6 Best Class 3 Electric Bikes for All Types of Riders in 2024
May 27, 2024
Electric bikes (ebikes) are powered by batteries and motors to allow the rider to go further and exert less energy. They come in all shapes and sizes to suit different riding styles, whether you’re a commuter or adventurer. Cruisers and road bikes are designed to seamlessly weave through traffic, while electric mountain bikes (eMTBs) and fat-tire electric bicycles are optimized to conquer all types of terrain, including mud and snow.
For people who want a faster bike, class 3 ebikes are a popular choice. Generally, these bikes have only pedal assist (no throttle) and a maximum assisted speed of up to 28 miles per hour. They're geared toward speedy commutes on paved roads and faster cruising around town. Some areas regulate the use of these types of electric bikes on certain trails or require specific age limits to use them. Learn more about different ebike classes to find the right design for your preferences.
In this post, we’ll help you discover the best class 3 ebikes and highlight our top picks for the:
1. Best Class 3 Ebike & Best Class 3 Fat-Tire Ebike: Aventon Aventure
Highlighted Specs:
- ✓ Max speed: 28 mph
- ✓ Battery range: 60 miles
- ✓ Torque sensor: Yes
- ✓ Payload: 400 lbs
- ✓ Warranty: Two-year warranty
- ✓ Throttle: Throttle on demand
With a top speed of 28 miles per hour, the Aventon Aventure is our top pick for the fastest class 3 ebike, the best class 3 fat-tire ebike, and the best class 3 ebike under $2,000. Powered by a 750-watt rear hub motor and with 4-inch wide tires, it gets you where you want to go—whether that’s a technical dirt trail or smooth paved road—faster than before.
Featuring a 720-watt-hours bike battery, you can ride for miles and miles without running out of juice. Four pedal assist levels mean you can maximize range by using a lower setting or get added power and assistance to charge up hills when you need it.
Designed for adventure, the Aventure features a front suspension fork with 80mm of travel to comfortably cruise over any obstacle. Hydraulic disc brakes offer maximum stopping power for greater control in any off-road terrain, whether it’s sand, mud, or ice.
At $1,999 MSRP, the Aventon Aventure is an affordable option if you want to reach high speeds and handle all types of terrain.
2. Best Class 3 Cruiser Ebike & Best Class 3 Ebike With Throttle: Aventon Pace
Highlighted Specs:
- ✓ Max speed: 28 mph
- ✓ Battery range: 60 miles
- ✓ Torque sensor: Yes
- ✓ Payload: 300 lbs
- ✓ Warranty: Two-year throttle
- ✓ Throttle: Throttle on demand
The Aventon Pace is our choice for the best class 3 cruiser ebike and the best class 3 ebike with throttle. Designed for maneuverability, the Pace weighs 52 pounds and reaches higher speeds of 28 miles per hour. With a 500-watt motor, on-demand throttle, and a range of 60 miles, you’ll cruise further and faster than before.
The drivetrain includes a Shimano 8-speed derailleur and alloy platform pedals that give you control as you weave through traffic or cruise around pedestrians on the bike path. A comfortable saddle and ergonomic grips on the handlebars offer a smooth ride, even when you’re covering a lot of ground.
At just $1,799 MSRP, this is one of the best cruiser ebikes around. Bonus features include integrated turn lights and access to more than 1,800 bike shops, so you can get accessories or help when you need it, no matter where you’re riding. Those are things you don’t always find from other bike manufacturers.
3. Best Class 3 Commuter Ebike & Fastest Class 3 Ebike: Aventon Level
Highlighted Specs:
- ✓ Max speed: 28 mph
- ✓ Battery range: 60 miles
- ✓ Torque sensor: Yes
- ✓ Payload: 300 lbs
- ✓ Warranty: Two-year warranty
- ✓ Throttle: Throttle on demand
The Aventon Level wins the title of the best class 3 commuter ebike. Featuring a built-in torque sensor, riding this bike has an intuitive feel, and you’ll get more power and assistance the harder you pedal. With a powerful motor that offers 500-watts of sustained motor power and 750-watts of peak motor power, you have the juice you need to fly up steep hills and cruise at comfortable speeds.
Designed for easy commuting, the Level has four integrated lights for safety, including a headlight, rear light, and turn signals. Pre-installed fenders and a rear rack mean you can use it for work or when you want to play. An LCD Smart Easy Read display makes it easy to keep track of your battery life and speed.
With a price tag of $1,899 MSRP, you get a ton of features at an affordable price. The 300-pound carrying capacity means you can carry gear to work, use the ebike as a delivery bike, or load it up for a picnic in the park.
Want to satisfy your need for speed? Check out these other fast ebikes offering pedal assist and top speeds of 28 miles per hour.
4. Cheapest Class 3 Ebike: Lectric XP 3.0
Highlighted Specs:
- ✓ Max Speed: 28 mph
- ✓ Battery range: 45 miles (standard battery) or 65 miles (long-range battery)
- ✓ Torque sensor: No
- ✓ Payload: 330 lbs
- ✓ Warranty: One-year warranty
- ✓ Throttle: Throttle on demand
Looking for a class 3 ebike that won’t break the bank? At an MSRP of $1,305, the Lectric XP 3.0 is the most affordable class 3 ebike on this list. The rear hub motor offers 1,000 watts of peak motor power and 500-watts of sustained power. The three-inch wide tires are sealed with Slime, a product that helps prevent flat tires, even on rougher terrain.
The bike boasts a foldable design, making it easy to take anywhere, whether you’re hopping on a bus to connect to new trails or storing it away in your apartment or garage. The adjustable and removable seat post makes it even smaller when it’s time to store it, and the adjustable handlebar stem adapts to different rider heights.
Cyclists will love the affordability of this bike, but that comes at a cost. It has a shorter range—25 miles less than any of the Aventon models on this list.
5. Lightest Class 3 Ebike: Specialized Turbo Vado SL 5.0 Step-Through EQ
Highlighted Specs:
- ✓ Max Speed: 28 mph
- ✓ Battery range: 80 miles
- ✓ Torque sensor: Yes
- ✓ Payload: 300 pounds
- ✓ Warranty: Two-year or lifetime warranty depending on component
- ✓ Throttle: No
The Specialized Turbo Vado SL 5.0 is the lightest class 3 ebike on our round-up. This juiced-up ebike features a 12-speed rear derailleur and 240-watts of power. Five levels of pedal assist offer a wide range of support, whether you want a little assistance or full power to charge uphill.
This high-quality bike comes with a high price tag. With an MSRP of $5,250, it costs a pretty penny and is a whopping $3,650 more expensive than the most affordable Aventon class 3 ebike. Plus, it doesn’t have as much motor power as the Aventon ebikes.
6. Best Class 3 Mid-Drive Ebike: Gazelle Eclipse T11 + HMB
Highlighted Specs:
- ✓ Max Speed: 28 mph
- ✓ Battery range: 120 miles (depending on rider style)
- ✓ Torque sensor: Yes
- ✓ Payload: 286 lbs
- ✓ Warranty: Two- to 10-year warranty (depending on the components)
- ✓ Throttle: No
The Gazelle Eclipse T11 + HMB is the best class 3 mid-drive ebike. It features a Bosch Performance Line Speed mid-drive motor with 85Nm of torque and a 750-watt-hours battery to maximize power and range. The battery locks into the frame using a key, keeping it safe even when you stop for a coffee break.
Wide Schwalbe tires offer versatility and let you handle paved surfaces and dirt trails with ease. The rear Shimano derailleur boasts 11 gears, so you can tackle a headwind or go on a hilly adventure. With the Bosch Kiox 300 display, it’s easy to see your ride statistics, including battery life and speed.
The Eclipse T11 + HMB has a high price tag of $5,499 MSRP. That’s almost two and a half times more expensive than the most affordable Aventon class 3 ebike. Plus, it has a lower payload.
Best Class 3 Ebike Accessories
Found the best class 3 ebike to ride around? Now it’s time to outfit it with all the bells and whistles. Check out these class 3 ebike accessories that will make your ride more enjoyable.
Aventon Hitch Rack
Take your new class 3 ebike anywhere thanks to the Aventon Hitch Rack. The two-inch hitch bar is compatible with most vehicles and can hold bikes with tires up to five inches wide. With a maximum capacity of 77 pounds per bike and room for two bikes, you can share the adventures.
Aventon Chain Lock
Keep your new bike secure using the Aventon Chain Lock. Made with four-sided chain links that are 8.3mm thick and feature hardened steel, you’ll have peace of mind when you lock up your class 3 ebike. A nylon sleeve prevents the lock from scratching your bike, and the secure key lock keeps your new investment safe.
