An e-bike is considered Class 3 when it reaches a speed of 28 mph with pedal assist, though some brands also add throttles that assist up to 20 mph. Class 3 e-bikes are also known as speed pedelecs and they’re the fastest street-legal bikes you can ride on public roads.
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 but no license or registration is required. If you don’t have one, check out which best ebike helmets we recommend.
What is a Class 3 e-bike?
A Class 3 ebike is a bike with a motor limited to 750 watts and a maximum speed of up to 28 mph. Class 3 eBikes come in two types: Pedal-assist only, and with an optional throttle.
Most modern Class 3 eBikes are equipped with a throttle that can assist the rider up to 20 mph and can be removed or disengaged for legal purposes. Ebikes are not considered to be motor vehicles unless they have a top speed above 28 mph and motor power of over 1000W.
Main class 3 Ebike regulations:
- Maximum assisted speed: 28 mph
- In the USA, the motor must be limited to 1 horsepower (750W)
- The bike must be equipped with a speedometer
- The rider must be over the age limit (the exact limit depends on the state)
- Optional throttle limited to 20 mph
- Allowed on bike lanes, but not on multi-use bike paths and trails
Read our guide on different classes of ebikes if you want to learn more.
Best Class 3 E-Bikes to Consider in 2023
- Trek Verve+ 4s
- Ride1UP 700 Series
- Bakcou Mule
- Lectric XP 3.0
- Cannondale Topstone Neo Carbon Lefty
- Aventon Pace 500.3
- Blix Ultra
- Gazelle Ultimate T10+
- Stromer ST2
1. Trek Verve+ 4s
MSRP: $3,500
- Bosch Performance Line Sport drive unit, 65 Nm
- Bosch PowerTube 500Wh battery
- Shimano Deore 10-speed drivetrain
- Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes
- Best for: urban commutes, running errands, fitness rides
Trek Verve+ 4s is a speedy class 3 hybrid electric bike with a modern look and a great set of components for the money that rides like a traditional bicycle.
It’s equipped with Bosch’s Performance Line Sport mid-drive unit that delivers 65 Nm of torque and a 28 mph top-assisted speed. It’s supported by a 500 Wh PowerTube battery, so you can expect a maximum range of around 60 miles.
The Verve+ 4s has a comfortable upright riding position that makes it ideal as an everyday bike to commute, run errands, ride for leisure, or even fitness. It comes with fenders, a rear rack, a kickstand, and lights preinstalled, so you’re ready to ride in all weather conditions, day or night.
On top of that, the Shimano Deore rear derailleur offers 10 wide-range gears and the Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes guarantee ample stopping power, even though they are a low-tier choice.
All in all, the Trek Verve+ 4s is an attractive class 3 ebike with great value for the money, made by a company with a proven track record.
2. 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 your daily life easier.
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, a 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.
The powerful motor is combined with a high-capacity battery integrated inside the downtube, but easily removable, 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 at high and low speed riding.
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.
3. Bakcou Mule
MSRP: $5,299
- 26″ x 4.0″ tires
- BCEB GT MRK 100mm AIR Fork
- Tektro HD E750 Quad Piston Hydraulic 203/180mm
- Shimano Alivio Hill-Climbing 9-speed groupset
- Best for: off-roading and hunting and fishing trips
Do you need an e-bike that emphasizes functionality over style? The Bakcou Mule may just be the right choice for you. This fat-tire hunting e-bike is bulkier and heavier than most, but it makes up for it with a solid loading capacity and multiple customization options.
The Bafang 1,000W high-torque mid-drive motor is responsible for accelerating the Mule up to 28 mph and over 35 mph with the limiter off. It can generate enough torque to help you pedal this e-bike uphill when you’re hauling large loads. Additionally, you can reconfigure the Mule to fit all e-bike classes by limiting its top speed and motor power.
The Mule also offers good mileage for a heavy e-bike. You’ll get a 48V battery with 17.5 Ah – 25 Ah of capacity (choose at checkout) that can power the bike for hours of riding. However, Bakcou does not give a range estimate, so your range depends on how you ride. 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:Â Mid-Drive E-Bike 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 eight color options depending on your personal preference.
Bakcou Mule also boasts a high-quality Shimano Alivio 9-speed drivetrain and Tektro quad-piston hydraulic disc brakes with a huge 203mm front rotor.
Despite its extra weight, the Mule is easy to handle on the pavement. If there ever was a Class 3 e-bike version of a pack mule, this is it.
4. Lectric XP 3.0
MSRP: $999
- 20-inch wheels
- Integrated cargo rack with 150lb capacity
- Tektro 180mm mechanical brakes
- Front and rear lights and fenders
- Best for: city commutes, off-road travel, night rides
The Lectric XP 3.0 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.
5. Cannondale Tesoro Neo X 3
MSRP: $3,425
- 29″ x 2.25″ tires
- Shimano Alivio 9-speed
- Internal cable routing
- Rack and fenders included
-
Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, 180mm rotors
- Best for: bicycle touring, commuting
No roads are a challenge for the Cannondale Tesoro Neo X 3. It’s one of the best touring e-bikes available due to its huge Bosch Performance Line motor, large battery, and robust components.
The Tesoro Neo X 3 can reach the Class 3 speed limit of 28 mph because of its 250W/65Nm motor. The large-capacity 500Wh battery gives this e-bike solid 85 miles of range.
This e-bike’s frame is made from SmartForm C2 aluminum. The fork is a 100mm-travel SR Suntour XCM ATB 100mm coil setup which is heavy but comfortable for light off-roading.
Cannondale designed the Tesoro Neo X 3 for extended travel, which can be clearly seen from the components. These are supplied by solid brands like Tektro, Schwalbe, Shimano, and Bosch.
This bike can be used to its full potential as a mixed-terrain e-bike. It’s perfect for city roads as well as gravel paths, and it comes with front or rear lights for night rides.
All in all, it’s fair to say you’ll enjoy this Cannondale e-bike if you like a fast bike that can go wherever the road leads.
6. Aventon Pace 500.3
MSRP: $1,699
- 27.5-inch wheels
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- 2.1″ puncture-resistant tires
- Integrated headlight and taillight
- Best for: city commutes, leisure rides
The Aventon Pace 500.3 is one of the few entry-level e-bikes out there worthy of replacing your car. Armed with a punchy 500W motor and 614Wh battery, the Pace 500.3 can take you on a long trip (up to 60 miles) across the city, to the countryside, and back home in the most efficient way possible.
This Class 3 electric bike can reach top speeds of 28mph. 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.
Thanks to an 8-speed drivetrain and road-friendly tires, you can maximize the range by pedaling efficiently.
In summary, the Aventon Pace 500.3 eBike is a solid hybrid that delivers a well-rounded performance as either a commuter e-bike or recreational bike.
7. Blix Ultra
MSRP: $2,099 – $2,499
- 26″ x 4″ fat tires
- Front suspension fork
- Front and rear fenders
- Dual battery capability
- Best for: city commutes, off-road travel, night rides
Are you having trouble choosing between a Class 2 or Class 3 e-bike? The Blix Ultra fat e-bike might put your indecisiveness to an end because it’s capable of switching between both of these classification systems.
You can enjoy up to 28 mph on this Blix e-bike thanks to its 750W rear hub motor. In addition, its throttle lets you ride up to 20 mph without pedaling. 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 Blix Ultra may be the perfect choice for cyclists who would rather invest in a single e-bike for multiple activities.
The 624 Wh battery is good enough to deliver 40 miles of pedal-assist range on any given day. But you can install a second battery to double the capacity and range for long days in teh saddle.
- Related:Â Blix Bikes Brand Review
The Blix Ultra uses a 6061 aluminum alloy frame that offers a great balance between weight, strength, and durability. Unfortunately, the bike does not come with any racks, but you can easily install front and/or rear racks or baskets and improve its practicality.
Customers love that the Blix Ultra arrives almost assembled and ready to ride once the battery is charged. Along with basic components like an 8-speed rear derailleur and hydraulic disc brakes, you also get fenders, a kickstand, and a rear light.
Overall, this ebike 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 fat e-bikes that you can get your hands on.
8. 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 Bicycles
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.
9. Stromer ST2
MSRP: $5,700
- 27.5-inch wheels
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- 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.