1 e-bikes. That’s because both classes top out at 20 mph for motor assistance.

If you want to use it for long-distance commuting or vacationing but don't want to sweat, class 2 e-bikes like the Cmacewheel GW20 and Cmacewheel Y20 can be an excellent option. Overall, electric bicycles are the most popular mode of transportation. Don't miss out on the ideal opportunity to try out an e-bike.

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