Class 1 e-bikes are some of the most popular because they have very few, if any limitations to their usage both in the United States and around the world, unlike Classes 2 and 3 which are limited in their use.
In this article, you will find class 1 eBike reviews of road, commuter, and mountain bikes from various price ranges and brands so you can make the perfect choice the next time you’re in the market.
Table of Contents
101
Class 1 Commuter Bikes
Class 1 Mountain Bikes
Class 1 Road Bikes
What is a Class 1 eBike?
The Class 1 category is the least restricted one of all the e-bikes. Class 1 eBikes do not have throttles and the motors are limited to 20mph, when this speed is reached the motor stops providing assistance.
This limitation usually means that these bikes are more efficient so they have higher ranges from the same size or smaller batteries, but are limited to pedal assistance.
- Speed limited to 20mph
- Motor power limited to 20mph
Now, let’s check out the best Class 1 eBikes of 2021 –
1. Co-op Cycles CTY e-series
Price: from $1,999 REI Co-op
CTY e2.2 on the left and CTY e2.1 on the right
Range: 50mi | Charge time: 4-6h | Motor: 250W Mid-Drive
Co-op Cycles CTY 2.2 is one of the most complete hybrid commuter e-bikes in this price range packed with everything you need to make life easy.
Firstly, you’ve got a silent and punchy 250W Shimano motor with 60Nm of torque to make any hill feel like riding on the flat. This is backed up by a Shimano 504Wh battery which along with the 9-speed Shimano Alivio drivetrain, give this 20 mph electric bike up to 50 miles range.
- 9-speed Shimano Alivio
- 27.5″ x 1.95″ Schwalbe Big Ben tires
- Max payload: 300 lbs
- Hydraulic disc brakes
Other Great Features
- 75mm front suspension
- Integrated rear rack
- Front and rear lights
- Low stand-over height
- ABUS battery lock
> Read more
REI.com/
2. Trek Verve+ series
Price: from $2,750 Trek Bikes
Verve+ 3 Lowstep on the left and Verve+ 2 on the right
Range: Up to 90mi | Charge time: 5-7h | Motor: 250W Mid-drive motor
Trek’s Verve+ Series of long-range electric bikes are optimized for comfort, ease-of-use, and smooth power on big rides.
To deliver unbeatable comfort, Trek designed this bike with upright riding geometry, a plush saddle, ergonomic grips, and the option of a low step-through frame choice if you want to take that comfort and convenience to the next level.
The electronics on this bike are premium Bosch, starting with a 250W mid-drive motor (Verve+ 3 has 10Nm extra). This pairs with a 500Wh battery on the 3 and 400Wh on the 2, both delivering high ranges up to 90 miles and using Trek’s removable battery technology (RIB).
Finally, both models of this bike are fully equipped with LED lights, fenders, and a rear rack, as well as powerful Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, and Bontrager tires with Hard-Case protection.
- 9-speed Shimano Alivio
- 700x50c Bontrager tires
- Max payload: 300 lbs
- Hydraulic disc brakes
Other Great Features
- Integrated front & rear fenders
- Rear rack
- Front & rear lights
- Bontrager comfort saddle
- Bontrager City pedals
> Read more
Trekbikes.com/
3. Electra Townie Go! series
Price: from $1,600 REI Co-op
Electra Townie Go! 7D on the left and Townie Go! 5i on the right
Range: up to 70mi | Charge time: 3.5-5.5h | Motor: 250W mid-drive
The Electro Townie GO! Series are class 1 electric cruiser bikes with affordable prices designed to be the perfect beach cruisers.
Both the 7D and the 5i come with a choice of step-over or step-through depending on your preference. No matter which you choose, the bike will be very comfortable as the upright, relaxed geometry, shock-absorbent 2.35″ balloon tires, and soft touchpoints smooth out any ride.
The 5i has a slight edge in the electronics, with a 250W mid-drive motor, Shimano Nexus internally geared hub, and 400Wh battery combination providing 70 smooth miles of range. The 7D relies on a less efficient 250W direct drive motor and 309Wh battery for up to 50 miles of range.
Notably, both models have Flat Foot technology which allows you to keep a foot flat on the ground while sitting and pedal in an optimal position. Finally, the 5i has improved hydraulic disc brakes as well as fenders and integrated lights, unlike the 7D.
Townie go! 7D Features
- 250W Direct-Drive motor
- 309Wh Lithium-Ion battery
- 7-speed Shimano Tourney
- Mechanical disc brakes
- 27.5″ x 2.35″ tires
- Hydrive LED display
Bosch Powerpack 400 on Electra Townie Go! 5i
Townie Go! 5i features
- 250W Mid-Drive motor
- 400Wh battery
- Internally geared 5-speed
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- 26″ x 2.35″ Schwalbe Fat Frank tires
- Ergonomic saddle with shock-absorbing elastomers
- Bosch Purion display
> Read more
REI.com/
Best Class 1 E-Mountain Bikes
4. Devinci EP 29″ NX 11S
Price: $5,499 Jenson USA
Range: ~50mi | Charge time: 4h | Motor: 250W Mid-Drive
The Devinci EP 29″ NX1s is a full-suspension Class 1 mountain e-bike built for extreme performance up and down the mountain.
The electronics on this bike are all Shimano Steps. The premium mid-drive motor has smooth, torque-sensing output with 250W of power. This is supported by an efficient E8035 battery which provides 50 miles of range when used with the wide gearing of an 11-speed SRAM NX drivetrain.
The frame material is aluminum Optimun, built with modern trail geometry for better handling. The suspension used is exceptionally smooth-rolling over rocky trails with huge 140mm front and 130mm rear travel from Fox Rhythm/Fox Float shocks. Additionally, you have wide 2.6″ Maxxis tires to boost handling, as well as confidence-inspiring SRAM Guide RE hydraulic brakes.
Main features
- 11-speed SRAM NX
- 140mm Fox Rhythm front suspension
- 130mm Fox Float rear shock
- 29″x2.6″ Maxxis tires
- SRAM Guide RE brakes
- Aluminum frame with a lifetime warranty
> Read more
JensonUSA.com/
5. Specialized S-Works Turbo Kenevo SL
Price: $15,000 Specialized
Battery: 320Wh | Motor: 250W Mid-Drive | Max Payload: 240 lbs
The S-Works Turbo Kenevo SL is one of the best e-MTBs on the market, with all of the best individual components available packed onto an elite level frame with unparalleled technology.
This Specialized class 1 eBike is an Enduro-style full-suspension model which delivers all-around performance up and downhill. Starting with a super-light FACT full-carbon frame with fully internal cabling.
For powers, a pro-level SRAM Eagle AXS XX1 drivetrain supports a 250W motor and 320Wh battery with the most precise shifting and power output on the market. Finally, the carbon Roval Traverse SL wheelset is loaded with 2.6″ Butcher Grid Specialized tires. the Turbo Kenevo has 170mm of travel Fox Float suspension on the front and back.
Main Features
- 12-speed SRAM XX1 Eagle
- 170mm Fox Float front suspension
- Fox Float Rear Shock
- 29″ x 2.6″ tires
- SRAM hydraulic brakes
> Read more
Specialized.com/
6. Orbea Wild FS H30
Price: $5,399 Jenson USA
Battery: Bosch Powertube 500Wh Horizontal | Charge time: ~4.5h | Motor: Bosch Performance CX Cruise Mid-Drive
The Orbea Wild FS H30 is another full-suspension e-bike with premium quality throughout and great trail performance.
The power on this bike comes from a smooth Bosch Performance CX Cruise mid-drive motor and a 500Wh Powertube battery. To maximize the range, you have a Shimano Deore/XT 12-speed drivetrain with reliably precise shifting.
The hydroformed aluminum frame comes with a 160mm travel RockShox suspension in the front and Fox Float in the back. This combines with slack, low geometry to suit an aggressive riding style.
Finally, Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, tubeless-ready 2.6″ Maxxis Minion tires, and an OC2 dropper post ensure you feel confident and in control at all times.
Main Features
- 12-speed Shimano Deore
- 160mm RockShox front suspension
- Fox Float rear shock
- 29″ x 2.6″ Maxxis tires
- Shimano hydraulic disc brakes
> Read more
JensonUSA.com/
Best Class 1 Electric Road Bikes
7. Trek Domane+ LT 9
Price: $12,500 Trek Bikes
Range: up to 65mi | Charge time: ~2h | Motor: 250W
Feel like a pro with Trek’s Domane+ LT 9 long-distance electric bike. This high-level road bike is made for road bike enthusiasts who want the backup of premium electronics.
The frame used is a 500 Series OCLV carbon with IsoSpeed technology which effectively reduces vibration fatigue. The electronics include a lightweight Fazua Evation 250W motor and a 250Wh battery.
This provides up to 65 miles of range when combined with the elite-level 2 x 11-speed Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 electronic drivetrain and when you don’t need the extra boost you can save the weight of the battery by removing so you have a regular Domane.
Additionally, you have lightweight Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3V carbon wheels, hydraulic disc brakes, and wide 32c tires with additional clearance.
Removing the drive pack, you can turn your Domane+ into a regular Domane.
Main features
- 2 x 11-speed Shimano Dura-Ace Di2
- 500 Series OCLV carbon frame
- 700x32c Bontrager tires
- Shimano Dura-Ace hydraulic disc brakes
- Bike weight: 30 lbs
- Max payload: 275 lbs
> Read more
Trekbikes.com/
8. Orbea Gain M20I
Price: $5,999 Jenson USA
Battery: Ebikemotion 248Wh | Motor: 250W Ebikemotion x35 rear hub-drive
The Orbea Gain M201 is a stylish and versatile e-road bike with great components and a powerful set of electronics.
For this bike, Orbea has chosen an Ebikemotion motor and battery. The motor is a 250W rear hub-drive model which is slightly disappointing for this price range. The battery has 248Wh and provides large ranges thanks to the light base weight of the bike and high-and Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8050 electronic drivetrain.
The Gain has a carbon fiber frame with a seamlessly integrated battery and motor, high tire clearance of up to 40c, and tubeless-ready rims all combining to make this bike smooth and comfortable with great traction to match.
Other notable components of the Gain are the Mavic Aksium Elite Disc wheels, Mavic Yksion Pro tires, and Shimano hydraulic disc brakes.
Pro tip: Charging the Ebikemotion battery from 95% to 100% takes a lot of time and may reduce battery’s overall capacity.
Main Features
- 2×11-speed Shimano Ultegra gearing
- Shimano hydraulic disc brakes
- Carbon frame
- 700×28 Mavic Yksion Pro tires
- OC Monochrome display
> Read more
JensonUSA.com/
9. Wilier Cento1HY Ultegra
Price: $6,000 Backcountry
Battery: Panasonic 18650GA – 10S/2P | Motor: 250W Ebikemotion x35 rear hub-drive
Wilier’s Cento1 Hybrid Ultegra eBike class 1 model combines the beauty of traditional Italian engineering and modern technology to deliver a high-end racing bike that makes you feel like a pro.
Weighing just 26lbs, the Cento1 is exceptionally light for an e-bike, one of the lightest on the market. This is due to the combination of a lightweight monocoque carbon frame, premium components, and lightweight Ebikemotion electronics.
A 22-speed Shimano Ultegra pairs perfectly with the rear-hub 250W motor and Panasonic battery. The controller is perfectly integrated into the top tube for easy control of the electronics. Finally, hydraulic disc brakes and 28mm Vittoria Zaffiro Pro tires ensure speed and control at max assisted speeds of 20mph.
Main Features
- 22-speed Shimano Ultegra
- Flat-Mount hydraulic disc brakes
- Carbon frame
- 700 x 28mm Vittoria Zaffiro Pro tires
- Bike weight: 26 lbs
> Read more
Backcountry.com/
FAQs
Class 1 vs Class 2 vs Class 3 eBikes
Class 1, 2, and 3 electric bikes differ slightly in their build and limitations.
- Class 1 bikes are not fully electric, don’t have a throttle, and rely on pedaling in order to activate the motor. The motor stops assisting at 20mph, meaning these bikes have greater ranges than classes 2 and 3
- Class 2 models have a throttle, this means they can be used as fully electric bikes without pedaling. They also have a top speed of 20mph at which the motor stops assisting the rider
- Class 3 e-bikes may or may not have a throttle, have max speeds of 28mph and have the most legal restrictions such as age limit and helmet requirements
The restrictions on the three Ebike classes differ depending on where you live. For more information on your state’s laws, see PeopleForBikes.org.
How fast are Class 1 e-Bikes?
Class 1 electric bikes are limited to 20mph on a pedal-assist mode.
Is 20 mph enough speed for an e-Bike?
Yes. An assisted speed of 20mph is plenty for any rider to get maximum enjoyment from their bike. Remember, this is just the assisted speed, so you can reach higher speeds by using the pedals once the motor stops giving assistance.
What is the typical range of Class 1 e-Bikes?
There are many factors that contribute to this including the level of components, bike weight, rider weight, and riding conditions. However, from our reviews of dozens of Class 1 bikes, the average range is about 50 miles.
What is the age limit for Class 1 e-Bike?
In most states, there is no age limit for class 1 e-bikes. Although, there are 10 states where there is some kind of age limit for e-bikes.
| State | E-Bike Age Limit |
| Alaska | 14 |
| Minnesota | 15 |
| New Mexico | 15 |
| South Carolina | 15 |
| Massachusetts | 16 |
| North Carolina | 16 |
| Oregon | 16 |
| Pennsylvania | 16 |
| Washington DC | 16 |
| Hawaii | 18 |
Do you need a helmet to ride Class 1 e-Bike?
Although it is strongly recommended to wear a helmet, only in 2 states itis mandatory for everyone.
- Massachusetts
- Connecticut
Next, here are the states where people under the specific age must wear a helmet when riding class 1 eBike:
| 12 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 21 |
| Louisiana | New York | Rhode Island | Alabama | New Jersey | California | South Carolina |
| Pennsylvania | Virginia | West Virginia | Florida | Indiana | Delaware | |
| Georgia | Idaho | |||||
| Hawaii | New Mexico | |||||
| Maine | ||||||
| Maryland | ||||||
| North Carolina | ||||||
| Oregon | ||||||
| Tennessee | ||||||
| Washington DC |
In the rest of the states wearing a helmet is not required, although you should still do it.
