Originally Posted by
alloo
These classifications aren't mutually exclusive.
They are are such by the laws in Europe and the USA where bike paths and trails are in use. Many jurisdictions allow Class I and Class II e-bikes but not Class III ones. A Class III bike may actually be less powerful in terms of its motor and battery pack than a Class II bike but if it has a motor and controller that provides for speeds up to 28 mph then it will be treated as a Class III bike.
Similar situation in the USA where motorcycles were classified by the cubic inches of their engines and not horsepower in determining whether they would be allowed on freeways.