The legal definition of Class 1 is "electric bikes with a top speed of 20mph, power not exceeding 750 watts, and no throttle".
That's right - Class 1 e-bikes are pedal assist only! That might not sound very exciting, but there are good reasons to own one of these lower-powered electric cycles. First and foremost, Class 1 e-bikes are intended for cyclists who want to get exercise, primarily riding their bike like... well, like a bike! Many e-bikes in this category are equipped with responsive torque sensors that provide a much more satisfying ride feeling, and these e-bikes tend to be fairly lightweight as well.
Another reason to ride Class 1 is access, as these e-bikes are allowed virtually anywhere regular bicycles are - even most mountain bike trails! This includes multi-use trails and paths which usually don't allow the more powerful (and more dangerous) Class 2/3/4 electric bikes.
Having a lower power motor and no throttle hardware also helps to reduce costs, so Class 1 e-bikes tend to be the most affordable as well.
Vintage Vibes Done Right! Weighing in at less than 45 pounds, the aptly-named Ultralight is an electric bike you can carry or load on a standard bike rack with ease, making it a great fit for campers and RVers. With stealthily integrated electronics this classic ride will easily pass for a regular bicycle, meaning you can worry less when locking it up in public places. This is a Class 1 e-bike which means no throttle, but who needs a throttle when you have such a fun-to-ride torque sensor?
E-bikes don't get much stealthier than the CGO600 Pro, with electronics so sneakily integrated that few people will realize it isn't just a regular old acoustic bicycle. It's lightweight and incredibly smooth to ride thanks to the maintenance-free carbon belt setup. However, this is only a single speed, so it's best suited to city riders in relatively flat areas; sure, it can climb hills pretty well thanks to the 350-watt hear hub motor, but not being able to downshift means you'll have to put in quite a bit of work as well.
With it's unique frame and cleanly integrated electronics the Chord is aesthetically pleasing, and quite stealthy - most people won't realize it's electric without close inspection. The Chord also sports some unusual features, such as built-in navigation and fingerprint unlock... that's got to be a first on an e-bike! It has integrated lights and fenders so it's ready for basic use, but you'll have to spend a bit more if you want a rack for hauling cargo. While the battery isn't very high capacity, the lightweight construction combined with a responsive and efficient torque sensor means you'll still get plenty of range out of it.