Electric bikes have gained immense popularity as they are a common way of commuting, exploring, and enjoying cycling. There are several classes to choose from, all with their own unique characteristics and speed capabilities. One popular class is the Class 3 ebike, but do you know what is a Class 3 ebike and how it differs from other classes?
This guide includes definitions of each e-bike class, a comparison of their key differences, legal regulations for these particular bikes, top-rated Class 3 e-bikes, and essential factors to consider before making a purchase.
What Is a Class 3 E-Bike?
Class 3 ebikes are capable of providing pedal-assisted speeds of up to 28 mph (45 km/h). Their motors are designed to provide assistance only when the rider pedals. It still requires effort, albeit far less effort than what is demanded by a standard bicycle.
The design of Class 3 e-bikes is targeted toward commuting and urban travel, where saving time is a priority. These e-bikes are equipped with powerful motors, hydraulic disc brakes, heavy-duty frames, and long-lasting batteries for handling daily rides and long commutes.
This class of e-bikes is chosen most often because they provide the fastest legal option in street traffic and provide an alternative to more cumbersome motorcycles.
What Are the Differences Between E-Bike Classes 1, 2, and 3?
With the classes of e-bikes, you should better understand which one is relevant for your lifestyle. The following table shows an overview of these three classes.
|
E-Bike Class |
Pedal Assist Speed Limit |
Throttle Option |
Typical Use Case |
|
Class 1 |
20 mph (32 km/h) |
No |
Great for beginners, bike paths, and recreational rides |
|
Class 2 |
20 mph (32 km/h) |
Yes |
Best for short commutes, relaxed riding, and riders who like throttle-only control |
|
Class 3 |
28 mph (45 km/h) |
Usually No |
Designed for faster commuting, city travel, and riders needing extra speed |
Class 3 e-bikes are the best-suited electric bikes for adults who are looking for a replacement for the car when commuting to work or traveling long distances.
Legal Speed Limits and Regulations for Class 3 Ebikes
Because the speed of Class 3 ebike is higher than other classes, rules are often more stringent. Some of the rules are:
Helmet Requirements: Most states and countries mandate the use of helmets for all Class 3 ebike riders.
Age Restrictions: Riders are often mandated to be 16 years old to legally ride a Class 3 ebike.
Road and Path Restrictions: Riders are usually permitted to use the bike lanes on streets, but may be prohibited from using multi-use trails and sidewalks in certain areas.
Motor Power Limit: Commonly, there are regulations for the maximum motor power for e-bikes set at 750W in the US for legal use on the streets.
Registration and Licensing: In most places, a license or registration is not necessary, though some regions may differ.
Make sure to review local regulations, since rules can differ significantly between regions.
The 5 Best Class 3 Ebikes
1. ENGWE EP-2 Boost
The ENGWE EP-2 Boost is a foldable Class 3 ebike intended for everyday commuting. It provides a 250W brushless motor, 48V 13Ah battery, a Shimano 7-speed system, and 20x4.0 fat tires to ensure a comfortable and stable ride.
Pros:
Impressive 120 km range on a single charge.
Foldable design for easy storage and transport.
Enhanced stability and traction.
Strong 180 mm mechanical disc brakes for safe stopping.
Cons:
Lower top speed compared to high-powered Class 3 ebikes.
Slightly heavier than typical folding ebikes, making it less portable.
Usage Scenarios
Great for urban commuters and anyone who needs a practical and space-saving bicycle for everyday transport and occasional leisure use.
2. ENGWE M20
The ENGWE M20 is a versatile Class 3 ebike, with powerful motor and dual batteries for long range and speed capability. 20x4 fat tires keep you stable on the city roads and even light trails.
Pros:
Dual-battery setup provides a 150-mile range in PAS mode.
A powerful motor and strong torque offer seamless uphill performance.
Rugged fat tires enhance traction on varied surfaces and terrain.
Cons:
With dual batteries, it is heavier than average e-bikes.
Its larger size can be inconvenient for tight urban storage.
Usage Scenarios
Perfect for urban trekkers, gravel riders, and outdoor enthusiasts who need an eBike to commute in the city as well as ride out on weekends.
3. Euybike K6 Pro
Euybike K6 Pro is a Class 3 high-performance e-bike. This model comes with a 1000W rear hub motor and 48V 25Ah Samsung battery, providing you with extreme long-distance travel and steep hill climbing for hardcore commuting and adventures.
Pros:
Impressive 80 - 88 miles of PAS range with an exceptional 96N·m of torque for hill climbs.
Effortlessly handles heavy loads up to 400 lbs with a 1000W motor.
Smooth and comfortable ride for taller riders with 5 pedal-assist levels.
Cons:
Bulky design of 81 lbs with battery.
Longer 8-9 hour charging time compared to smaller batteries.
Usage Scenarios
Ideal for long-distance commuters nad riders carrying heavier loads. It is a fast, sturdy e-bike for rougher terrain or recreational rides.
4. Electra Townie Go
Featuring a Class 3 comfort-oriented design highlighted by its 500W hub motor with up to 60 Nm of torque and the integrated 520Wh battery, the Electra Townie Go electric bike is meticulous for urban commutes as well as recreational riding.
Pros:
Ergonomic saddle with shock absorption and upright riding position enhances comfort
Safety is ensured with hydraulic disc brakes featuring strong stopping power.
Extra integrated features like the lights, cargo rack, and wide fat tires provide added comfort and ease.
Cons:
Compared to high-performance e-bikes, the motor power is on the moderate side.
Less portable than most e-bikes due to a slightly heavier frame.
Usage Scenarios
Designed for urban commuters, weekend cruisers, and cyclists simply looking for a leisurely ride with comfort and style. For daily errands, short commutes, and leisurely weekend trips, it provides a stable and comfortable mode of transportation.
5. Aventon Aventure 3
The all-terrain class 3 ebike, the Aventon Aventure 3, boasts a 750W hub motor with 80Nm torque and a 733Wh LG battery. This bike truly delivers with a 65-mile range and reliable outback performance.
Pros:
All-terrain fat tires with a powerful 750W motor are great for climbing hills.
The suspension fork provides additional comfort along with hydraulic disc brakes.
Safety features include a UL-certified battery and components with built-in lights, as well as a rack and fenders.
Cons:
Weighing 76 lbs makes the bike more difficult to carry upstairs.
Slower speed when compared to some other Class 3 e-bikes.
Usage Scenarios
Best suited for more adventurous riders looking for a trail bike, multi-use rugged city commuting bike, or outdoor exploration. The bike can carry mixed terrain cargo and heavy loads of up to 400 lbs with ease.
How to Choose the Right Class 3 Ebike for You
Motor and Battery: Look for a motor of at least 250W and big-capacity battery packs if you are seeking high-speed commuting or long-range rides.
Usage Style: For smaller use cases, fold-up units such as the ENGWE EP-2 Boost are the best. If you want to have versatility and be able to ride around on different terrains, then the ENGWE M20 or Aventon Aventure 3 are good options.
Comfort & Fit: If you want to ride in a relaxed (or casual) way, you should go with a step-through frame or an upright option like the Electra Townie Go.
Price: Class 3 ebikes are available at different range of price points, so consider what features are necessary and within your budget.
Local Regulations: Always check whether your choice is legal under local laws, especially for paths and trails, to avoid either fines or restrictions on use.
Summary
Knowing what a class 3 ebike is will help you choose the right models suited to your lifestyle and riding requirements. They offer higher speeds, more efficient commuting, and more advanced technology than Class 1 or 2 ebikes. For urban travel, the ENGWE EP-2 Boost and ENGWE M20 are excellent choices, while the Euybike K6 Pro, Electra Townie Go, and Aventon Aventure 3 are better suited for long-distance rides or light off-roading. No matter if you’re aiming for speed, or you just want to enjoy a leisurely cruise to work, a Class 3 ebike can enhance your daily ride.
Read more:
What Are Electric Bicycle Classes
