E-bike classes explained: Class 1, 2 and 3
The three-class system decides how fast an e-bike assists, whether it can have a throttle, and where you’re allowed to ride it.
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Most U.S. states sort electric bicycles into three classes. The class is the single most important legal fact about an e-bike: it sets the assisted top speed, whether a throttle is allowed, and often where you can ride, who can ride, and whether a helmet is required.
This explainer covers how the classes work in general. Rules vary by state, city and even individual park or trail, so always check the rules for the places you ride. Nothing here is legal advice.
The three classes
| Class | How the motor helps | Assist stops at | Typical access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Pedal assist only | 20 mph | Widest: roads, bike lanes and most paths that allow e-bikes |
| Class 2 | Throttle (often with pedal assist too) | 20 mph | Similar to Class 1 in many places; some trails exclude throttles |
| Class 3 | Pedal assist (throttle, if any, usually limited to 20 mph) | 28 mph | Roads and bike lanes; often restricted on multi-use paths |
All three classes are usually capped at 750W of motor power, in line with the federal definition of a low-speed electric bicycle, which uses the same 750W limit and a 20 mph limit on motor power alone.
Class 1: pedal assist to 20 mph
The motor helps only while you pedal and cuts out at 20 mph. Class 1 bikes have the broadest access, including many paved paths and some mountain bike trails that permit e-bikes. They feel the most like a regular bicycle.
Class 2: throttle to 20 mph
Class 2 bikes add a throttle, so you can ride without pedaling up to 20 mph. Throttles help with starts from a stop, carrying cargo, and riders with joint or mobility limits. Most bikes we track that are sold as Class 2, like the Rad Power Bikes RadRunner and Aventon Aventure 3, also offer pedal assist.
Class 3: pedal assist to 28 mph
Class 3 bikes assist up to 28 mph while you pedal. Many states require a speedometer, set a minimum rider age (often 16), require helmets, and keep Class 3 bikes off multi-use paths unless local authorities allow them. Throttle rules for Class 3 vary by state. See best Class 3 e-bikes.
Bikes that switch classes
Many current bikes ship in one class and let you change in the display or app. The Velotric Discover 3 supports Class 1, 2 or 3 and ships at 28 mph (20 mph default); the Lectric XPress2 supports Class 1, 2 or 3. Switching lets one bike follow the rules on a Class 1 path and a Class 3 road. Some states require the bike’s label to reflect its current class, so read your state’s rules.
Bikes that don’t fit a class
Bikes with motors over 750W, throttles that work above 20 mph, or assist above 28 mph generally aren’t e-bikes under state class laws. Depending on the state they may be treated as mopeds or motor vehicles, which can require registration, insurance and a license. Unlocking a bike beyond its class can also void the warranty.
Labels
Many state laws require manufacturers to label e-bikes with their class, top assisted speed and motor wattage. Check for the label when buying, especially used.
Choosing a class for your riding
Mostly paths and greenways: Class 1 or 2 gives the widest access. A class-switching bike set to Class 1 also works.
Mostly roads and bike lanes, with traffic: Class 3 keeps you closer to traffic speed, though you’ll work harder at 28 mph and use more battery.
Need a throttle: Class 2, or a class-switching bike with a throttle limited to 20 mph, helps with heavy loads, starts on hills, and riders who can’t pedal hard.
Mountain bike trails: where e-bikes are allowed at all, it’s usually Class 1 only. Check with the land manager.
Class ratings of selected e-bikes we track
| Model | Price* | Battery | $/Wh | Motor (nom / peak) | Claimed range | Top speed | Weight | Payload | UL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Velotric Discover 3 | $1,999 | 730Wh | $2.74 | 750W / 1,100W | Up to 80 mi | 28 mph (20 mph default) | 61 lb | 440 lb | UL 2849 & UL 2271 |
| Lectric XPress2 | $1,399 | 672Wh | $2.08 | 750W / 1,310W | Up to 60 mi | 28 mph | 55 lb without battery (battery 8 lb) | 330 lb | UL 2849 (bike), UL 2271 (battery) |
| Lectric XP4 750 (long-range) | $1,299 | ≈ 840Wh | ≈ $1.55 | 750W / 1,310W | Up to 85 mi | 28 mph | 61 lb without battery (battery 7.5 lb) | 330 lb | UL 2849 (bike), UL 2271 (battery) |
| Heybike Ranger S 2.0 | $999 | 692Wh | $1.44 | 750W / 1,400W | Up to 55 mi | 28 mph | — | — | UL 2849 |
| Velotric Nomad 2 | $1,999 | 705.6Wh | $2.83 | 750W / 1,300W | Up to 65 mi | 28 mph (20 mph default) | 75 lb | 505 lb | UL 2849 & UL 2271 |
| Rad Power Bikes Radster Road | $1,999 | 720Wh | $2.78 | 750W / — | Est. 25–65 mi | 28 mph | 74.5 lb | 320 lb (290 lb rider) | UL 2849 and UL 2271 |
| Rad Power Bikes RadRunner | $1,499 | 624Wh | $2.40 | 750W / — | 55+ mi | 20 mph | 65 lb | 320 lb (275 lb rider) | UL 2849 and UL 2271 |
| Aventon Soltera 2.5 | $1,199 | 345.6Wh | $3.47 | 350W / 540W | Up to 46 mi | 20 mph | 46 lb | 300 lb | UL 2849 / UL 2271 |
*Prices as listed on each brand’s official US site on Oct 15, 2026. Prices change often, so check the current price before you buy. “≈” means we multiplied the stated volts and amp-hours.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes?
Class 2 bikes have a throttle and assist to 20 mph. Class 3 bikes assist with pedaling up to 28 mph, and any throttle is usually limited to 20 mph.
Do I need a license for an e-bike?
In states using the three-class system, Class 1, 2 and 3 e-bikes generally don’t need a license or registration. Bikes outside the classes may. Check your state’s rules; this isn’t legal advice.
Can I ride a Class 3 e-bike on a bike path?
Often not on multi-use paths unless local rules allow it. Class 3 bikes are usually allowed in bike lanes and on roads.
Related guides
- Best Class 3 E-Bikes (2026): 28 MPH Picks
- E-Bike Buying Guide (2026): How to Choose an Electric Bike
- Best Commuter E-Bikes (2026): Spec-Based Picks
- E-Bike Motor Watts Explained: Nominal, Peak and Torque
- UL 2849, UL 2271 and UL 2272 Explained: E-Bike Battery Safety
- Compare any models side by side
How we work: every number on this page comes from the manufacturer’s official product page, checked Oct 15, 2026, and each model links to its source. Range and top speed are the brands’ own claims. We haven’t ridden or bench-tested these models, and prices change often, so check the current price on the brand’s site.