Ebike Classes Explained: Class 1, 2 and 3 — and the Rest of the World
The three-class system used in North America, how it maps to the models in this catalogue, and why the same bike can be legal in one market and not another.
The Three Classes
| Class | Drive | Speed Limit | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Pedal assist only, no throttle | Assistance cuts at 20 mph (32 km/h) | Trail and city bikes where throttles are restricted |
| Class 2 | Throttle-assisted | Motor cuts at 20 mph (32 km/h) | Utility, cargo and casual riding |
| Class 3 | Pedal assist only (throttle varies by state) | Assistance to 28 mph (45 km/h) | Commuting on roads; often requires a speedometer, age and helmet rules apply |
Separately, much of Europe and several other markets use a simpler pattern informally called the EU style: 250W continuous rated power, pedal assist only, assistance cutting at 25 km/h, with anything faster or more powerful treated as a moped category vehicle. A large part of this catalogue — the city line, the folding family, the road bikes — is published in exactly that format (250W, 25 km/h, mostly no throttle), while its high-power models (750W and 1000W, top speeds to 50 km/h and beyond) sit outside both frameworks for road use and are sold for off-road, private-land or specially permitted applications.
Mapping the Catalogue
Class-1-shaped: the no-throttle 250W city models (C1, C7, EC2) and folders (F11, F7) at their published 25 km/h — below the Class 1 speed ceiling, so configuration to a class is a quotation discussion, not a label claim. Class-2-shaped: throttle-equipped utility models at moderate speeds, e.g. the cargo C18 format. Outside the classes: the 1000W M620 models and other 48V performance builds, which is why the product pages flag market checks rather than printing class labels.
What This Means for Your Order
Specify market first, model second. In the inquiry, state the destination market and the configuration you need (power cap, speed cap, throttle yes/no, sensor type), and before payment, confirm the build being offered against it in writing. Documentation for your market: Certificates available upon request.
Questions Buyers Ask
Can I order samples first?
Yes — under the factory's published sample policy, spare units can be provided for sampling; the sample fee and courier cost are paid by the buyer. Confirm availability for the models you want when you inquire.
How long does production take?
The published lead time is 30–60 days after the advance payment is received, depending on the product category and order quantity. Ask us to confirm the schedule for the exact models in your inquiry.
What certificates do the products carry?
Certificates available upon request. Send your target market in the inquiry and we will confirm which documentation can be provided for the models you are sourcing.