Class 4 e-bikes are high-powered electric bicycles that exceed U.S. regulatory limits for street-legal use. Unlike Class 1–3 e-bikes, which are capped by speed and motor output, Class 4 models deliver motorcycle-like performance with top speeds above 28 mph (50+ mph top speeds in some models) and motors exceeding 750W. Because they are not recognized within U.S. e-bike regulatory frameworks, they are classified as off-road vehicles only, and are typically marketed for private land, trail systems, or closed-course use.
E-Bike Classes
- Class 1 E-Bikes: - Pedal-assist only, up to 20 mph, = 750W motor.
- Class 2 E-Bikes: - Throttle + pedal assist, up to 20 mph, = 750W motor.
- Class 3 E-Bikes: - Pedal-assist up to 28 mph, = 750W motor.
- Class 4 E-Bikes: - Exceed 28 mph and/or >750W motor — not street-legal in the U.S., treated as off-road only.
Other countries (e.g., EU L-category mopeds/quadricycles) have parallel definitions, but in the U.S. Class 4 is a catch-all for “beyond legal” e-bikes.
Segment Taxonomy
| Segment | Definition | Examples |
| High-Power Off-Road E-Bikes |
Mountain bike-style frames with oversized motors and batteries; exceed Class 3 limits. |
Examples: HPC Revolution X, Delfast Top 3.0, Stealth B-52 Bomber. |
| Hybrid E-Motorbikes |
Bikes that blur the line between bicycles and motorcycles; often lack pedals or have token pedal functionality. |
Examples: Sur-Ron Storm Bee, Talaria Sting R. |
| Custom / DIY Builds |
Aftermarket conversions or home-built e-bikes that exceed legal wattage/speed limits. |
Widely varied; popular among hobbyists and racing enthusiasts. |
Class 4 E-Bike List
Market Outlook
| Rank | Adoption Segment | Drivers | Constraints |
| 1 |
Recreational Riders |
High-performance appeal; off-road trail use; crossover interest from motocross and MTB riders. |
Limited legality; restricted trail access; safety concerns. |
| 2 |
Racing & Competition |
Use in private-track racing formats and showcases; emerging electric off-road leagues. |
Fragmented rules; lack of mainstream acceptance; liability issues. |
| 3 |
DIY / Enthusiast Builds |
Passionate communities experimenting with ultra-high-power motors and custom frames. |
Safety risks; inconsistent quality; regulatory crackdowns on “unrated” bikes. |
