A Class 3 electric bike such as the Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 or Trek Allant+ 7 is an e-bike that provides pedal-assist only and supports speeds up to 28 mph (45 km/h). It does not rely on a throttle in most regions and is commonly used for commuting or longer road rides.
Class 3 e-bikes are designed for riders who want higher assisted speeds than standard e-bikes. In my experience testing commuter e-bikes, this class feels closest to riding a regular bicycle just with stronger assistance when pedaling, especially on longer rides or hills.
Because of their higher speed, many places require additional rules such as helmets or minimum rider age. According to guidelines used in the United States three-class e-bike system and regulations referenced by groups like PeopleForBikes, Class 3 models typically follow these key characteristics:
Pedal-assist only (motor works when you pedal)
Maximum assisted speed: 28 mph (45 km/h)
Motor power limit: usually 750 watts
Often restricted from some bike paths or trails
Create a forum account and share your own experience riding a Class 3 e-bike or ask questions about choosing the right model. 🚲⚡