Class 2 eBikes

A class 2 eBike has both a throttle and pedal assist, with the throttle capped at 20 mph. class 2 eBikes are street legal and allowed on most standard bike paths. Every Lectric eBike ships as a class 2 by default, so you get throttle-only riding when you want it and pedal assist when you don't. For a breakdown of all the bike classes, check out our blog breaking down eBike classes.

A class 2 eBike works well for commuting, errands, and longer weekend rides, but how you use it day to day can shape which settings and accessories are worth having. 

Choosing the right pedal assist level for every ride helps you balance range and effort depending on the trip, and if you're weighing an eBike against driving, it's worth seeing how many car trips an eBike could realistically replace. 

And if your bike needs to travel with you, whether that's in a car, on a rack, or on public transit, it helps to know how to transport your eBike safely beforehand.

The difference between the classes of eBikes comes down to the extent of assistance the electric motor provides. Class 1 eBikes are pedal assist only, without a throttle and max out at 20 miles per hour. Class 2 eBikes include pedal assist and add a throttle, with top speed still capped at 20mph. Class 3 eBikes include the same pedal assist and throttle of a class 2 eBike, but top out at 28 miles per hour with pedaling on top of the 20mpg throttle cap.  

If some of these terms are still new to you, eBike terms explained is a good plain-language reference. For an in-depth explanation of classes specifically, check out our blog breaking down eBike classes.

With Lectric, you don't have to choose. All models ship as class 2, and the XP4, XPedition 2, XPeak2, and XPress2 can also switch to class 3 through the display settings, giving you up to 28 mph with pedal assist when your local roads and trails allow it, while the throttle stays capped at 20 mph either way. Which setting makes sense day to day usually comes down to how and where you're riding, and choosing the right pedal assist level for each ride can help you get more out of either class.

A class 2 eBike's throttle is capped at 20 mph by definition. Pedal assist tops out in that same 14 to 20 mph range depending on the model, unless it's one of Lectric's switchable models set to class 3, which raises pedal-assisted speed to 28 mph.

A class 1 eBike has pedal assist only, with no throttle. A class 2 eBike has both a throttle and pedal assist, capped at 20 mph either way. Check your bike's throttle: if it can move the bike without you pedaling, it's class 2 or higher, not class 1. If you're just getting oriented with eBike basics in general, common beginner eBike mistakes are worth a read before your first ride.

Yes, but there is a definite feel to an eBike that takes some getting used to. eBikes are fully capable of being pedaled like a normal bicycle, but the added weight of a motor can make that difficult without pedal assist. 

The main difference in the feel of riding like a regular bike comes down to whether the eBike has a torque sensor or a cadence sensor. 

A cadence sensor detects that your pedals are turning and delivers a set amount of power regardless of how hard you're pushing, which can feel like the bike is doing the work for you. 

A torque sensor measures how much force you're applying and scales the motor's output to match, so the assist feels more like an extension of your own pedaling rather than a separate push.

That's why torque-sensing bikes tend to feel closer to riding a regular bicycle, just with less effort required. For a closer look at how the two compare, see torque sensor vs. cadence sensor: what's the difference.