7 Best Class 1 Electric Bikes in 2024 for All Riding Styles
June 17, 2024
If you want to find an electric bike (ebike) that gives you a little boost of power while you pedal, consider a class 1 electric bike, which offers enough pedal assist power for long rides or up hills. These bikes are versatile, are less regulated compared to other ebike classes, and feel similar to riding a traditional bicycle.
Keep in mind, if you’re looking for a class 1 ebike with a throttle or the fastest class 1 ebike, you won’t find one. Due to electric bike regulations and standards, class 1 ebikes don't come equipped with a throttle, and only have a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour.
While having a throttle means you can expend less energy, there are big benefits to ebikes without throttles. One major advantage is that class 1 ebikes can go on trails, bike lanes, and paved paths where traditional bikes aren’t allowed—and where faster ebikes like class 2 and class 3 models are often restricted or illegal. That means you can take your class 1 ebike on more adventures.
Another benefit is that class 1 ebikes offer a traditional riding feel with a boost. These bikes are fun to ride, provide great exercise, and let you go further than a non-electric bike thanks to the motor power.
Ready to explore the best class 1 ebikes? Read on to find our top picks, including:
- 1. Best Class 1 Ebike, Best Class 1 Pedal Assist Ebike, & Best Class 1 Ebike Under $3,000
- 2. Lightest Class 1 Ebike
- 3. Best Class 1 Cruiser Ebike
- 4. Best Class 1 Hunting Ebike
- 5. Best Class 1 Folding Electric Bike
- 6. Best Class 1 Cargo Ebike
- 7. Best Class 1 Commuter Ebike
- 8. Best Class 1 Ebike Accessories
1. Best Class 1 Ebike, Best Class 1 Pedal Assist Ebike, & Best Class 1 Ebike Under $3,000: Ramblas
Highlighted Specs:
- ✓ Price: $2,899 MSRP
- ✓ Max Speed: 20 mph
- ✓ Battery range: 80 miles
- ✓ Torque sensor: 100 nm
- ✓ Payload: 300 lbs
- ✓ Warranty: Two-year warranty
The Aventon Ramblas is the best class 1 ebike overall, the best class 1 pedal assist ebike, the best class 1 ebike under $3,000, the best class 1 mid-drive ebike, and the best class 1 fat-tire ebike. Featuring a mid-drive motor with 250-watts of sustained power and 750-watts of peak power, it has the boost you need to charge up steep hills, traverse long routes, and sail down single tracks. A 708-watt-hour battery life provides up to 80 miles in range so you can enjoy more mountain trails and city streets.
The Ramblas boasts a RockShox front suspension fork with 130mm of travel, helping absorb impacts as you navigate rough terrain on off-road trails. The built-in dropper seatpost quickly adjusts with a lever on the handlebars so you can instantly lower the seat to have better control downhill or raise it to climb steep inclines more easily.
The drivetrain is built with a SRAM NX Eagle rear derailleur boasting 12 speeds so you can switch gears based on the terrain demands. SRAM hydraulic disc brakes provide maximum stopping power, increasing control on technical sections.
With a top speed of 20 miles per hour and three pedal assist levels, this class 1 electric mountain bike costs just $2,899 MSRP. One of the most affordable class 1 ebikes, it’s a great deal compared to similar ebike models, which run $5,000 or more. Plus, Aventon offers more than 1,800 bike shops and retailers, making it easier than ever to schedule a test ride or maintenance.
If the under-$3,000 price point is the sweet spot for you, check out the available electric mountain bikes under $3,000. You can also explore other pedal assist ebikes or look at more fat-tire ebike options.
2. Lightest Class 1 Ebike: Orbea Gain
Highlighted Specs:
- ✓ Price: $7,699 MSRP
- ✓ Max Speed: 20 mph
- ✓ Battery range: 40-60 miles
- ✓ Torque sensor: No
- ✓ Payload: 253 lbs
- ✓ Warranty: Two- to three-year warranty
The Orbea Gain is our pick for the lightest class 1 ebike. Weighing just 25 pounds, this bike is nimble, quick, and designed for the road. Built as a sporty road bike, it lets you conquer challenging rides while offering a small boost of electric motor assistance when you need it.
Choose from a step-over OMR carbon frame or hydroformed aluminum frame and six different sizing options. The carbon model offers 55 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque while the aluminum frame provides 40 Nm. Maximum torque power is designed to kick in when your pedaling rate is between 75 and 95 revolutions per minute, creating a responsive ride and allowing you to maximize your efforts.
The 350-watt-hour bike battery offers up to seven hours of ride time and a long range that includes up to 4,000 meters of elevation gain. But all of these features come at a high price. The Orbea Gain costs $7,699 MSRP, making it a hefty investment for a class 1 ebike.
3. Best Class 1 Cruiser Ebike: Reise & Müller Culture Mixte
Highlighted Specs:
- ✓ Price: $7,609 MSRP
- ✓ Max Speed: 20 mph
- ✓ Battery range: Up to 67 miles
- ✓ Torque sensor: No
- ✓ Payload: 242 lbs
- ✓ Warranty: Two-year warranty
Looking for the best class 1 cruiser ebike? Check out the Reise & Müller Culture Mixte. This electric bicycle features a 625-watt Bosch Performance Line Speed motor and a 400-watt-hour Bosch battery.
Offering a sleek and stylish look, you’ll turn heads as you cruise through the streets. The rear light is integrated into the mudguard, and the reflector on the saddle keeps you visible even in dark conditions. An optional suspension kit includes a seatpost and front fork that provide a smooth ride when cruising on bumpy surfaces.
A Purion 200 display lets you easily see your riding stats, while colored LED lights highlight your riding mode. At $7,609 MSRP, this bike is a splurge.
4. Best Class 1 Hunting Ebike: QuietKat Apex Pro
Highlighted Specs:
- ✓ Price: $4,999.99 MSRP
- ✓ Max Speed: 20 mph
- ✓ Battery range: 25-52 miles
- ✓ Torque sensor: Yes
- ✓ Payload: 325 lbs
- ✓ Warranty: One-year warranty
For the best class 1 hunting ebike, consider the QuietKat Apex Pro. This electric bicycle features 4.5-inch wide tires so you can conquer any terrain, whether it’s mud, snow, or ice. A nine-speed drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes provide optimal control over speed and stopping in any conditions.
The Apex Pro features several modes including a class 1 mode along with class 2 and class 3 modes that unlock higher speeds. A customizable LCD display lets you adjust the bike settings and keep track of range and battery life with ease.
Available in three different colors, including gunmetal and two in camo, it fits different rider styles, whether you want to use it to stay hidden while hunting or turn heads when on the dirt trails closer to home. With a price tag of $4,999.99 MSRP, cyclists have to pay a pretty penny for this class 1 ebike.
5. Best Class 1 Folding Electric Bike: Brompton Electric C Line Explore - 6 Speed
Highlighted Specs:
- ✓ Price: $3,800 MSRP
- ✓ Max Speed: 15 mph
- ✓ Battery range: Up to 44 miles
- ✓ Torque sensor: Yes
- ✓ Payload: 242 lbs
- ✓ Warranty: One-year warranty
The Brompton Electric C Line Explore takes home the prize for the best class 1 folding electric bike. With a 44-mile range and a maximum assisted speed limit of 15 miles per hour, you can take it on bike paths where faster ebikes are restricted.
It features a 350-watt-hour removable battery that reaches a full charge in four hours using a normal household electrical socket. One of the best folding ebikes, it boasts a step-through frame, making it easy to get on and off the bike without having to lift your leg.
Weighing just over 38 pounds out of the box, this bike is lightweight and portable. Fold it up and carry it on the bus to reach new adventures, or use its compact design to easily store it in your apartment or garage without taking up too much space.
6. Best Class 1 Cargo Ebike: Tern Quick Haul D8
Highlighted Specs:
- ✓ Price: $2,999 MSRP
- ✓ Max Speed: 20 mph
- ✓ Battery range: Up to 65 miles
- ✓ Torque sensor: Yes
- ✓ Payload: 331 lbs
- ✓ Warranty: One- to 10-year warranty, depending on parts and coverage selected
Considering a class 1 cargo ebike? The Tern Quick Haul D8 is worth a look. Boasting a Bosch Active Line Plus motor, it offers 50 Nm of torque and 270% support so you can haul loads with less effort.
The Quick Haul D8 has a maximum payload of just over 330 pounds, making it versatile enough to haul the kids to school or deliver heavier goods around town. This electric cargo bike can haul 110 pounds on the rear rack and an additional 44 pounds on the optional front rack.
The low step-through frame is 19 inches high, providing easy mounting and dismounting regardless of your wardrobe choice. The upright riding position and ergonomic handlebar grips make even longer hauls enjoyable. Costing $2,999 MSRP, this class 1 ebike offers good value, even if it’s a bit more expensive than similar models on the market.
7. Best Class 1 Commuter Ebike: Trek Verve+2
Highlighted Specs:
- ✓ Price: $2,849.99 MSRP
- ✓ Max Speed: 20 mph
- ✓ Battery range: Up to 60 miles
- ✓ Torque sensor: Yes
- ✓ Payload: 300 lbs
- ✓ Warranty: Two-year to lifetime warranty, depending on components
To speed around town and get to work faster, check out our pick for the best class 1 commuter ebike, the Trek Verve+2. This class 1 ebike features a built-in headlight and taillight, improving visibility as you weave through early morning or late evening traffic.
A Bosch 250-watt motor and nine-speed drivetrain power this bike as you cruise over city hills and sail down bike trails in the park. It includes integrated fenders to keep you clean and dry, even if your commute involves wet surfaces.
This commuter bike is also comfortable to ride. It features a Bontrager Boulevard saddle that offers padding and support as you commute to and from the office. A suspension seatpost absorbs bumps in the road so you can navigate city obstacles like train tracks and potholes.
Best Class 1 Ebike Accessories
Once you find the perfect class 1 ebike for your riding style, you’ll want to consider accessories to get the most out of your new set of wheels. From racks that let you take your ebike on new adventures to locks that protect it when you’re not using it, here are some of our favorite class 1 ebike accessories.
Aventon Hitch Rack
The Aventon Hitch Rack makes it easy to transport your new class 1 ebike, whether you’re heading to a bike path a few cities over or taking it on a road trip in the RV. This hitch rack can carry two bikes with a maximum combined weight of 155 pounds. Easily fitting most two-inch hitch bars, it’s ideal for all types of vehicles from sedans to SUVs and trucks.
Aventon Single Child Trailer
The Aventon Single Child Trailer lets you share the joys of riding a class 1 ebike with your child. A built-in chest strap seat belt keeps them safely tucked inside, while tinted front and side windows make for a scenic ride. Use the handy stroller push handle to turn the trailer into a stroller to take your adventures even further.
Aventon Chain Lock
Use the Aventon Chain Lock to keep your bike safe when you stop for a coffee or secure your bike for the day. Featuring 8.3mm four-sided chain links, it provides peace of mind when you’re not riding your ebike. It’s wrapped in a nylon sleeve to prevent scratches, and it’s portable. You can toss it in your bike bag or front basket so you always have it on hand.
