Yamaha's newest e-bike hits 28 mph, but it'll cost you

Yamaha's latest bicycle will give riders a speedy electric boost.

The Civante is a Class 3 electric-power assist bicycle, the company announced Wednesday, that's arriving at U.S. bike shops later this summer with a $3,399 price tag. It's Yamaha's first Class 3 e-bike, which means you can legally ride up to 28 mph on the road and the electric assist only kicks in when you, the rider, is pedaling — not just pushing a button. 

Class 1 e-bikes, like the ones you can rent with Lyft, are a slower version of the Yamaha Civante, capped at 20 mph with assisted pedaling. Class 2 bikes have a throttle so you can ride without pedaling and just push down on a button on the handle to go faster, similar to the way you ride a rental electric scooter from Lime or Bird. New York's brand-new e-bike (and e-scooter) laws from June changed up these three classifications, so it's not clear if the Civante would be considered a Class 3 bike there. But it is clear you have to wear a helmet no matter where or what you're riding. Read more...