What are the Three Types of E-Bike?
As electric bikes become an increasingly important element of urban, suburban, and even rural living, it’s become increasingly important that we understand what they are and how to get the very best out of them. Aside from the different types of e-bikes available (commuter, cruiser, road, or mountain), we need to understand that they all fall under three basic classes: Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3.
Why is it important to know these classes? Well, because these are what will determine which e-bike you are legally allowed to ride, where you can ride it, how fast you can go, and everything else the law has to say about it. In this post, we’ll delve into everything you need to know to enjoy your e-bike safely and legally.
Let’s dive right in.
Class 1 E-bikes
There are two key defining features that Class 1 e-bikes possess. The first is the fact that they aren’t capable of going over 20 miles per hour. Secondly, the electric motor will only kick in while the rider is pedaling, a feature that’s found across all pedelectric bikes. Within this class you’ll find bikes that come with a throttle in the handlebar that offers an additional power boost, even if you’re pedaling relatively softly. The throttle function will still work if you let the wheels spin freely on a lower gear. Class 1 e-bikes are legally allowed on bike lanes and bike paths traditionally reserved for analog or traditional bicycles.
Class 2 E-bikes
The difference between Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes is a relatively minor one on paper, but it makes a big difference once you’re on the road. While they’re still limited to a maximum speed of 2 miles per hour, Class 2 e-bikes are fitted with throttles that will function even while you’re not pedaling. Even if you decide you want to pedal, the motor can still help. Class 2 e-bikes, in general, are designed to offer riders electrically assisted pedaling power combined with throttle control. When it comes to legal riding locations, you can ride them wherever Class 1 e-bikes are allowed.
Class 3 E-bikes
Things get a bit tricky once we cross the line into the world of Class 3 e-bikes because of more complex technical capabilities, increased functionalities, and differing legislative parameters. The first major difference here is that Class 3 bikes are capable of reaching speeds of up to 28 miles per hour. Even though throttles are optional here, each of these bikes must have a speedometer by law.
The throttle requirements generally depend on the state you’re operating the e-bike in, with California, for example, not allowing them at all. In many jurisdictions, throttles are legal as long as they are only functional below the 2-mph limit even though you’re allowed to push pedelectrics to the 28 mph limit. Most states in the country will let you take a Class 3 e-bike and ride it along road lanes and curb-to-curb, bike-only lanes (located on road shoulders).
Take note that Class 3 e-bikes are not allowed on bike paths or the multi-use trails shared with pedestrians in typical parks. There is a workaround that many bike makers incorporate into their designs that sidesteps these restrictions involving the addition of a seed limiting mode that keeps the bike’s speed below 2 mph. This will let you legally ride Class 3 bikes on multi-use paths and trails.
Final Thoughts
Because e-bikes are such a new addition to our transport ecosystem, it’s no surprise that the laws governing their use are relatively new as well. The rules you might be used to while riding a typical bicycle may not apply to e-bikes as their extra components and capabilities make them an entirely different means of transport. With all that said, however, it’s vital that you only choose the best manufacturer of electric bikes if you wish to get the best out of it.
Ridstar has been at the forefront of the electric bike revolution and continues to come up with innovations in e-bike safety, performance, style, and efficiency. If you’re looking for world-class e-bike solutions, make Ridstar your first choice. You won’t regret it!
