7 Best Class 2 Electric Bikes
December 1, 2024
Class 2 electric bikes strike an ideal balance between power and usability, making them a popular choice for various riders. With a throttle, these ebikes can reach speeds of up to 20 mph for versatile riding on both roads and trails.
In this article, we will explore the best class 2 ebikes available, highlighting options that cater to different preferences and budgets. Whether you're looking for a commuter bike, a fat tire model, or something lightweight, our curated list will help you find the perfect fit for your cycling needs.
Here, we’ll highlight the best class 2 ebikes, including:
1a. Best Class 2 Ebike Under $1,500
2. Best Class 2 Fat Tire Ebike
2a. Best Class 2 Electric Mountain Bike
3. Best Class 2 Commuter Ebike
6. Best Class 2 Lightweight Ebike
8. More About Class 2 Electric Bikes
8a. Do Class 2 Ebikes Need Pedals?
8b. Do You Need a Helmet for a Class 2 Ebike?
8c. Can a Class 2 Ebike Go Faster Than 20 MPH?
8d. Can a Class 2 Ebike Be Changed to a Class 1?
8e. Can You Turn a Class 3 Ebike Into a Class 2?
1. Best Class 2 Ebike Soltera.2
Best Class 2 Ebike Under $1,500
The Aventon Soltera.2 is the best class 2 ebike under $1,500. Costing $1,199 MSRP, this affordable road bike is packed with features. The 350-watt motor, on-demand throttle, and four levels of pedal assist deliver power to make hill-climbing easier, but allow you to put in the work when you want to. A torque sensor matches power output to how hard you pedal, creating an intuitive-feeling ride that’s fast and fun.
Highlighted Specs:
- ✓ Battery range: Up to 46 miles
- ✓ Torque sensor: Yes
- ✓ Payload: 300 lbs
- ✓ Warranty: Two-year warranty
- ✓ Throttle: On demand
- ✓ Price: $1,199 MSRP
The Soltera.2 boasts features like integrated turn signals and lighting, making it ideal for city commuting. The aerodynamic frame geometry improves handling and stability to maximize control. Keep tabs on your riding stats with a full-color, backlit LCD display that’s visible in all lighting conditions.
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2. Best Class 2 Fat Tire Ebike: Aventure.2
Best Class 2 Electric Mountain Bike
The Aventon Aventure.2 is the best class 2 fat tire ebike. With 4-inch wide fat tires, this bike can charge through all types of terrain including sand, mud, ice, and snow. With the removal of the throttle, Aventure.2 becomes a Class 1 so you can use it as an electric mountain bike on moderate trails.
Also, its powerful 750-watt rear hub motor gives you a big boost when you need it, and hydraulic disc brakes deliver optimal stopping control. All these features make the Aventure.2 our top pick as the best class 2 electric mountain bike as well.
Highlighted Specs:
- ✓ Battery range: Up to 60 miles
- ✓ Torque sensor: Yes
- ✓ Payload: 400 lbs
- ✓ Warranty: Two-year warranty
- ✓ Throttle: Throttle on demand
- ✓ Price: $1,999 MSRP
The Aventure.2 comes in two styles: step-through and step-over frames. It also boasts three color options—Slate Grey, Cobalt Blue, and Camouflage—which makes it ideal for stylish city riding or staying hidden while out hunting. A built-in font suspension fork with 80mm of travel provides a smooth ride and a rear rack lets you haul all kinds of gear.
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3. Best Class 2 Commuter Ebike: Level.2
The Aventon Level.2 is the best class 2 commuter ebike. Featuring a 500-watt electric motor, an on-demand throttle, and five pedal assist levels, it’s ideal for cruising down bike paths and navigating city streets. A built-in rear rack makes it possible to carry your work bag and groceries or haul a small kiddo to school. Integrated fenders catch mud, dirt, and debris, helping to keep you clean and dry even if you ride in inclement weather.
Highlighted Specs:
- ✓ Battery range: Up to 60 miles
- ✓ Torque sensor: Yes
- ✓ Payload: 300 lbs
- ✓ Warranty: Two-year warranty
- ✓ Throttle: Throttle on demand
- ✓ Price: $1,899 MSRP
The Level.2 has a 672-watt-hour battery that offers a long range of up to 60 miles on a single charge. The torque sensor matches motor power to your pedaling efforts, creating a natural-feeling ride and extending battery life so you can go further.
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4. Best Class 2 Cruiser Ebike: Pace 500.3
The Aventon Pace 500.3 is the best class 2 cruiser ebike. It features a step-through frame with swept-back handlebars that provide an upright riding position. This helps to alleviate wrist and back strain, offering a more comfortable ride when cruising around town. A 500-watt bike motor lets you pedal up steep hills with ease, and four pedal assist modes give you the power to control the level of support throughout your ride.
Highlighted Specs:
- ✓ Battery range: Up to 60 miles
- ✓ Torque sensor: Yes
- ✓ Payload: 300 lbs
- ✓ Warranty: Two-year warranty
- ✓ Throttle: Throttle on demand
- ✓ Price: $1,799 MSRP
The Pace 500.3 boasts high-quality components, including puncture-resistant tires that minimize the risk of flats when you cruise. Hydraulic disc brakes offer peace of mind when you need to stop fast. Integrated lights and turn signals keep you visible, and an adjustable stem lets you maximize comfort.
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5. Best Class 2 Cargo Ebike: Abound
The Aventon Abound is the best class 2 cargo ebike. Featuring a rear rack with a weight capacity of up to 143 pounds, it can haul it all—from sports equipment and groceries to your kids. The rack is compatible with a variety of accessories, including passenger seats, baskets, and panniers. Passengers ride in comfort and style with aluminum footboards, and a convenient storage bag tucked into the frame allows quick access to essentials.
Highlighted Specs:
- ✓ Battery range: Up to 50 miles
- ✓ Torque sensor: Yes
- ✓ Payload: 440 lbs
- ✓ Warranty: Two-year warranty
- ✓ Throttle: Throttle on demand
- ✓ Price: $1,999 MSRP
The Abound is powered by a 750-watt motor, which gives you the boost you need to ride up steep hills, even if the bike is loaded with gear. A dropper seatpost offers fast seat adjustment to give you control of your pedaling efforts. A front suspension fork with up to 50mm of travel cushions the ride, and fenders keep you clean and dry along the way.
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6. Best Class 2 Lightweight Ebike: Soltera.2
The Aventon Soltera.2 is the best class 2 lightweight ebike. Weighing just 46 pounds, this ebike is designed for agility and maneuverability. The aerodynamic frame speeds through town powered by a 350-watt motor, on-demand throttle, and four levels of pedal assist. A Shimano 7-speed derailleur and mechanical brakes give you control over speed for optimal handling.
Highlighted Specs:
- ✓ Battery range: Up to 46 miles
- ✓ Torque sensor: Yes
- ✓ Payload: 300 lbs
- ✓ Warranty: Two-year warranty
- ✓ Throttle: On demand
- ✓ Price: $1,199 MSRP
The Soltera.2 throttle can be unplugged, allowing this ebike to ride on bike lanes and in areas where throttles are prohibited. It boasts a removable 9.6-amp-hour bike battery that meets TUV and UL2849 safety certifications, which ensure the battery meets standards for electrical and fire safety.
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7. Best Class 2 Folding Ebike: Sinch.2
The Aventon Sinch.2 is the best class 2 folding ebike. The frame is designed to fold down, allowing you to carry the bike up stairs or load it into your car to reach new adventures. The compact frame also makes storage simpler, taking up less space than other ebikes. With a 500-watt motor and 4-inch wide fat tires, it’s ideal for riding in all types of terrain.
Highlighted Specs:
- ✓ Battery range: Up to 55 miles
- ✓ Torque sensor: Yes
- ✓ Payload: 300 lbs
- ✓ Warranty: Two-year warranty
- ✓ Throttle: Throttle on demand
- ✓ Price: $1,699 MSRP
The Sinch.2 has a 672-watt-hour battery that offers a range of up to 55 miles without having to recharge. Four levels of pedal assist and an on-demand throttle improve your riding experience by putting you in the driver’s seat of speed control. Features like a front suspension fork, fenders, and a rear rack maximize functionality, while elements like lighting and integrated turn signals improve safety.
More About Class 2 Electric Bikes
Want to learn more about class 2 electric bicycles? Read on to find answers to the most commonly asked questions.
Do Class 2 Ebikes Need Pedals?
Yes, class 2 ebikes need pedals. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, a federal regulatory agency, bicycles must have:
- ✓ A maximum power output of 750 watts or less
- ✓ A top speed of 20 miles per hour or less
- ✓ Operable pedals
Do You Need a Helmet for a Class 2 Ebike?
You may need a helmet for a class 2 ebike depending on where you live and where you ride your bike. More than half of U.S. states have helmet laws on the books for minors who ride ebikes. These laws generally apply to kids under 16 years of age, but some states have helmet laws that apply to adult cyclists or people 21 and younger.
For example, California is exploring a new law that would require all class 2 ebike riders to wear a helmet. In general, it’s a good idea to wear a helmet when riding any bike.
Can a Class 2 Ebike Go Faster Than 20 MPH?
No, a class 2 ebike can’t legally go faster than 20 miles per hour under federal law. Class 2 ebikes are limited to 20 miles per hour in order to meet federal standards and ebike classification systems adopted by the majority of U.S. states. If an ebike goes faster than 20 miles per hour, then it is designated as a class 3 ebike instead. That would limit where and how the ebike can be ridden.
It’s important to note that some states are exploring laws that would make it illegal to tamper with or unlock ebikes to make them go faster than their initial classification. Some of these laws would also require a manufacturing sticker listing the classification and mandate changing the sticker if the ebike class is adjusted. If you want an ebike that goes faster than 20 mph, it’s important to choose a model from a brand that has a higher top speed, rather than try to modify your ebike yourself.
Can a Class 2 Ebike Be Changed to Class 1?
Yes, some class 2 ebikes can be changed to class 1 ebikes by unplugging and removing the throttle. By definition, class 1 ebikes do not have a throttle, have pedal assist modes, and have a maximum speed of 20 mph.
All Aventon Class 2 ebikes have the capability of removing the throttle, so you can have the opportunity to ride on pathways and trails limited to Class 1 ebikes.
Can You Turn a Class 3 Ebike Into a Class 2?
Yes, you may be able to turn a class 3 ebike into a class 2, depending on the manufacturer and brand. Some companies offer class 2 ebikes that can be unlocked to reach the higher 28 mph top speed of a class 3 ebike. This is typically done by unlocking the ebike in an app or by manually adjusting settings on the ebike.
That also means the class 3 ebike could be changed to a class 2 using the brand’s app. In many cases, a class 3 ebike won’t have the necessary modifications and settings to turn it into a class 2 ebike so it’s important to check before buying.
Does the Aventon Aventure.2 Have a Throttle?
Yes, the Aventon Aventure.2 has a throttle with a top speed of 20 mph. The throttle can be unplugged and removed to make riding this ebike legal in areas where throttle ebikes are restricted.
Should I Get an Ebike With a Throttle?
This depends on your riding preferences. If you’re looking for an ebike that can do the work for you so you don’t have to pedal the whole time, an ebike with a throttle can be a good fit. However, if you live in an area where throttle ebikes are restricted, it may not be the right pick.
Consider how you plan on riding your ebike and check local regulations to decide if a throttle is right for you. For the best of both worlds, choose an ebike model—like the Soltera.2, Abound, Abound SR, Aventure.2, Pace 500.3, Level.2, and Sinch.2—that features a removable throttle so you can adjust your adventures as you see fit.
Choosing the Best Class 2 Electric Bike
To choose the best class 2 electric bike, consider the type of bike you want and what features are on your must-have list. Then balance that with how much you’re able to spend. When doing your research, check that the ebike you’re interested in is actually a class 2 ebike. That means it should have a top speed of 20 mph, an electric motor under 750 watts, a throttle, and operable pedals.
Browse our collection of class 2 ebikes to find the right one for you—whether you’re looking for a commuter, cruiser, off-road ebike, or something else.
