E-bike classes explained: class 1, 2 and 3

The three e-bike classes at a glance

Most US states sort electric bikes into three e-bike classes. The system separates e-bikes from mopeds and motorcycles, and it rests on two questions: does the motor need you to pedal, and at what speed does it stop helping?

• Class 1: pedal assist to 20 mph. The motor helps only while you pedal and stops helping at 20 mph. There is no throttle. This is the class allowed in the most places, including many bike paths.
• Class 2: throttle to 20 mph. A thumb or twist throttle can move the bike without pedaling, and the motor stops helping at 20 mph. Most class 2 models also offer pedal assist.
• Class 3: pedal assist to 28 mph. The motor helps while you pedal, up to 28 mph. Many states keep class 3 off certain paths and trails, and some add a helmet rule or a minimum rider age.

Top speed here means the speed at which the motor stops helping. You can still go faster by pedaling hard or rolling downhill, but the motor will not push you past the class limit.

Pedal assist vs throttle

Pedal assist adds power as you pedal. It feels like riding with a tailwind, and it stretches the battery further than the throttle does. How it feels depends on the sensor:

• Cadence sensor. The motor switches on when the pedals turn and gives an even push. The Segway MUXI lists a cadence sensor.
• Torque sensor. The motor measures how hard you press and matches your effort, so it feels closer to a regular bicycle. The Segway Myon and the Hiboy EX11 list torque sensors, and the Hiboy EX9 lists a dual-sided torque sensor.

A throttle gives power without pedaling. It is handy for pulling away from a light, crossing a busy junction or resting tired legs. Under the class system, a throttle that moves the bike on its own belongs to class 2 and stops at 20 mph.

Some models mix the two. The Hiboy P6 lists 20 mph in throttle mode and up to 28 mph with pedal assist as a class 3 bike. How states treat a class 3 bike that also has a throttle varies, so check your local rules if you want both.

The 750 watt expectation

Most state e-bike laws expect a motor rated at 750 watts or less. The same figure appears in the federal definition of a low-speed electric bicycle: working pedals, a motor under 750 watts, and a top speed under 20 mph on motor power alone. That federal rule covers how bikes are sold, while your state and city decide where and how you ride.

Makers often list two figures. The rated figure is what the motor can deliver continuously, and the peak figure is a short burst. The Hiboy EX9, for example, lists 750 W rated and 1000 W peak. Check which figure your state rule refers to before you buy.

Bikes with much more power or speed sit outside the three classes. The Segway Xyber is listed for off-road use only, and the WEPED F1 lists a top speed of about 50 mph. Depending on your state, a bike like that may be treated as a moped or an off-road vehicle, with different rules. We compare that style of bike in moped style e-bike vs electric scooter.

Where each class may ride

Rules vary by state, by city and even by park. These patterns are common in states that use the classes, but your local rules decide:

• Roads and bike lanes. All three classes are usually allowed where regular bicycles ride.
• Paved shared paths. Class 1 and class 2 are often allowed. Class 3 is often kept off, or limited to paths next to roads.
• Dirt trails. Land managers set their own rules. Many allow only class 1, and some allow no e-bikes at all.
• Age and helmets. Class 3 often comes with a minimum rider age and a helmet rule, even where class 1 and class 2 do not.

For the questions to ask your state and city, read electric scooter laws: what to check before you ride. Most of them apply to electric bikes too.

Switchable classes

Several e-bikes let you choose the class in the settings. That way one bike can follow the rules on a class 1 path and the rules on a class 3 road. Listings that show this include:

• Segway Myon: listed as class 1, 2 or 3.
• NAVEE Wolf X: class 1, 2 and 3 switching, with throttle and pedal assist.
• Hiboy EX11: class 2 by default, with a switch to class 3 at 28 mph, pedal assist only, where permitted.
• Hiboy EX9: 20 mph by default, adjustable up to 28 mph with pedal assist where local rules allow.
• Segway Xafari: class 2 at 20 mph, or class 3 at 28 mph where allowed.

Set the class to match the place you ride, and switch down before you join a path that allows only class 1 or class 2.

Which of our e-bikes list a class

These in-stock e-bikes state a class on their product listing. Top speed in the table is the highest figure the maker lists, and some models reach it only in their class 3 setting.

Maker figures, checked September 2026. Real range and speed depend on rider weight, terrain, temperature and riding mode.

• Segway Myon: class 1, 2 or 3, with a torque sensor and Shimano Cues 9-speed electronic auto shifting.
• Segway MUXI: class 2, a step-through cargo bike with a single-speed drivetrain and a 418 lbs total payload.
• Segway MUXI Pro: class 3, with 9-speed electronic auto shifting and hydraulic disc brakes.
• Segway Xafari: class 2, with full suspension and 12 levels of pedal assist.
• Hiboy EX9: class 3, at 20 mph by default and up to 28 mph with pedal assist.
• Hiboy P6: class 3, at 20 mph on the throttle and up to 28 mph with pedal assist.
• Hiboy EX11: class 2 by default, class 3 where permitted.

Many other models in our electric bike shop do not state a class on the listing. If the class matters where you ride, ask us before you order.

How to choose a class

The right choice among the e-bike classes depends on where you ride most.

• Choose class 1 if you ride shared paths or trails, or want the widest access.
• Choose class 2 if you want a throttle for easy starts, heavy loads or tired legs.
• Choose class 3 for longer road commutes where the faster assist helps, after checking which paths it may use.
• Choose a switchable model if your rides mix roads and paths with different rules.

For the other big decisions, such as motor type, battery size and fit, read how to choose an electric bike. If you ride on sand, snow or broken pavement, see our guide to fat tire electric bikes. Every order ships free to the lower 48 states, and you can split the cost with Pay in 4 at 0% APR or monthly payments with Affirm.

Questions riders ask