In the US, electric bikes are categorized into three major classes. Class 3 bikes are the most powerful e-bikes among the three classes and are closer to mopeds and motorcycles than traditional bikes. They are also known as speed pedelecs (pedal electric cycle) in Europe and can reach speeds of up to 28 mph (45 km/h). In class 3 e-bikes, the motor only assists the rider when pedaling until the bike reaches 28 mph. Once the bike reaches the top speed, the motor disengages.
Although class 3 electric bicycles are designed for different uses, such as off-road adventures, fishing, hunting, or urban commuting and riding, they all share some similar traits, including:
- The motor power is capped at 750 watts (1 horsepower)
- They have a maximum speed of 28 mph (45 km/h)
- They come with a speedometer
- Motor assistance stops when the bike hits the maximum speed
- They are age-restricted, with the appropriate riding age varying from state to state
Now that we have described class 3 electric bicycles let’s look at some of the best class 3 e-bikes available on the market.
Also read: What’s the fastest electric bicycle you can get?
The best class 3 e-bikes, at a glance
- Specialized Turbo Vado SL 4.0 EQ
- Gazelle Ultimate T10+ HMB
- Stromer ST Series
- Trek Allant+ 7S
- Niner RLT E9 RDO
- Electric Bike Company Model C
- DŌST KOPE
- Cannondale Tesoro Neo X 2
Specialized Turbo Vado SL 4.0 EQ
The Specialized Turbo Vado SL 4.0 EQ is a lightweight e-bike manufactured by Specialized Turbo Vado, a company known for its durable and quality bikes. The SL 4.0 EQ is designed for the urban commuter. It comes with a rear rack, integrated lights, reflective graphics, and fenders with extended rubber flaps to ensure you reach your destination as clean as you left home.
See the Specialized Turbo Vado SL 4.0 EQ
The SL 4.0 EQ is assisted by a Specialized SL 1.1 mid-drive motor that weighs around five pounds. The motor combines with a 320Wh battery to provide a range of up to 75 miles on a single charge. You can extend the range to up to 120 miles with the available Range Extender 160wh battery.
What we like about the SL 4.0 EQ
- Lightweight and portable
- Fenders with extended rubber flaps
- Impressive range
- Fast charge; takes around two and half hours from empty to full charge
- 40mm mount kickstand
- Rear carrier rack
- 160mm hydraulic disc brakes
What we don’t like about the SL 4.0 EQ
- The battery is not removable
- No suspension mechanism
SL 4.0 EQ specs
- Range: 75 miles
- Top speed: 28 mph
- Unit weight: 33 lbs
- Torque: 35Nm
- Battery: 320Wh
- Price: $3,750
Gazelle Ultimate T10+ HMB
Gazelle has been in operation for the last 129 years, producing around 250,000 bikes every year. The T10+ is an upgrade to its predecessor, the original T10. This class 3 electric bike is faster and comes with a dual battery option for riders who want an extended range. It is powered by a Bosch Performance Line Speed motor that delivers 85Nm of torque. The motor is paired with a 500Wh battery to allow the rider to reach a maximum range of 55 miles while riding in Eco range mode.
See the Gazelle Ultimate T10+ HMB
The Ultimate T10+ HMB is equipped with a Suntour Mobie 45 suspension front fork with 80mm of travel, allowing riders to explore unpaved roads without compromising comfort. The e-bike also comes with a rear cargo rack.
What we like about the Gazelle Ultimate T10+ HMB
- Off-road abilities
- Suspension mechanism
- Cargo rack
- Dual batteries capabilities
- AXA Defender ring-type lock
What we don’t like about the Gazelle Ultimate T10+ HMB
- It does not come with a throttle
Gazelle Ultimate T10+ HMB specs
- Range: 55 miles
- Top speed: 28 mph
- Unit weight: 57.3 lbs
- Torque: 85Nm
- Battery: 500Wh
- Price: $4,199
Stromer ST5
Stromer is a Swiss e-bike manufacturer known for producing some of the best class 3 e-bikes in the world. The ST5 is the newest addition to the ST series that started with the ST1. Since Stromer specializes in speed pedelecs, they are often always a step ahead of the competition, with their e-bikes spotting standout features.
The new Stromer comes with high-end components such as a fully integrated anti-lock braking system, smart connectivity, GPS, and Smartlock. It draws power from a 650W rear wheel SYNO Sport motor and a 983Wh battery, both combining to provide 48Nm of torque and a range of up to 110 miles. Additionally, Stromer allows you to configure the bike to your satisfaction on their website before purchase, depending on your needs and preferences.
What we like about the Stromer ST5
- High-end components
- Customizable
- Smart connectivity
- Impressive range
- Anti-lock braking system
What we don’t like about the Stromer ST5
- It’s expensive
ST5 Specs
- Range: 110 miles
- Top speed: 28 mph
- Unit weight: 63.93 lbs
- Torque: 45Nm
- Battery: 983Wh
- Price: $11,526
Trek Allant+ 9.9S
The Trek Allant+ 9.9S is the successor of the popular Allant+ 8S speed pedelec. Like its predecessor, the new Allant+ comes with a powerful Bosch Performance Speed and a Bosch battery. It also comes with a 12-speed Shimano XT/SLX drivetrain and 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes to help riders come to a complete stop whenever they need. The 9.9S’s motor produces 75Nm of torque, while the 625Wh battery helps the bike reach a range of up to 100 miles.
You can add another Bosch Range Boost battery to double the range. The bike also comes with a rear rack, allowing the riders to carry light luggage around. Riders will also enjoy several smart features, including the Bosch SmartphoneHub controller.
What we like about the Trek Allant+ 9.9S
- Powerful battery
- Impressive range
- Dual battery option
- Durable frame
- Rear rack
What we don’t like about the Trek Allant+ 9.9S
- Only available in matte black in the US
Trek Allant+ 9.9S 9.9S specs
- Range: 100 miles
- Top speed: 28 mph
- Unit weight: 51.5 lbs
- Torque: 75Nm
- Battery: 625Wh
- Price: $6,300
Niner RLT E9 RDO
The Niner E9 RDO is the king of gravel roads thanks to its Race Day Optimized (RDO) fiber frame and fork, Bosch Gen4 Performance Line Speed motor that delivers up to 75Nm of torque, and the 500Wh Bosch Powertube battery powering the motor up to 32 miles on a single charge. To help you come to a stop from the top speed of 28 mph, the E9 comes with Shimano hydraulic disc brakes.
Riders can choose from four frame sizes, depending on their height. Whether you are 4’11 feet or 6’3 feet tall, the E9 RDO has a frame suitable for you. It also comes with custom rear and front racks, a suspension fork, and fenders.
What we like about the Niner RLT E9 RDO
- Off-road abilities
- Rear and front carrier racks
- Customizable
- Light
- Powerful motor
What we don’t like about the Niner RLT E9 RDO
- It does not come with front or rear lights, making it challenging to ride at night
Niner RLT E9 RDO specs
- Range: 32 miles
- Top speed: 28 mph
- Unit weight: 39.25 lbs
- Torque: 75Nm
- Battery: 500Wh
- Price: $5,995
Electric Bike Company Model C
Electric Bike Company’s Model C is one of the best class 3 e-bikes. The Model C is a cruiser electric bicycle that leans more towards functionality than mobility. The bike is quite heavy, but for good reasons. It can carry a load of up to 250 lbs uphill, thanks to its front and rear carrier racks and an MXUS XF15R motor with a maximum output of 1250W, producing 60Nm of torque.
See the Electric Bike Company Model C
The motor is powered by a 556Wh battery, assisting the bike to a range of up to 50 miles. You can extend the range with an optional 835Wh battery. The Model C is not all about muscle; the Electric Bike Company allows riders to choose from 24 available color options, ensuring riders end up with a beautiful beast.
What we like about the Model C
- Powerful
- Durable
- Customizable
- Front and rear carrier racks
- Rubber kickstand
What we don’t like about the Model C
- It takes too long to charge when using the standard charger
Model C specs
- Range: 50 miles
- Top speed: 28 mph
- Unit weight: 56.8 lbs
- Torque: 60Nm
- Battery: 556Wh
- Price: $2,299
DŌST KOPE
The KOPE is designed in Canada for riders who want the power to switch across the three e-bike classes without owning multiple bikes. It comes with a removable throttle that allows riders to adjust the bike’s configuration according to their needs and terrain. DŌST installed a powerful 750Wh Bafang BBS02 mid-drive motor capable of producing 120Nm of torque, making it ideal for riders who want to conquer steep slopes.
The motor combines with a 672Wh battery or an additional battery pack, totaling 1200Wh to assist the ride up to a range of 120 miles. The KOPE also comes with an integrated rear rack, LED lights, and puncture-resistant tires.
What we like about the DŌST KOPE
- Powerful motor
- Dual battery option
- Versatile
- Integrated rear rack
- Puncture-resistant tires
What we don’t like about the DŌST KOPE
- Heavy
DŌST KOPE specs
- Range: 60 miles
- Top speed: 28 mph
- Unit weight: 65 lbs
- Torque: 120Nm
- Battery: 672Wh
- Price: $3,199
Cannondale Tesoro Neo X 2
The Tesoro Neo X 2 is a touring e-bike for adventurous riders who want to explore their surroundings. It draws inspiration from e-MTBS, combining both on-road and off-road abilities. This e-bike is equipped with a 250W Bosch Performance Line CX motor capable of delivering 85Nm of torque and a Bosch Powertube battery with a capacity of 625Wh, assisting the rider up to a range of 52 miles.
See the Cannondale Tesoro Neo X 2
Since the bike comes with an option for an additional battery pack, you can boost the range to reach up to 106 miles. The bike’s suspension fork allows 100mm of travel, soaking up road imperfections and handling rough terrains.
What we like about the Neo X 2
- Off-road abilities
- Comfortable
- Dual battery option
- Big tires
- Rattle-free fenders
- Rear rack
What we don’t like about the Neo X 2
- The handlebar might be too wide for narrow bikeways and tight paths
Neo X 2 Specs
- Range: 52 miles
- Top speed: 28 mph
- Unit weight: 55 lbs
- Torque: 85Nm
- Battery: 625Wh
- Price: $4,100
That’s a wrap on our list of the best class 3 electric bikes you can buy. Make sure to also check our electric bicycle buyer’s guide before you make a purchase.