If You’re Thinking About Buying an E-Bike, This Is the First Thing You Need to Understand

When it comes to e-bikes, there are seemingly endless makes and models. This piece of information can help you make sense of them all.

By Hayley Helms

Published April 25, 2024

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If you’ve shopped around for an e-bike anytime over the last few years, you’ve no doubt noticed there are seemingly endless makes, models and styles to choose from. There are also classes assigned to each and every one of those shiny rides. So what do they mean and why are they important?

What are e-bike classes?

There are three classes an electric bike can fall into: Class 1, 2 and 3. Each class has its own limitations and specifications, and it turns out you can’t simply ride any of the classes anywhere you like. That’s because certain public avenues only allow specific classes.

When shopping for an e-bike, its class will determine the power, some of its mechanisms and where you can or can’t ride it.

The basic thing to remember here is that when shopping for an e-bike, its class will determine the power, some of its mechanisms and where you can or can’t ride it. Although most of the bike industry subscribes to these classes, there are sometimes discrepancy in their interpretation. If in doubt, it’s always best to check with your local laws to figure out what you can ride, and where.

What is a Class 1 e-bike?

Class 1 e-bikes are pedal-assist only and top out at 20 mph. If you’re in the market for a bike you can ride virtually anywhere without getting a ticket, any Class 1 e-bike would be a safe bet.

That means that Class 1 e-bikes can ride on bike paths and in bike lanes shared with traditional, non-electric bikes. You won’t have as much power assist at your disposal, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing if you’re sill looking for a workout.

Best Class 1 E-Bike

Cannondale Treadwell Neo 2 Electric Bike

$1,925.00 at REI

What is a Class 2 e-bike?

Like their Class 1 counterparts, Class 2 e-bikes have a top speed capped at 20 mph. Where they differ is in the throttle.

Class 2 e-bikes come with throttle-assisted power alongside pedal-generated assistance. Despite their extra power, they can generally be ridden in the same places as Class 1 e-bikes.

Best Budget Class 2 Electric Bike

Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus

$1,099 at Rad Power Bikes

$1,599 (31% off)

What is a Class 3 e-bike?

Class 3 e-bikes are pedal-assisted and may or may not have a throttle (this depends on the state’s rules). Most examples can achieve speeds up to 28 mph — quite a bit quicker than Class 1 and 2 e-bikes.

Because of this, Class 3 e-bikes are oftentimes the most regulated regarding where they can be ridden. Due to their higher speeds, they must come with a speedometer.

You can ride your Class 3 e-bike in the bike lane or share the road with vehicles but you can’t take them on bike paths.

Best Class 3 E-Bike

Priority Bicycles Current

$3,299 at Priority Bicycles

How was the e-bike class system developed?

Though business is a bomin’, e-bikes are still relatively new to roads, with regulation for them only going back a decade or so.

PeopleForBikes, the national bicycle advocacy group and bicycle industry trade association, played a pivotal role in standardizing the industry with the class system.

In 2015, California was the first state to adopt it, with more than half of the United States following suit since.