The most common type has a power limit of 250 watts,  1/3 horsepower.  Only pedelecs are legal – the motor adds power only if the rider is pedaling. A throttle, if any,  works only at lowest speeds and is mostly useful for starting. Motor power decreases to zero as the ebike’s speed increases to the limit of 25 km/h (15.5 mph). 

Essentially, the performance of an ebike is limited so that it does not increase a cyclist’s typical speed. Cruising speed may actually be lower, because the ebike is heavier. The motor serves to help the cyclist get started and in climbing hills. That is its main purpose. On the other hand, the ebike will have a long range on a battery charge, because the rider is doing most of the work at cruising speed. 

A Charles River Wheelers member visiting Europe and renting such an ebike may find it frustrating, slower and also less agile than a muscle-powered bicycle even at its highest power assist setting.

Some areas in Europe also allow what is called a Speed Pedelec. This can reach a speed of 45 km/h (27.9 mph) and have a more powerful motor, up to 1000 watts (1 and 1/3  horsepower)  but require licensing, registration and a helmet. These machines are equipped for utility riding, with fenders, lights and a rear rack. These are effectively mopeds, except for the noise and pollution, and are prohibited on many special bicycle facilities. 

A third category applies to cargo bikes and delivery vehicles. These are limited to 25 km/h like the ordinary e-bikes but can have a motor up to 1000 watts. 

The general picture is this: the European Union has grappled with the issues of ebike safety and allowed machines which fit in with muscle-powered bicycles in typical urban utility riding, or  mopeds, or small local delivery vehicles. 

US classes reflect a different attitude. Three classes of ebikes, established by

PeopleforBikes – which despite its name is the industry lobby – play to the American need for speed. Most states have adopted these classes (see table). Even the lowest class, Class 1, is faster than the common European ebike. 

The throttle, is available only in class 2, with a top assisted sped of 20 mph. Power, whether assisted or throttle-controlled, does not diminish as speed increases, so it is easy to ride at the top assisted speed. 

A Class 3 ebike, with a top speed of 28 mph, has essentially the same performance as a gasoline-powered motorized bicycle or moped; however Massachusetts law as amended in 2023 recognized only Class 1 and Class 2. 

A CRW member who is aging or out of shape will be able to keep up with the fast crowd on CRW rides on a Class 2 ebike. Ebikes intended for that purpose in bike stores are made to look and handle as much like a regular road bike as possible while still holding a motor and battery. 

Elderly people have been getting into trouble on ebikes in the Netherlands; even at the lower power-assisted speed. The problem here in the USA more often occurs with younger people who lack bicycling skill but for whom speed appeals. 

We are headed for a reckoning here in the USA as crash rates mount. How that will turn out remains to be seen. I don’t fear too much for experienced CRW members who turn to ebikes as age catches up with us. I am concerned though about younger riders. 

It is easy to hack an ebike to go faster, and this is common. There are also even faster, out-of-class machines being sold despite their falling into no street-legal category. With the ability to purchase them, or a faked class identification sticker over the Internet,  it is a bit of a wild west show. This has reached crisis level in some states. It will take a multifaceted effort to address the problem, involving education, enforcement and regulation. Expect some interesting times ahead!