What is e-bike class 1, 2, and 3?

Class 1 is pedal assist to 20 mph. Class 2 adds a throttle and still cuts off at 20 mph. Class 3 pedal assist goes to 28 mph. This is not legal advice.

Does a throttle make an e-bike class 2?

Often, if assist stops at 20 mph. WattRank stores a class only when the captured page prints the number. A throttle alone is not relabeled.

Can cities ban a class the state allows?

Yes. Paths, campuses, and cities can be stricter than the state class label. Check the rules where you will ride.

Is 750 watts the legal maximum?

750 watts is the usual ceiling in the three-class framework. It is not a national license, and local rules differ.

Why is top speed blank if the class is known?

If the page says class 2 and never prints a mph number, the class is stored and the speed stays unverified. The class limit is not copied in as a measurement.

E-bike class 1, 2, and 3

Short answer. E-bike class 1, 2, and 3 is a state framework, not a federal license. Class 1 and 2 stop motor assist at 20 mph, and class 3 pedal assist goes to 28 mph. Cities and trails can be stricter, and this is not legal advice.

Optional video slot. Add a YouTube id for guides/ebike-classes in data/videos.json when you have a clip. Nothing is embedded until then.

The three-class system is how a lot of states sort e-bikes. It is not a federal license, and a city can be stricter.

Many US states use the three-class system: Class 1 is pedal assist to 20 mph, Class 2 adds a throttle and still cuts the motor at 20 mph, and Class 3 is pedal assist to 28 mph (a throttle, if the bike has one, is often limited to 20 mph). Cities, campuses, and trails can be stricter than the state, and a few places write their own rules instead of using the three classes. A 750 watt motor is the usual ceiling in that framework, but it is not a national license. This is general information, not legal advice. Check the rules where you will ride before you buy.

What we store

If a page says "Class 2" and never prints "20 mph", the class field is verified and the speed field is unverified. The class-2 speed limit is not copied in as if the brand measured it.

The Lectric XPedition 2.0 does print 28 mph, so that figure is stored as verified.

LectricXPedition 2.0Value 61from $1,399Sample

Configurable class 1/2/3 bikes, like the XP4, keep all three classes and leave top speed blank until a page prints a number.

Comparison of this list
Model	Value	Price on file	Weight	Battery	Claimed range
Lectric XP4 750	72	$1,299 sample	71	840	85
Lectric XP4	65	$999 sample	69	500	50
Lectric XPedition 2.0	61	$1,399 sample	74	624	60
Velotric Discover 2	58	$1,499 sample	63	705.6	75
Lectric XPedition 2.0 Long-Range	49	$1,999 sample	83	1680	170

Common questions

What is e-bike class 1, 2, and 3?: Class 1 is pedal assist to 20 mph. Class 2 adds a throttle and still cuts off at 20 mph. Class 3 pedal assist goes to 28 mph. This is not legal advice.
Does a throttle make an e-bike class 2?: Often, if assist stops at 20 mph. WattRank stores a class only when the captured page prints the number. A throttle alone is not relabeled.
Can cities ban a class the state allows?: Yes. Paths, campuses, and cities can be stricter than the state class label. Check the rules where you will ride.
Is 750 watts the legal maximum?: 750 watts is the usual ceiling in the three-class framework. It is not a national license, and local rules differ.
Why is top speed blank if the class is known?: If the page says class 2 and never prints a mph number, the class is stored and the speed stays unverified. The class limit is not copied in as a measurement.