ALL Electric “Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way.” Proverbs 19:2 (ESV)
The difference between a Class 2 and a Class 3 e-bike comes down to two things: a throttle and 8 mph. A Class 2 can move you without pedaling, up to 20 mph. A Class 3 only helps while you pedal, but keeps helping up to 28 mph. That second number brings more rules with it, especially for riders under 16.
Most of the bikes I’ve tested sit right on this line. Several ship as Class 2 and list 28 mph on pedal assist, so the class you actually ride depends on how the bike is set up. Here’s how the two classes compare and which one I’d pick for different riders.
The definitions
These come from state law. Michigan’s is a clear example (MCL 257.13e). Every class requires a seat, working pedals and a motor of no more than 750 watts.
- Class 2: a motor that “propels the electric bicycle to a speed of no more than 20 miles per hour, whether the rider is pedaling or not,” and that cuts out when the brakes are applied.
- Class 3: a motor that “provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling” and cuts out at 28 miles per hour.
The speed is where the motor stops helping. It isn’t a hard top speed. You can still pedal past it, or roll past it downhill.
Side by side
| Class 2 | Class 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Max assisted speed (mph) | 20 | 28 |
| Throttle in the legal definition | Yes | No |
| Max motor power (W) | 750 | 750 |
| States I checked with an age limit for this class | 2 | 12 |
The last row counts states from my state-law research, not all 50. Two states’ age limits cover Class 2 as well. In Minnesota, no one under 15 may operate any e-bike. New York sets 16 as the minimum for e-bikes (VAT 1242), and it caps Class 3 at 25 mph and allows it only in cities of 1 million or more. Helmet rules work differently. Several states cover all young riders on any bike, so they apply to Class 2 too. California covers riders under 18, Florida under 16, Maryland under 16, West Virginia under 15 and Rhode Island under 21.
Where Class 3 gets more rules
In the state laws I’ve verified, the extra rules almost all fall on Class 3:
- Age: Ohio, Colorado, Delaware, Iowa, Washington, South Dakota and California bar riders under 16 from operating a Class 3, and Maryland does on highways. Texas sets the line at 15 and Michigan at 14. Most of these states still let a younger rider be a passenger. Minnesota (under 15) and New York (under 16) set limits for every class (169.222, VAT 1242).
- Helmets: Ohio, Delaware and Virginia require a helmet for every Class 3 operator and passenger. Colorado, Michigan and North Dakota require one for Class 3 riders under 18. South Dakota covers operators under 18 and all passengers. California requires one for all Class 3 riders and passengers, and New York for all Class 3 riders.
- Paths: Arizona, Ohio, Colorado and Washington keep Class 3 off bike and multi-use paths unless the path runs along a road or local officials allow it.
The state-by-state details and statute links are in e-bike laws by state.
Where the bikes I’ve tested fall
None of the bikes I’ve tested is sold as a Class 3 only. What you’ll see more often is a bike sold as Class 2, or “Class 2/3”, with 28 mph available on pedal assist:
| Bike | Maker’s class | Throttle top speed (mph) | Pedal-assist top speed (mph) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aventon Abound | Not listed | 20 | 20 |
| Aventon Abound SR | 2 | 20 | Not listed |
| Aventon Abound LR | 2 | Not listed | Not listed |
| RadWagon 4 | 2 | 20 | 20 |
| Aventon Aventure 3 | 2 | Not listed | Not listed |
| Mokwheel Obsidian | 2/3 | 20 | 28 |
| Mokwheel Asphalt | 2/3 | 20 | 28 |
How I confirmed the cargo bikes:
- Aventon Abound: the archived official page lists a throttle and “a top speed of 20 mph” but doesn’t print the words “Class 2.” The Abound SR label I showed on camera reads Class 2, 750 W, 20 mph max on the throttle. Aventon’s current Abound SR and LR pages both list “Ebike Class: Class 2.”
- RadWagon 4: Rad’s archived official product page lists it as Class 2.
Aventon lists the Aventure 3 as Class 2 with a top speed of “20MPH (Adjustable to 28)”, without splitting that between throttle and pedal assist. The Obsidian shipped to me capped at 20 mph, and Mokwheel lists 20 mph on the throttle and 28 mph on pedal assist. The Asphalt also shipped as a Class 2. If you unlock 28 mph on any of these, treat it as a Class 3 for age, helmet and path rules.
Which should you pick?
Pick Class 2 if:
- You carry kids or cargo. Starting from a stop with weight on the back is much easier with a throttle. That’s the job my Abound and RadWagon did.
- Your rides are short, with lots of stops. On a 3-mile run to the store with a stop sign every block, 28 mph saves you almost nothing.
- The rider is under 16, or you want the fewest rules and the most places to ride.
Pick Class 3 if:
- You commute more than 5 miles on roads. Ten miles at 25 mph instead of 18 saves about 9 minutes each way.
- You’re comfortable riding with traffic at those speeds, and your bike’s brakes are up to it.
- Your state and your route allow it. Check the path rules above.
About throttles on Class 3: the standard definition says Class 3 assists only while you pedal. Many bikes sold as Class 2/3 have a throttle limited to 20 mph. Minnesota handles this with a “multiple mode” category that lets the throttle work only up to 20 mph (169.222). Other states may not say clearly, so check yours.
FAQ
Is Class 3 faster than Class 2?
Only while you pedal. Both can top 20 mph if you pedal hard. A Class 3 keeps helping up to 28 mph. A Class 2 stops helping at 20.
Can a Class 3 e-bike have a throttle?
The standard definition doesn’t include one. Some bikes sold as Class 2/3 have a throttle capped at 20 mph. How that’s treated depends on your state.
Are the Aventon Abound and RadWagon 4 Class 2?
The RadWagon 4 is: Rad’s archived official page lists it as Class 2. Aventon’s archived page for the original Abound doesn’t say Class 2, though it lists a throttle and a 20 mph top speed. The current Abound SR and LR pages do say Class 2.
Can my 14-year-old ride a Class 3?
In many of the states I’ve checked, no. Ohio, Colorado, Delaware, Iowa, Washington, South Dakota and California set 16 (Maryland sets 16 on highways) as the minimum to operate one, and New York sets 16 for every e-bike. Texas sets 15. Michigan’s minimum is 14.
Can I ride a Class 3 on a bike path?
Often not. Arizona, Ohio, Colorado and Washington keep Class 3 off most bike and multi-use paths. Class 1 and 2 are allowed in more places.
Should I unlock 28 mph on my Class 2 bike?
Only if you’re ready for the Class 3 rules that come with it, and your bike’s brakes and tires are up to the speed. For hauling kids, I leave it at 20.
For more on all three classes, see e-bike classes explained. If you’re shopping, my best e-bike under $2,000 list covers the Class 2 and 2/3 bikes I’d buy right now. Check Aventon’s Class 2 bikes (affiliate link).