Class 1 e-bikes are some of the most popular because they have very few, if any limitations to their usage both in the United States and around the world, unlike Classes 2 and 3 which are limited in their use.
In this article, you will find class 1 eBike reviews of road, commuter, and mountain bikes from various price ranges and brands so you can make the perfect choice the next time you’re in the market.
What is a Class 1 eBike?
The Class 1 category is the least restricted one of all the e-bikes. Class 1 eBikes do not have throttles and the motors are limited to 20mph, when this speed is reached the motor stops providing assistance.
This limitation usually means that these bikes are more efficient so they have higher ranges from the same size or smaller batteries, but are limited to pedal assistance.
- Speed limited to 20mph
- Motor power limited to 20mph
Best Class 1 E-Bikes in 2024
1. Buzz Centris
Price: $1,399
Range: 20-40 mi | Charge time: 2-6h | Motor: 500W rear hub
- 6-speed drivetrain
- 20″ x 4″ tires
- Weight: 67 lb
- Mechanical disc brakes
Buzz Centris is one of the most versatile hybrid commuter e-bikes in this price range, packed with everything you need to make everyday commutes easy.
Firstly, you’ve got a silent and punchy 500W rear hub motor to make hills feel like riding on the flat. This is backed up by a 48V battery which, along with the 6-speed drivetrain, gives max speeds of 20 mph and a range of up to 20-40 miles.
- Related post: Mid-Drive Ebike Picks
Along with solid electronics, the Buzz Centris has the commuter setup of a front and rear rack, fenders, LED lights, and a kickstand.
Finally, this Buzz electric bike is easy to control and super comfortable due to its low standover height, upright geometry, all-terrain 4″ tires, and excellent mechanical disc brakes.
2. Trek FX+ 2
Price: $2,500
Range: 35 mi | Weight: 40 lb | Motor: 40 Nm rear hub
- 9-speed Shimano Altus
- 700c x 40 mm Bontrager H2 Comp
- Max payload: 300 lb
- Hydraulic disc brakes
Class 1 ebikes are supposed to be lightweight, nimble, and fun to ride, which is all applicable to Trek FX+ 2.
This modern and well-equipped class 1 ebike weighs just 40 lb, has a 40 Nm rear hub motor, and a 35-mile range provided by a 250 Wh battery. Optionally, you can attach another 250 Wh range extender and boost the range to 70 miles.
Other components include a 9-speed Shimano Altus rear derailleur and Shimano’s MT200 hydraulic disc brakes, both of which are expected from a big-name brand in this price range. They are entry-level but perform reliably and are quite durable.
Trek FX+ 2 also comes fully equipped for commuting and urban riding with fenders, a rear rack, a kickstand, and even front and rear lights.
All things considered, we can’t really find much fault with the FX+ 2. It’s a solid class 1 ebike with reliable components and excellent accessories.
3. Gazelle Ultimate T10 HMB
Price: $4,000
Range: Up to 70 mi | Battery: 500 Wh | Motor: Bosch Performance Line motor 65 Nm
- 10-speed Shimano Deore
- 28″ x 47mm tires
- Weight: 50.7 lb
- Hydraulic disc brakes
Gazelle Ultimate T10 HMB is a long-range electric bike optimized for comfort, ease of use, and smooth power on big rides.
To deliver unbeatable comfort, Gazelle designed this bike with upright riding geometry, a plush saddle, ergonomic grips, and wide tires to take that comfort and convenience to the next level.
- Full brand review: Gazelle Electric Bikes Review
The electronics on this bike are premium Bosch, starting with a 65 Nm mid-drive motor. This pairs with a 500Wh battery, delivering a high range of up to 70 miles and using a pedal force sensor, rotation sensor, and speed sensor.
Finally, this bike is fully equipped with LED lights, fenders, and a rear rack, as well as powerful hydraulic disc brakes, but also front suspension with 30 mm of travel.
4. Electra Townie Go! series
Price: from $1,550
- Range: up to 70mi
- Charge time: 3.5-5.5h
- Motor: 250W mid-drive
The Electro Townie GO! Series are class 1 electric cruiser bikes with affordable prices designed to be the perfect beach cruisers.
Both the 7D and the 5i come with a choice of step-over or step-through depending on your preference. No matter which you choose, the bike will be very comfortable as the upright, relaxed geometry, shock-absorbent 2.35″ balloon tires, and soft touchpoints smooth out any ride.
The 5i has a slight edge in the electronics, with a 250W mid-drive motor, Shimano Nexus internally geared hub, and 400Wh battery combination providing 70 smooth miles of range. The 7D relies on a less efficient 250W direct drive motor and 309Wh battery for up to 50 miles of range.
Notably, both models have Flat Foot technology which allows you to keep a foot flat on the ground while sitting and pedal in an optimal position. Finally, the 5i has improved hydraulic disc brakes as well as fenders and integrated lights, unlike the 7D.
Best Class 1 E-Mountain Bikes
5. Cannondale Moterra Neo 3
Price: $6,750
Travel: 150 mm | Battery: 750 Wh | Motor: 250W 85Nm
- 12-speed Shimano XT
- RockShox Yari RC 150 mm fork
- RockShox Deluxe Select R shock
- Maxxis Minion/Rekon 29 x 2.6″ tires
- Shimano MT420 4-Piston hydraulic disc brakes
The Cannondale Moterra Neo 3 is a full-suspension Class 1 mountain e-bike built for extreme performance up and down the mountain.
The electronics on this bike are Bosch Performance Line CX. The premium mid-drive motor has a smooth, torque-sensing output with 250W of power. This is supported by a huge 750Wh battery which provides plenty of range when used with the wide gearing of a 12-speed Shimano XT/Deore drivetrain.
- Featured in: Best Electric Mountain Bikes
The frame material is Cannondale’s SmartForm C1 aluminum, built with modern trail geometry for better handling. The suspension used is exceptionally smooth-rolling over rocky trails with plush 150mm front and rear travel from RockShox’s Yari RC fork and Deluxe Select R shock.
Additionally, you also have wide 2.6″ Maxxis Minion/Rekon tires to boost handling, as well as confidence-inspiring 4-piston hydraulic brakes.
All of this makes the Cannondale Moterra Neo 3 one of the best electric off-road bikes you can buy.
6. Co-op Cycles DRT e3.1
Price: $4,999
Battery: 625 Wh | Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX | Max speed: 20 mph
- 11-speed SRAM SX Eagle drivetrain
- RockShox Recon Silver RL Solo Air, 140mm fork
- RockShox Deluxe Select Plus RT rear shock
- 29″ x 2.6″ or 27.5″ x 2.6″ tires (size-specific)
- Tektro 4-Piston Hydraulic
This Co-op Cycles Class 1 e-bike is a trail-ready full-suspension model that delivers all-around performance up and downhill.
It’s powered by a Bosch Performance Line CX motor and SRAM SX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain combined with a large 625 Wh battery. Together, they offer precise shifting and immediate power output on the trails.
Finally, the rims are tubeless-ready and wrapped in 2.6″ size-specific tires. Also, let’s not forget about the 140mm of travel provided by reliable RockShox suspension front and rear.
7. Orbea Wild H30
Price: $5,699
Battery: 625 Wh | Groupset: Shimano XT 12-Speed | Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX
- 12-speed Shimano XT drivetrain
- RockShox 35 Silver TK, 160mm Travel fork
- Fox Float DPS Performance Trunnion 3-Po shock
- Maxxis Minion 29 x 2.6″ tires
- Shimano MT410 Hydraulic Disc brakes
The Orbea Wild H30 is another full-suspension trail e-bike with premium quality throughout and great trail performance.
The power on this bike comes from a smooth Bosch Performance Line CX mid-drive motor and a 625 Wh battery. To maximize the range, you have a Shimano XT 12-speed drivetrain with reliably precise shifting.
The modern aluminum frame comes with a RockShox suspension in the front (160mm) and Fox suspension in the back (150mm). This combines with slack, low geometry to suit an aggressive trail riding style.
Finally, powerful Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, tubeless-ready 2.6″ tires, and a dropper post ensure you feel confident and in control at all times.
Best Class 1 Electric Road Bikes
8. Trek Domane+ SLR 6
Price: $7,000
Range: 60 mi | Top Speed: 28 mph | Motor: TQ-HPR50, 50 Nm
- Shimano 105 Di2 12-speed
- Premium Carbon frame
- 360 Wh battery pack
- Weighs just 28.14 lbs
Feel like a pro with the Trek Domane+ SLR 6 electric road bike. This high-level model is made for passionate cyclists who want the backup of premium electronics.
The frame used is made from carbon fiber which maximizes stiffness and reduces vibration fatigue. The electronics include a punchy TQ-HPR50, 55 Nm motor and a 360 Wh battery.
The stock battery provides up to 60 miles of range when combined with the efficient 12-speed Shimano 105 Di2 drivetrain and 32 mm Bontrager tires.
Additionally, you have tubeless-ready Bontrager Paradigm Comp 25 wheels and the bike weighs only 28.14 lb with sealant.
9. Orbea Gain M30
Price: $5,599
Battery: 353 Wh | Motor: Mahle Motor Hub X20 ALC
- Shimano 105, 12-speed
- Shimano R7170 hydraulic disc brakes
- OMR Carbon frame and fork
- Pirelli P Zero Race SmartEVO TLR, 700 x 30mm tires
The Orbea Gain M30 is a stylish and versatile e-bike bike with great components and a powerful yet lightweight drive system.
For this bike, Orbea has chosen a Mahle hub motor and battery. The motor is a 250W rear hub-drive model which is just powerful enough in terms of performance and keeps the weight down. The battery has 353 Wh and provides large ranges. Finally, you have Shimano’s ever-reliable 105 groupset.
The Orbea Gain M30 has a premium OMR carbon frameset with a seamlessly integrated battery and motor, high tire clearance for 35 mm tires, and tubeless-ready rims all combining to make this bike smooth and comfortable with great traction to match.
Other notable components of the Orbea Gain M30 are the Shimano hydraulic disc brakes and performance-oriented geometry.
10. Salsa Confluence GRX 600
Price: $3,499
Battery: 250 Wh li-ion | Motor: 250W / 40 Nm rear hub-drive
- 2 x 11-speed drivetrain
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- Aluminum frame and carbon fork
- 700c x 42 mm gravel tires
The Salsa Confluence eBike is a class 1 model that combines a sleek design and modern technology to deliver a high-end gravel and road-ready bike that helps you make short work of city rides or out-of-town adventures.
The Confluence is decently light for an e-bike in this price range, with a total weight of just 32.5 lb. This is due to the combination of a lightweight Mahle rear hub motor and a minimalistic approach to the design and accessories.
A 2 x 11-speed drivetrain pairs perfectly with the rear-hub 250W motor and a 250 Wh battery. On top of that, hydraulic disc brakes and 42 mm Teravail Washburn tires ensure speed and traction at max assisted speeds of 20 mph.
FAQ
Class 1 vs Class 2 vs Class 3 eBikes
Class 1, 2, and 3 electric bikes differ slightly in their build and limitations.
- Class 1 bikes are not fully electric, don’t have a throttle, and rely on pedaling in order to activate the motor. The motor stops assisting at 20mph, meaning these bikes have greater ranges than classes 2 and 3
- Class 2 models have a throttle, this means they can be used as fully electric bikes without pedaling. They also have a top speed of 20mph at which the motor stops assisting the rider
- Class 3 e-bikes may or may not have a throttle, have max speeds of 28mph and have the most legal restrictions such as age limit and helmet requirements
The restrictions on the three Ebike classes differ depending on where you live. For more information on your state’s laws, see PeopleForBikes.org.
How fast are Class 1 e-Bikes?
Class 1 electric bikes are limited to 20mph when using the pedal-assist mode. However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t go faster than that. You absolutely can.
However, you will have to do so using the power of your legs, as the motor shuts down after you reach 20 mph.
Is 20 mph enough speed for an e-Bike?
Yes. An assisted speed of 20mph is plenty for any rider to get maximum enjoyment from their bike. Remember, this is just the assisted speed, so you can reach higher speeds by using the pedals once the motor stops giving assistance.
What is the typical range of Class 1 e-Bikes?
There are many factors that contribute to this including the level of components, bike weight, rider weight, and riding conditions. However, from our reviews of dozens of Class 1 bikes, the average range is about 50 miles.
What is the age limit for Class 1 e-Bike?
In most states, there is no age limit for class 1 e-bikes. Although, there are 10 states where there is some kind of age limit for e-bikes.
| State | E-Bike Age Limit |
| Alaska | 14 |
| Minnesota | 15 |
| New Mexico | 15 |
| South Carolina | 15 |
| Massachusetts | 16 |
| North Carolina | 16 |
| Oregon | 16 |
| Pennsylvania | 16 |
| Washington DC | 16 |
| Hawaii | 18 |
Do you need a helmet to ride Class 1 e-Bike?
Although it is strongly recommended to wear an electric bicycle helmet, only in 2 states it is mandatory for everyone.
- Massachusetts
- Connecticut
Next, here are the states where people under the specific age must wear a helmet when riding class 1 eBike:
| 12 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 21 |
| Louisiana | New York | Rhode Island | Alabama | New Jersey | California | South Carolina |
| Pennsylvania | Virginia | West Virginia | Florida | Indiana | Delaware | |
| Georgia | Idaho | |||||
| Hawaii | New Mexico | |||||
| Maine | ||||||
| Maryland | ||||||
| North Carolina | ||||||
| Oregon | ||||||
| Tennessee | ||||||
| Washington DC |
In the rest of the states wearing a helmet is not required, although you should still do it.