Class 3 E-Bikes: Electric Bikes With Top Speeds of 28 mph

If you're searching for high-speed electric bikes, check out the best Class 3 electric bikes. These swift pedal-assist bikes have a maximum speed of 28 mph with pedal assist, so they're fast and fun!

Class 3 e-Bikes come in all styles, including commuter, cargo, road, all-terrain, fat tire, and folding eBikes. As the fastest models available, they are ideal for city commutes on the road or other max speed scenarios. However, Class 3 e-Bikes aren’t always allowed on bike trails, especially mountain bike trails, but if you plan to stick to bike lanes and city streets, you can’t beat a Class 3 e-Bike.

What Are Class 3 E-Bikes?

Class 3 e-Bikes provide pedal assistance up to 28 miles per hour. These are the fastest legal e-Bikes you can buy in the US, and are sometimes referred to as speed pedelec bikes, especially across the pond in Europe.

Higher speeds require more battery capacity and power to reach nearly 30 miles per hour, so many Class 3 e-Bikes have high-capacity batteries. These batteries can get heavy and make the overall bike weigh more than other models.

Class 3 e-Bikes have either a rear hub motor or mid-drive motor and usually a maximum motor wattage of 750 watts. A rear hub motor boosts you as you ride by turning the rear wheel, while a mid-drive motor assists in turning the bike's cranks at the center of the frame. It’s standard for these bikes to have hydraulic disc brakes and various pedal assist modes.

Do Class 3 Electric Bikes Have a Throttle?

Officially, Class 3 e-Bikes should not have a throttle, according to the federal and state definitions. Throttles are reserved only for Class 2 electric bikes (with a maximum speed of 20 mph); however, some Class 3 models still come with a throttle or the option to activate a throttle mode.

E-Bike laws vary from state to state, and some states, like California, explicitly prohibit Class 3 e-Bikes with a throttle. Other jurisdictions may condone Class 3 e-Bikes with a throttle, as long as the throttle cuts off at 20 mph like a Class 2 bike.

Class 1 vs Class 2 vs Class 3 E-Bikes

All US states follow a three-part classification system for electric bikes, based on motor assistance type and top speed. To understand Class 3 e-Bikes, we need to understand the differences between classes of e-Bikes.

1. Class 1 e-Bikes are electric-assisted bicycles that only assist when the rider is pedaling, reaching a maximum speed of 20 mph.
2. Class 2 e-Bikes are bikes equipped with an electric motor and a throttle to propel the bicycle without pedaling— the maximum speed is also 20 mph.
3. Class 3 e-Bikes are pedal-assist-only, with a higher top speed of 28 mph.

 

Who Are Class 3 Pedal-Assist Bikes For?

The three-class e-Bike system offers plenty of choice for riders, depending on how much speed they need. Riders who want the fastest bikes available can opt for Class 3 models, which can be especially well-suited to certain situations:

1. Fast commuters who frequently ride on open streets: A faster top speed can help riders keep up with cars on the road. Closing the speed differential between cars and city bikes can actually increase road safety and get you to your destination quicker.
2. Cargo riders: A bit of extra speed can come in handy when hauling heavy cargo bikes that may otherwise slow you down.
3. Swift riders: For the speed demons out there, Class 3 e-Bikes are the fastest legal type of bike. That said, it’s important to ride within one’s abilities and match speed to one's surroundings.

 

However, for riders who typically ride in shared bike lanes, multi-use paths, or mountain bike trails, a Class 3 eBike is probably not the right choice. Going too fast in these areas can be dangerous for other riders and path users. 

There are often speed restrictions on multi-use paths that are well below Class 3 bikes’ top speed, and most MTB trails prohibit the use of Class 2 and Class 3 electric bikes anyway (sometimes banning e-Bikes altogether). It’s rare to see a high-performance electric mountain bike or pedal-assist road bikes with Class 3 specs, since they focus on a natural-feeling boost rather than all-out speed.

Popular Class 3 E-Bike Brands & Models

Most electric bike brands offer a range of models, some sticking only to pedal-assist (Class 1 and Class 3) while others also offer Class 2 models. Top brands like Trek, Specialized, Aventon, Cannondale, Gazelle, and more each have Class III eBikes to choose from. For example, models with Bosch Performance Line Speed mid-drive powerful motors can reach 28 mph, faster than the standard Performance Line motor units. 

US Electric Bike Laws and the Three-Class E-Bike System

At the federal level, low-speed electric bicycles are regulated as traditional bikes by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. The federal government regulates “low-speed electric bicycles”, defined as “two- or three-wheeled vehicles with fully operable pedals and an electric motor” with a maximum power output of 750 watts and a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour.

Beyond this, specific federal regulation of e-Bikes is sparse, though there is currently a bill proposing that the federal government adopt the three-class e-Bike system. At the moment, however, Class 3 e-Bikes don't fit into the US government's definition of low-speed electric bicycles outlined above.

To fill the gap in federal e-Bike regulation, nearly all states have adopted the 3-class e-Bike system, with each state and local municipality adapting the local regulations to their needs.

Navigating the Legal Landscape: Where Can I Ride My Class 3 E-Bike?

Class 3 electric bikes are the most strictly regulated e-Bike class. Compared to Class 1 e-Bikes, which can go pretty much anywhere that you can take a traditional bicycle, Class 3 e-Bikes are much more restricted.

Many local e-Bike laws don't allow Class 3 e-Bikes on bicycle paths, sidewalks, or mountain bike trails. Since they're faster, these bikes also often have age restrictions and helmet laws or requirements.

You should check the local e-Bike laws in your area before starting your ride. If you don't know, it's best to think of your Class 3 eBike as a road vehicle and stay on public roads, wherever motor vehicles are allowed. If you need clarification on whether your Class 3 e-Bike is allowed on a traditional bike or multi-use trail, check with your local transportation department or city hall.

E-Bike Safety Tips for High-Speed Riding

1. Always wear a helmet while riding your Class 3 e-Bike.
2. Before your first ride, bring it to your local bike shop. They'll inspect your e-Bike's frame and ensure it’s ready for max speed.
3. When riding high-speed e-Bikes, follow all traffic laws. You're moving at the same speed as motor vehicles, so follow speed limits, signal when you turn, and obey all traffic signs.
4. Always use your best judgment when your bike is at maximum speed. 
   

 

There's nothing like exploring your city on a high-speed electric bike. So, grab your helmet and get riding!

Shop Certified Pre-Owned Class 3 E-Bikes at Upway

Every Class 3 e-Bike at Upway gets the VIP treatment before it ever reaches you. Our expert technicians carefully inspect each ride to make sure it delivers the speed, performance, and reliability you expect from a top-tier electric bike. All Upway certified electric bikes are backed by a 1-year warranty, a 14-day free return window, and a customer support team that actually has your back.

And the best part? You can ride away with up to 60% off the price of a brand-new model! At Upway, we’re on a mission to make Class 3 e-Bikes more attainable and give them a second lease on life, giving you more power, more value, and more reasons to ride.