An e-bike is considered Class 3 when it reaches a speed of 28 mph with pedal assist. Once the top speed of 28 mph is reached, the pedal-assist system is disengaged.
Class 3 e-bikes are a tier below true motorcycles and mopeds, which means their riders are limited to a certain age and must always wear a helmet.
What is a Class 3 e-bike?
Class 3 EBike motors are limited to 750 watts, and speed up to 28mph. Class 2 eBikes come in two types: Pedal-assist only, and with an optional throttle. Most Class 3 eBikes are equipped with a throttle though. This is due to e-bike regulations that allow using those bicycles without a special permit.
- Maximum assisted speed: 28mph
- In the USA, the motor must be limited to 1 horsepower (750W)
- The bike must be equipped with a speedometer
- The motor will stop the assistance when the speed is over 28mph.
- The rider must be over the age limit (the exact limit depends on the state)
Best Class 3 E-Bikes to Consider in 2023
- Aventon Pace 500.2
- Lectric XP 3.0
- Ride1UP 700 Series
- Rambo Rebel
- Gazelle Ultimate T10+
- Juiced CrossCurrent X
- Cannondale Topstone Neo Carbon Lefty
- Stromer ST2
1. Aventon Pace 500.2
MSRP: $1,599
- 27.5-inch wheels
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- Kenda Kwik Seven-5 tires
- Integrated headlight and rear light
- Rack and fender compatibility
- Best for: city commutes, leisure rides
The Aventon Pace 500.2 is one of the few entry-level e-bikes out there that are worthy enough to replace your car. Armed with a punchy motor and sizeable battery, the Pace 500.2 can take you on a long trip across the city, to the countryside, and back home in the most efficient way possible.
Aventon chose a 500W brushless rear hub motor, so this Class 3 electric bike can reach top speeds of 28mph. In addition, it generates 50Nm of torque, allowing you to accelerate up steep hills without issue.
Dedicated cyclists love this e-bike because they can fit it with a rack and fenders and run errands around town or use it for daily commutes around the city.
The Pace 500.2 comes with a 614Wh-capacity battery, which translates to a maximum of 47 miles of range. Thanks to an 8-speed drivetrain and road-friendly tires, you can maximize the range by pedaling efficiently.
In summary, the Aventon Pace 500.2 eBike is a solid hybrid that delivers well-rounded performance as either a commuter e-bike or recreational bike.
2. Lectric XP 3.0
MSRP: $999
- 20-inch wheels
- Front and rear fenders
- Integrated cargo rack with 150lb capacity
- Tektro 180mm mechanical brakes
- Headlamp and rear light
- Best for: city commutes, off-road travel, night rides
The Lectric XP folding e-bike was built for budget-conscious cyclists who want to enjoy a nice ride on mixed-terrain without breaking the bank. For less than a thousand dollars, you get a lightweight but efficient e-bike with fat tires and Class 3 performance. You can even fold it to a third of its original size.
This e-bike is fitted with a rear-mounted 500W brushless motor that runs quietly. It has a peak capacity of 1000W. By default, Lectric XP 3.0 has a maximum assisted speed of 20mph (throttle assist), which fits it under class 2. However, you can set the max pedal assistance speed to 28mph from the display to make it a class 3 eBike.
The Lectric XP comes with either a Samsung 500Wh or 672Wh (+$200) battery providing either 45 or 65 miles of pedal assist.
The Lectric XP is available in high-step and step-through frames. If the traditional high-step frame is too high for you, then choose the step-through version. Whichever you choose, this e-bike comes with adjustable handlebars for your convenience.
You can ride the Lectric XP in the city or off-road, and it will run exactly the same. Its foldability is such a welcome feature for cyclists who ride in the city, and its fat tires are stellar for those who want to tackle diverse terrains.
It’s important to know that this e-bike arrives fully assembled. Just charge the battery, and you can start pedaling in no time.
Overall, the Lectric XP 3.0 is a wise option for outdoor enthusiasts who don’t have the resources to obtain a top-tier mountain e-bike but want to get great performance.
3. Ride1UP 700 Series
MSRP: $1,695
- 28-inch wheels
- Front and rear fenders
- Tektro 160mm hydraulic disc brakes
- Rear cargo rack
- Front and rear lights
- Best for: city commutes, night rides
The Ride1UP 700 Series is a top-quality city e-bike that enhances your daily commuting experience. It looks just like any other bike from the outside, but it’s armed with an array of components that will make you shake your head in amazement.
Ride1UP spared no expense in building a lightweight e-bike that you can bring along to multiple errands in the city. With a top speed of 28 mph, 30-50-mile range, and a 750W motor, the Ride1UP 700 Series is deemed a worthy investment for urban cyclists of any skill level.
The 700 Series is equipped with the trusted Bafang 48V geared rear hub motor. It’s small and weighs little, yet it generates enough power to give this e-bike a Class 3 performance of 28 mph.
If you think the motor is impressive, then get ready to hear what the battery can do. This e-bike uses the built-in 48V 15ah downtube battery, with a capacity of 720 Wh. That translates to a traveling distance of up to 50 miles, which is pretty good and more than enough for the majority of riders out there.
The 700 Series frame is made from aluminum, one of the lightest alloys used in the bicycle industry. This e-bike is available in a high-step and step-through frame, so mounting it will be easy for all riders who buy it.
This bike also boasts a 1×8-speed drivetrain, 2.4″ wide versatile tires, and even a front suspension fork for improved comfort.
All in all, the Ride1UP 700 Series was designed to maximize your riding experience in the city. It’s not as expensive as other high-tier Class 3 e-bikes, and yet it can hold its own in terms of weight and performance.
4. Rambo Rebel
MSRP: $5,500
- Massive 26″ x 4.8″ tires
- Front suspension fork
- Heavy-duty rear rack
- Kickstand
- LCD display
- Best for: off-road trips, hunting and fishing trips
Do you need an e-bike that emphasizes functionality over style? The Rambo Rebel may just be the right choice for you. This fat-tire city e-bike is bulkier and heavier than most, but it makes up for it with a large loading capacity and multiple customization options.
The Bafang 1,000W high-torque mid-drive motor is responsible for accelerating the Rambo Rebel up to 30 mph. It can generate enough torque to help you pedal this e-bike even when you’re hauling large loads.
If there’s one thing you should know about the Rebel, it’s that it is a highly customizable Class 3 e-bike. Rambo offers multiple accessories that you can add to it, including a suspension seat post, a cargo trailer, panniers, and more.
The Rebel also offers good mileage for a heavy e-bike. The 48V 21AH battery powers it enough to deliver up to 48 miles of assisted range. The bike offers multiple levels of pedal assistance, a thumb throttle, and a large, modern LCD screen to keep track of your battery level and ride stats.
- Related review: Mid-Drive Ebike Picks for 2023: 10 Best Models We Recommend
This e-bike’s frame is made of 6061 aluminum alloy. Only one size is available, but you can pick from two color options depending on your personal preference.
Rambo Rebel also boasts a high-quality SRAM NX 1×11 drivetrain and 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes, meaning that it’s actually capable of being ridden as a propper mountain bike.
Despite its extra weight, the Rebel is easy to handle on the pavement. If there ever was a Class 3 e-bike version of a pack mule, this is it.
5. Gazelle Ultimate T10+
MSRP: $4,499
- 28-inch wheels
- Rear cargo rack
- AXA Defender ring-type lock
- Headlight and rear light
- Front suspension fork
- Best for: city commutes, light off-road travel, night rides
The Gazelle Ultimate T10+ was produced to provide city commuters and outdoor cyclists with a fast, stylish, and energy-efficient mode of transportation. With its lightweight and aerodynamic frame, top-shelf components, and ergonomic grips, the Ultimate T10+ continues to become one of the most highly recommended Class 3 hybrid e-bikes in the market.
It’s no secret that the Ultimate T10+ is powered by a Bosch Performance Line Speed motor. This machine is solely responsible for the 85 Nm of torque that pushes the e-bike to a top speed of 28 mph.
- Related post: Detailed Overview of Gazelle Electric Bikes
The Bosch Lithium-ion 500Wh battery is integrated into the middle tube of the Ultimate T10+ frame. One battery alone is enough to give you fifty miles of pedal assist, which is more than enough for a few days of commuting to work or running errands around the city.
The slightly curved aluminum handlebars with an adjustable stem and ergonomic plastic grips deliver a comfortable riding experience.
The Ultimate T10+ was built to navigate tight turns and busy traffic, which is why it’s made from industrial-grade aluminum alloy. The streamlined, aerodynamic frame lets you ride in a mid-upright position, making it easier to climb uphill terrain.
Despite its iconic sporty look, this e-bike is not made just for exploring the mountainside. On a full charge, you can ride to work in the morning, travel along a backcountry trail in the afternoon, and do a quick run for some groceries in the evening.
The Gazelle Ultimate T10+ is neither the most expensive nor the cheapest Class 3 hybrid e-bike out there. That being said, it’s an excellent mid-range option for cyclists who don’t want to buy two separate e-bikes for commuting and off-road adventuring.
6. Juiced CrossCurrent X
MSRP: $2,199
- 28-inch wheels
- Front suspension fork
- Front and rear fenders
- Long-range front and rear lights
- Rear cargo rack
- Best for: city commutes, off-road travel, night rides
Are you having trouble choosing between a Class 1, Class 2, or Class 3 e-bike? The Juiced CrossCurrent X hybrid e-bike might put your indecisiveness to an end because it’s capable of switching between all three classes.
You can enjoy up to 28 mph on this Juiced e-bike thanks to its 750W Rear Gear Hub Motor. In addition, its throttle lets you switch between Class 1, 2, and 3 performances without hassle. This versatility is perfect when you need to adjust the top speed based on the type of road you’re riding on.
As one of the most versatile e-bikes in the market, the CrossCurrent X may be the perfect choice for cyclists who would rather invest in a single e-bike for multiple activities.
The 52V / 19.2Ah battery is good enough to deliver 80+ miles of pedal-assist range on any given day. Narrow road-friendly tires and a 9-speed drivetrain help extend the range as well.
The Juiced CrossCurrent X uses a 6061-aluminum alloy frame that offers a great balance between weight, strength, and durability. The bike weighs around 65 pounds, which is about as heavy as other Class 3 hybrids.
Customers love that the CrossCurrent X arrives almost assembled and ready to ride once the battery is charged. A one-year warranty is available for all electrical/mechanical components so you can have a peace of mind while riding.
Overall, the DŌST KOPE has proven time and again that it’s a force to be reckoned with in the city or on the mountainside. It’s one of the toughest and most versatile hybrid e-bikes that you can get your hands on.
7. Cannondale Topstone Neo Carbon Lefty
MSRP: $6,350
- 650b wheels
- Shimano GRX/SLX drivetrain
- Bosch Purion LCD display
- Internal cable routing
- Multiple gear and storage mounts
- Best for: off-road gravel rides
Gravel roads are no challenge for the Cannondale Topstone Neo Carbon Lefty. It’s one of the meanest gravel e-bikes available due to its efficient transmission, robust components, and aerodynamic frameset.
The Topstone Neo can reach the Class 3 speed limit of 28 mph because of its Bosch Performance Line Speed 250W/75Nm motor. The large-capacity Bosch Powertube 500Wh battery gives this e-bike a modest cruising range when pedal assist is engaged.
This e-bike’s frame is made from high-performance Balistec carbon fiber with frame-integrated 30mm Kingpin suspension. The fork is Cannondale’s unique Lefty Oliver with 30mm of travel for some extra off-road performance.
Cannondale designed the Topstone Neo for extended off-road travel, which can be clearly seen from the components. These are supplied by reputable brands like Shimano, WTB, and Bosch.
This bike can be used to its full potential as a gravel e-bike or mountain e-bike. It’s agile and light enough to be ridden on city roads as well, although it doesn’t come with front or rear lights for nighttime rides.
All in all, it’s fair to say that the Topstone Neo Carbon Lefty is a tough gravel e-bike with strong off-road potential and modest features. If you enjoy hearing the sweet crunch of gravel beneath your feet, this is worth giving a chance.
8. Stromer ST2
MSRP: $5,700
- 27.5-inch wheels
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- Keyless activation
- Rear rack and bottle cage
- LED ultra-bright lights
- Best for: city commutes, off-road travel, night rides
The Stromer ST2 is an excellent display of Swiss bicycle craftsmanship and technology. It’s a customizable high-performance Class 3 e-bike, also known as an S-Pedelec if you’re in Europe.
This urban e-bike is armed to the teeth with an advanced pedal-assist mode, anti-theft GPS system, and motor tuning capability via the OMNI smartphone app.
If you want to experience riding on one of the most sophisticated e-bikes in the world, then the Stromer ST2 is something you might want to keep an eye on.
This e-bike is powered by the SYNO Drive II rear-mounted motor. It’s rated at 570W, generates 40 Nm of torque, and lets you accelerate up to 28 mph. Best of all, it does all of that without making a noise that’s louder than a whisper.
The ST 2 is one of the heaviest bikes on this list. But the extra weight only means that Stromer has put in a plethora of components that will leave you impressed.
As for the battery, the ST2 uses a BQ618 Standard 48 V 12.8 Ah battery with a capacity of 618 Wh.
For one, you can connect your phone to the e-bike’s systems via the OMNI app. This will convert your mobile device into a controller to adjust the lights or switch between three-speed modes, among other functions.
It’s not a surprise that the Stromer ST2 runs efficiently and smoothly on all kinds of terrain. After all, it was built to fulfill the roles of a road, gravel, and mountain e-bike. If you’re a dedicated cyclist who wants to test the best e-bikes in the current market, then the ST2 might be just what you’re looking for.
Conclusion – Are Class 3 eBikes Worth it?
If you like fast riding then class 3 eBike is definitely something to consider.
Many people have swapped their car for a class 3 electric bike to save a lot of time and money. With class 3 eBike you can easily commute to work without getting sweaty. Also, you can pick up groceries or some other cargo without giving the motor too much stress.
If you are choosing a class 3eBike, you should definitely consider some of the bikes listed above.
