CLASS 1
You pedal.
The motor helps.
32 km/h*
20 mph assistance cut-off
- How it works
- Pedal assist: the motor helps while you turn the pedals.
- Riding without pedalling?
- No throttle-powered riding in the basic Class 1 definition.
KNOW YOUR E-BIKE
Class 1, 2 or 3?
The main differences are whether you need to pedal and when the motor stops helping.
These are common U.S. class labels used in bike listings. Choose where you ride to see the local rules; class labels are not universal.
Where do you ride?
Choose your province or state. We remember this choice on this browser for Classes and Regulations.
You pedal.
CLASS 2
A throttle can
do the work.
32 km/h*
20 mph assistance cut-off
- How it works
- A throttle can run the motor without you pedalling. Many models also offer pedal assist.
- Riding without pedalling?
- Yes, using the throttle within the class limit.
CLASS 3
You pedal.
It assists faster.
45 km/h*
28 mph assistance cut-off
- How it works
- Pedal assist continues to a higher speed.
- Riding without pedalling?
- The basic definition is pedal assist. Throttle rules vary by jurisdiction; do not assume a “Class 3” label allows throttle use at 45 km/h.
*Metric speeds are rounded from 20 and 28 mph. These are motor-assistance cut-offs, not a guarantee of speed or a road speed limit. You may roll faster downhill. Low-speed walk/start assistance is a separate feature; California permits it on Class 1 and 3 up to 3.7 mph (about 6 km/h).
Class definitions: California Highway Patrol e-bike guide (PDF).
RIDING IN BRITISH COLUMBIA
The label alone does not make it legal.
BC’s road rules use these two categories. A U.S. Class 1 or 2 label does not confirm that a bike meets all BC requirements.
| Requirement | Standard e-bike | Light e-bike |
|---|---|---|
| Motor assistance stops by | 32 km/h | 25 km/h |
| Maximum continuous motor power | 500 W total | 250 W total |
| Throttle assist | Permitted | Not permitted |
| Minimum rider age | 16 | 14 |
A bike configured to assist at 45 km/h does not meet BC’s e-bike speed limit. A class sticker or riding slowly does not change that requirement. Do not assume a display setting makes a non-compliant bike road-legal.
BC also requires working pedals or hand cranks, motor cut-offs, suitable brakes and other equipment. Wear a helmet, and check local road, path and trail rules before riding. Requirements elsewhere can differ.
Sources: BC e-bike requirements · Motor Assisted Cycle (E-Bike) Regulation
Class is not a quality rating.
Class 3 does not mean a bike is better built, has a safer battery, or travels farther. Check the exact model sold in your region and its settings, battery certification and local service support separately.
Understand battery ratingsSources checked October 7, 2026. Confirm current requirements where you ride.