What is a class 1 ebike

When I was planning to buy an electric bike, I wasn’t aware of how many types of e-bikes were available in the market. And with my initial research, I got even more confused. Then I approached one of my good friends, who owns Aventon Ramblas e-MTB, which falls under the class 1 e-bike category, and helped me learn about e-bike classes, features, range, laws, and much more.

There are three classes of electric bikes available in the market. They are class 1, class 2 and class 3.

What is class-1 e-bikes:

These class 1 e-bikes are the most common and popular among their classifications currently on the market. They are only available with 100% pedal assist, no throttle, and a speed limiter with a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour. But yes, you can surpass this limit when you are going downhill with your e-bike due to momentum alone.

These class 1 e-bikes have electric motors equipped with motor with a maximum output of 750 watts. To engage with the motor, the rider has to pedal because there is no throttle assist system in class 1 e-bikes, and once you reach the speed limit, your motor power supply automatically cuts off; after that, you have to pedal faster or use higher gears to gain more speed especially when you are trying to break the speed limit.

One advantage I experienced with class 1 is that the lower speed keeps things a little bit more in check on the safer side, which avoids accidents.

PLEASE NOTE:

1. Class 1 e-bikes are the most popular e-mountain bikes; these e-bikes are good for uphill climbs.

Understanding Class 1 e-bike regulations:

• Your class 1 e-bikes have a speed limiter of 20 miles per hour, which makes them safer for multi-use trails and bike paths, especially when there is high traffic, avoiding accidents.
• Driver’s License and License plate are not required for any class e-bikes.

Benefits of owning a Class 1 e-bike:

Below, I am trying to include my points which I liked about class 1 e-bikes and why you should buy them:

• If you are a beginner or someone who values simplicity and reliability, these class 1 electric bikes might suit you. I will say it is made for those who enjoy simplicity and more comfort.
• If you want to have lighter e-bikes to ride, then this one’s for you. For example, the Rad Minis, which comes under the class 2 e-bike category, weighs about 65 pounds. On the other hand, Specialized Levo SL, which is a class 1 e-bike, stands for super light. They weigh around 40 pounds, and that’s if you see they are considerably lighter than the Rad Mini.
• Their major benefits also include the fact that you won’t need a driver’s license to ride these electric bikes.
• If you want to ride the mountain trails where only class 1 e-bikes are allowed. For example, Elevate Pedego is the only Class 1 electric bike which is specially designed to be ridden on mountain trails.
• Class 1 e-bikes are more efficient. They provide a longer range in comparison to class 2 and class 3 e-bikes because they have a pedal assist system which helps to conserve the battery and travel longer distances.
•  Ebikeleague always recommends having class 1 if you are planning to get a new one.

Best Class 1 e-bike brands:

1. Aventon Ramblas

This electric bike has been designed for on-road and off-road. So you can go to your work, and if you want to do off-roading, it can be done too.

The installed motor is silent even at a higher pedal assist and has the power of 250 watts, generating 100 nm of torque.

It is a class 1 e-bike, so its speed limit is 20 miles per hour. What I liked about this e-bike is that it offers you options such as dirt or street. So, if you are riding on the street, you can choose a street, and according to that, the motor will be tuned to give you an amazing riding experience.

2. Trek Powerfly

It is an electric mountain bike which has gained praise from the owners for its remarkable performance with an impressive range of up to 80 miles and the ability to handle an elevation of 700 feet.

It is equipped with a 500 Wh battery for a good range cover. It has a RIB (removable integrated battery) feature that smartly hides the battery in the frame. It also helps remove the battery without any tools and mounts your water bottle cage.

It is a class 1 e-bike; therefore, it has a speed limit of 20mph.I was amazed that the installed hydraulic brakes have a good, responsive stopping power, which helped me ride confidently. What I liked about the Trek brand was that it uses the Bosch power tube of a 250W motor which generates a good torque of about 75 Nm which helps in demanding climbs.

3. Specialized Turbo Combo IGH 4

It is designed especially for those who are looking to ride only on the streets.

The company claims that it will offer you a range of up to 68 miles or 5 hours of range.

It is equipped with hydraulic brakes on both rear and front. It offers seamless gear shifting and a friendly wrist position. Its low step-over height helps in easy mounting and dismounting.

It is powered with a custom-tuned 250 W nominal power motor generating 70 Nm torque and has a battery with a 710 Wh hub motor, which provides a wide range with step-less gear-shifting experience. It offers low maintenance with high durability. A non-removable battery is the only problematic feature that I didn’t like in this e-bike. For example, if you want to travel to a restaurant or cafe and you are left with a low battery alert, then a detachable battery helps you out there.

4. Tenway urban allrounder AGOX

Tenway AGOX e-bikes are equipped with a 504 W battery which offers 62 miles or 99 km of assisted range. Its mid-drive motor is paired with a chain drivetrain of 250 W power and generates 80 Nm Torque. The benefit of using a mid-drive motor is that it will help you in climbing your e-bike uphill very easily. It is a class 1 e-bike therefore it has a speed limit of 20 miles per hour.

The feature I liked the most in this Tenway e-bike was the portable battery pack, which comes under the accessories section and fits on your e-bike separately. So, if you are planning to go out with your friends for a long distance, you don’t have to worry at all.

I hope this article has helped you gain in-depth knowledge about the class one e-bike, if not just leave down comment below & I will try to help you in proving more information if possible. And yes, thank you so much for your trust & valuable time; please remember ebikeleague & always feel free to come back again for any difficulty you face with your electric bike.

WITH LOVE,

KEEP EXPLORING & KEEP GOING.