If you’ve been looking into electric bicycles, you may have wondered what e-bike classes are. First, you should know that e-bikes in classes one and two are legal for most street usage. E-bikes in classes three and four, on the other hand, must meet specific legal requirements, including using a helmet and riding on bike lanes. To learn more, keep reading. Below, we’ll discuss e-bike classes.
The difference between Class 1 and Class 2 electric bikes is in their speed limits. Class 1 bikes are pedal-assist-only, while class two electric bikes are throttle-assisted. Class two e-bikes have a top speed of 20 mph and pedal assistance, while class three bikes can provide motor power up to 28 mph. Class three electric bikes are also called speed pedelecs. All three types are designed for a specific purpose.
Despite varying laws, many states have accepted e-bikes as legal bicycles. This is good news for consumers because the law is much clearer on these types of bicycles, and the e-bikes themselves aren’t any more confusing than traditional bikes. Additionally, 26 states have accepted the federal e-bike classification system, and states that haven’t yet implemented one should still do so for the benefit of cyclists.
If you want to learn more about e-bike classes and their usage restrictions, it’s important to learn about each category. Class 1 e-bikes require pedal assistance to function, while Class 2 electric bikes are throttle-assisted. They are also legal to ride on city streets and pathways, and they can even be used on sidewalks. There are plenty of reasons to buy an e-bike, so start riding today!
