Class 2 e-bikes are a popular group of bikes because they have a throttle that allows riders to ride without having to pedal.
These bikes will also have standard pedal assistance mode with a range of levels to choose from. To be considered a Class 2 bike, the max assisted speed must be limited to 20mph with both pedal assistance and throttle mode.
The people that find the most benefit from these bikes are those who want the ability to get where they need to go even when they are tired and don’t feel like exercising. Additionally, you can use the throttle to build up speed from a standstill which is much easier for stop-start riding, such as in the city.
In this article, we cover some of the best class 2 eBikes in the price range of $1,100 to $2,600. This is an extremely competitive group of bikes resulting in a lot of quality at affordable prices.
Down below we have selected a small selection of bikes that have rather positive feedback, so have a look and pick what you like.
Best Class 2 Electric Bikes
1. Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus
2. Ride1UP 700 Series
3. Lectric XP 3.0
4. Aventon Pace 500.3
5. Buzz Cerana 2
6. Engwe T14
7. Priority E-Coast
8. Velotric Discover 1
9. Magnum Peak T5
1. Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus
Best eBike with a throttle
Weight – ~73 lbs | Max Payload – 275 lbs | Range – up to 45mi | Charge time – 6h
MSRP: $1,399
- 750W Brushless Geared Hub Motor
- 672Wh Lithium NMC Battery
- 60mm RST Spring Fork
- Hydraulic Disc Brakes
- 7-Speed Gearing
- 26″ x 4″ Kenda Juggernaut Tires
- Step-Thru and Step-Over Frames Available
The RadRover 6 Plus is Rad Power Bikes’ highest-sold flagship model and one of the best class 2 e-bikes in terms of value. It features all the top components and design technology they offer.
For electronics, you have a powerful 750W motor that’s optimized to increase power output and smoothness on steep gradients. Additionally, creative frame geometry further improves climbing capability and reduces fatigue on long rides.
The RadRover has a modest range of up to 45 miles using a stylishly integrated 672Wh battery and 7-Speed gearing. Thanks to 60mm travel fork suspension, upright geometry, rider-facing handlebars, and shock-absorbent Kenda Krusade fat tires, this bike is also very comfortable.
This bike includes excellent features such as auto-on LED lights, powerful hydraulic brakes with ceramic pads, and the choice between a step-through and step-over frame. Unfortunately, the bike does not come with a rear rack as sold, but one can be purchased from the online store.
2. Ride1UP 700 Series
Class 2 electric bike with throttle (20mph) + Class 3 pedal-assist (28mph)
Weight – 62 lbs | Max Payload – 275 lbs | Range – 30-50mi | Charge time – 6h
MSRP: $1,695
- 750W Brushless Geared Hub Motor – 60nm Torque
- 672Wh Battery
- 100mm Mozo Front Suspension
- Tektro Dual Piston Hydraulic Disc Brakes
- Shimano Acera 8-Speed Gearing
- 20″ x 3″ Schwalbe Super Moto Tires
Ride1UP’s 700 Series is a 20 mph electric bike is designed to be comfortable and versatile on varied terrain and in different conditions.
Ride1UP built this bike to work great as a commuter, touring bike, or city cruiser using a typical hybrid design. To do this, they offer the 700 Series with the choice between two frames, step-over or step-through. Both models are very comfortable, but the step-through is slightly more comfortable thanks to a shorter reach and rider-facing handlebars.
A 100mm travel hydraulic suspension fork, Schwalbe Supermoto X 2.4″ balloon tires, and comfortable touchpoints help ensure a smooth ride wherever you go in the city. In addition, Tektro hydraulic disc brakes help you maintain control no matter the weather.
To maximize the range of this bike up to 50 miles, you have a Shimano Acera 8-speed drivetrain combined with the 14Ah battery. Meanwhile, for power, you have a 750W motor.
Finally, the 700 Series comes fully equipped with a rear rack, fenders, a heavy-duty kickstand, and integrated LED lights.
3. Lectric XP 3.0
Most affordable class 2 bike with folding and fat-tires
Weight – 64 lbs | Max Payload – 330 lbs | Range – up to 45mi | Charge time – 4-6h
MSRP: $999
- 500W hub motor
- 500Wh Lithium-Ion battery
- 50mm fork suspension
- Mechanical disc brakes, 180mm rotors
- 7-speed gearing
- 20×3″ CST tires
The XP 3.0 by Lectric is a Class 2 electric bike with throttle functionality, versatile fat tires, convenient folding, and a bargain price tag. It’s one of the best 20-inch electric bikes on the market considering the value you get for your money.
For power, the XP 3.0 has a 500W rear hub motor that includes five levels of pedal assistance and electricity-only modes.
The 500Wh battery can get up to 45 miles of range depending on how you use the 7-speed gearing. With this bike, Lectric has chosen 20″ wheels that are easy to maneuver on city streets or light trails while working perfectly with the folding mechanism for a compact and secure folded package.
Other components that make this bike comfortable and easy to control include the Tektro mechanical disc brakes, 3″ fat tires by CST, and 50mm front fork suspension.
Finally, this Class 2 electric bike is also fully equipped with fenders, an integrated rear pannier rack, and LED lights for commuting convenience.
4. Aventon Pace 500.3
A versatile and comfortable cruiser e-bike
Weight – 52 lbs | Max Payload – 300 lbs | Range – 60 mi (max)
MSRP: $1,799
- 500W Motor
- 614 Wh Battery
- Rigid Fork
- Hydraulic Disc Brakes
- 8-Speed Gearing
- 27.5″ x 2.1″ Tires
The Aventon Pace 500.3 is designed as a functional and comfortable urban bike. This model is one of the cheapest you can buy from the company and works great for many jobs and situations.
Aventon made a few changes in 2022 to ensure this bike is up to date. These include a sleek color display, an integrated battery, and integrated lights. Plush tires, a comfortable saddle, swept-back handlebars, and upright geometry give this bike its cruiser personality.
Despite its low price, the Pace 500.3 has a punchy 500W motor and 614 Wh Battery that offers a 60-mile maximum range.
The other components which make this bike an excellent deal are the hydraulic disc brakes and an 8-speed drivetrain.
- Read our full Aventon Brand Review
5. Buzz Cerana 2
The most affordable fully equipped Class 2 ebike
Weight – 63 lbs | Max Payload – N/A | Range – up to 40mi
MSRP: $1,499
- 500W Hub-Drive Motor
- 500Wh Integrated Battery
- Suspension fork
- Mechanical Disc Brakes
- 7-Speed Gearing
- 24″ x 2.5″ tires
The Cerana 2 by Buzz is the company’s cheapest and one of the best affordable commuter eBikes with throttle functionality on the market.
As an urban e-bike, the Cerana 2 is designed to be the perfect companion on your morning commutes, allowing you to reach your destination quickly and comfortably, without breaking a sweat. Buzz’s silent motor and modern paint finish will also help you fit right in when traveling.
Buzz Cerana 2 is the newest and most affordable class 2 electric bike in the company’s lineup.
Using a 500W hub drive motor, riders of this bike will have plenty of power to take on soft terrain and steep gradients. A 500 Wh battery also allows you to achieve up to 40 miles of range.
Buzz chose 24″ x 2.5″ puncture-resistant tires, an easy-to-use 7-speed drivetrain, and mechanical disc brakes to ensure excellent riding performance. You also get a fully equipped setup including front and rear racks, fenders, lights, a kickstand, and more.
6. Engwe T14
Commuter Electric Bike with a throttle
Weight – 50 lbs | Max Payload – 220 lbs | Range – 16 mi | Charge time – 6-8h
MSRP: $709
- 350W Hub-Drive Motor
- 48V 10Ah Lithium-Ion Battery
- Front Coil Suspension fork
- Mechanical Disc Brakes
- Single-Speed Gearing
- 14″ Tires
Engwe T14 is a smartly designed class 2 eBike with a stylish look, a comprehensive list of components, and an affordable price.
Engwe Bikes sells T14 ready-to-go as a fully functional commuter or urban workhorse. It comes fitted with an upright frame, front and rear lights, and a suspension fork.Using a 48V 10Ah integrated battery and a single-speed gearing drivetrain, you can expect a range of around 16 miles when using only the throttle. In addition, a 350W rear hub motor makes most hills feel flat.
Another noteworthy aspect of this bike is that it is comfortable to ride. This comfort is made possible by a front fork suspension, 2.25″ slick tires, upright geometry, and ergonomic contact points.
Finally, the mechanical disc brakes give you plenty of stopping power in wet or dry weather so you can commute to work no matter the weather conditions.
7. Priority E-Coast
Affordable cruiser e-bike with a stylish look
Weight – 56 lbs | Max Payload – 300 lbs | Range – up to 60 mi | Battery – 576 Wh
MSRP: $2,000
- 500W Hub-Drive Motor
- Belt drive
- Hydraulic Disc Brakes
- Single-speed Gearing
- 26″ x 3″ Tires
The Priority E-Coast is a highly effective cruiser electric bike with a class 2 rating and decent components. The E-Coast features a 500W rear hub motor paired with a 576 Wh battery, which means you’ll get a 20 mph top speed (changeable to 28 mph) and a 60-mile maximum range for around $1,999.
With these powerful electronics and functional components, this bike can be a car replacement for many people. The motor on the E-Coast is a 500W rear hub drive model that offers sufficient power output when the road kicks up, and you’ve got a loaded bike.
This bike has many safety features to keep you safe on the road. These include powerful hydraulic disc brakes, a kickstand, integrated LED lights, fenders, and a rear rack.
Finally, you can carry up to 300 lb using the long rear rack system and smart mounting points. In addition, you can also mount a front rack or basket to split the weight more evenly across the bike.
8. Velotric Discover 1
Sleek urban e-bike with great extras
Weight – 65 lbs | Max Payload – 440 lb | Range – 65 miles | Charge time – N/A
MSRP: $1,599
- 500W, 65 Nm Hub-Drive Motor
- 48V, 691W battery
- Hydraulic Disc Brakes
- 7-Speed Shimano Gearing
- 26″ x 2.5″ Tires
The Velotric Discover 1 is the brand’s flagship model with its sleek monochrome finish, high-quality components and excellent accessories. Velotric makes bikes similar to Vanmoof Bikes, but they are more affordable and have slightly different designs.
The Discover 1 uses a punchy 500W rear hub motor that pairs with a 48V, 691 Wh battery. You’ll get a max range of 65 miles with pedal assistance or slightly less if you use the throttle a lot.
High-value features of this Velotric E-Bikes’ model include front and rear fenders, a kickstand, front and rear lights, and even an 80 mm front suspension fork for improved comfort.
Other notable components include the hydraulic disc brakes to provide all-weather stopping power, 2.5″ tires with puncture resistance, and Shimano’s Tourney 7-speed drivetrain with a thumb shifter.
Don’t miss out on this sleek e-bike if you want to turn heads on your commutes without breaking the bank.
9. Magnum Peak T5
Fully-equipped e-bike for off-road riders
Weight – 60 lbs | Max Load – 330 lbs | Range – up to 50 mi | Charge time – 7.5h
MSRP: $2,299
- 500W Rear Hub Motor
- 720 Wh battery
- XCM34-Boost fork
- Hydraulic Disc Brakes
- 11-Speed Gearing
- CST Patrol 27.5 x 2.8 Tires
The Magnum Peak T5 is the company’s pure electric off-road bike with all the essentials for fun trail riding.
Firstly, Magnum chose a punchy 500W rear hub motor with a torque sensor to get you around without breaking a sweat. The battery has 720 Wh of juice and delivers up to 50 miles of range. Unfortunately, it isn’t fully integrated into the frame.
All Magnum bikes come almost fully assembled and tuned for riding. They also have some practical features such as MTB fenders, a suspension fork, kickstand, and more.
The groupset comprises hydraulic disc brakes and an 11-speed drivetrain. Tires are fast-rolling but knobby 27.5″ x 2.8″ with puncture protection.
Overall, this is a well-thought-out bike with a reasonable price tag and plenty of useful features for an urban or off-road rider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Differences between Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 electric bikes?
The classes of e-bikes differ slightly in how they are made and their limitations.
- Class 1 e-bikes do not have a throttle and the motor can only be used to assist you while pedaling. The motor stops assisting you at 20mph. This generally means that these bikes have a high range because you must assist the motor.
- Class 2 models have both throttle functionality and pedal assistance. With this, you can use the motor in full electric mode or with pedal assistance. This eBike classification is also limited to a top speed of 20mph, at which the motor stops assisting
- Class 3 e-bikes all have a top assisted speed of 28mph. However, they may or may not have a throttle. If they are throttle, it will be limited to 20mph has with the class 2 models. In addition, these bikes are subject to more legal restrictions.
Are Class 2 electric bikes better than electric mopeds?
A moped is essentially an eBike with no pedals. However, a moped is considered a licensed vehicle with corresponding restrictions and isn’t limited to a certain speed. For example, a class 2 e-bike has a 20mph assisted speed limit, meaning anyone can ride them.
How fast is a class 2 eBike?
Class 2 eBike laws state that these bikes must be limited to a max assisted speed of 20mph in the USA. However, once the motor cuts off, there is no limitation on how fast you can ride without assistance.