E-bike classes and legal limits: Class 1, 2 and 3 in the US, 250 W and 25 km/h in Europe and the UK

The same e-bike can be a bicycle in one country and a moped in another. What decides it is how the motor helps (only while you pedal, or with a throttle), how powerful it is and at what speed it stops helping.

Class 1, 2 and 3 in the United States

Most US states define e-bikes by the three classes first written into California law:

• Class 1: the motor helps only while you pedal, and stops at 20 mph.
• Class 2: a throttle can drive the bike without pedalling; the motor stops at 20 mph.
• Class 3: the motor helps only while you pedal, up to 28 mph, and the bike has a speedometer.

The class decides where the bike may go. Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are generally allowed where bicycles are; Class 3 e-bikes are kept off some bike paths and trails, and several states set a minimum age and require a helmet for them. Many e-bikes can be switched between classes in their settings: the class you ride in is the one that counts. In our database 23 ranges are sold as Class 1, 82 as Class 2 and 51 as Class 3; compare Class 3 e-bikes.

The 750 W federal limit

Federal consumer-product law defines a low-speed electric bicycle as one with fully operable pedals, a motor of less than 750 W and a top speed on motor power alone of less than 20 mph. That is why 750 W is the most common motor rating on e-bikes sold in the US. Faster or more powerful models are not e-bikes under this definition and fall under state motor-vehicle rules.

250 W and 25 km/h in the European Union

In the EU an e-bike is a bicycle only if its motor helps while you pedal, has a continuous rated power of no more than 250 W and stops helping at 25 km/h. A throttle is allowed only as start-up help at walking pace. Faster e-bikes, such as 45 km/h speed pedelecs, are mopeds: they need type approval, a number plate, insurance and, in most countries, a licence and a helmet. 260 e-bike ranges in our database have a rated motor above 250 W; buyers in Europe should check that the brand sells a version set to the European limits.

The UK's 15.5 mph rule

In Great Britain an electrically assisted pedal cycle has pedals, a motor of no more than 250 W that cannot propel it above 15.5 mph, and may be ridden from age 14 without a licence. A bike that moves without pedalling needs vehicle approval.

Above the limits

An e-bike outside these definitions is a moped or motorcycle in law. In the UK and the EU it must be registered, taxed and insured, and the rider needs a licence and a helmet; it may not use cycle lanes. Riding an unregistered one on public roads risks fines and seizure. The same applies to electric dirt bikes in the Sur-Ron class, which are sold as off-road vehicles unless the brand offers a registered street-legal version.

Rules by country and state, with official sources →