The 3 Best Class 3 eBikes

Best Class 3 Fat Tire Ebike

Aventon Aventure.2 Step-Through

Wheel Size: 26-inch | Battery Size: 720 Wh

If comfort and capability are at the top of your list, 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 tames rough terrain. The downtube conceals an integrated 720 Wh battery, which propels a powerful 750W motor (1,130W peak) that can reach speeds up to 28 mph using pedal assist. I liked how easy the interface was to navigate, with intuitive controls and a vibrant color display that integrates with the Aventon app. Using the app, you can record your rides, share your adventures, and modify the power and display settings. I tested the Regular-size, step-through model with a low step frame. Aventon says the bike is appropriate for riders between 5'1" and 5'10". The large frame is also available in step-over or step-through style and is suitable for riders from 5'10" to 6'4". The Aventure.2 has fenders, a torque sensor, USB charging, a working brake light, and turn signals. Those wanting to carry more gear can add an optional front rack that can carry up to 20 pounds.

While the Aventon Aventure.2 is a great choice for adventurous riders, it has a few drawbacks. With a curb weight of 77 lbs, transporting the bike on most standard bike racks isn't possible. The 4-inch wide tires offer comfort and versatility but create 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 Lectric X-Peak with a similar form factor. The XPeak doesn't have the refined ride quality of the Aventure.2, but it's quite capable. The Aventon has a much nicer display and a higher overall weight capacity; both bikes are capable and fun!

Read more: Aventon Aventure.2 Step-Through review

Best Bang for the Buck Fat Tire Ebike

Aventon Aventure.2 Step-Through

Wheel Size: 26-inch | Battery Size: 720 Wh

The XPeak 2.0 is a powerful fat-tire pleasure bike with an attractive price tag. Touted as trail-ready, all-terrain eBike, it's spec'd with an adjustable 80mm suspension fork and quells almost all of our criticism of its predecessor. The new hydroformed frame uses a 720 (or 960) Watt-hour battery, 24 amp controller, and a torque sensor to provide ample assistance and give the bike a capable feel.

Beefy 4-inch knobby tires find purchase on almost all surfaces while providing a pillow-like ride quality. The bike comes in one size with available step-over and step-through frame styles and is best suited for riders between 5' 6" and 6' 2". Our test bike took about 20 minutes to assemble and included ABS fenders, a rack that can hold 60 pounds, and an 850 lux Elite headlight. A tail light/brake light combo and high-quality display with USB-C charging left our testers impressed.

While the XPeak 2.0 is a great way to explore off-the-beaten-path, it doesn't have the sportiest handling. Weighing over 80 pounds, the bike can be a handful in technical situations and a bit much for most bike racks. The massive tires are comfortable and capable off-road, but a bit noisy on the bike path. If you value capability and versatility over efficiency, the XPeak 2.0 is incredibly fun to ride and might help you explore places you didn't know a bike could go. If you want to explore another fat tire option, the Aventon Aventure.2 has a higher weight capacity, faster charging, and more range.

Read more: Lectric XPeak 2.0 review

Best Moped Style Class 3 Ebike

Ride1Up Revv 1 FS

Battery Size: 1040 Wh | Measured Weight: 97 lbs

I 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. The Revv 1 FS has a massive 1040Wh battery, giving it more range than any other bike I'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, enhancing performance capabilities. The dual crown fork, rear shock, and 18" long seat make this bike comfortable just about anywhere you could think of riding it. The seated position is upright, with excellent visibility for urban adventures. 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 does a great job of highlighting the important info. The screen is large, has clear contrast, and provides all the data you need.

Let's be clear: 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 ships almost entirely assembled and comes in a top-off style carton that steadies the bike while you apply the finishing touches. All necessary tools and instructions are included, and assembly videos are available for visual learners. The bike is great for running errands or exploring trails, but transporting it may be an issue. With a weight of almost 100 pounds, it's more than most bike racks can handle.

Read more: Ride1Up Revv 1 FS review

Compare Products

Compare select up to 5 products to compare

	Score	Product	Price
	95	Ride1Up Revv 1 FS Best Moped Style Class 3 Ebike	$2,395
	88	Ride1Up Revv 1	$1,895
	84	Aventon Aventure.2 Step-Through Best Class 3 Fat Tire Ebike	$1,999
	82	Lectric XPeak 2.0	$1,399
	82	Super73 S2	$3,299
	80	Ride1Up Revv 1 DRT	$2,595
	75	Ariel Rider X-Class 52V	$2,399

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 has been professionally reviewing bikes and e-bikes since 2017. 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's owned and operated a bicycle shop and an indoor cycling park and has worked as a professional consultant in the cycling industry. He lives in Lake Tahoe, where he has access to hundreds of miles of single-track and still combs the US in search of seasonally perfect trails. 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.

What's the Best 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 class 3 bikes is the Lectric XP Step-Thru 3.0; it's capable and just happens to fold up small enough to fit in the trunk of a car. 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 Revv 1 FS and Specialized Haul ST. The Revv 1 uses moped wheels and tires that give it an insulated and comfortable ride. The bike feels confident and capable, even in rough terrain. We've moved the Specialized Haul ST to the cargo bike review as it fits better there, but it's also a class 3 bike that provides an exceptionally high-quality ride. The brakes are smooth and powerful, shifting is precise, and, importantly, the assistance provided by the motor feels seamless.

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 Ride1Up Revv 1 FS also delivers excellent ride quality. While it feels more like a moped than a bike, its power and poise give it a remarkably positive feel. 4-inch tires and suspension help to isolate the rider from roadway imperfections. This makes it perfect for those who enjoy the journey more than the destination. The bike isn't conducive to pedaling, but the 1000W hub motor and large battery give the bike ample power and range.

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 FS boasts a large 1040-watt-hour battery, which has the highest capacity among all the models tested, giving it a throttle only range of over 37 miles while climbing over 1500 feet. The Super73 S2 also had impressive range. Carrying a 960Wh battery, the S2 went almost 30 miles without pedaling.

The Specialized Haul ST range was similarly impressive, with a throttle-only distance of 31.9 miles. The Haul's 772Wh battery is smaller than the moped style bikes but it's also lighter. Its 3.5" tires may also create a bit less resistance with their narrower profile.

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 FS 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 with nominal power of 750-1000 watts, but many can peak at much higher numbers

The Lectric XPeak 2.0 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. 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.

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 bikes. The displays have large numbers and graphics 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.

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.

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 bike to assemble was the Super73 S2, which took about 19 minutes. It arrived almost fully assembled inside the shipping boxes with wheels already attached. The Specialized Haul was also exceptionally easy to assemble with clear, 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 even included torque wrenches to ensure bolts were tightened to the proper torque spec.

The Lectric XPeak 2.0 included the necessary tools, but utilizing our own (longer and more ergonomic) wrenches 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.

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.