Not all e-bikes are created equal. In fact, there are three e-bike classes that cover everything from low-speed hybrids to electric fat bikes that can reach speeds in excess of 28 mph.
Electric bicycles are designed for everyone. Whether you are a complete beginner or an e-bike expert, you can find the perfect fit among the three classes of electric bikes.
E-bikes are not motorcycles or mopeds – though in some areas, Class 2 e-bikes are classified as this (more on that below). Instead, e-bikes are electric-assist bicycles that help add more power to the pedals.
E-bikes help you ride further and faster, climb hills easier, and cut down your commuting time with the push of a button. Some e-bikes have a throttle, and we’ll get into those details below.
You can hardly tell an electric bicycle’s class just by looking at it. Regardless of your state or country, there are three classes of e-bikes with different capabilities and limitations. There is (unofficially) a fourth unrestricted class of e-bikes that exceeds typical e-bike limitations.
In this article, we’ll explain the differences between the three classes of e-bikes. We’ll also explain how you can change your e-bike’s class and unlock higher speeds. And finally, we’ll cover the main e-bike laws in the US. But first, we’ll start with Class 1 e-bikes.
Class 1 E-Bikes
The delineation of e-bike classes starts at Class 1. We say it starts at Class 1 because these e-bikes are slower than other e-bikes and have powerful motors.
Class 1 e-bikes are pedal-assist only and do not come with a throttle. They are limited to a top speed of 20 mph using pedal assist.
Co-op Cycles CTY e2.1 is a popular class 1 e-bike.
Pedal-assist technology is only activated when you pedal, and the assistance of Class 1 e-bikes ends at 20 mph. That doesn’t mean you can’t exceed 20 mph on these e-bikes (in case you are riding down a hill, for example), it just means that the motor assistance cuts off when you hit 20 mph.
Class 1 e-bikes often look like typical hybrid, road, or city bikes. In fact, many cities with bike-sharing programs offer Class 1 city e-bikes which makes commuting and errand-running faster and easier than ever.
The majority of the best electric mountain bikes are from the first e-bike class since Class 1 e-bikes are pedal-assist only and operate at lower top speeds.
Class 1 e-bikes have almost no restrictions when it comes to US laws and regulations. But once we move on to Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes, these laws become a bit more stringent.
Of all the e-bike classes, Class 1 e-bikes are perfect for beginner cyclists. With a Class 1 e-bike, you don’t need to worry about using a throttle or overly-powerful motor, and you won’t have electric assistance above the relatively comfortable speed of 20 mph.
Class 2 E-Bikes
Many confuse Class 2 e-bikes for being faster and more powerful than Class 1 e-bikes. But in fact, the main difference between Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes is that Class 2 e-bikes have a throttle.
A throttle allows you to use the electric bicycle motor without pedaling. That means that Class 2 e-bikes can feel like a moped when you’re zipping around town without even pedaling.
Rad Power Bikes is best-known for its class 2 ebikes with twist-throttles and 20 mph top speeds.
Class 2 e-bikes have a motor that can operate independently (with the throttle) or dependently (using pedal assist). However, Class 2 e-bikes have a top speed of 20 mph, the same top speed as Class 1 e-bikes.
Class 2 e-bikes are best for people who want the most relaxing ride without the pressure of always pedaling. These bikes are great for cyclists with limited mobility or those who are recovering from injury.
Of the three electric bicycle classes, Class 2 e-bikes are the only class that always comes with a throttle.
However, Class 2 e-bikes are best for experienced cyclists. Using a throttle gives you a completely different sensation than simply pedaling a bicycle. In many states and countries, Class 2 e-bikes are treated as scooters or mopeds under the law.
Class 2 e-bikes can tackle more terrain than Class 1 e-bikes, though they cannot go as fast as Class 3 e-bikes.
Class 3 E-Bikes
The fastest of all the e-bike classes is Class 3, which can provide pedal assistance up to 28 mph. Of the three electric bike classes, Class 3 e-bikes are the most popular among experienced cyclists and adventurers. With a Class 3 e-bike, you can go faster and further than any other e-bike.
Gazelle Ultimate C380 is a well-known high-end class 3 ebike with a 28 mph top speed and pedal assist only.
The biggest differences between a Class 2 vs Class 3 ebike is their top speeds and the use of a throttle. Class 2 e-bikes have pedal assist and throttle with a top speed of 20 mph. Class 3 e-bikes have pedal assist only with a top speed of 28 mph.
Class 3 e-bikes are best for experienced cyclists because of their higher top speed. Regardless of having a throttle, going 28 mph is a completely different sensation than going 20 mph.
Most states and countries have stricter limitations on Class 3 e-bikes due to their 28 mph top speed. Most Class 3 e-bikes are banned from bike paths, trails, and some highways.
Unrestricted (Class 4) E-Bikes
There are three official electric bike classes, but there are also electric bicycle types that fall outside of the normal e-bike classification. These bikes are unofficially known as Class 4 e-bikes.
Class 4 e-bikes are electric bicycles with a top speed greater than 28 mph and motors that produce more than 750W. Most Class 4 e-bikes look and feel like motorcycles or mopeds. So it should not come as a surprise to learn that Class 4 e-bikes are banned from bike paths, trails, and road use.
Most moped-style ebikes, such as the Ride1UP Revv 1 pictured above, fall into the unclassified category and offer speeds of 30+ mph.
Instead, Class 4 e-bikes are treated as electric dirt bikes under the law. The biggest difference between dirt bikes and Class 4 e-bikes is that e-bikes have pedals. Most moped-style ebikes would fall into this category.
Though Class 4 e-bikes are not permitted for road use, they fall into the same category as mopeds, scooters, and motorcycles under the law. That means that Class 4 e-bikes are motor vehicles, and you must have the proper license, registration, and documentation in order to operate them. In most states and countries, you must be at least 16 years old and wear protective gear to operate a Class 4 e-bike.
Unlocking Higher Speeds and Switching Classes
Interestingly, the same e-bike can move between e-bike classes at the push of a button. In other words, your e-bike may not necessarily be limited to the Class that it came with.
E-bike classification is not always limited to the bike itself, but rather the setting and limitations placed on the electric motor.
The Aventon Aventure.2, for example, comes stock as a Class 2 e-bike with a top speed of 20 mph using pedal assist and throttle. However, the Aventure.2 can be unlocked to a Class 3 e-bike with a top speed of 28 mph.
You can also remove the throttle from the Aventure.2 if you are in an area that restricts e-bikes with a throttle. Switching e-bike classes can be as simple as opening up the e-bike’s app or toggling the settings on your e-bike’s display.
The ability to switch classes of electric bikes and unlock higher speeds is one of the best and most underrated features of modern e-bikes. This also allows you to share your e-bike at home. If you have one experienced cyclist and one beginner, for example, you can toggle between Class 2 for the beginner rider and Class 3 for the experienced rider – all on the same bike.
E-Bike Law Requirements in the US
Some of the most common questions surrounding e-bikes involve e-bike laws, requirements, and regulations. In the US, some states treat Class 2 e-bikes as mopeds, so the question are highly warranted.
But we’re going to keep it simple. Here is an overview of the e-bike law requirements in the US.
As of early 2023, 38 US states use the three-class system of e-bike categorization (i.e. Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3).
On the other hand, 12 states regulate e-bikes but do not use the three-class system. These states are New Mexico, Alaska, Massachusetts, Hawai, North Carolina, South Carolina, Nebraska, Oregon, Montana, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Kentucky.
In most US states that use the three-Class system, registration and insurance are not required for e-bikes. Crucially, all 38 of these states require a visible label on e-bikes that displays the class, top speed, and motor wattage.
In the 12 states that don’t use the three-class system, you may need a license, registration, and or insurance to operate an e-bike. Check your local laws if you live in one of the 12 states listed above.
When it comes to electric bike helmets, individual states and territories have unique helmet laws for cyclists and e-bikers. Many states require helmets on e-bikes, but these regulations vary based on e-bike class, rider age, and local laws.
- Related post: Do You Need a License for an Electric Bike?
On official bike paths, trails, and city streets, it is always worth double-checking your local laws to ensure that e-bikes are allowed. In the vast majority of cases, Class 1 e-bikes are allowed anywhere that normal bicycles are allowed.
Class 2 e-bikes are restricted because of their throttle, and Class 3 e-bikes have further regulations because of their 28 mph top speed.
Most states do not have an age requirement for riding a Class 1 e-bike, but those regulations may change for Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes. If your area requires licensure and registration, then you also need to be at least 16 years old.
Moreover, it’s important to be aware that cyclists are affected by most other traffic laws as well. For example, you can get a DUI for riding an ebike so you should make sure to obey the law the same way you would when driving a car.
Note: California is known for having unique rules regarding e-bikes. If you are a California resident, we highly recommend you check your local laws and regulations for the use of e-bikes in your area.
Very helpful. Clear, easy to understand and concise. I liked it!
Very happy to hear that, Chris!
Very clear about the definitions of the various bike classes, and also clear on the status of the various states.
Thank you, Joseph!