Class 3 electric bikes, compared.

Class 3 is the fast lane of the e-bike world. These bikes give pedal assist up to 28 mph, which is a genuine step up from the 20 mph cap on lower classes. On a real commute that difference is huge. You keep pace with city traffic instead of getting swallowed by it, and a long ride shrinks by a good chunk of time.

This page lists the full field, sorted the way you want it. Every class 3 model we track is in the table by pedal-assist top speed, and you can re-sort by price, range, and weight. We price-check them and compare specs head to head. We only call a bike tested when we have ridden it, and those link to a review.

Who buys class 3? Fast commuters, mostly. Riders with a real distance to cover who want to get there quickly and still get a workout, since the speed comes through pedaling, not a throttle.

Every class 3 e-bike we track

What makes a bike class 3

The legal note matters here, so read it. A class 3 e-bike gives pedal assist up to 28 mph. Many states cap throttle-only power at 20 mph even on a class 3 bike, and a lot of jurisdictions keep class 3 bikes off shared-use and multi-use paths. Some require riders to be 16 or older and to wear a helmet. Rules vary by state and even by city, so check your local law before you buy.

Because every bike in this table is filed by pedal-assist top speed, the class 3 label here means what it should. A throttle bike that hits 28 on the throttle but assists only to 20 is not in this group.

How to choose

Speed is the headline, but do not stop there. A bike that holds 28 mph eats battery, so weigh the range column against your commute with the assist turned up. Look for the gear or motor setup that keeps pedaling comfortable at speed, and do not ignore brakes. Going faster means you need to stop harder, so strong hydraulic discs earn their keep on a class 3 bike.

Frequently asked questions

Are class 3 e-bikes legal on bike paths?

Often not. Many areas keep class 3 bikes off shared-use and multi-use paths and treat them more like road vehicles. Check your local rules, since they vary a lot by state and city.

Do class 3 e-bikes have a throttle?

Some do, but even when they do, the throttle is usually capped lower than the 28 mph pedal-assist limit. The class 3 speed comes from pedaling with assist, not from the throttle alone.

Do you need a license for a class 3 e-bike?

In most US states no license is required, but some set a minimum age and a helmet rule for class 3. Confirm the law where you ride before you buy.