Best Class 4 E-Bikes in 2024 — 1000W+ Motors and 30+ MPH Top Speeds
As Class 4 e-bikes have lots of power, they are the perfect bike for carrying big loads over very harsh terrain, Overlanding, hunting trips, or any extreme wilderness riding.
With the extra power and torque, you can haul large cargo loads up steep gradients or over loose terrain without a problem. This is especially helpful for riders who need to pack out meat from a hunting trip for example. In addition, you can reach higher speeds, allowing you to cover greater distances than lower-class e-bikes
Because these bikes are mostly used for off-road terrain, they usually come with excellent suspension, puncture-resistant fat tires, powerful hydraulic disc brakes, and other useful off-road components.
What Are E-Bike Classes?
Electric bicycles are generally categorized into three different class groups. In the USA, these groups are as follows:
- Class 1: Max power 750W, top speed 20mph, pedal-assist sensor (PAS)
- Class 2: Max power 750W, top speed 20mph, PAS and throttle
- Class 3: Max power 750W, top speed 20mph with a throttle, 28mph with PAS
However, there are several bikes that do not fit into these classes and are often considered class 4 e-bikes. Class 4 has the same restrictions and requirements as dirt bikes, mopeds, and scooters.
Class 4 e-bikes can have motors over 750W. In this article, the motors range from 1,000W to 3,000W. Additionally, max speeds are not limited and these bikes can use PAS or throttle.
What is a Class 4 eBike?
As mentioned above, class 4 eBike speed and power (Watts) are the main distinctions to the other e-bike classes. These electric bikes are considered the same as mopeds and scooters and are subject to the same restrictions and legislation.
Because of this extra power and speed, this type of e-bike is most commonly used for off-road riding. Also, as a high-powered motor vehicle, riders must have a license and registration to ride class 4 e-bikes on the road.
Key features of class 4 eBikes:
- Throttle and/or pedal assistance
- Top speed may be more than 28mph
- The motor can be more than 750W
- Mostly need registration and licensing for riding on the road
Class 4 vs Class 2 E-Bikes
Both Class 4 and Class 2 are electric bikes with throttle and PAS.
The main difference between these two classes is there are no legal limits on Class 4 e-bikes in terms of power and max speed. Whereas, Class 2 e-bikes are limited to 20mph using either throttle or PAS, as well as a maximum of 750W power in the motor.
Apart from that, these bikes are very similar but class 4 e-bikes are likely to be optimized for more extreme riding conditions while class 2 models work great as city/commuter bikes too.
Are 1000W eBikes legal?
Most states have laws that are limiting eBike motors at 750W. That makes 1,000W electric bikes more likely to be classified as a scooter or moped.
Electric Bike Rules & Regulations Explained
However, there are some states where eBikes can have a motor of 1,000W. In addition to motor wattage, there are usually many other factors you must check. For example in Kansas, an eBike is defined as an “electric-assisted bicycle” as long as the motor is under 1,000W and has a maximum speed of 20mph.
Best Class 4 E-Bikes
1. Velowave Forest XM
MSRP: $3,199
- Motor: 1000W
- Battery: 960 Wh
- Range: 85 miles
- Brakes: Tektro 2-Piston Hydraulic Brakes
- Gears: Shimano Deore 10-Speed
The Velowave Forest XM e-bike is a reasonably priced class 4 electric bike with a 1000W motor and a 37 mph top speed.
This premium ebike is equipped with a mid-drive motor that can reach up to 1200W of peak power with 160 Nm of torque, delivering an incredibly powerful punch when the going gets tough.
To maximize handling, control, and overall performance on a variety of extreme terrains including mud and snow, Velowave has fitted the Forest XM with Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, massive 27.5″ x 2.8″ fat tires, and 140 mm front and rear suspension.
The 960 Wh battery delivers a surprisingly large range considering the power (up to 85 miles). Finally, you can rely on reliable Shimano Deore 10-speed gearing to support the powerful motor, making this bike truly worthy of the name.
2. Bakcou Mule
MSRP: $4,799
- 35 mph top speed with Throttle & PAS
- 1,000W mid-drive motor
- 26 x 4″ tires
- 9-speed drivetrain
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs
Bakcou Mule is a hunting and outback eBike designed around a heavy-duty aluminum frame with a 100 mm air suspension fork.
Besides the powerful 1,000W mid-drive Bafang motor, the Bakcou Mule is equipped with a massive 48V 17.5, 19.2, 21, or 25 Ah battery. You can choose how much capacity you need when you’re purchasing the bike.
Another convenience is that you can use this bike as a street-legal electric bike by toggling between Class 1, Class 2, Class 3, and Unrestricted modes.
The Mule also boasts high-end Maxxis Minion 26″ x 4.0″ tires, powerful Tektro quad-piston brakes, and a hill-climbing Shimano Alivio 9-speed drivetrain.
If you want a powerful class 4 e-bike with a 35+ mph top speed that can be easily made street legal, we recommend getting the Bakcou Mule.
3. Engwe X26
MSRP: $1,800
- Motor: 750W (1200W peak), 31 mph
- Battery: up to 1400 Wh (dual)
- Range: 62-93 miles (single or dual)
- Brakes: Hydraulic Disc Brakes
- Gears: Shimano 8-Speed
The Engwe X26 is an affordable electric bike designed for peak performance in tough off-road environments for riders who don’t want to make compromises when it comes to comfort or speed.
This rugged triple-suspension e-bike packs 1200W of peak power and boasts a dual-battery setup with up to 1400Wh of capacity and up to 93 miles of range per charge. The second battery costs $200 extra at checkout.
The Engwe X26 is a unique choice on this list as it boasts a folding frame that will allow you to store it and transport it more easily. On top of that, it comes with triple suspension (front, rear, and middle), so it could be one of the most comfortable options on this list.
Other specs worth mentioning include hydraulic disc brakes and a Shimano 8-speed rear derailleur, both of which work well and are expected on an e-bike in this price range.
We recommend getting the Engwe X26 if you want a bike that stands out on the streets and comes with a few surprising features for the price.
4. Velowave Brawny XM
MSRP: $3,499
- Motor: 1000W mid-drive, 37 mph
- Battery: 960 Wh
- Range: 85 miles
- Brakes: Tektro 2-piston Hydraulic Disc Brakes
- Gears: Shimano Deore 10-Speed
Velowave’s Brawny XM is a Class 4 e-bike with a versatile design optimized for transporting huge loads across diverse terrain, with a beautiful sleek finish.
The Brawny XM comes with a 1000W mid-drive motor paired with a 960 Wh battery to deliver up to 85 miles of range. This impressive battery/motor combination allows you to easily ride the bike even while fully loaded at 385 lbs.
To achieve excellent performance on all terrains, the Brawny XM also comes with 100 mm of front and rear suspension, 2-piston Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, and 26“ x 4.8” fat tires.
We also like the fact that the heavy-duty aluminum frame is available in two finishes and that the large display is easy to read and use.
The only downside is the 82 lb weight, but the Brawny XM has a walk assist mode, so you’ll be able to push it up a ramp with ease.
Finally, even though this bike comes with a 1000W motor, the power and speed can be adjusted to comply with Class 1, 2, and 3 rules.
5. Engwe Engine Pro 2.0
MSRP $1,400
- Motor: 750W rear hub, 30 mph
- Battery: 768 Wh
- Range: 37-75 miles
- Brakes: Hydraulic Disc Brakes
- Gears: Shimano 8-Speed
The Engwe Engine Pro 2.0 is one of the best-selling entry-level electric bikes on this list. This folding electric bike combines off-road capabilities with urban utility in an affordable and good-looking package.
The Engwe Engine Pro boasts a 750W rear hub motor combined with a 768 Wh battery, which translates to a 30 mph top speed and a 37-75-mile range. That’s pretty impressive for an ebike that costs less than $1,500.
Of course, considering the powerful motor on this bike, the Engine Pro relies on large-rotor hydraulic disc brakes to slow down safely. It also comes with a Shimano 8-speed rear derailleur, so the maximum gradient you can climb is around 10 degrees.
The Engwe Engine Pro is also equipped with a dual-suspension setup and a foldable aluminum frame, so comfort and practicality are its other positive sides.
6. Bakcou Scout
MSRP: $5,599
- Motor: 1000W mid-drive
- Battery: 48V 17.5 or 21 Ah
- Top speed: 35+ mph
- Brakes: 4-piston Hydraulic Disc Brakes
- Gears: SRAM NX 11-Speed
The Bakcou Scout hunting electric bicycle is packed full of power and range, optimized for comfort at high speeds. It boasts powerful electronics and a full-suspension setup for high off-road capabilities.
This bike comes with a 1000W motor that can toggle between all the existing classes. It’s coupled with a 48V 17.5 Ah battery, but you can upgrade it to a 21 Ah battery at checkout if you need higher mileage.
The excellent ride quality of the Bakcou Scout is down to the combination of dual suspension, 26″ x 4″ Maxxis Minion fat tires, and powerful quad-piston hydraulic disc brakes.
You also get a high-quality SRAM NX 11-speed rear derailleur, but sadly the Bakcou Scout does not feature any accessories.
We recommend it to e-bikers who love exploring rugged roads and trails.
7. Tesgo Hummer Pro
MSRP: Check on Amazon
- Motor: 1000W rear hub, 32 mph
- Battery: 816 Wh
- Range: 40-70 miles
- Brakes: Hydraulic Disc Brakes
- Gears: 7-Speed
Tesgo’s Hummer Pro 1000W fat-tire eBike is another great Class 4 option with plenty of features that make it very versatile yet high-performing on tough terrain and convenient for urban use.
The fat-tire Tesgo electric bike comes with many of the features you would expect for a versatile workhorse, including a powerful, punchy 1000W motor that combines with an 816Wh battery to deliver up to 70 miles of range.
Additionally, it has 20″ x 4″ fat tires, front suspension, and hydraulic disc brakes to create an easy-to-handle and comfortable ride on all types of terrain.
Finally, this bike folds down for easy transport and storage and comes equipped with a rack, fenders, a headlight, and a kickstand for convenient riding when making quick stops on your dialy commute.
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