THE DIFFERENT CLASSES AND TYPES OF ELECTRIC BIKES

kyle

Owner at - EbikeWizard

I am excited to be able to help people get by with their ebike journey. Here at ebikewizard.com, I share my expertise and over a decade of experience riding, testing, and troubleshooting ebikes of all kinds.

There are a number of factors and features that differentiate different e-bikes from one another. With the progression of time, the demand for different types of electric bikes rises, and the electric bike manufacturing companies conform to the demand by introducing new innovations to their products. The best electric bikes are not a few models, but different for everyone with respect to how their features are of use to someone. In this article, we will take a look at some of the different types of electric bikes, as well as the different classes of electric bikes and their features and offerings.

Types of Electric Bikes

There are a number of ways we can categorize e-bikes, as each electric bike has some specific features to offer. Some are more suitable for daily commuting, while some are ideal for climbing mountains or tackling electric bike trails. Some offer more utility than others, while some offer longer ranges or faster speeds.

E-Bikes for Commuting

Also known as commuters or hybrid e-bikes, e-bikes for commuting are designed to take you to point B from point A efficiently and quickly. These are great for going to work or running errands. They usually have big battery capacities and large and narrow tires to provide efficient and reliable riding. These types of bikes are the best to ride on paved or lightly graveled roads. They have an upright riding position and are designed to provide their riders with the utmost comfort. Their seats are not as wide as that of cruiser electric bikes but are still cushy to support long rides.

Here are our top picks for hybrid e-bikes:

Cruiser E-Bikes

These are quite similar to commuters but have additional recreational and comfort features, making them suitable for seniors as well. Those who like to cruise in comfort away from challenging electric bike trails and on bike paths, flat terrains, and paved roads can get a cruiser electric bike for durability and reliability. They come with a strong suspension system and feature wide tires. These e-bikes are usually equipped with shock absorption in the seat as well as in the front fork. Almost all cruisers have handlebars placed high on them so that the rider can ride in an upright position that is easy on their back.

Here are our top picks for cruiser e-bikes:

Electric Mountain Bikes

Electric mountain bikes are built for thrill and feature strong motors, flat handlebars, and wide tires for extra torque, more control, and firm grip, respectively. These e-bikes are ideal for riders who have a thing for taking on challenging electric bike trails with lots of obstacles, uneven terrains, and steep grounds. Fat electric bikes also have fat tires that are 3 to 5 inches wide and are ideal for riding on mud, bogs, sand, and snow.

Here are our top picks for electric mountain bikes and fat e-bikes:

Road or City E-Bikes

Road e-bikes and city e-bikes are designed to be ridden on paved surfaces, like cruiser e-bikes, but have narrower tires and extremely light weights. They have powerful motors and lower handlebars to support fast riding. Some of the best electric bikes in terms of speed in the market are city and road e-bikes.

Folding Electric Bikes

Folding electric bikes are utility e-bikes that are one of the top-selling electric bikes across the globe. This is because they can be folded compact and easily lifted up and down the stairs and placed on shelves inside apartments and offices. They are usually around 20 inches in length and assist a wide range of riders.

Here are our top picks for folding electric bikes:

Cargo Electric Bikes

Cargo electric bikes can support heavy weights and usually either come with or are compatible with different front, back and side racks. Riders can use the racks on cargo electric bikes to place groceries and other big and heavy items, including pets and even kids.

Classes of Electric Bikes

Class 1 E-Bikes

Class 1 e-bikes are pedal-assisted and have a top speed of 20 miles per hour or less. Their motor power is limited to 750 W and only comes into action when they are being pedaled. They are also known as pedelec. Some class 1 e-bikes come with a throttle on the handlebars for an additional boost of power. However, they also work only if you are pedaling and not otherwise. This class of electric bikes is allowed on lanes and paths that are meant for riding traditional bicycles in most of the regions of the world.

Class 2 E-Bikes

They have the same top speed limit as class 1 electric bikes, but their throttles can assist while you are pedaling as well as when you are not. They are also usually allowed on the same lanes as traditional bicycles. The motor power of class 2 electric bikes is also limited to 750 W.

Class 3 E-Bikes

Class 3 electric bikes have pedal-assist throttle as well as optional throttle. Their speed limit is 28 mph, and they are required to have a speedometer on them. The motor power is limited to 750 W.

Class 4 E-Bikes

They do not have a limit to how fast they can go. They are not legal to ride on roads in many regions and have a motor power that is over 750 W.

Not all classes of electric bikes are legal to ride around everywhere. So, it is important to know the laws within your state and municipality before buying one. The different types of electric bikes are meant to cater to the different kinds of needs and demands of people. You can find the best electric bikes within all these categories. An electric bike is much more than just a vehicle that is friendly to the environment. Different kinds of e-bikes can offer utility as well as fun and adventure. While folding and cargo electric bikes are meant to provide you with ease of carrying out different tasks, electric mountain bikes are designed to serve you with thrill on hilly terrains and electric bike trails.