What Are Ebike ‘Classes’ and What Do They Mean?

past several years, Electric bicycle Soaring in popularity (conscious decision not to use the word explode There), some estimates say that over the past decade, exike sales in the U.S. have increased tenfold. Whether you are on the market with the first return number as the market or from yours Local loan libraryyou may want to know ebike’s class statement.

In the United States, the three names of EBIKES (Category 1, Level 2 and Class 3) are defined by a few characteristics. While most EBIKEs have a maximum power output of 750 watts, it is the highest speed of the bike and how The speed of putting each ebike into the correct category was reached. These three lessons also determine where you can ride back.

The law changes by state, but there are enough crossovers to make some general point of view on how and where your class rides. “The laws in each state do look like in terms of ebike courses,” said Doug Dahl of the Washington Transportation Commission Division of Olympia, Washington.

Updated September 2025: We have updated the interpreter extensively.

Level 1 electric bicycle

Class 1 EBIKES uses only pedal assist technology. In other words, the rider must power the bike’s pedals to get the motor started. In some cases, a Class 1 bike also has a handle-based or thumb-activated throttle. However, these can only be activated when the rider is on the bike.

Additionally, the maximum speed of Class 1 EBIKE is 20 miles per hour.

In most places, Level 1 ebikes are legal and can be almost ridden on traditional bikes (i.e., to be called “simulated bikes” or the more annoying “acoustic bikes”), such as on greenways, bike trails and park trails.

Level 2 electric bicycle

In addition to pedal assistance, the second category EBIKES is also equipped with accelerator that can be operated even if the rider does not step on the pedal. Think of a small mop or a very slow motorcycle. In fact, it’s so slow that their top speeds are legally regulated at 20 miles per hour.

Like Level 1 ebikes, Level 2 bikes are allowed almost everywhere. In other words, the only difference between Class 1 and Class 2 EBIKES is the throttle that can be operated independently of the pedal assist mechanism.

Level 3 electric bicycle

With a top speed of 28 mph, the Level 3 bike is the most powerful bike. However, given their speed, most states impose heavier restrictions on where you can ride a Level 3 ebike. Like any bike, riders can operate level 3 ebikes on roads, traffic lanes and bike lanes on highways. However, Level 3 bikes are usually prohibited in greenways, paths and parks.

Some eBikes provide riders with the ability to switch between level 2 and level 3, providing more options and ways to ride eBikes.

Ebike or electric motorcycle?

Before going further, let’s go back to the place where I mentioned a small mop or a very slow motorcycle. With the rapid development of power technology, the purpose of state and municipalities is to keep up, the gray area has a lot about what and not ebike, how these things differ from scooters, and whether any of them are motorcycles.

An easy way to determine if your eBike is really an eBike, so no additional license is required, such as a motorcycle license or driver’s license, which points out the maximum speed of the bike. If the machine’s electric motor can speed more than 28 miles per hour, it’s not an emike no matter what state you are in.