The US categorizes electric bikes into three major classes. Class 2 e-bikes are unique because they are both throttle and pedal-assisted. You can ride a class 2 bike without pedaling at all. Class 2 e-bikes also give you access to other motor assistance modes until you reach a top speed of 20 mph (32km/h). Once you hit the top speed, the controller disengages the motor.

All class 2 e-bikes share the following characteristics:

  • Max speed is limited at 20 mph (32 km/h)
  • Motor power is limited to 750W (1 horsepower)
  • Throttle and pedal-assist cease when the bike hits the max speed
  • They enjoy all the access rights granted to class 1 e-bikes

If you are in the market for a class 2 electric bike, you will be spoilt for choice. While there is a wide collection to choose from, here is our selection of the eight best class 2 e-bikes.

Also read: Looking for something more powerful? Here are the best class 3 electric bikes

Best class 2 e-bikes at a glance

Lectric XP 2.0

The Lectric XP 2.0 also appears on our list of the best folding bikes. This bike is popular among electric bikes enthusiasts mostly because it is affordable, versatile, has a folding mechanism, and has a throttle function. Besides folding neatly, it is comfortable and comes with a rack, integrated lights, and fenders, making it an excellent commuter e-bike.

See the Lectric XP 2.0

Unlike earlier versions, the new XP 2.0 has a front suspension and three-inch tires, allowing riders to explore loose or bumpy trails. Its 500W motor with five pedal-assist levels churns out 60Nm of torque and is powered by a 460Wh battery up to a range of 45 miles.

What we like about the Lectric XP 2.0

  • Folding mechanism
  • Five pedal-assist levels
  • Rear rack
  • Suspension
  • Affordable

What we don’t like about the Lectric XP 2.0

  • It is a bit heavy

Lectric XP 2.0 specs

  • Range: 45 miles
  • Top speed: 20 mph
  • Unit weight: 64 lbs
  • Torque: 60Nm
  • Battery: 460Wh
  • Price: $999

Rad Power Bikes RadRunner Plus

The RadRunner Plus is an electric utility bike that is highly customizable. You can tweak the bike to your preference with the almost 330 accessories available in the Rad Power Store. It has a unique passenger package that includes a rear seat, enabling you to take a friend on your rides.

See the RadPower RadRunner Plus

The bike has a twist grip throttle that allows you to activate the 750W brushless Rad Power Bikes geared hub motor whenever you need it. The motor can produce 80Nm of torque and is powered by a 672Wh battery to a range of up to 45 miles. Additionally, the bike comes with puncture-resistant tires and a front suspension fork, combining to enhance the bike’s off-road abilities.

What we like about the RadRunner Plus

  • Customizable
  • Passenger package
  • Powerful
  • Five pedal-assist levels
  • Full fenders
  • Puncture-resistant tires

What we don’t like about the RadRunner Plus

  • It is heavy

RadRunner Plus specs

  • Range: 45 miles
  • Top speed: 20 mph
  • Unit weight: 74 lbs
  • Torque: 80Nm
  • Battery: 672Wh
  • Price: $1,799

Electric Bike Company Model M

The M in the Electric Bike Company’s Model M stands for mini. However, that does not mean this bike cannot hold its own among the best class 2 e-bikes. Like other Electric Bike Company bikes, the Model M is highly customizable, offering a wide array of color and accessory options. It has a thumb-activated MXUS XF15R motor with a nominal output of 500 watts, producing 60Nm of torque.

See the Electric Bike Company Model M

The motor draws power from a 432Wh battery, offering a range of up to 40 miles. You can upgrade to the 864Wh battery, doubling the range to up to 80 miles. The bike is mounted on puncture-resistant tires and comes with a suspension fork with 80 mm of travel. Additional features include an anti-theft alarm, a no-slip kickstand, and a GPS tracker.

What we like about the Model M

  • Customizable
  • Thumb throttle
  • Puncture-resistant tires
  • Suspension
  • Anti-theft mechanism

What we don’t like about the Model M

  • Steel parts are vulnerable to rust when the paint is scratched

Model M specs

  • Range: 40 miles
  • Top speed: 20 mph
  • Unit weight: 57 lbs
  • Torque: 60Nm
  • Battery: 432Wh
  • Price: $1,849

Aventon Aventure

The Aventon Aventure is a solid yet elegant bike with both on-road and off-road abilities. It has four-inch fat tires and a front suspension fork with 80 mm of travel, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride regardless of the terrain. The Aventure comes with integrated lights and fenders. An LCD display is mounted on the handlebar, giving you access to information such as pedal-assist level, speed, battery level, distance covered, and more.

See the Aventon Aventure

The bike’s 750W motor can be thumb-activated on demand. A 720Wh battery powers it up to a range of 45 miles. While the bike does not have a torque sensor, it has no problem climbing hills.

What we like about the Aventure

  • Solid
  • Powerful
  • Fat tires
  • Integrated lights
  • Fenders

What we don’t like about the Aventure

  • No torque sensor

Aventon Aventure specs

  • Range: 45 miles
  • Top speed: 20 mph
  • Unit weight: 73 lbs
  • Torque: N/A
  • Battery: 720Wh
  • Price: $1,999

Also read: 10 best electric bicycles you can get

GreenBike EM26

GreenBike is an electric bike manufacturer that started in Israel in 2005, before expanding to Europe and the United States. The EM26 2021 model is a testament that the company is on track to achieving its major goal of producing some of the best class 2 e-bikes in the world. This e-bike has a thumb throttle function that calls on the bike’s 750W Bafang motor on-demand, producing a torque of 80Nm.

See the GreenBike EM26

The motor is powered by a removable 624Wh Panasonic battery, helping you reach a range of up to 50 miles. The EM26 also comes with four-inch puncture-resistant fat tires and a front suspension fork with 140 mm of travel, making the bike ideal for urban commuting and off-road adventures.

What we like about the GreenBike EM26

  • Puncture-resistant fat tires
  • Suspension
  • Removable battery
  • Front and rear LED lights
  • Rear rack

What we don’t like about the GreenBike EM26

  • It takes a long time to charge

GreenBike EM26 specs

  • Range: 50 miles
  • Top speed: 20 mph
  • Unit weight: 65 lbs
  • Torque: 80Nm
  • Battery: 624Wh
  • Price: $2,099

QuietKat Jeep

If we had to describe the QuietKat Jeep in one word, we would call it a beast. This e-bike draws inspiration from the off-road capabilities Jeep SUVs are well known for. It can conquer any hill thanks to its Ultra-Mid Drive Bafang motor with a nominal power of 750 watts, with the ability to reach a maximum output of 1500 watts and 160Nm of torque.

See the QuietKat Jeep

The QuietKat Jeep e-bike has a 696Wh battery capable of powering the motor up to 40 miles on a single charge. The bike comes with a four-bar linkage Fire-Link suspension system and 4.8-inch fat tires to ensure a smooth and comfortable ride even on the roughest trails. You can ride the bike on snow, soft sand, and hardpack trails with rocks and roots. It has a load capacity of 300 pounds and comes with additional kits for hunters and overlanders.

What we like about the QuietKat Jeep

  • Off-road abilities
  • Fat tires
  • Four-bar linkage suspension system
  • Powerful motor
  • Adventure kits

What we don’t like about the QuietKat Jeep

  • Expensive

QuietKat Jeep Specs

  • Range: 40 miles
  • Top speed: 20 mph
  • Unit weight: 70 lbs
  • Torque: 160Nm (at maximum output)
  • Battery: 696Wh
  • Price: $6,699

Juiced Scorpion X

The Scorpion X is a moped-style e-bike with a custom 750W RetroBlade Bafang motor, producing 80Nm of torque. The motor works with a 780Wh battery to give the rider an assisted range of up to 55 miles. The twist throttle activates the motor on demand. It comes with an adjustable dual suspension system to soak up road imperfections.

See the Juiced Scorpion X

Juiced Bikes installed a rear rack and fenders on the Scorpion X to help you carry your luggage and keep elements at bay. The bike’s 4.25-inch puncture-resistant fat tires also ensure maximum traction when you want to explore off-road terrains. Available accessories include rearview mirrors and a passenger kit.

What we like about the Juiced Scorpion X

  • Dual suspension system
  • Puncture-resistant fat tires
  • Rear rack
  • Fenders
  • Passenger kit

What we don’t like about the Juiced Scorpion X

  • Heavy

Juiced Scorpion X specs

  • Range: 55 miles
  • Top speed: 20 mph
  • Unit weight: 100 lbs
  • Torque: 80Nm
  • Battery: 780Wh
  • Price: $2,199

ArielRider Rideal

The new Rideal is a minimalist commuter e-bike designed for urban dwellers. It has a 750W motor that can churn out 65Nm of torque, flattening any steep slope you might encounter. The bike has five pedal-assist levels and a twist throttle to power the motor on demand. The motor is powered by a 672Wh battery, allowing the rider to reach an assisted range of up to 60 miles.

See the ArielRider Rideal

The ArielRider Rideal comes with high lumen front lights and integrated rear light, ensuring you see the road ahead and you are visible to other road users. The standard Rideal does not come with fenders and a rear rack. While you have to purchase these separately, it should not be a reason to deter you from buying the bike, considering it is one of the most affordable class 2 e-bikes.

What we like about the ArielRider Rideal

  • Affordable
  • Minimalist
  • Extended range
  • Huge payload capacity

What we don’t like about the ArielRider Rideal

  • Fenders and racks are sold separately

ArielRider Rideal specs

  • Range: 60 miles
  • Top speed: 20 mph
  • Unit weight: 52 lbs
  • Torque: 65Nm
  • Battery: 672Wh
  • Price: $999

Also read: The best electric bicycle conversion kits

These are our picks for the top class 2 electric bicycles on the market. Check out our related content in the side menu for more!