I have a daily 15 mile commute (1-way) which takes me approximately 1hr 15 min each way if I bike (taking into account traffic signals and so on). The route is all surface roads, with some mild hills. Sweating on the ride to work isn't an issue as my building has a shower and I don't feel particularly tired after. However, the sheer amount of time it takes each way is the main reason I don't bike every day; I'd like a commute that's more in the region of 45 minutes each way. I would like to cut my travel time. Therefore, I'm considering an e-bike purchase and am wondering the following:
- Class 2 bikes go up to 20 mph with throttle and the saleswoman told me that pedal + motor could take it over 20mph. Is this true? On a Youtube video I watched they said something to the effect of "the motor stops helping after 20mph". Does that mean it shuts off once your speed goes over 20mph, leaving it entirely up to your muscle power?
- Class 3 bikes go up to 28 mph per my understanding. Since I don't take bike paths on my commute they are legal (I live in California). Should I be considering a class 3 bike instead of a class 2 if my goal is a faster commute (as opposed to not sweating or getting tired)?
Based on comments, here is the question I'm actually trying to have answered:
Are class 2 bikes useful for going more than 20 mph consistently? Or is class 3 better for me if I want more speed?
Example class 2: https://electricbikereview.com/genze/sport-e101/
Example class 3: https://electricbikereview.com/juiced-bikes/oceancurrent/