What To Know About Riding a Class 3 E-Bike

BY KAYLA BEIRNE

Class 3 e-bikes offer pedal assistance up to 28 mph. With this increased speed come more responsibilities. We go over what you’ll need to know.

Cyclists know that their best is never enough. Bicycle engineers feel the same way. To further improve upon the electric bicycle, designers created the Schnellpedelec, or speedy pedelec. This electric, pedal-assisted bicycle surpassed the limits of standard e-bikes to achieve maximum speeds of 28 miles per hour. Today, under the three-class system of electric bicycles, we know the S-pedelec better as a Class 3 e-bike. If you’re looking to explore the easy rides and high speeds that this vehicle has to offer, read on. Here’s what to know about riding a Class 3 e-bike on and off the road.

Helmets Are a Great Idea—And May Be Required

A Class 3 e-bike can surpass speeds of 20 miles per hour with pedal assistance, getting up to 28 mph before the motor temporarily disables itself. This higher speed is part of what separates a Class 3 e-bike from the others. That’s why it’s important to have regulations for donning a helmet as you ride. Higher speeds magnify accidents, crashes, and collisions. Consequently, wearing a helmet common sense. In many states, it’s codified law. California, Michigan, Arkansas, and Tennessee require helmets for riders of Class 3 e-bikes, while states like Massachusetts, Maryland, and Connecticut require them across all classes. You can check your local laws to see what your state requires, but on a bike with such speed, you should wear one regardless.

Keep Battery Power in Mind

Getting your e-bike up to nearly 30 miles per hour is quite a feat, especially because you don’t need to do it entirely with your feet. However, these high speeds come at a cost. Maxing out your Class 3 e-bike can drain even the biggest batteries, reducing your range and leaving you needing to rely entirely on pedal power if it should lose its charge prematurely. Attaining and sustaining high speeds—especially against variables like wind resistance—can shorten a battery’s range from nearly 100 miles to as few as 20.

Stay off the Trails

The top speeds that a Class 3 e-bike can achieve will make your commutes easier, errands simpler, and road tours faster. Unfortunately, you’ll find that this powerful motor will keep you off a lot of the familiar paths and trails you once enjoyed. Part of what to know about riding a Class 3 e-bike is that many off-road bike courses prohibit them. This ban stands even if you swear to keep your speed below the 20-mph maximum of Class 1 and 2 e-bikes. It’s a precautionary measure to ensure that no one rides at dangerously high velocities in tight quarters or tough terrain.