Class 1, 2 and 3 e-bikes explained
Class 1: pedal assist only, up to 20 mph. Class 2: throttle allowed, up to 20 mph. Class 3: pedal assist up to 28 mph, usually with a speedometer and age limits. All three have a motor of 750 W or less. Faster or more powerful bikes are mopeds or motorcycles under most state laws.
The three classes
| Class | Throttle | Motor stops at | Typical rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | No | 20 mph | Like a bicycle; usually allowed on bike paths |
| Class 2 | Yes | 20 mph | Like a bicycle; some trails restrict throttles |
| Class 3 | Pedal assist only* | 28 mph | Speedometer; often age 16+ and helmets; often kept off multi-use paths |
*Many Class 3 bikes also have a throttle limited to 20 mph.
The class system comes from state law, not federal law. The federal definition (15 U.S.C. § 2085) covers bikes with working pedals, a motor under 750 W and a motor-only top speed under 20 mph, and governs how they're made and sold, not where you ride.
Is my e-bike street legal?
In most states a Class 1, 2 or 3 e-bike is street legal like a bicycle, as long as it stays within the class limits: motor of 750 W or less, assist cutting out at 20 mph (Class 1 and 2) or 28 mph (Class 3), and a throttle only on Class 1/2-style use up to 20 mph. Bikes sold with "off-road modes" above those speeds, or with motors over 750 W, are usually not street legal as e-bikes and fall under moped or motorcycle rules (registration, license, insurance). California will require class and top-speed labels on every e-bike from 2027.
Federal lands
On National Park Service land, Classes 1–3 are allowed only where bicycles are and only if the park superintendent designates it, never in wilderness; Class 2 riders may not use the throttle exclusively for long stretches except on roads. On BLM land, e-bikes may ride wherever motorized off-highway vehicles can; non-motorized trails need a separate decision.
What changed in 2025–2026
- California: from 2027, vehicles over 750 W or above 20 mph on throttle or 28 mph on assist can't be sold as e-bikes, and every e-bike needs a class and top-speed label (SB 1167, signed 2026-09-30).
- New Jersey: every e-bike needs registration and the rider a license since July 19, 2026. See license rules.
- Several other states (Hawaii, Illinois, Utah, North Carolina) adopted or changed class rules; check your state's DMV for details.
Which class are popular bikes?
- Aventon Abound LR: Class 2, 20 mph, throttle
- Aventon Abound SR: Class 2, 20 mph, throttle
- Aventon Aventure 3: Class 2, 20 mph, throttle
- Aventon Level 4 REC: Class 2 (Class 3 via app) (not stated by the brand), 28 mph, throttle
- Aventon Pace 5 REC: Class 2 (not stated by the brand), 28 mph, throttle
- Aventon Ramblas ADV: Class 1, 20 mph
- Aventon Soltera 2.5: Class 2, 20 mph, throttle
- Aventon Soltera 3 ADV: Class 1, 20 mph
- Cannondale Treadwell Neo 2 EQ: Class 1 (not stated by the brand), 20 mph
- ENGWE Engine Pro 2.0: Class 3 (not stated by the brand), 28 mph, throttle
- ENGWE EP-2 3.0: Class Not stated (not stated by the brand), 28 mph, throttle
- ENGWE L20 3.0: Class Not stated (not stated by the brand), 28 mph, throttle
Common questions
Is a Class 2 e-bike legal everywhere?
Class 2 e-bikes (throttle, 20 mph) are allowed wherever bicycles are in most states, but local rules vary: some trails and parks limit throttles, and the National Park Service allows e-bikes only where a park superintendent permits them.
Can I switch my e-bike between classes?
Many direct-to-consumer bikes ship as Class 2 and can be switched to Class 3 in the display or app: 27 of the 76 bikes in our database list Classes 1/2/3. The class you set is the one the law applies to.
Is my e-bike street legal?
Usually yes if it is a Class 1, 2 or 3 e-bike: motor of 750 W or less and assist that stops at 20 mph (28 mph for Class 3). Faster or more powerful bikes count as mopeds or motorcycles in most states and need registration and a license.
Is a 1,000 W e-bike legal?
Not as an e-bike under the federal definition or the three-class state laws, which stop at 750 W. Several states (California, Hawaii, Illinois, Utah) now treat faster or more powerful machines as mopeds or motorcycles that need registration.
Sources
Last checked 2026-10-20.