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If you're in search of an e-bike that goes beyond gentle pedal assist, check out the best class 3 electric bikes from our review. This selection represents 14 of our favorite models that we've stacked up, tested, and compared to help you find a model that's right for you. We spend several weeks testing each bike, putting them through rigorous tests in the performance areas that matter most. Our ratings and results allow you to choose the bike that best suits your needs. Whether you want an urban commuter, a zippy grocery getter, or a comfortable way to take in the miles, we'll show you what to expect for your dollars.
We really enjoyed the Ride1Up Revv 1, but the Ride1Up Revv 1 FS adds more than just full suspension to the attractive package. This “electric bike” blew us away with its power, comfort, and convenience features. This is the highest-ranking bike in our review of class 3 electric bikes. The Revv 1 FS has a massive 1040Wh battery, giving it more range than any other bike we've tested. The 52V system and 1000W hub motor give it ample power, making it fun and capable enough to charge up even the biggest hills.
The bike employs a Multi-Class Speed System letting you adjust its output for the terrain (and local laws). An off-road mode can be unlocked by registering the bike, giving it incredible performance capabilities. A dual crown fork, rear shock, and 18" long seat make this bike comfortable on all types of surfaces. The seated position is upright, with excellent visibility for urban riding. Fenders, lights, turn signals, and a horn give the Revv added utility and a distinctly moped vibe. The screen serves as an instrument cluster of data, and it's laid out quite well. The screen is large, has clear contrast, and provides a wealth of data.
Ride1Up didn't build this bike for pedaling; its bicycle drivetrain seems incidental or tacked on to skirt electric moped laws. That's ok because it has a range of almost 40 miles (without pedaling) and can even accept a second battery to double its range. The bike arrives mostly assembled and comes in a top-off style carton that holds it steady while you put the finishing touches on it. It includes all necessary tools and instructions; even assembly videos are available for visual learners. It's a great way to run errands or explore trails, but transporting it may be an issue. The bike weighs just shy of 100 pounds, which is more than most bike racks can handle.
Looking for a Class 3 electric commuter bike? The Ride1Up 700 Series impressed us with its great ride quality and it's exceptional value. This bike outperformed more expensive competitors, with a powerful 750W geared hub motor that supports speeds up to 28 mph using pedal assist and 20 mph with the throttle. The large 720Wh battery provides a class-leading range; we were able to ride 32.4 miles on this bike without pedaling. The 27.5" wheels use high-volume, low-drag tires to offer a smooth and stable ride. 100mm of suspension travel, a wide, cushy saddle, and ergonomic grips add to the comfort. A Shimano Acera 8-speed drivetrain helps to propel you, while Tektro hydraulic brakes do the opposite.
The assembly of this bike involved more than that of other models. Although necessary tools and instructions are included, we'd encourage those not mechanically inclined to enlist the services of a local bike shop. The seat and handlebar height are adjustable to maximize comfort, and the aluminum frame comes in two frame styles to suit different preferences. The bike has fenders, a rack, integrated lights, and a kickstand, so you don't have to add anything to make it commute-ready.
After extensive side-by-side testing, the Globe Haul ST stood out due to its versatility and ride quality. This bike ships with Class 3 capabilities, and a throttle can be purchased separately. The Haul ST is a great bike; it's not too quirky, big, or expensive. The bike is incredibly versatile but still fun to ride. The bike is well-designed and has a sporty ride quality that doesn't seem like it's making compromises. The Haul can, well… haul! Up to 419 lbs on its short-tailed chassis, allowing you to go further and carry more gear than you might have dreamed possible. We easily replaced car trips with this bike and found its compact design convenient to live with, making it easier to park and store. The 772Wh battery and its 700W hub motor delivered power for hours, never leaving us with range anxiety. Despite its small size, the bike is enormously adjustable, accommodating riders from 4' 5" to 6' 4" while remaining easy to pedal.
Ride quality is better than you'd imagine on 20-inch wheels, thanks to the 3.5" “Carless Whisper” tires and a comfortable saddle. Fenders, a burly rack, and ultra-bright lights ready it for duty in the rain or after dark. It's easy to forget that the bike weighs over 80 lbs when using pedal assist to ride around town. However, carrying it up a flight of stairs or loading it onto a bike rack can be challenging. The Haul ST is an excellent value, given its range and versatility, but accessorizing this bike can be costly.
Weight limit: 330 lbs | E-Bike Classification: 2 or 3
REASONS TO BUY
Arrives completely assembled
Frame folds in half for storage
3-inch tires expand its utility
Amazing value
Class 3 capable
REASONS TO AVOID
Shorter wheelbase isn't as stable
Less impressive range
The Lectric XP 3.0 is an electric bike that can be easily folded and stored in a small space, such as the back of a car, under an office desk, or in a hall closet. Despite its compact design, the bike can be adjusted to comfortably fit users of different heights. It comes with a cargo rack capable of holding 150 lbs, fenders, lights, a comfortable seat, and ergonomic grips for added convenience. Additionally, Lectric offers various accessories, including a passenger seat, to enhance your riding experience. A 500W motor powers the XP 3.0, reaching up to 28 mph speeds with pedal assistance and 20 mph with the throttle. The 500Wh battery is integrated into the folding frame, providing a decent range, and a long-range battery is also available from Lectric. With 3-inch wide knobby tires and a suspension fork, the bike offers a smooth ride and can be ridden on most surfaces. The bike is easy to set up and use, as it ships almost completely assembled, requiring little time and effort to start riding.
This bike's small size and folding convenience offer many advantages, but there are also some drawbacks. The XP 3.0 model has a smaller battery, giving it only an average range compared to models with larger batteries. Additionally, the short wheelbase and tall handlebar can make its handling feel nervous at higher speeds. However, it has a tight turn radius, which allows for decent maneuverability through small spaces, and we never felt uncomfortable on this bike, even at its top speed. While it folds into a compact package, it's important to note that it is quite heavy at 62.5 lbs. This can make lifting it into a trunk or carrying it up a flight of stairs difficult. Nevertheless, this affordable folding model is a great option if you're short on storage or looking for a compact e-bike to take anywhere.
The coolest bike in the group is the Ride1Up Cafe Cruiser. With its laid-back beach vibe, quality feel, and impressive range, it's no wonder it's a winner. A suspension fork and balloon tires absorb the bumps, while its potent motor ensures you won't work very hard. The ride quality elicits smiles, and its positioning is ideal for taking in the sites. The streamlined frame hides a 720Wh battery, and its heavy-duty rack can carry 130 lbs. The Cafe Cruiser generates plenty of power and handles with the slow predictability you'd expect in a beach cruiser. Shifting and braking feel modern and ergonomic, while the bike conveys a relaxed ride quality that feels less than modern.
The Cafe Cruiser's wheelbase is long, and while that contributes to its stability, the bike is anything but sporty. The wide turning radius and slow steering are the concessions you make with this bike. If you're not concerned with sportiness, this bike strikes the perfect balance between practicality and sleek design. The weight of the motor and battery enhances the typical cruiser handling traits; sportiness and agility were not priorities for this model.
If you're looking for an e-bike that can reach any destination, check out the Aventon Aventure.2 Step-Through. Floating on 4-inch knobby tires and 80mm of front suspension, this bike smooths the trails and softens rough terrain. It has a sleekly integrated 720 Wh battery and a powerful 750W motor (1,130W peak) that can reach speeds up to 28 mph using pedal assist. The user interface is easy to navigate, with intuitive controls and a vibrant color display that integrates with the Aventon app. With the app, you can record your rides, share your adventures, and modify the bike and display settings. We tested the step-through model, which has a low frame, is offered in two sizes, and is suitable for rides from 4'11" to 6'2". It comes loaded with features such as fenders, a torque sensor, USB charging, a working brake light, and turn signals. An optional front rack is available if the included rear rack doesn't offer enough carrying capacity.
The Aventon Aventure.2 bike is a great choice for adventurous riders but has a few drawbacks. Weighing 77 lbs, moving around, or transporting on standard bike racks may be challenging. The 4-inch wide tires offer improved terrain and surface versatility but can cause noise, drag, and a grabby sensation when riding on pavement. Nevertheless, if you're looking for a durable electric fat tire bike for your adventures, the Aventon Aventure.2 is one of the best bikes you can buy. You might also consider the Ride1Up Rift that scored just as well, but for different reasons. The Rift's rack can carry a passenger or 150 lbs of gear, and the bike has more power and range. The Aventure.2 has a much nicer display and a higher overall weight capacity; both bikes are capable and fun!
A comfortable and fun way to get out and explore, the Aventure.2 is a great bike.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens
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The Revv 1's significant range meant we could explore all day.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens
Why Trust GearLab
Since 2019, we have tested over 80 different electric bikes across several e-bike categories. We've been watching the electric bike market offer consistently more capable bikes, and some have started to blur the lines between bicycles and motorcycles. This review began with a look at bikes we were already testing, included extensive research on batteries and motors, and considered the market's direction. We analyzed various models across different price ranges to ensure we provide consumers with the best options, considering their performance and customer feedback. After selecting the top models, we unboxed and assembled them in preparation for our thorough testing process. Our testers incorporate each bike into their daily routine for several weeks, using them for commutes and leisure rides. We also have standardized circuits to evaluate each model uniformly. Our comprehensive testing process involves compiling notes and scoring each product across various metrics, resulting in a cumulative score for each bike tested.
Our testing of folding electric bikes is divided into five rating metrics:
Ride Quality (20% of overall score weighting)
Range (20% weighting)
Motor Power (20% weighting)
Interface (20% weighting)
Assembly (20% weighting)
Our team of e-bike testers is led by Joshua Hutchens, our Senior Bike Review Editor at GearLab. Joshua spends the majority of his waking hours on two wheels, whether working, commuting, traveling, or having fun. Over the past four decades, Joshua has raced nearly every cycling discipline, led cycling trips throughout the world, and continues to share his love for bicycles by coaching mountain biking. He lives in Lake Tahoe, which has access to hundreds of miles of single-track and still combs the US in search of seasonally perfect trails. He's been testing bicycles and cycling equipment professionally for seven years. Joshua's vast experience building, repairing, and riding bicycles has honed his ability to perceive subtle differences in materials and performance.
Analysis and Test Results
Through our side-by-side testing, we present the advantages and disadvantages of each bike model. We utilize both quantitative and qualitative data to score each product comparatively. We assign weights to each performance metric based on their relevance to the general user and tally overall scores after conducting all tests. Our discussion below highlights the key areas of performance we assessed these bikes across, pointing out the standout models in each category.
Value
The value of an e-bike may be contingent upon how much you use it, so it's important to select a bike that will fit your needs. There is also a more objective way to look at value in relation to performance. A higher overall score in our review and a lower price tag equal good value. One of our favorite value bikes is the Lectric XP Step-Thru 3.0. However, the most valuable bike to you won't necessarily be the best value for everyone, so check the metrics below to see how one of these bikes could add value to your life based on your specific needs.
Ride
Our Ride metric focuses on the overall riding experience and how each bike's design, components, and features make the ride more enjoyable. To assess ride quality and convenience, we test every bike on various terrain, from city streets to off-road trails. We found that bikes with larger wheels generally scored higher in ride quality, but not always. We evaluate each model's handling ability at different speeds and turning radii, as well as the quality of the brakes and shifting. We aim to measure how each model provides a smooth and comfortable ride that instills confidence in the rider. Additionally, we consider comfort and other features that enhance the ride experience.
For slightly different reasons, the best ride quality belongs to the Ride1Up 700-Series and Specialized Haul ST. The 700 Series has 27.5" wheels with supple 2.4" tires and geometry that is at once comfortable and responsive. The bike handles with a balance of reactive response and confidence-inspiring stability. Its touch points create a quality feel, while its positioning leaves the rider feeling neutral and relaxed. Riding the 700 series feels natural and lets the rider focus on the experience instead of the bicycle. While no part of the bike is exceptionally high quality, nothing on the bike distracts from the ride. The brakes are smooth and powerful, shifting is precise, and, importantly, the assistance provided by the motor feels seamless.
There seemed to be no limit to how far we wanted to ride the Haul; it's a really enjoyable bike.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens
The Specialized Haul ST is a wonderful riding experience. The 20-inch wheels aren't generally responsible for comfort, but the 3.5-inch wide tires create just enough isolation from the road that the bike doesn't hang up on its smaller wheels. The short-tail aluminum frame is incredibly stiff and responsive, allowing it to carry up to 419 lbs without feeling squirmy or compromised. Unladen, the short wheelbase feels sporty and maneuverable, allowing the rider to negotiate obstacles easily. The wide and stiff handlebar helps to triangulate the rider's upper body, giving an enhanced feeling of control. The Haul has an outstanding amount of adjustability for riders of different sizes, owing largely to its long quill stem and telescoping seatpost. The Microshift drivetrain feels unambiguous and effective for pedaling with a large 50T chainring, and the Tektro hydraulic braking system feels perfectly suited for the bike with 8-inch rotors. Fenders and ultra-bright integrated lights make the bike feel readily equipped and prepared for anything. We had no complaints about the Specialized display, but using the Globe app provides a data-rich dashboard, and the display has a USB port to keep your phone running and charged.
The Haul ST display features a USB port that allows you to plug in a phone and run the Globe app (or app of your choice) and enjoy navigation and an enhanced dashboard.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens
The Ride1Up Cafe Cruiser delivers excellent ride quality. Its main selling point is its comfort which is due to the laid-back beach cruiser vibe. Although not sporty, the bike's long wheelbase, wide handlebar, and 3-inch tires help to slow down the tempo. This makes it perfect for those who enjoy the journey more than the destination. Despite its relaxed disposition, the 750W hub motor is powerful and capable of handling hills. It can easily work for you, especially when you need extra help.
The Class 3 Cafe Cruiser is a luxurious and well appointed way to get around town.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens
Range
If you enjoy long rides or have a lengthy commute, paying attention to a bike's range is important. This metric indicates how far you can go on a single charge, enabling you to plan your route accordingly. To assess the range of each model, we conduct a standardized range test using the same course and rider for every bike (to eliminate the variable of rider weight). We begin with a fully charged battery and ride until it is completely drained, documenting the distance traveled, elevation changes, average speed, and elapsed time. During this test, we only use the throttle to remove the rider input variable through pedaling, providing a clear baseline of each bike's range potential. You can achieve significantly more range by utilizing the pedal-assist modes on these bikes.
The Ride1Up Revv 1 boasts a large 780-watt-hour battery, which has the highest capacity among all the models tested. However, it does not have the longest range. On the other hand, the Ride1Up 700 Series, which has a 720Wh battery, traveled 32.4 miles on a single charge. This is because it is lighter and has narrower tires than the Revv 1. During the test course, the Revv 1 traveled 30.8 miles, with an elevation of over 1500 feet. Both models maintained full power until the final 10% of battery power, where they slowed down considerably. Pedaling the 700 series without its pedal assist was a little more challenging than pedaling a non-electric bike due to its weight and resistance from the hub motor. As for the Revv 1, we will avoid pedaling it without battery power in the future.
The 780 Wh battery provides ample juice, making the Revv1 can go and go and go...
Credit: Joshua Hutchens
The Specialized Haul ST range was similarly impressive, with a throttle-only distance of 31.9 miles. The Haul's 772Wh battery is larger than the 720Wh battery on the 700 Series, but the bike is also 17 lbs heavier. Its 3.5" tires may also create a bit more resistance with the comfort they provide. The bike's lights were not illuminated during range testing.
Bring a snack because the Haul ST will just keep going.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens
Power
Our evaluation of power considers the acceleration, top speeds, and overall power output of both throttle and pedal assist modes. A powerful motor is advantageous for navigating through crowded traffic or uphill terrain. To measure the power of our motors, we measure the time it takes to reach top speed from a complete stop and uphill speed. We also reward smooth acceleration, as overly aggressive acceleration can be uncomfortable. Moreover, having multiple levels of pedal assist allows riders to adjust their speed based on their level of exertion.
The Ride1Up Revv 1 stands out in this metric for its incredible power. In off-road mode, the motor can generate 1468 watts at peak output. That gives it the ability to climb incredibly steep grades or, as we found in our test, propel us to 46 mph on flat ground! In our uphill testing, the Revv 1 reached 21.2 mph under throttle power, and its power delivery was incredibly smooth. When we look at motor specs, most of the bikes in this class offer motors listed as 700-750 watts of power, but many can peak at much higher numbers, none quite as high as the Revv 1.
The Super73 wasn't the most powerful of the group but still lots of fun to ride off-road.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens
The Blix Ultra is another incredibly powerful model, hitting 18.5 mph in our uphill test. Its 750-watt motor has a peak output of 1350 watts in optimal conditions. Its power comes in handy, pushing its fat tires through sand, and it is one of the few bikes that can successfully traverse the beach. The Haul ST also performed well in our power tests, reaching an uphill speed of 16.9 mph. All speed data is extracted from a Garmin 805 and cross-referenced with multiple GPS apps. Speedometers on display units are not very accurate; the Revv 1 speedometer showed a speed up to 19% faster than the actual speed.
Powerful enough to charge through the sand and snow, the Ultra is no slouch.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens
Interface
As a rider, you engage with the bike using its user interface, which encompasses the display, controls, and even the battery. The displays vary from simple LED lights to more advanced LCD screens. Our Interface metric evaluates the arrangement of controls and how easy they are to use. Moreover, detachable batteries offer the convenience of charging away from the bike and provide extra security when leaving your bike unattended.
Our favorite user interface is on the Revv 1. Its large display is featured prominently in the center of the handlebar, and the controls are placed in close proximity to the grips, making thumb operation easy while riding. The plus/minus buttons for toggling through PAS modes, headlight switch, and horn are easy to access. The screen displays the current speed, total mileage, pedal-assist mode, and battery life, all in an easy-to-read format. The lockable battery features a handy LED window to quickly determine the amount of charge without turning the bike on.
An example of an excellent display that is large, easy to read and contains relevant data.
The Aventure.2 even tells you how many trees you've saved by riding it.
With ergonomic controls and a large, easy-to-read digital display centered on the handlebar, the Aventure.2 had one of the best user interfaces we tested. The color screen shows your data in an intuitive and user-friendly way. Aventon bikes use the BC-280full-color display, which syncs with the Aventon App. The system controls are mounted on the handlebar next to the left grip. This small control unit has five buttons arranged in an intuitive orientation that is easy to reach with the thumb while riding. Once you've depressed the main power button on the down tube, the remote's power button brings the bike to life. The + and - buttons are located high and low and increase or decrease the pedal assist level, while the set button is used to change the data field being displayed. The throttle is a small paddle located next to the left-hand grip and is easy to reach and press with the thumb.
Class 3
USB charging is a convenient feature on bikes that utilize apps.
Easy to read the state of charge indicator on the battery and USB charging shown here.
Assembly
The bikes we tested for this review all arrived in boxes, which is becoming far more common as bicycle companies sell directly to consumers. For this reason, we heavily weigh the ease of assembly in evaluating these Class 3 bikes. We realize that you'll likely only assemble the bicycle once and possibly skip this step by having your local bike shop take care of the assembly. Even then, the ease of assembly can give us clues about quality and customer service while helping us to get acquainted with the working of the bikes. If you're unfamiliar with bikes and their components and want to assemble your own, you'll find this metric important. We recorded how long it took us to assemble each bike set up from its boxed state using the included tools and directions while noting any difficulties.
The easiest to assemble bikes were the Specialized Haul ST, which took 17 minutes, and the Super73 S2, which took about 19 minutes. In both cases, the bikes were almost fully assembled inside the shipping boxes with wheels already attached. The Specialized box had very clear and easy-to-follow instructions, and large yellow stickers were used to denote the order of operations. All the bikes tested came with the tools necessary to build the bikes. The Specialized Haul ST included torque wrenches to ensure bolts were tightened to the proper torque spec.
Assembly is made easy with the good planning from Ride1Up.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
The Blix Ultra included the necessary tools, but utilizing our own (longer and more ergonomic) wrenches would have made the process easier. The only item the bikes needed but did not include was an air pump. Getting tires to the proper pressure before riding is important, so ensure you have a pump on hand if you plan to assemble them at home.
The weight of these bikes can be the biggest assembly challenge.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens
Conclusion
A Class 3 e-bike can be a convenient way to replace car trips, reduce your commute time, and still get some exercise. The ever-expanding e-bike market offers a wide array of useful and fun bicycles that can fit most people's budgets. There are many factors to consider if you're planning to purchase a Class 3 bike; our real-world testing and analysis can help you narrow down the choices and find a bike that feels perfect for you and your lifestyle.
