The electric bicycle is becoming more and more popular and is no longer just talked about a sustainable alternative to the classic idea of mobility, but represents a real trendy itemdesigned to meet any need.
For this reason the eBike market is full of different models among them that vary in shape, size and speed.
Therefore, for those who want to take their first steps in this world, the first thing to do is to find out properly about the different models on the market and the various technical specifications that distinguish them.
Electric bike classifications
The different classes for an electric bike are one way to identify it by speedat the power and, if it had one, based on it to the accelerator.
In Europathere is only one vehicle category that allows electric bikes to use a 250 watt motorcon maximum speed is 25 km/h e without the accelerator. All the electrical energy therefore comes from pedal assistance.
In the United Stateshowever, eBikes can go much fasterhave larger engines and also have an accelerator optional similar to that of a motorbike.
The US legal system regarding eBikes is very extensive and can vary from state to state, unlike Europe where fewer models and a well-defined system of laws are available
For this reason it is also worth analyzing in detail the various models available in the USA, where an eBike must necessarily have pedals and cannot overcome and 20/28 MPH when using only the electric motor.
As is evident, this is a sufficiently broad definition to allow states and manufacturers a certain margin of maneuver, which leads to the division of electric bikes into Classes 1, 2 and 3.
What is a class 1 electric bike
For a Class 1 electric bike, il engine only works while pedaling and the push of the pedal assistance helps up to a maximum of 20 MPH.
This first class is what of closer to a normal bicycle and the engine has the sole purpose of make it easier to usemaking it easier for the user but without pushing him to too high speeds.
Class 1 eBikes they are not equipped with any type of accelerator even if some brands are trying to add such a system, confusing the already unclear waters of the current legislature.
What is a class 2 electric bike
The electric bikes in Class 2 offer the user a assisted pedaling mode which also allows you to use only the accelerator without pedaling up to a maximum of 20 MPH.
The only difference compared to Class 1 is that you can decide to use the accelerator only to reach the desired speed and, therefore, without the need to pedal.
Given the speed limit imposed, the engine cannot exceed 20 MPH and will turn off once this threshold is reached.
What is a class 3 electric bike
A electric bike in Class 3 is the most popular one in the USA and, of course, the fastest that allows you to arrive up to 28 miles per hour.
Compared to other models, in addition to the maximum speed which rises, there is also the obligation in different states of use a speedometer to keep the imposed limits under control.
Contrary to what happens in Europe, where the helmet is always mandatory by bike, in the USA Class 3 is the only eBike where (in some states) it is mandatory to use this protection system.
Other curiosities from the world of eBikes
In the States, as already mentioned, the world of eBikes is not well defined and there is a bit of confusion given a system of laws that is not exactly stringent, based almost exclusively on speed allowed.
It should also be emphasized that to use an electric bike on the road no driving license is required, not even for Class 3 which can reach very high speeds.
It is also important to remember that many brands are producing the so-called “multiclass” bicycles which, through the appropriate application, allow users to unlock different modes of use like the one for dirt roads or a pseudo Class 4which allows speeds much higher than the limits and which has not yet been well defined.
Furthermore, many bikes can be reprogrammed by the owners to increase performance and “change from one class to another”
Even in this case, various models are available and the laws in this regard are not exactly clear, so users have no choice but to do so respect the limits imposed for the category and adapt to these based on the change in potential.
In extreme summary, with the current legislative system of the USA it is up to users to check the laws local or state and, of course, respect them.
Furthermore, some national parks they have different rules for eBike usersso before moving it is advisable to also take this into account.
Then as previously mentioned, these rules and class systems can change from state to statewith some regions having developed even more targeted rules, given the widespread use of these vehicles.