Three-Class E-Bike System: Complete Guide
Written by: Rémy Rossi | April 5, 2025 | Time to read 3 min
Electric bikes are split up into three classes depending on their type of boost and top speed. Here’s the low-down on the classes of e-Bikes.
More about the Author: Remy Rossi
Rémy Rossi is a bike writer, mechanic, and educator who got his start in community-based bike shops and co-ops. With a decade in the industry, he still wrenches on bikes when he can and plays bike polo on a fixie.
It’s human nature to place things into categories. Heck, even the gatherers way back in the hunters and gathers era probably sorted berries from veggies. And separate classes and definitions are even more practical when it comes to modern laws and regulations— thus, the creation of e-Bike classes.
Stuck in the middle between standard bicycles and motorized vehicles, electric bikes have to stick to certain rules, and their riders have to follow the law, too. To make things clearer for everyone, nearly all US states have adopted the three-class system for e-Bikes. E-Bikes are classified into different groups based on their type of boost and top speed.
Three-class e-Bike system
Class 1 e-Bikes
Class 1 e-Bikes are the most common class of e-Bikes. They offer pedal assistance and only provide power when the rider is pedaling. Class 1 e-Bikes top out at a maximum speed of 20 mph.
Class 2 e-Bikes
Class 2 e-Bikes, also known as "throttle-assist" bikes, have a similar power and speed capability as Class 1 e-Bikes. However, they have a throttle control that allows the rider to engage the motor without pedaling. This means that the rider can use the motor to propel the bike forward, even when not pedaling. The top speed is also 20 mph.
Class 3 e-Bikes
"Classless" electric bikes
There are, however, some e-Bikes that don't fit squarely into the three main classes. As regulations tighten, this is happening less and less, but there used to be many e-Bikes with Class 3 speed capabilities and a throttle, the hallmark feature of Class 2 models, essentially combining both Class 2 and 3 traits. This gray area isn't often enforced for users, but that's due to change. And some e-Bikes are just straight-up too fast to be classified in the system explained above, with a different legal standing more akin to motorized vehicles or mopeds. These faster models may be called "Class 4 e-Bikes", but that term has fallen out of use.
State e-Bike regulations
The different laws affect the requirements for licensing, insurance, minimum age, and helmet use for e-Bikes. If you’re wondering if you need a license to ride an electric bike, only New Jersey requires a license for Class 3 e-Bikes, though Hawaii mandates a $30 registration fee for all e-Bikes.
It is important to check the e-Bike regulations and laws in your area before purchasing an e-Bike. By understanding the different classes of e-Bikes and state requirements, you can choose the right e-Bike for your needs and stay safe while riding. For example, Class 3 e-Bikes are legal in California, but the law just changed, enforcing a slightly narrower definition of these fast models.
Whether you’re looking for an electric road bike or an electric mountain bike, Upway stocks tons of Class 1 models designed for top performance, which are allowed on most trails. Check out these high-quality Class 1 e-Bikes from Upway, including a one-year warranty!
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Key Takeaways
- E-Bike Classes: E-Bikes are divided into three classes based on speed and motor assistance. Class 1 and 2 reach 20 mph, but Class 2 has a throttle. Class 3 goes up to 28 mph with pedal assist only.
- State Rules Differ: E-Bike laws vary by state, affecting licensing, age limits, and helmet use. Some states, like New Jersey, require a license for Class 3 e-Bikes.
- Pick the Right E-Bike: Knowing the three-class system and local laws helps you choose the best e-Bike for your needs while staying safe and legal.
