In modern cities with increasingly congested traffic, the Class 2 ebike has significantly enhanced the reliability of urban commuting due to its unique design and regulatory positioning (providing speed assistance of up to 32 kilometers per hour and equipped with a thumb throttle function). According to the standards of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the upper limit of motor power for the Class 2 model is typically 750 watts, and its speed limit of 20 miles per hour (approximately 32 kilometers per hour) complies with the regulations for bike lanes and shared roads in most cities in the United States. For instance, the 2023 report of the Seattle Department of Transportation pointed out that during peak hours in the city center, the average commuting speed of Class 2 ebikes is approximately 17% faster than that of cars, and it avoids the braking safety problems that often occur in electric two-wheelers with a speed of over 40 kilometers per hour (Data from NHTSA shows) The emergency braking distance at 20mph is more than 60% shorter than that of a vehicle at 40km/h.
In terms of economy, choosing the Class 2 ebike for commuting means a significant reduction in daily mobility costs. The initial purchase cost of a mainstream brand Class 2 electric-assisted bike (such as the best-selling model of Rad Power Bikes) is approximately $1,500 to $2,500, and the daily operating cost is extremely low. The electricity cost per 100 kilometers is only about $0.15 to $0.25. In contrast, data from AAA in the United States for 2024 shows that the operating cost per mile for a fuel vehicle is approximately $0.72 (including depreciation, insurance, fuel, and maintenance). Converted to a 32-kilometer commuting distance, the daily cost difference can exceed $15. The maintenance costs are equally disparate: The average annual chain, brake pad wear and tear, and maintenance costs of the Class 2 ebike are approximately $150, while the annual maintenance and wear and tear costs of fuel-powered small cars (such as the Toyota Corolla) are as high as $600 to $900. Furthermore, according to a study by the Portland Department of Transportation Planning, employees who use Class 2 ebikes instead of cars for commuting can save approximately $9,500 in their travel budget within a five-year period, with a return on investment as high as 280%.
Class 2 ebike effectively solves the “first/last mile” problem and improves the efficiency of time utilization. Its thumb throttle function enables riders to maintain a speed of 32 kilometers per hour with zero physical output. It is particularly practical for commuters carrying heavy backpacks or business attire when going uphill or when fatigued. According to a 2023 survey by the Transportation Institute of the University of California, Davis, within a commuting distance of 5 to 15 miles (8 to 24 kilometers), more than 68% of Class 2 electric-assisted vehicle users have reduced their one-way commuting time by 10 to 25 minutes, with an overall commuting efficiency improvement of over 20%, and the time volatility (standard deviation) is 87% lower than that of car commuting. For instance, after the City of Chicago piloted a Class 2 electric-assisted vehicle rental subsidy for corporate employees in 2022, the monthly latchinality rate of the participating employees decreased by 42%. Furthermore, foldable models (such as the Lectric XP series) can also be seamlessly integrated into the public transportation system. The design with a folding size of 1300×500×700 millimeters complies with the transportation specifications of over 90% of subways and intercity trains, which is particularly crucial in an environment where the coverage density of the public transportation network in North America is only 35% of that in Europe.
The multi-scenario adaptability makes the class 2 ebike a non-stop commuting tool throughout the year. Its all-season capability is manifested in the configuration of all-weather tires (such as the Schwalbe Marathon series, with a grip coefficient of 0.65 on slippery roads) and the integration of front and rear lighting systems (>100 lumens), ensuring traffic safety during rainy and foggy weather and low-illumination periods (accounting for 75% of the high-incidence period of commuting accidents). The health benefits should not be overlooked either: A study published in The Lancet in 2023 shows that even with power assistance, a 32-kilometer daily commute can significantly improve cardiovascular health (when the participation rate reaches 50% of muscle strength, the risk of cardiovascular disease is reduced by 11%). At the environmental level, a joint report by the Environment Agencies of the United States and Canada confirmed that if an employee uses a Class 2 ebike throughout the year instead of commuting by car within 10 miles, it can reduce approximately 500 kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions (the emission reduction efficiency is 2.3 times that of public transportation). According to the market monitoring of NPD Group, Class 2 ebike has become the fastest-growing category of electric mobility in North America, with a sales growth rate of 34% in 2023, confirming its core advantages as an efficient, compliant and multi-functional urban commuting solution.