Aventon Soltera Step-Through Review
What a time to be alive and a fan of e-bikes. Gone are the days when you had to dole out thousands of dollars for a janky e-bike with less range than a remote-controlled toy.
Case in point, the Aventon Soltera step-through!
I don’t know what kind of engineering black magic the Aventon engineers are using, but they somehow managed to produce an affordable, gorgeous commuter with pretty decent specs.
Sure, it doesn’t come with the most powerful motor or battery, but it will make your short trips around town much more enjoyable. And on top of that, it looks pretty damn cool.
Frame
I forgot to tell you in the intro that this is the Soltera actually comes in two flavors: step-over and step-through.
The reason why I’m not doing a dual review right now is that there are significant differences between the two.
For starters, the step-over Soltera comes with dinky little caliper brakes that offer less breaking power than just yelling, “stop!”
To make things even worse, the step-over version comes with a single gear. You rarely see regular single-gear bikes these days, let alone electric bikes.
The funniest thing about all this is that both versions are priced the same. I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t go for the step-over Slotera even in my wildest dreams.
So, what does the step-through Soltera have to offer?
Well, a pretty sexy frame design, for starters.
The frame is fashioned in the same way as a high-end touring bike. In other words, there aren’t many unnecessary accents or accessories. just pure functionality.
With that said, the front forks are pretty thick, which kinda’ adds the perfect contrast to the whole minimalistic aesthetic.
The cables are routed through the frame, which just further adds to the sleekness of the frame.
On top of that, the Soltera is pretty lightweight. It weighs just a tad under 41 pounds. So even if you’re not the most able-bodied, you’ll have no trouble lugging it around.
One little detail that blew me away was the tail lights. They’re integrated into the frame, which is something you don’t see in affordable e-bikes.
Unfortunately, this also means you’ll have to go through the whole trouble of fixing the tail lights when they eventually die. On the bright side, I’ve gone through hundreds of user reviews, and no one mentioned tail lights giving out.
This being a budget-oriented e-bike and all, there aren’t any accessories. The Soltera is as bare-bones as it can get.
Still, you can buy all the accessories you want from Aventon’s store. It’s far from cheap, but hey, it’s there. At least the cargo racks are affordable.
The only thing that rubs me the wrong way about the frame is the battery placement.
The battery is integrated into the lower side of the downtube, which makes taking it out a bit frustrating because you have to move the front wheel out of the way.
Motor
Aventon Solter comes with a 350-watt rear-gear motor.
At first glance, you might think that 350 watts of power isn’t enough to get this bike to 10 MPH, let alone 20 MPH.
But when you consider this bike weighs just 41 pounds, it all clicks. You don’t need a beefy motor if you’re not going to drive a lot of weight.
Of course, this motor produces almost no torque, but it will reliably get you to the max speed of 20 MPH in no time.
One thing that I noticed when riding the Soltera around is that the motor didn’t give any noticeable assistance until PAS 3. But that’s the case with most cheap e-bikes with underpowered motors.I think Aventon should’ve just put 3 levels of PAS instead of 5, but I guess five levels of pedal assist sounds better than three.
At least there’s a thumb throttle when you get tired of peddling. Just keep in mind that it will cut your range by more than half.
The one component where Aventon didn’t spare any expense was the LCD display. It’s extremely well-lit and easy to read.
You can also pair the controller with your phone and get some juicy info about your ride, such as calorie burn, total C02 reduced, as well as a nifty google maps integration.
Battery
Although Soltera comes with a pretty slim battery, it can churn out quite a lot of range.
The battery can hold only 10 Ah of charge. This will get you around for about 40 miles of range.
However, there are some caveats.
If you want to squeeze out every foot of range from this battery, you’ll have to ride this bike on PAS 1. This means you’ll be draining more of your energy rather than the battery.
Naturally, as you up the PAS level, the range drops off. At PAS 5, you can expect around 20 miles of range. Maybe you’ll squeeze out another mile if you’re super skinny.
What really blew me away was the range on the throttle. I don’t know how, but I managed to squeeze out 15 miles without turning the pedals once.
But this is not where the good stuff ends. Although it’s integrated, you can remove the battery from the frame and charge it somewhere more convenient.
As for the recharge time, it takes around 5 hours to top the battery off from 0 to 100 percent.
Brakes
One of the components that manufacturers usually cheap out on is the brakes. Sadly, this is also the case with Soltera.
Don’t get me wrong, 150 mm mechanical disc brakes are leagues better than caliper brakes, but they still leave a lot to be desired.
Yes, I had no issues coming to a full stop, but it took suspiciously long. I wouldn’t trust these brakes on any other surface than the pavement.
Thankfully, Soltera was built for pavement, so the brakes are adequate, at the very least.
Tires
Soltera features your run-of-the-mill 700c wheels and tires. They’re nothing to write home about, but they get the job done. In fact, these are your standard road bike wheels.
At least Aventon used a known brand of tires. Kenda. Just like the wheels, they’re pretty standard.
Since they’re pretty thin, they don’t do a great job of absorbing road shock, so if you don’t like a bumpy ride, I recommend you skip buying this bike.
I wouldn’t ride this bike on anything other than pavement. I mean, you can, but your spine, crotch, and kidneys will suffer greatly.
Comfort
I have to admit, Soltera is not the most comfortable bike in the world. There’s no suspension and since it comes with standard 700c wheels, there are no fat tires to absorb the road shock either.
However, this bike isn’t meant for long rides, so I took that into account when reviewing this bike.
So, for short rides, the Soltera is amazing. The ride is a bit bumpy, but nothing intolerable.
On top of that, I had no trouble finding a comfortable riding position since I’m a bit on the taller side.
If you’re planning on taking this bike for longer trips, then I recommend you get a suspension seat add-on. Yes, it does cost an arm and a leg, but it will make your ride astronomically more comfortable.
What I Like About Aventon Soltera Step Through E-bike
Whenever I get to ride a budget e-bike such as the Soltera, I can’t help myself not to geek out about all the value it provides.
I’m happy to say that this e-bike has a lot going for it.
The main thing it’s got going is the price. There are just a handful of other e-bikes that provide this much bang for the buck.
Of course, there’s also a gorgeous frame design. The frame lines are aggressive but sleek, which makes for one gorgeous-looking e-bike.
And then there’s the range. This is one of just a handful of e-bikes that actually managed to provide the range as advertised.
Sure, you only get the full range if you are on pedal assist 1, but having 20 miles of range on pedal assist 5 is incredibly impressive for a budget e-bike.
What I Don’t Like About Aventon Soltera Step-Through E-bike
As is the case with everything in life, there are always some drawbacks.
The biggest issue I have is the underpowered motor. It’s not just underpowered, it’s sluggish too.
It took me nearly 20 seconds to reach the top speed of 20 MPH on PAS cranked up all the way to 5.
I know the bike is light and that the motor can drive it just fine, but having a little more power would go a long way.
I also don’t like how uncomfortable it can get. Sure, it’s all fine and dandy on shorter rides, but your crotch, back, and kidneys will start feeling the road after about 10 miles.
Advice To Consumers
If you’re strapped for cash and need a reliable bike for short trips around town, Soltera is perfect for you. If you need anything more than that, I recommend you take a look at some of Aventon’s other e-bikes.
Reasons to Not Buy the Aventon Soltera e-bike
Today we’re uncovering eight reasons to not buy the Aventon Soltera. Yes, it is a minimalistic, sleek, lightweight electric bike geared towards an audience of commuters and performance enthusiasts on a budget. Still, it isn’t perfect.
At first glance, this bike doesn’t even look like an electric bike, thanks to its minimalistic build that conceals the battery.
The low price tag makes many potential e-bike buyers drool in anticipation. After all, there must be some catch when an electric bike costs so little. While it is a decent bike, we can easily think of eight reasons to not buy the Aventon Soltera. Let’s talk about them.
Reason #1: There’s No Suspension
Not every e-bike comes with a suspension. This is true. However, the lack of a suspension on this bike ends up in a rather bumpy ride. Not to mention the wheels are a bit thinner than your typical e-bike at 27.5 x 1.3”, which doesn’t help too much in this department.
Aventon does advertise this bike as a “performance” bike for those interested, and while we respect that the lack of a suspension likely helped keep the down, this certainly did not help with the overall performance aspect of the bike. If you’re planning on using this bike on a gravel or dirt road, you might want to reconsider your purchase.
As the owner of this bike myself, I can say that the few times I took it on a little off-roading adventure, I was wishing I had a suspension.
With that said, they did advertise this bike as a commuter bike for city dwellers. So, if your commute is all pavement then this bike will get you where you need to go. No problem! Just be sure to avoid any stray pebbles or potholes if you enjoy staying on the bike for the duration of the ride.
Reason # 2: Uncomfortable for Above Average Heights
One of the biggest reasons to not buy the Aventon Soltera is it won’t be comfortable if you’re extremely tall.
The Soltera comes in two sizes and two frame options. For the step-over model, they have the regular and the large. For the step-through model, they have S/M and M/L.
The regular size accommodates riders between heights of 4’11” and 5’7” for the step-through model and 5’3” to 5’10” for the step-over model. So far, there have been no complaints from individuals of shorter to average heights for these bikes.
However, the larger bikes are advertised as accommodating for riders between heights of 5’7” to 6’1” for the step-through model and 5’10” to 6’4” for the step-over model. There have been numerous complaints that these bikes are actually not accommodating to people on the taller side, despite the ability to adjust the saddle height. It just isn’t enough to ride comfortably.
One reviewer even mentioned that is 5’10” felt uncomfortable on the M/L step-over bike despite being on the shorter end of the spectrum. There have been other reviewers who highly recommend sizing up if you’re debating between the two sizes. Unless you’re on the shorter side, this bike is likely going to be uncomfortably small for you.
We do appreciate what Aventon was doing by attempting to accommodate a range of sizes and preferences of design. For the most part, many people are content with the feel and overall comfortability of the ride. If you are on the taller side, just get ready to make some adjustments when your new bike arrives for optimal comfort while riding.
Reason #3: The Battery is Lacking
The Aventon Soltera e-bike comes with a removable but integrated 36V, 9.6Ah lithium-ion battery with LG cells. Despite the design of this bike allowing this battery to be conceal beautifully into the frame, there have been plenty of complaints about the overall battery performance.
The first complaint isn’t a mark against the bike itself but against Aventon’s delivery practices. Many buyers receive a bike with a fully depleted or drained battery.
Aventon does state that the battery needs a chance to “wake up” upon arrival and may require upwards of 48 hours on the charger before it’s functional. That’s unideal for multiple reasons. But if it never even works, then it’s just a massive waste of time.
Many experts have also deemed this battery as “below average” in comparison to other e-bikes and their overall functionality. Given the difficult start for numerous people with their batteries, this, unfortunately, does appear to be the case. There just doesn’t seem to be a lot of actual power behind these bikes, you might end up feeling like you’re riding a regular bike for a much higher price.
While it is on the smaller side, even by just a few volts, it is pretty impressive, all things considered, that the battery has an average range of up to 41 miles before needing a recharge. It also only takes an average of 3 to 4 hours for the battery to fully charge, and in most tests, the battery does what Aventon says it will do, so they were true to their word and didn’t necessarily oversell its capabilities.
However, when you realize there are plenty of e-bikes available with a much higher range than 41 miles, you can see why the price tag is so low.
Reason #4: Minimalist to the Extreme
This bike is advertised as having a minimalist design. Aventon took that word to heart. This bike comes with no fenders for added tire protection or racks on the front or rear. The lack of a suspension and torque sensor is also apparent in regard to how little you get with this bike. It’s truly just the basics.
While some aspects of the minimalistic design are desirable, such as the beauty of the frame in concealing the battery, they also went minimalistic with the overall capabilities of this bike. In comparison to most of its competitors on the market right now, the motor and battery are lacking in power and stamina. Many reviewers have reported that this e-bike often feels like riding a regular bike with an occasional push.
With that said, the minimalistic design did likely contribute significantly to Aventon’s ability to sell this bike as an affordable option. Not everyone has several thousand dollars to spend on the best e-bike out there, and Aventon didn’t try to break the bank with this offer so everyone could enjoy an e-bike that wants one.
Also, they do have fenders, racks, and other accessories for additional purchase for those that want them. Still, it won’t match the mule-like carrying capacity of something like a Specialized Globe Haul.
Reason #5: No Torque Sensor
Between that lack of a suspension, the less-than-ideal pedal assistance we’ll be covering a bit later, and the nonexistent torque sensor, this bike is going to give you a bumpy and heavy ride.
This isn’t the only e-bike on the market that doesn’t have a torque sensor. But on this one in particular, there have been many complaints that the pedal assistance doesn’t kick in properly, if at all, when you need it.
Theoretically, the lack of a torque system should actually make it easier to pedal with. A torque sensor is essentially there to measure the amount of force you’re pedaling with and kick in the pedal assistance accordingly. Unfortunately, that is not the case with this bike. Not only is the sensor nonexistent, but the bike remains difficult to pedal with on several accounts anyway.
Despite the lack of several bells and whistles on the Soltera, including the torque sensor, it’s worth noting that Aventon left this out in order to keep the price within an affordable range. While this is often a desirable quality on an e-bike, if someone is just looking for a truly minimalistic e-bike, just a bike with a little extra push, then this is likely the bike they want.
Reason #6: Issues Upon Arrival
This might just be one of the biggest reasons to not buy the Aventon Soltera e-bike. There are countless complaints about the arrival state of this bike from consumers, and from their description, Aventon’s customer service takes their sweet time trying to fix it.
Firstly, there’s the battery issue already discussed where the batteries just straight up don’t work upon arrival. There have been reports of the charger itself not working right out of the box as well.
While Aventon’s customer service seemed attentive enough regarding these issues, many customers were displeased with their lack of urgency and several shipping issues for the replacement parts of bikes they had just received. Several buyers said that customer service outright didn’t even respond to them.
Others reported they were sent used or defective bikes, such as with a bent wheel, despite paying for a new one. If you have any issues with your Aventon Soltera upon arrival, you might have to put up with them for a while.
It is worth noting that several people complained about their bikes arriving with a dead battery. But once charged, it worked. We know it’s frustrating when this happens. But in Aventon’s defense, it’s pretty common to receive pieces of technology with a dead battery that needs charging. It’s highly dependent on how long it was stored before it shipped. As long as the battery does turn on within a reasonable amount of time, you can expect this behavior.
Additionally, if you buy your bike from a specialty bike shop, as I did, you’ll skip all of the delivery problems. Buying your e-bike in person means you can inspect it and make sure everything works perfectly before taking it home.
Reason #7: The Pedal Assistance is Subpar
We’ve touched on this briefly above, but let’s delve into it. Despite the lack of a torque sensor, the pedal assistance should still kick in automatically when you need the extra push. The most common complaint about this bike is that this is not the case.
I can say from experience that this definitely is not the most powerful e-bike. In other words, the acceleration won’t knock your socks off. It’s a little slow to get up and go.
One reviewer even described this bike as “…an economy car with a bad automatic transmission” due to the severe lack of actual assistance the bike provides and its inopportune timing of assistance.
There have also been complaints that pedal assistance levels 1 and 2 don’t really provide any noticeable assistance. It still feels like riding a regular bike until at least level 3. After all, levels 1 and 2 only help you up to 5 to 8 miles per hour.
Given that the Aventon Soltera is advertised as having five levels of pedal assistance, this is not ideal.
We will say that while this bike is lacking some of the advanced equipment, at least it comes with options like a single-speed and 7-speed variant. Plus, the range and capabilities of the motor are actually quite impressive compared with what’s on the market.
Even if you do have to go up to a level 3 or higher, it still travels further than many other electric bikes with more power and accessories in nearly every test conducted across the board. That’s no small feat.
Reason #8: Ergonomics Were Not the Goal
This is one of the less significant reasons to not buy the Aventon Soltera. But it is still worth mentioning.
Maybe the goal wasn’t to do away with ergonomics completely, but it doesn’t appear to have been the priority in the design of this bike. This bike was designed for “performance” meaning that you aren’t really able to sit up straight on this bike, it forces you to lean forward quite a bit.
For some, this might be ideal. For most, you’re going to be pretty uncomfortable on long rides if you aren’t used to this type of positioning.
Secondly, the saddle, Selle Royal, was reviewed as pretty uncomfortable by several users, especially women. Some found it so uncomfortable they went as far as replacing the saddle, which could wind up yet another additional cost to you given everything else this bike doesn’t come with.
Many people reported that they couldn’t find a comfortable position despite the adjustment capabilities of the saddle due to the general discomfort of the cushion combined with the forward leaning position required to ride.
We will say that the choice between a step-through and step-over style frame is much appreciated. It can be difficult for riders to mount and dismount comfortably due to the height of the top tube, so this added consideration is worth shouting out on Aventon’s behalf. They also did provide ergonomic grips on the handles that did not garner any complaints, so at least one aspect of this design is comfortable for bikers.
Reasons to Not Buy the Aventon Soltera e-bike FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is the warranty period on the Aventon Soltera e-bike?
There is a two-year warranty period on this e-bike. Should something need replacing after the warranty period is up, Aventon also sells several replacement parts for purchase.
How can I make my Aventon Soltera go faster?
Once you get your app connected with your bike (there are provided instructions that come with the bike on how to do this), you can go into the settings portion of the app and adjust your top speed preferences there. The top speed capability of this bike, as advertised, is 20 mph. The only real way to go faster is to break a sweat and start pedaling harder once you hit the maximum electric-assisted speed.
What is the life expectancy of an Aventon Soltera battery?
This answer is highly subjective on how long and how frequently you use your bike, so it varies. Statistically speaking, your battery should remain at full capacity for at least two years if you use your bike every day, or up to five years if you’re more of a weekend-only rider. Aventon does have e-bike batteries for purchase should your battery need replacing in a few years.
Does the Aventon Soltera have a throttle?
Yes. If you don’t want to rely on pedal assistance alone, you can use the integrated thumb throttle. This will take the bike all the way up to its top speed of 20 miles per hour.
About the Author
Tyler Von Harz
Tyler Von Harz is a writer with a passion for computers and technology. When he isn’t writing about graphics cards, processors, and computers, he is working in his computer store, where he builds and repairs PCs. Outside of working on computers, Tyler also enjoys creating coding tutorials and sharing stories about what it is like to run a computer store on his blog: tylerthetech.com
The Aventon Soltera is proof you don’t need to spend a lot to get a good ebike
Tom’s Guide Verdict
The Aventon Soltera offers a zippy, fun ride and is surprisingly comfortable and affordable. However, the motor assist feels underpowered, so this bike is best for those who don’t need a lot of pedal assist.
Pros
- Great price
- Impressive comfort
- Easy to read head unit
- Throttle is helpful getting the bike going from a dead stop
Cons
- – Lack of quick-release levers
- – Motor assist lags
- – Motor feels underpowered, particularly on hills
Why you can trust Tom’s Guide?
Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what’s best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.
Weight: 41 pounds (advertised) Range: 20 to 63 miles, depending on assist setting Motor: 36V, 350W brushless rear hub motor Top assist speed: 20mph Battery: Phylion Lithium-Ion 36V, 10Ah with LG cells Drivetrain: singlespeed (7-speed option available) Maximum payload capacity: 300 pounds Throttle: included. Removeable to change to Class 1 ebike if preferred
The Aventon Soltera e-bike is a shining example that you don’t have to spend a ton of money to get a functional, comfortable e-bike that’s appropriate for commuting or just having fun. It may lack some of the bells and whistles of some of the best electric bikes, but the Soltera delivers a pleasant ride quality, easy controls, and no-frills build that keeps the price low.
It also looks pretty darn good. The battery is hidden in the down tube, which means you might not even realize it’s an e-bike at first glance. That trend continues when you pick it up: at 41 pounds, most users will be able to move it around with general ease. This comes in handy for apartment dwellers who don’t live on the ground floor.
If you’re interested in buying your first e-bike and want something that delivers quality at a low price, the Soltera is worth a look as one of the best budget electric bikes. But make sure to read the rest of our Aventon Soltera review first.
Aventon Soltera review: Price and availability
The Soltera costs 1,199 for the single-speed version, which is the model I tested. If you want to bump up to the 7-speed version of the Soltera, that will cost you 1,299.
You can order the Soltera on Aventon’s website. Aventon offers free shipping on some orders, and lots of discount opportunities (military, first responder, gov employee, teacher).
There’s also a dealer locator on the website for dealers in the U.S. and Canada. That way, you can stop into a shop to test ride, find out which bike fits you best, and even buy right through the local store.
Aventon Soltera review: Design
The Soltera comes in two sizes: regular and large. Aventon says the regular is the most appropriate size if you’re between 5’1” and 5’7”. The large is best if you’re between 5’7” and 6’4”. There’s a step-through option as well to make it easier to mount and dismount the bike. I am 5’11” with a 30-inch inseam, and the large frame fit me perfectly.
The aluminum frame features lights integrated into the seat stays. There’s a headlight mounted just below the stem at the front of the bike too. That’s a little fancier than the Swft Volt, another budget ebike, which only has a headlight. You can get the Soltera in three different colors. Aventon advertises the Soltera weight as 41 pounds for the singlespeed version.
The wheels are aluminum as well, and they mate to Tektro rim brakes. The wheels do not feature quick release levers; instead, they are bolted on. This is likely to accommodate beginner cyclists who may not be familiar with how quick release levers work.
The Soltera is a Class II e-bike, which means it has a throttle in addition to the pedal-assist modes. You can remove the throttle to make it a Class 1 e-bike if you prefer. The max assist speed is 20mph.
Phylion’s removable lithium-ion battery is integrated into the downtube of the frame. At first glance, the Soltera barely looks like an e-bike at all, a nice nod to the effectiveness of Aventon’s battery integration. The battery itself is physically smaller than many batteries on similar bikes, which helps it hide more effectively inside the frame.
The rear hub motor is Aventon-branded and features 36V and 350W of power. Aventon says this motor is “white-labeled,” which means Aventon sourced the motor from another company. (They did not say what company made the motor.)
The BC280 LCD Easy Read Color Display has an integrated backlight for easy viewing in dark conditions. It can sync with an app that allows you to configure your lights, track your mileage, view battery life percentage, record rides, and even set goals for yourself.
Aventon says you can tote up to 300 pounds max on the Soltera. If that sounds daunting with just a single-speed drivetrain, Aventon does offer a 7-speed version of the Soltera that comes with disc brakes. It will cost you an extra 100.
The Soltera comes with a kickstand that mounts to the chainstay near the rear of the bike. It feels stout and stable, which should come in handy should you end up loading any weight onto the bike. But the Soltera does not come with racks out of the box, so you’ll need to purchase those separately if you intend to carry cargo.
Aventon Soltera review: Performance
The Soltera immediately impressed me with its comfortable riding position. A cushy saddle combined with an upright riding position make the Soltera pleasant to ride, particularly for those with less flexibility to accommodate aggressive riding positions.
The head unit display also impressed. It’s very bright, even in direct sunlight, and it’s easy to read at a quick glance. Navigating the menus is simple using the handlebar control buttons, and adjusting the assist level is just as easy using those same control buttons.
Getting the bike going can be a challenge if you’re counting on the pedal-assist or throttle to do most of the work. It takes about a second or slightly more for the assist power to kick in regardless of whether you’re using the pedal-assist mode or the throttle.
That means you’ll start pedaling under your own power from a dead stop. That’s not a huge problem for most riders, but if the bike is loaded down with weight or you’ll be relying primarily on the motor assist to get you going, that lag can be long enough to become problematic.
Once you’re up and pedaling, the motor kicks in and offers smooth acceleration. But just as it takes a second or more for the assist to kick in, it also takes a second or so for the assist to disengage, regardless of whether you’re using the throttle or the pedal-assist feature.
The assist itself is a bit underpowered and bogs down particularly on hills in both the throttle mode and the pedal-assist mode. You will end up doing more pedaling under your own power if you live in a hilly area.
Aventon Soltera review: Battery life and range
According to Aventon’s website, you can get up to 20 miles of range while using the throttle exclusively, no pedaling. If you use the pedal-assist modes instead, you can get up to 63 miles on a single charge.
Using the throttle drained the battery very quickly during my testing. At 100% charge, I used the throttle for less than five minutes and was down to 97%. That got me about 0.6 miles. The throttle is best used on short trips, or if you need to get started from a dead stop, particularly with the bike loaded heavy. Otherwise, you’ll probably want to use it judiciously to preserve battery life.
The 63-mile range figure that Aventon provides as its outside best is what you’ll get if you only use the lowest assist setting. In the middle settings where you’ll likely spend most of your time, you can reasonably expect a 25-40 mile range on a single battery charge.
Aventon Soltera review: Accessories
There are pages and pages of accessories available on Aventon’s website. Some are branded Aventon, some are third-party bits. can range significantly depending on how you want to configure your Soltera. You can get basic racks for around 40 to 50, for example, or you can set your Soltera up to haul the kids with a Burley rack mount or frame mount child seat for around 150.
You can purchase helmets, phone mounts, lights, bike locks, water bottles and cages, and even vehicle bike racks right on the Aventon website.
Aventon Soltera review: The competition
Other inexpensive e-bike options are vast. Many of them feature sourced motors without branding, and batteries that may or may not come from reputable sources. Aventon’s Soltera is no different; the motor is branded Aventon but was sourced somewhere else.
I reached out to Aventon for clarification on where they got the motor and battery; the company told me the motor was “white-labeled”, and the battery features either Samsung or LG cells packed by a third-party supplier. The battery in my test bike is labeled Phylion.
Samsung and LG are both reputable names, which is important when you’re considering battery life, repairability, and recyclability. But keep in mind that third-party assemblers may also glue the casings closed, which makes it difficult or impossible to repair batteries, since the casing will need to be pried apart to access the contents within. I couldn’t tell just by looking at the battery how it is enclosed or whether it is repairable.
Other bikes in the category of inexpensive e-bikes include the 999 Swft Volt, and Ride1Up’s Core5 and Roadster V2, among many others.
Aventon Soltera review: Verdict
The pedal-assist isn’t the quickest, and the parts package isn’t the nicest out there. But the Soltera still delivers a comfortable and fun ride in an attractive package. For an extra 100, you can upgrade to a 7-speed drivetrain and disc brakes. That seems like Smart money, particularly if you’ll be carrying heavy loads with the Soltera.
If you’re looking to save a bit, the single-speed 999 Swft Volt also has a 350-Watt motor and an estimated range of up to 32 miles, though its battery is non-removable and its design and display are both less sophisticated.
While the Aventon Soltera could do with some more modern touches like disc brakes and quick release levers, beginner e-bike riders or budget-conscious commuters will be plenty pleased with the no-frills package the Soltera offers.
Aventon Soltera Review | Aventon’s Most Affordable Ebike Yet!
Aventon’s newest creation is the Aventon Soltera. The Soltera is a city bike that has design elements of a sleek road bike but with a more comfortable riding position. At 1,199 for the single-speed option and 1,299 for the seven-speed, it is the most affordable Aventon ebike you can buy. (Note that the Aventon Pace 350 is priced at 1,299). Check out our video review below or read on for our full Aventon Soltera review.
Aventon Soltera Electrical Components (Motor, Battery and more)
The Soltera uses a 36V 350 watt (nominal) rear hub motor powered by a 36V 10Ah battery (360 watt-hours). The battery uses LG cells and is integrated nicely into the bottom of the Soltera frame.
It’s a Class 2 electric bike, meaning throttle and pedal assist (cadence sensor) up to 20 MPH. Aventon quotes a range estimate of 41 miles. Check out Aventon’s Soltera range estimates below which are based on real-world riding. The battery is charged with an included 2 Amp charger.
Even though the Soltera is a more budget-friendly ebike from Aventon it still uses the same display found on the Aventon Aventure fat tire ebike (see our review), their most expensive electric bike. This means you can use a mobile device and pair it with your Aventon ebike. The Aventon app allows for some customization including changing settings, ride tracking, social interaction, gamification, and more. Aventon did a nice job with the app and it is a differentiator. Mobile apps are a feature often seen from ebike companies that sell much more expensive ebikes.
Finally, the Aventon Soltera has a left-hand thumb throttle though it’s important to be cognizant of throttle usage simple due to the battery size on the Soltera. Using the 5 levels of assist (cadence sensor) will lead to a longer range.
Soltera 7-Speed vs Soltera Single-Speed
The components on the Soltera differ slightly between the 7-speed and single-speed. Mainly, having the option to shift gears but also the brakes.
The included 7-Speed derailleur is Shimano Tourney which is an entry-level component offered by Shimano. In our experience, it performs adequately and is a common component you’ll find on many ebikes in this price range. The shifter is a twist-shifter, something we don’t often see on many electric bikes.
But here’s where it gets interesting. The 7-speed Soltera comes with Tektro mechanical disc brakes (160mm rotors). On the single-speed are lighter Tektro caliper brakes. Both should provide plenty of stopping power, especially for such a light ebike. However, the mechanical brakes are likely to perform better in wet conditions. The caliper brakes on the other hand will be easier to adjust and replace, even for the amateur home mechanic.
The single-speed clocks in at just 41 lbs and the 7-speed Aventon Soltera weighs 43 lbs.
Soltera Components
All of the other components on the Soltera models are the same. Since the Soltera ebike leans more towards being a road bike for the city, it has thin Kenda 700 x 35c tires. Both axles front and rear are nutted so no quick release. The stem has a slight rise of 7-degrees and a Selle Royal rounds out the components found on the Soltera. Check out the full Aventon Soltera specs.
What Makes the Aventon Soltera Special?
Cables are nicely wrapped and hidden into the frame of the Soltera frame (pictured below). The integrated front light that runs off the Soltera battery is plenty bright and mounts on the handlebars. In the rear are integrated lights that are built right into the frame. This is a feature we first saw with the popular Aventon Aventure (though that ebike only had the light on one side). Not only do these lights look great but they will also increase visibility – something important for city riding.
Ebike Escape’s Take
Aventon continues to impress with their new ebike models. The Soltera is one of those ebikes where you get what you pay for and then a little bit more – a fully-featured LCD display, integrated lights, app connectivity, and let’s not forget the sleek design.
It’s a 36-volt system with a 350-watt motor so you shouldn’t expect an overwhelmingly powerful ebike. But that’s not the point. It’s meant to be an efficient, lightweight ebike that can be used in the city or on paved paths. And the Soltera does just that. If you are shopping for an ebike in the 1,000-1.300 price range the Aventon Soltera should 100% be on your list. Check out the full specs on Aventon’s website (and support Ebike Escape!).
Fully Tested: Aventon’s Excellent Soltera Singlespeed E-Bike
Takeaway: Many commuter-style e-bikes have complicated features and designs that are impractical for many riders’ lifestyles. What excites us about the singlespeed Soltera is its simplicity and functionality. Aventon did away with derailleurs and disc brakes; skipped the suspension fork and fat bike-sized tires. This makes for a lighter e-bike that is easier to live with and maintain.
- Singlespeed for simplicity and no-fuss use.
- Available as 7-speed for 100 extra.
- Peppy rear hub motor
- Standard and Step-through models, each in 2 sizes and 3 colors.
Price: 1,200Weight: 42.1lbs (Large)
Aventon Soltera Singlespeed
Style: City/urban e-bikeMaterial: 6061 double-butted aluminum alloy with internal batteryWheel Size: 700CFork: Aventon Soltera AL forkMotor: 36V, 350W (nominal) brushless rear-hub motorBattery: Removable integrated lithium-ion 36V, 10Ah with LG cellsDrivetrain: SinglespeedCrank: Alloy, 170mm length w/ 48T chainringPedals: Alloy platformFreewheel: 16T singlespeed freewheelBrakes: Tektro caliperWheels: Doublewall aluminum rims, 36H (front rear)Tires: Kenda K193, 700x35cSaddle: SelleRoyalSeatpost: Forged alloy, 27.2mm diameter, 2-bolt headHandlebar: Aluminum 31.8mm clamp, 620mm widthGrips: Ergonomic comfortStem: Threadless, 31.8mm clamp, 7° riseOther: Front rear lights, quick release seat clamp, kickstand
From Bicycling
Aventon Soltera Detail Photos
In an e-bike market where the dominant feature peddled by brands often ends up being “more”—more motor, more battery, more gears, more price—this e-bike stands out by having “less,” and that makes it potentially more attractive for a lot of riders. The Soltera Singlespeed has but one gear, eschews disc brakes, and lacks suspension or extra-wide tires. This results in a very practical, no-nonsense e-bike; great for getting across town, running errands, or just cruising on the weekends or after work.
Before recently pivoting to a fully electric bike line-up, Aventon made a name for itself in the track racing and urban-riding communities by selling fixed-gear bikes. Fixies and track bikes are the most stripped-down type of bikes one can imagine. They have only one gear (on which you cannot coast, hence the term fixed gear) and no brakes. So, in a sense, Aventon returned to its roots by making such a simple and practical e-bike with the Soltera Singlespeed.
Comprised of a half-dozen different platforms (most of which are offered in traditional and step-through frames), the Aventon product line focuses on bikes for the city, commuting, and transportation needs. So, if a singlespeed isn’t your style, there are city and commuter models (such as the Level or Pace 350), fat-tire bikes, and a folding e-bike that might suit your needs. Additionally, you can also purchase the Soltera as a 7-speed model.
Aventon Soltera Bike Family
Aventon offers the Soltera in two drivetrain styles (singlespeed or 7-speed) and two frame styles (traditional or step-through). We tested the 1,200 singlespeed model in the traditional (double-diamond) frame, though all the models share many features and design details so what you read here applies to all the bikes.
The frame differences between the traditional and step-through type Soltera frames are pretty straightforward, with the step-through style having a lower toptube. Aventon sells each frame styles in two sizes (regular or large for the traditional frame, S/M and M/L for the step-through).
Aventon claims its sizing will fit riders up to a height of 6’4″ on the traditional frame and down to 4’11” on the step-through. Our 6’0″ tall test rider fit comfortably on the large size frame. While we tested the standard frame, we are proponents of step-through frames on bikes being used around town. They enable easier sharing between riders in a household and the low top tube makes it easier to hop on the bike or dismount, particularly when you are carrying something in your hand or your e-bike is loaded with groceries, gear, or kids in child seats.
While we like the simplicity of the singlespeed, we know the 7-speed versions will appeal to riders in hillier areas, or who may be carrying lots of cargo. The 100 option on the Soltera gets you a Shimano Tourney rear derailleur, a 7-speed cassette, and twist shifters. Stopping duties on the 7-speed variant are handled by disc brakes, whereas the singlespeed comes with long-reach caliper rim brakes.
Regardless of drivetrain style, both bikes are equipped with the same display interface, a 350-watt hub-motor system, and an integrated battery. The bikes also share the same frame geometry, though keep in mind that the frames are different and you cannot add a derailleur and multi-speed cassette to the singlespeed down the line. So, choose wisely on this option.
Riding the Soltera Singlespeed
For 1,200, you get a lot of bike with the Soltera Singlespeed. Though it comes without some popular features, such as fat tires, racks, fenders, suspension fork, disc brakes—or in this configuration, even gears and a derailleur—it is one of the most practical e-bikes we have ridden recently.
The advantages of a singlespeed bike around town are numerous. There isn’t a derailleur to damage when you lock the bike on the sidewalk bike or to bend when the bike falls over. Singlespeed drivetrains also typically require less maintenance since you don’t have to worry about replacing cables or adjusting gears. Plus, they are often lighter than geared bikes. Hence the reason reliable, fuss-free singlespeeds are often the bike of choice for messengers and diehard commuters.
The drawback of traditional singlespeed bikes, however, is that they don’t have extra gears to help you get up a hill easier or if you have to ride into the wind. But, the addition of an e-bike motor reduces those downsides. And we found this to be the case with the Soltera. Aside from one particularly long and steep gradient, in our riding, we were able to get up hills and overpasses with relative ease thanks to the assistance of the Aventon’s 350-watt hub motor—certainly more easily than on non-assisted bikes.
As for that motor, it is the same unit used on other Aventon models. For the Soltera, Aventon tuned the motor to have maximum assistance of 20 mph and mated it with a throttle lever on the handlebar. While we have found previous Aventon models to have an abundance of torque—almost too much for some situations—the Soltera felt smoother. Pushing on the throttle results in a fluid increase in power and speed that felt natural and proportionate to the gearing of the singlespeed drivetrain. The Soltera is peppy without feeling jumpy or hyperactive.
Aventon claims the Soltera’s 10-amp-hour lithium-ion battery can power the bike for up to 41 miles in the second (10mph) of five assistance settings or up to 20-miles when using only the throttle. Claimed ranges on e-bike batteries can be unreliable because so many factors affect performance. Hills, rider weight, the direction of the wind can all significantly impact your range. During our review period, we got less than 41 miles on a charge—our test rider who weighs more than 200 pounds covered hilly roads and used a heavy thumb on the throttle. Lighter riders who are a bit more judicious with their use of the power assistance should be able to get 30 miles or more per charge.