If you're new to electric bikes, you may have noticed that most of them are marketed with a Class designation. If you're wondering "what the heck is that?", wonder no more! Electric bike classes a way to define the power and capabilities of e-bikes. It's important to note that while classes are based on legal definitions and restrictions, these laws are not universal! They vary significantly from country to country, and within smaller regions (such as US states, or even cities) laws often vary widely.
What Class 2 (usually) means for Electric Bikes in the US and Canada:
- Top speed of 20mph (32kph)
- Motor power of 750 watts or less (this is nominal wattage, not peak)
- Motor power can be activated by pedal assist, and/or by throttle
What Class 2 (usually) means for Electric Bikes in Europe:
Who knows? š¤· Seriously though, this is a matter of much debate in Europe and rules and availability vary widely from place to place. For most European countries, an e-bike must be limited to 250 watts or less and have a top speed of 25kph (15.5mph), with pedal assist only - that's right, no throttles! If an e-bike is more powerful than that, and especially if it has a throttle, it would technically be considered a moped or light motorcycle; this is typically an L1e-A designation, here is an example of the criteria from Ireland.
To further confuse things, enforcement of e-bike regulations tends to vary even more, with many law enforcement officers not even knowing the laws regarding PEV use in their jurisdictions. For example, in Fort Collins CO it's technically illegal to ride e-bikes on many multi-use trails in the city, but as long as you're riding under 20mph and not being a jerk, no one will care.
The moral of the story: Research laws for your area, and if possible talk to local experts. E-bike shop owners are great for this!
The Lectric XP 4.0 folding fat tire e-bike impresses with major upgrades, including a torque sensor, hydraulic brakes, better display, and an improved drivetraināall starting at just $999. Available in 500W and 750W versions, it offers features normally found on pricier bikes, making it an unbeatable value for budget-conscious riders seeking modern performance and portability.
The Juiced Bikes Scrambler is a vintage inspired electric bicycle designed for versatile use, available in both a full suspension (FS) and a hardtail (HT) configuration. The technical specifications and pricing provided here refer specifically to the full suspension version, which utilizes a KKE inverted front fork with 140mm of travel paired with a KKE rear shock for enhanced impact absorption. Power is delivered through a 750W nominal rear hub motor that reaches a peak output of 1764W and produces 90Nm of torque for high performance acceleration. The electrical system features a 52V 19.2Ah battery that offers a maximum estimated range of 60 miles and supports Class 1, 2, and 3 operation with top speeds up to 28 mph. To manage this output, the bike is equipped with four piston hydraulic disc brakes, a single speed drivetrain, and 20 inch by 4.5 inch CST BFT ADV knobby tires. Additional features include an integrated TFT display with a parental lock speed setting and a total payload capacity of 225 lbs for the full suspension frame.
The Aventon Abound LR is a long-tail cargo e-bike designed for utility transport, featuring a gravity-cast 6061 aluminum alloy step-through frame with an 88-lb total weight and a 440-lb payload capacity. It is powered by a Shengyi 750W rear hub motor (1188W peak) delivering 80 Nm of torque, paired with a removable internal 36V 20Ah LG lithium-ion battery that provides an estimated range of up to 60 miles. Operating as a Class 2 e-bike by default, the system includes a double-sided torque sensor for pedal assist, a Shimano Altus 8-speed drivetrain, and Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with a 203mm rear rotor to manage heavy loads. For rider comfort and stability, the bike is equipped with 20-inch wheels, 3-inch wide urban tires, a suspension fork with 51mm of travel, and a suspension seatpost. Integrated smart features include the Aventon Control Unit (ACU) with 4G and GPS capabilities for theft deterrence, remote shutdown, and geofencing via a dedicated mobile app. Standard utility equipment includes a 143-lb capacity rear rack, integrated turn signals, and a lockable frame-integrated storage bag.
The Aventon Abound SR is a compact utility e-bike designed for cargo transport with a total payload capacity of 440 lbs. It is powered by a 750W rear hub motor that provides 80Nm of torque and is capable of reaching a top speed of 20 mph, though it can be adjusted to 25 mph. The system includes a 733Wh battery that offers a range of up to 60 miles per charge and features a double-sided torque sensor for pedal assistance. For cargo management and rider comfort, the bike includes a 143 lb-capacity rear rack, an 8-speed Shimano Altus drivetrain, and 50mm of suspension travel in both the front fork and seatpost. Security is managed through the Aventon Control Unit (ACU), which provides 4G and GPS connectivity for features such as geofencing, remote motor shutdown, and motion-sensing alarms. The 80-lb aluminum frameset is UL safety certified and features hydraulic disc brakes with a 203mm rear rotor to manage heavy loads.
The Trek FX+ 1S is a versatile and lightweight hybrid designed to handle everything from fitness rides and daily commutes to weekend adventures. It features a Hyena hub drive motor delivering 60 Nm of torque, paired with a fully integrated 540Wh battery. This Class 2/3 hybrid model includes a thumb throttle for effortless cruising and a responsive torque sensor for a natural pedal-assist feel. Built on an Alpha Gold Aluminum frame, it comes equipped with a Shimano CUES 9-speed drivetrain, Rush hydraulic disc brakes, and Bontrager H2 Comp tires. The FX+ 1S also prioritizes safety and convenience with a full-color HMI display, integrated turn signals, and the innovative EasyMag charging system.
The AIMA Rocky is a robust electric mountain bike built to capture the untamed strength and resilience of its namesake range. It is powered by a 750W Bafang rear hub motor (1200W peak) delivering 85 Nm of torque, paired with a removable 48V 15Ah (720Wh) battery for a range of up to 65 miles. This model stands out with its high-performance Shimano CUES 9-speed drivetrain and a responsive, customizable pedal sensor featuring both torque and cadence modes. Designed for the wild, it features an SR suspension fork with 100mm of travel, massive 203mm Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, and grippy 27.5" x 2.6" all-terrain tires. Riders stay connected via a Bafang TFT smart display with on-screen navigation and message alerts, while wide 760mm handlebars ensure agile control on both mountain trails and daily commutes.
The AIMA Key West is a lightweight, stylish cruiser designed to transition seamlessly from beachside paths to daily commutes. As the lightest model in the AIMA lineup at just 54 lbs, it features a 500W brushless rear hub motor and a removable 48V 12.8Ah (614Wh) battery that provides a range of up to 50 miles. The bike is equipped with Tektro hydraulic disc brakes featuring oversized 203mm rotors for reliable stopping power and a Shimano 8-speed drivetrain for versatile gearing. High-tech integration includes a 4.0-inch Bafang TFT smart display with on-screen navigation and message alerts, alongside integrated turn signals and a customizable pedal sensor with torque and cadence modes. Built on a 6061 aluminum alloy frame, the Key West prioritizes comfort and ease of use with an adjustable stem, ergonomic grips, and a lightweight rigid aluminum fork.
The AIMA Big Sur Sport 2.0 is the nimble, compact counterpart to the full-sized Big Sur 2.0, offering the same heavy-duty power in a more agile package. It shares the powerful 750W Bafang motor (1200W peak) with 85 Nm of torque, but swaps the 26" wheels for 20" x 4.0" fat tires to create a punchier, more responsive ride. Equipped with a high-capacity 48V 20Ah (960Wh) battery, it provides an impressive range of up to 75-80 miles. The Sport 2.0 features Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with 203mm rotors, a ZOOM suspension fork, and a Shimano 7-speed drivetrain. Tech highlights include a 4.0ā Bafang TFT display with Bluetooth for on-screen navigation and notifications, integrated turn signals, and a customizable pedal sensor that allows riders to toggle between torque and cadence modes. Weighing in at 77 lbs, it maintains a 400 lb payload capacity, making it a versatile option for riders seeking big power in a smaller, more maneuverable frame.
The AIMA Big Sur 2.0 is an upgraded fat-tire e-bike designed for power and long-range adventure, drawing inspiration from the rugged California coastline. It features a 750W Bafang rear hub motor with a 1200W peak power and 85 Nm of torque, delivering quiet yet efficient acceleration. The bike is equipped with a high-capacity, removable 48V 20Ah (960Wh) battery, offering an increased range of up to 75 miles. Built for comfort and control, the Big Sur 2.0 includes a customizable pedal sensor with torque and cadence modes, Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with 203mm rotors, and a ZOOM suspension fork with 80mm of travel. Tech-forward features include a 4.0ā Bafang TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity for navigation and notifications, integrated turn signals, and a reinforced frame with a 400 lb payload capacity.
The AIMA Santa Monica is a sleek and refined city cruiser designed to balance modern aesthetics with effortless urban performance. It is powered by a robust 750W Bafang rear hub motor and a removable 48V 15Ah (720Wh) LG battery, delivering reliable power and a range of up to 60 miles. This model features an approachable step-thru aluminum alloy frame, a responsive torque sensor, and Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with massive 203mm rotors for superior stopping power. Equipped for comfort on varied city streets, it includes a Suntour suspension fork with 75mm of travel, 27.5" x 2.6" tires, and a Shimano 8-speed drivetrain. The Santa Monica also prioritizes rider safety and convenience with UL2849 certification, a color LCD smart display, and a total weight of 64 lbs including the battery.