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

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Over the past few years, electric bikes have skyrocketed in popularity (conscious decision not to use the word exploded there), with some estimates saying that ebike sales in the US grew tenfold over the last decade. Whether you are in the market for your first ebike or are borrowing one from your local lending library, you might be wondering what an ebike’s class denotes.

There are three designations of ebikes in America—Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3—that are defined by a small handful of characteristics. While most ebikes have a maximum power output of 750 watts, it’s a combination of a bike’s top speed and how that speed is achieved that puts ...