What Is A Class 3 E-Bike? [A Complete Guide]
Bikes are undoubtedly one of the best methods of commuting, and the journey is now easier with the rise of electric bikes. However, electric bikes are classified in a few classes which, honestly, can be a bit confusing for riders. Class 3 e-bikes are a popular choice among commuters, but there are several factors surrounding them.
Now, what is a class 3 e-bike, and what makes this electric bike class so popular? There are several rules and regulations surrounding the use of these bikes depending on the area with quite a few limitations.
So, to make things easier for you to understand, I have pieced this guide for you. In this guide, we will talk about class 3 e-bikes details along with several other factors relevant to the topic!
What Is A Class 3 E-Bike?
Class 3 e-bikes are only pedal-assisted e-bikes that come with a maximum speed of 28 MPH and 750W motor. If a bike’s speed limit is more than 28 MPH or it has throttle mode that it will not be considered as class 3 e-bikes.
However, in some of the states, a class 3 e-bikes can have throttle mode. You can ride a class 3 e-bikes on bike lanes and paths. Even so, it is restricted to ride on multi use paths and bike trails.
How Fast Is A Class 3 Electric Bike?
A class 3 electric bike has a speed range between 21 to 28 MPH. The bike has a maximum speed limit of 28 MPH. However, if the max speed limit of a bike is below 20 MPH, it will be considered as class 1 e-bike.
Class 3 E-Bike With Throttle: is it allowed?
Throttles on class 3 electric bikes are not allowed in almost all the states. However, there are some local authorities in some states which allow throttle in class 3 ebikes.
What Is The Difference Between A Class 2 And a Class 3 E-bike?
The difference between a class 2 and class 3 electric bike is simple. Let’s take a look.
| Class 2 | Class 3 | |
| Mode | Throttle & Pedal-assisted | No throttle |
| Speed limit | 20mph | 28mph |
| Motor Wattage | 750W | 750W |
How Do Class 3 E-Bikes Work?
Class 3 e-bikes work with an assisted pedal and motor power that allows the electric bike to reach a maximum speed of 28 mph. The speedometer is mandatory in order to keep an eye on the speed and the use of the throttle is prohibited in many areas to ensure safety and speed limit.
What Are The Benefits Of Using A Class 3 E-Bike?
Class 3 electric bikes come with quite a few benefits. Here, we have listed a few benefits of operating a class 3 e-bike.
What Are The Limitations Of A Class 3 E-Bike?
While class 3 electric bikes come with quite a few benefits, there are a few limitations to using a class 3 e-bike as well. These are:
Class 3 E-Bike Safety Tips
Riding an electric bike on the road is relatively safe but there are a few safety tips that you must follow in order to enjoy a safe and secure ride. These tips are:
Class 3 Electric Bike Laws
Each state or country has its own laws or rules regarding class 3 electric bikes. Here, we will take a look at some of the places around the globe.
Class 3 Electric Bike California
According to the law in California, the rider for class 3 e-bikes must be above the age of 16 and have a helmet while on the road. You also can’t ride any passengers on your bike.
However, you may ride with your class 3 e-bikes in regular bike lanes if the local authority allows you to.
Learn More About California Class 3 Electric Bike Law
Class 3 Electric Bike UK
In the United Kingdom, you can only ride a class 3 ebike if you’re 14 or older. Let’s review all the laws for E-bikes in the UK here.
Learn More About UK Class 3 Electric Bike Law
Class 3 Electric Bike Virginia
According to the law passed in Virginia, it is mandatory to wear a helmet and be above 14 years old in order to ride class 3 electric bikes on the road.
Learn More About Virginia Class 3 Electric Bike Law
Class 3 Electric Bike Arizona
Arizona does not have any age limit or helmet law for electric bike riders. The class 3 electric bikes are allowed to operate on bike lanes and paths along with other bikes.
Learn More About Arizona Class 3 Electric Bike Law
Class 3 Electric Bike Australia
In Australia, you can operate class 3 electric bikes if you have a motor with a maximum power of 250W and reach a maximum speed of 15.5 mph. Throttles are allowed on bikes with a 200W motor while bikes over 250W can operate with a throttle if the speed does not exceed 6 km/h.
Learn More About Australia Class 3 Electric Bike Law
Class 3 Electric Bike NYC
You can operate class 3 electric bikes on the bike paths of NYC if you have a class 3 e-bike that has a maximum motor power of 750W. The rider must be 16 to ride an electric bike and cannot exceed the speed of 25 mph. Wearing a helmet is necessary for any electric bike traveling over the speed of 20mph.
Learn More About NYC Class 3 Electric Bike Law
Top 5 Class 3 Electric Bike Brands
The top 5 brands for class 3 electric bikes are as follows:
- Ride1Up
- Aventon
- Juiced Bikes
- Gazelle
- Stromer
Top 10 Class 3 E-Bike List
There are hundreds of class 3 electric bikes available in the market. These are the top 10 class 3 e-bikes right now.
| E-Bike Name | Battery | Motor | Weight Limit |
| Juiced Bike CrossCurrent S2 | 673Wh | 750W | 275lbs |
| Ride1Up Café Cruiser | 720Wh | 750W | 300lbs |
| TurboAnt Thunder T1 | 672Wh | 750W | 240lbs |
| Aventon Level Step-Through | 672Wh | 750W | 250lbs |
| Lectric XP 2.0 | 460.8Wh | 500W | 330lbs |
| QuietKat Jeep | 696Wh | 750W | 300lbs |
| Surface 604 Shred | 672Wh | 500W | 285lbs |
| Stromer ST3 | 814Wh | 600W | 330lbs |
| Ride1Up Core 5 | 500Wh | 750W | 275lbs |
| Aventon Level | 672Wh | 750W | 300lbs |
Conclusion
There is no doubt that electric bikes are the future of commuting. Now that we have reached the end of the guide, I hope you are now clear about what a class 3 e-bike is.
Before you get a class 3 electric bike, make sure that you check the law for the area or state, and make a decision wisely. Do not forget to consider the speed limit and throttle permission before getting a class 3 electric bike.
FAQ
What Does Class 3 Electric Bike Mean?
A Class 3 e-bike is one of the 4 types of electric bikes. It has a maximum speed limit of 28 mph and is accommodated with pedal-assist mode and a speedometer.
Does Trek make a class 3 electric bike?
Yes, Trek makes class 3 electric bikes.
What is the fastest class 3 ebike?
Every class 3 electric bikes are limited to 28 MPH speed. And most of the top-tier brands like Ride1Up, Aventon and Juiced Bikes offer the maximum limit possible.
Can you add a throttle to a Class 3 ebike?
Yes, eventually you can add throttle to your class 3 ebike. Nonetheless, most of the states don’t support throttle in class 3 e-bikes. So, it wouldn’t be fruitful in the end.
Do you need a license for class 3 ebikes?
No, you don’t need a license to ride class 3 e-bikes anywhere in the world.
