E-Bike Essentials: Compare Range, Power, and Local Laws Before You Checkout

Cut the guesswork: compare range, power, and legality before you click Buy

Buyer pain: great prices on global marketplaces like AliExpress are tempting, but unclear specs, shipping fine print, and local law surprises can turn a bargain into a headache. This guide shows how to read motor wattage, battery capacity, top speed, and legal limits — using the 5th Wheel AB17 500W/375Wh AliExpress deal as a real-world case study.

Why this matters in 2026

Electric bikes are mainstream: volume growth slowed from the explosive 2019–2022 period, but adoption accelerated in late 2024–2025 as manufacturers localized fulfillment and regulators clarified rules. In 2025 many marketplaces began advertising locally-warehoused units to avoid cross-border delays and import fees — the same tactic behind the AliExpress US-warehouse AB17 deal. That’s good news for fast delivery, but local warehousing doesn’t automatically mean local legal compliance, warranty coverage, or easy returns.

Short takeaway

Before you buy: validate the motor’s continuous rating (not just peak), convert battery Wh into realistic Wh/mi, and confirm your state or country’s e-bike speed/power thresholds — then map those to the seller’s specs.

Case study: the 5th Wheel AB17 on AliExpress

Seller pitch (early 2026): 500W motor (700W peak), 36V 375Wh battery, up to 23mph top speed, up to 25 miles on electric-only mode and 45 miles with pedal assist, local US shipping and a $231 price after coupon.

Use this product to practice interpreting specs: it’s cheap, ships quickly from a US warehouse, and lists both continuous and peak power. But what do those numbers mean on the road and under the law?

Interpreting motor wattage: peak vs continuous

Key point: the continuous wattage determines sustained performance; peak wattage is for short bursts.

• Continuous rating (500W): how much power the motor can deliver continuously. This matters for climbing and long hill sections.
• Peak rating (700W): short bursts (acceleration, initial hill push) — not sustainable without overheating or triggering thermal cutouts.
• Legal thresholds: EU for pedal-assist e-bikes is 250W continuous and 25 km/h (~15.5 mph) max to be treated as a bicycle; US federal CPSC guidance treats low-speed electric bicycles as having motors under 750W and top motor-powered speed under 20 mph (when solely motor-powered). States may differ and some allow Class 3 up to 28 mph.

Practical reading: the AB17’s 500W continuous rating is under the US federal 750W limit but above the EU 250W limit — meaning it could be legally a bicycle in many US locations but not in the EU without special registration.

Battery capacity: Watt-hours and realistic range

Key concept: battery capacity in Watt-hours (Wh) is the single most useful spec for estimating range.

The AB17 lists a 36V 375Wh battery and claims up to 25 miles electric-only and 45 miles pedal-assist. Those values are plausible but context-dependent.

How to convert Wh to range (realistic method)

1. Estimate energy consumption in Wh per mile (Wh/mi). Typical ranges: 8–12 Wh/mi for flat, light-assist commuting; 12–20 Wh/mi for heavier riders, hills, higher speeds, or frequent accelerations.
2. Divide battery Wh by Wh/mi: range (miles) = battery Wh ÷ Wh/mi.

Examples with 375Wh:

• Conservative commuter (12 Wh/mi): 375 / 12 ≈ 31 miles
• High-assist or hilly ride (15 Wh/mi): 375 / 15 = 25 miles
• Efficient pedal-assist (8 Wh/mi): 375 / 8 ≈ 46.9 miles

These calculations explain the AB17 marketing: 25 miles electric-only likely assumes a high assist setting or mixed conditions; 45 miles assumes steady pedaling with assist at low power — the optimistic end. Always budget a 20–30% buffer for real-world variation.

Top speed: spec vs classification

Sellers often state a “top speed” under ideal test conditions. The AB17’s 23mph claim is an unloaded figure on flat ground and favorable conditions.

• Regulatory nuance: Many legal frameworks care about the maximum speed the motor provides when the rider is not pedaling. In the US, the 20 mph federal threshold and class system (Class 1 & 2: 20 mph; Class 3: 28 mph) are common references. A 23mph motor-assisted top speed sits in a grey zone — above 20 mph but below 28 mph.
• Practical implication: if the motor can propel you to 23mph without pedaling, some jurisdictions may require you to register the bike, wear a helmet, or restrict road access. In the EU, 23mph (37 km/h) far exceeds the 25 km/h limit and would be treated as a speed-assisted vehicle requiring registration and insurance.

Legal e-bike classes and how they apply

Understanding local classification is key. Here’s a concise map (2026 common framework):

• EU (mainstream rule): <=250W continuous and motor cut-off at 25 km/h (~15.5 mph) -> treated as a bicycle (no registration). Above that becomes a S‑Pedelec (type approval, registration, and insurance in many countries).
• UK: EAPC rules mirror the EU-style limits for electrically assisted pedal cycles.
• US federal baseline (CPSC): Generally defines a low-speed electric bicycle as having a motor of less than 750W and top motor-powered speed less than 20 mph. States set equipment and access rules; many use a 3-class system: Class 1 & 2 up to 20 mph, Class 3 up to 28 mph with additional restrictions.
• State / Country variations: registration, helmet, age limits, and where you may ride (bike lane vs road) are governed locally. High-power (>750W) or high-speed bikes can be treated as mopeds or motorcycles.

Practical classification for the AB17: 500W continuous means it could meet US federal power limits but its 23mph top speed exceeds the 20 mph threshold. Many US states would therefore treat it as a Class 3-style bike (or apply local rules). In the EU, it exceeds both the power and speed thresholds for an unregulated bicycle.

AliExpress shipping realities in 2026

Marketplace evolution in 2025–2026: sellers increasingly use regional warehouses to promise faster delivery and reduced import friction. The AB17’s US warehouse shipping avoids customs delays, but watch for these issues:

• Warranty and returns: Local shipping may simplify returns, but international vendors sometimes route warranty claims to overseas service centers. Confirm who pays return shipping, repair turnaround, and who supplies spare parts.
• Battery transport rules: Lithium-ion battery shipping rules tightened in recent years. Sellers often ship batteries at lower charge states and use specialized carriers. Confirm whether the battery is included and if it ships with required safety documentation — consult guides on battery strategies and transport for worst-case scenarios.
• Custom configuration: Some sellers ship bikes in a factory mode that exceeds local speed limits. Ask if the seller can configure a speed limiter or ship a model compliant with your laws.

Checklist: Inspect specs before checkout

1. Confirm continuous motor rating — ignore only-the-peak numbers.
2. Confirm battery Wh (not Ah alone). Compute realistic Wh/mi and run the math for your commute.
3. Ask the seller: does the bike ship speed-limited to legal limits in my country/state? Can they supply certification or a written statement?
4. Warranty and returns: local repair centers? parts availability? who pays shipping?
5. Battery shipping statement: confirm compliance with IATA/IACO rules if shipping internationally. Request pre-shipment paperwork and ask sellers for a battery shipping paperwork.
6. Return policy: time window, restocking fees, and who pays return shipping for damaged or non-compliant items.
7. Local legal check: verify state/country e-bike class rules and any registration or insurance requirements. If you need help spotting marketplace red flags, see the Marketplace Safety & Fraud Playbook.

Commuter bike tips: match setup to use

Buying an e-bike is about matching the machine to the commute:

• Range buffer: pick a battery that gives you 25–50% more than your daily round trip. If your commute is 20 miles round-trip, 375Wh is borderline unless you pedal efficiently — consider a spare battery or daily charging.
• Power vs efficiency: higher-watt motors (500W+) give better hill performance but draw more energy at high speeds. If your commute is mostly flat, prioritize battery Wh and efficient assist systems (torque sensors over cadence-only sensors).
• Weight & cargo: heavy cargo or a heavier rider increases Wh/mi; add 3–5 Wh/mi for each 10–20 lbs of extra load depending on terrain.
• Practical add-ons: fenders, racks, lights, and an integrated lock improve usability for commuting.

Real-world example scenarios (using the AB17)

Scenario A — Urban commuter (flat, 12 Wh/mi): 375Wh / 12 = ~31 miles. A 15-mile one-way commute would be risky without mid-day charging.

Scenario B — Mixed terrain, frequent stops (15 Wh/mi): 375 / 15 = 25 miles. Good for short commutes and errands but not for long round-trips without recharging.

Scenario C — Light pedal assist and fitness ride (8 Wh/mi): 375 / 8 ≈ 47 miles. Achievable if you contribute significant pedaling and avoid sustained high speeds.

Protecting yourself: warranty, parts, and returns

• Get seller confirmation in writing on warranty duration, local repair partners, and spare parts shipping times.
• Inspect shipping packaging photos and ask for pre-shipment test logs if available (motor power and battery health checks).
• Check community forums and recent reviews for the model to learn about common failures and spare part availability in 2026.

Safety, registration, and insurance

Even if your purchase is legal, local riding rules may require additional precautions:

• Class 3-style bikes often require helmets by law in many US states.
• If your bike’s power or top speed pushes it over local limits, it may need registration, a license, or insurance.
• Consider a dedicated e-bike insurance policy if your bike is high value or used for rideshare/delivery work — many insurers expanded e-bike products in 2025.

Decision flow: keep it simple

1. Identify your commute (distance, hills, cargo).
2. Check local laws for power and speed thresholds.
3. Match battery Wh to commute with a 25–30% buffer.
4. Verify seller’s continuous motor rating, not just peak.
5. Confirm shipping, warranty, and return terms on marketplaces like AliExpress.
6. If the bike exceeds local limits, either ask for a restricted firmware or choose a compliant model.

Why the AliExpress AB17 offer is a useful test case

Pros:

• Extremely low price and US warehouse options for fast delivery.
• Clearly listed continuous and peak motor ratings — better transparency than many low-cost models.
• Explicit range numbers for electric-only and pedal-assist.

Cons:

• 500W motor + 23mph top speed may create legal ambiguity in many jurisdictions.
• Battery capacity is modest for longer commutes unless you pedal efficiently.
• Potential warranty and parts sourcing risks if the seller routes service overseas.

Final checklist before you click Checkout

• Confirm continuous motor wattage and ask how peak values are measured.
• Verify battery Wh and compute expected Wh/mi for your ride.
• Ask seller if the unit will be speed-limited to local legal caps and request written confirmation.
• Check the seller’s local return and warranty process.
• Review local laws for registration, helmet, and road access requirements.
• Plan for battery care, theft protection, and a 20–30% range buffer.

Looking ahead: 2026 trends that matter to buyers

• More marketplaces will list local-warehouse options and provide clearer battery-transport documentation to speed delivery.
• Regulators are standardizing classification language; expect clearer seller labels for “class-compliant” vs “high-power” models.
• Battery tech improvements and denser cells will slowly increase Wh/kg ratios, but buyers should still focus on Wh over Ah.

Actionable next steps

1. If you’re in the US: verify state classification for speeds between 20–28 mph and ask sellers to ship speed-limited firmware if needed.
2. If you’re in the EU/UK: prioritize 250W/25 km/h-compliant models unless you’re ready to register and insure an S‑Pedelec.
3. For AliExpress purchases: ask for local-warehouse shipping confirmation, battery shipping paperwork, and a written warranty plan before paying.

Bottom line: a deal like the AB17 can be a steal if it fits your legal environment and commute profile. Interpret the specs, do the Wh math, confirm legal compliance, and secure clear seller commitments on shipping and warranty.

Call to action

Ready to compare e-bike options without the surprises? Use our comparison checklist, verify local rules, and shop only models that match your commute and local law. Visit our marketplace hub to filter by power, battery Wh, and regional compliance — or start with the AB17 case study and run the checklist above before you checkout. If you want tools to compare chargers, batteries, and travel power for daily charging, see our guide to best budget powerbanks & travel chargers.

Related Reading

• Marketplace Safety & Fraud Playbook (2026): Rapid Defenses for Free Listings and Bargain Hubs
• Deceptive Returns & Warranty Abuse in 2026: A Defensive Playbook for Small Sellers and Consumers
• Hands-On: Best Budget Powerbanks & Travel Chargers for UK Shoppers — 2026 Field Review
• Powering Your Travel Tech: Car USB‑C, Inverters and Battery Banks for Mac mini, Lamps and Speakers
• Canada‑China Trade Developments and the Ripple Effect on Bangladesh’s Garment Sector
• Brand-Safe Jingles: Rhyme Generator for Sensitive Topics and Corporate Studios
• How to Use AI Guided Learning to Teach Kitchen Staff Knife Skills and Safety
• Pitching Broadcasters: How Creators Should Prepare if Platforms Want Bespoke Shows
• Cleaning on a Budget: Which Smart Cleaning Tech Offers the Best Value Over 5 Years?