Aventon Review: Are Aventon Bikes Actually Any Good?
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Originally a bike brand that sold fixed-gear bicycles, in recent years Aventon has pivoted to selling electric bikes.
Their eye-catching, yet slick website is very professional and packed with all the information you could ever want when purchasing an electric bike.
But are Aventon e-bikes actually any good? In this article, we lift the lid on the Aventon brand and learn more about this manufacturer.
Are Aventon E-Bikes Good?
Aventon electric bikes aim to strike the right balance between high-end performance and a design more suited to beginner riders. Their first e-bike, the Pace 500, was a cruiser bike anyone would find comfortable to ride, but crucially, with features like puncture-resistant tyres, integrated batteries and a quickly adjustable riding position, Aventon e-bikes aren’t too basic for the enthusiast either.
Since releasing the Pace 500 electric bike in 2018, Aventon has released many more electric bikes to great acclaim. 2020 was a critical year for the brand. That year saw a US warehouse move and the introduction of the Aventon Level, a commuter e-bike and the Sinch, a folding fat-tyred electric bike.
It’s clear that Aventon is keeping up with electric bike development too. The latest iteration of the Pace 500 features a torque sensor, a unit which senses how much power a rider is putting through the pedals, rationing or increasing the assistance in the e-bike motor accordingly. By doing this a torque sensor on an e-bike makes the ride feel more natural.
Other new features, such as rear lights fully integrated into the frame of the bike, illustrate that Aventon is consistently on the hunt for the next feature that makes their e-bikes better, more fun or more versatile to ride.
Is Aventon a Good Brand?
Electric bikes should be for everyone, no matter where, how far or how often they ride, so it’s pleasing to see Aventon offer a variety of different e-bikes to suit different tastes and demands.
With over 5 years of e-bike expertise in the bank, you can buy an Aventon e-bike safe in the knowledge that many people before you have thrown a leg over one and ridden off with a small on their face.
One of the best electric fat bikes around, the Aventon Aventure is for the outdoor enthusiast who wants to experience everything no matter what the terrain.
Our favourite Aventon electric bike is the Commuter. There are various iterations available to suit different wallets and the bike is powerful and fast enough thanks to a 500W motor. It’d make a great bike to speed to work on and with lights, mudguards and a pannier rack you can do that in all weathers, year-round.
If you’re after an electric bike that looks like a motorbike, you might be out of luck with Aventon – most of their frame designs are traditional in the ‘bicycle’ sense of the word.
Where Are Aventon Bikes Made?
Like the majority of bicycle brands these days, Aventon with its commercial base in the US produces its goods in China. That’s not a slant on Aventon, indeed, China (amongst other countries it has to be said) is a leader in electric bike manufacturing. Plus, with other bicycle component manufacturers located nearby, Aventon can make the most of expertise and knowledge from brands like Shimano.
Unlike other US brands building their bikes in China, Aventon owns and runs its factory. Whilst that might seem a small detail, it’s actually quite important for us as end users.
By owning their production facility, rather than using a third party, Aventon has greater manufacturing autonomy enabling them to produce better, potentially more unique bikes than their competition.
Plus this way, Aventon can quickly push out pre-production models for testing and improvement. The release of Aventon’s first electric cargo bike, the Abound, is a great example of this.
In the US Aventon distinguishes itself from some other electric bike brands by having a solid dealer network throughout the country. With over 1,000 bike shops across the US and Canada stocking Aventon e-bikes, it’s easy to go and see one in the flesh or give it a test ride.
Like the majority of electric bike retailers in the USA, Aventon also retails online. Choose to have a new Aventon electric bike delivered to your door and you can take advantage of 3-5 business day lead times.
Aventon currently ships to 48 of the 52 US states. From their website it’s not immediately clear which it does not send to, so be sure to check with Aventon directly before shopping.
Paying for an Aventon e-bike via their website is easy with various cards accepted, as well as lower monthly payments via Affirm.
Buying an e-bike online in the UK or the EU? Aventon electric bikes are sold via BLB and a number of independent bike shops.
Aventon Bikes Review
What are the reviews like for Aventon electric bikes? Well if the aventon.com website is anything to go by, they’re pretty top-notch. Our favourite e-bike of theirs, the Commuter has over 2800 reviews, with a staggering 77% of those 5 stars. When purchasers are talking about easy setup, a great range between charges and “zero regrets on their purchase!”
Best Aventon Electric Bikes
Available as a standard frame and a step-through, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a ride that won’t suit the Aventure.2.
At home on city streets, this electric bike is fast and nimble to ride, plus at 43lbs it can easily be shouldered up to an office or flat.
Sold in both step over and step through designs, as well as two different frame sizes, there will be a Level.2 to suit you.
For those returning to the saddle the Sinch is a good option. Comfortable and dependable to ride, the steering is reassuring and the wide tyres and suspension fork deliver comfort.
Includes the very best of Aventon. Powerful hub motor, integrated batteries, clear on-board display and excellent frame finishes.
Listed with a total weight limit of 440lbs, the Abound is ready to take whatever you wish from A, to B and back again.
Aventon Pace 500.3 Review: Reinvigorate your ride with a Torque Sensor and Blinkers!
The Aventon Pace 500.3 is the third generation of this popular lightweight city or commuter ebike. The second generation was only released in the spring of 2022, and Aventon is already making improvements! Read ahead for our review of the Aventon Pace 500.3 or check out our Pace 500.3 video review below, which will get you up to speed on all the upgrades and differences between the second and the third generation.
Aventon Pace 500.3 Pricing
The Aventon Pace 500.3 is selling for 100 more than the Pace 500.2 and is currently listed at 1,699. Note that the new Pace 350.3 was also launched, but is now a bike shop exclusive priced around 1,500.
If you decide to buy this electric bike, please consider using our link. This helps support Ebike Escape and allows us to continue to review ebikes.
Aventon Pace 500.3 Video Review
Our review of the Aventon Pace 500.3 finds more similarities than differences compared to the prior model. The frame is identical, as near as we could tell. We are happy to see it still comes in both a traditional step-over frame and, our preference, a step-through.
Aventon is known for its well-made frames, which feature smooth welds, and contribute to the sleek appearance of the frame. The handlebars are swept back to increase riding comfort, and there is an adjustable stem on the handlebars so you can customize the position to fit your size and riding preference.
Click for larger view
Two color options remained the same, the step-over in midnight black and the ghost white for the step-through. A seafoam green colorway, called celeste, was replaced with blue steel in the step-through. The other color option for the step-over is camouflage, a muted green.
Similar to the prior generation, the Aventon Pace 500.3 comes in two sizes for each of the styles: regular and large. The step-over frame is recommended for riders from 5’3″ to 5’10”, while the large is for those between 5’10” and 6’4″.
The step-through is for a slightly shorter crowd, with the regular sized for riders from 4’11” to 5’7″ and the large for those between 5’7″ and 6’1″. It has a standover height of 16.34 ” for the regular and 17.52 ” for the larger frame.
Aventon Pace 500.3 vs Aventon Level
There is no front suspension fork so the Pace 500.3 will do better on smoother terrain, but you could upgrade to a suspension seat post for small bumps (see our favorites on this list). If a suspension front fork is a requirement be sure to check out the Aventon Level which for 100 more also features a larger 14Ah battery, 750-watt peak motor, fenders, rear rack, and a through axle.
Features unique to the Pace 500.3 are the turn signals and the adjustable stem with swept-back handlebars. Overall, both ebikes are great options so choose the one that fits your needs.
Aventon Pace 500.3 Weight and Payload Capacity
The payload capacity of the Pace 500.3 is 300 lbs. The weight of the Aventon Pace 500.3 is the same as the prior generation, but at 52 lbs, it certainly needs to be commented on further. That weight is on the lighter side for ebikes and is a great selling point for the Pace. Many ebikes weigh closer to 75 lbs. If you are looking for more affordable lightweight ebikes, check out our list of ebikes under 50 lbs and less than 1,600.
Torque vs. Cadence Sensor
The pedal assist is the main difference between the Aventon Pace 500.3 and the 500.2. The earlier generation has a cadence sensor compared to the new release, which has a torque sensor. We prefer torque sensors because it provides a more natural pedaling experience. The more human power you input, the more power you receive from the motor in accordance with the pedal assist level you’re in. Torque sensor ebikes feel like you have more control over what the motor is doing.
Alternatively, some people may prefer the cadence sensor as it provides the same amount of power (based on the level of pedal assist) as long as your feet are spinning – whether you’re putting in little or significant effort.
The change in the sensor naturally affects the range because the motor on a torque sensor is engaged smoothly. With the torque sensor on the Pace 500.3, the estimated range is 60 miles per charge (pedal assist level eco with a 160 lb rider on flat ground). The 500.2 with its cadence sensor is estimated to get 40 miles per charge. Both models have an estimated 30 miles with throttle only.
Pace 500.3 Motor, Battery, and Electronics
Many of the electronic features stayed the same on the Aventon Pace 500.3. It has the same 500-watt brushless rear hub motor. This ebike is neither over nor underpowered. It comes shipped as a Class 2 ebike with a top speed of 20 mph while using the throttle or pedal assist. Using the app, riders can change the Pace 500.3 to a Class 3 ebike with a top speed of 28 mph while pedaling. The battery size is also the same. It is a 48V, 12.8 Ah battery providing 614 watt-hours. This is slightly below average the average 14Ah battery though the bike still offers plenty of range for most riders.
An Aventon backlit color display is centered on the handlebars which can also be paired with your phone. Once connected, you can see all the helpful information, including speed, odometer, trip odometer, battery life remaining, and more. The app also has a feature helping connect you with other Aventon riders. Riders can also track riders and receive medals for distance milestones tracked on the bike.
Don’t worry about your phone battery either, the display has a USB port in case you need to charge your phone as you ride. All of Aventon’s ebikes have gone from numbered levels to named pedal assist levels: eco, tour, sport, and turbo.
Aventon Pace 500.3 Components
Click for larger view
The Aventon Pace 500.3 has a bright integrated headlight located on the handlebars and integrated taillights that are now located further down the rear seat stays. Not only are the rear taillights brake activated, but they have also been combined with turn signals. Yup, ebikes come with blinkers now! They are controlled via the display controls by pressing the left or right arrow. After about ten seconds the blinkers automatically turn off.
The rear derailleur and cassette remained with the higher-level components. It features a 12-32T rear cassette and eight speeds using a Shimano trigger shifter and Altus derailleur. The front chainring increased from 46T to 48T. The tire size changed slightly from 27.5″ x 2.2″ to the current size of 27.5″ x 2.1″. They are puncture-resistant tires with reflective sidewalls and not surprisingly, are best suited for paved riding.
Aventon equipped the Pace 500.3 with high-quality Tektro hydraulic disc brakes. These offer more stopping power with less pressure on the brake levers as compared to mechanical brakes.
Recommended Upgrades for the Aventon Pace 500.3
The Pace 500.3 does not come with fenders or a rear rack. However, Aventon does offer them at checkout and even has an option for a front rack. Other accessories you might want to consider for your Pace 500.3:
- Increase your visibility with a more powerful front and rear light, especially if you plan to ride at night.
- Add a cellphone holder to the handlebars
- Add a suspension seatpost for additional comfort
See our specific ebike accessory list for more suggestions.
Our take on the Aventon Pace 500.3
Overall, the Aventon Pace 500.3 is a great option for anyone looking for a city or commuter electric bike. Highlights of the Pace 500.3 include Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, Shimano trigger shifter, and integrated taillights which now include blinkers. The handlebars and adjustable stem provide a comfortable ride but consider adding a suspension seatpost for improved comfort.
The motor is appropriately sized, and the battery is adequate but a smidge under average. We appreciate Aventon differentiating their ebikes by offering torque sensors, a more expensive component, at a still reasonable cost. At 1,699 the bike is well-priced especially considering Aventon’s dealer network. Many buyers may also want to strongly consider the 1,799 Level.2 as an alternative.
Beyond the bike, Aventon is a well-established ebike brand with a solid reputation. Check out all of our Aventon reviews to learn more.
Aventon Pace 500.3 Step Through Review, 2023
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Making a Great Bike Ride Even Better by Adding Torque Sensor and Improving Safety
Aventon’s new Pace 500.3 Step Through (ST) is an example of how a company can make an already-great bike even greater. In our review of version 2, we found this bike already has a lot going for it in power, range and riding comfort. The Pace is popular with many riders because it has an upright posture, and slightly curved handlebar that makes it feel like a “Dutch” bike. Aventon has sold a lot of the previous version of this lightweight commuter/cruiser because of its ease of operation, comfortable ride, and how light and easy it is to lift onto a bike rack. And the frame is known for accommodating a wide size range of riders.
This time around Aventon has made a few welcome changes to on the Pace 500.3 Step Through. Replacing the cadence sensor with a torque sensor was something we had our fingers crossed that they might do. Aventon also changed the tuning on the motor, dumping the old 5-level PAS system with a more refined 4-level system. So, we were super stoked to ride this bike and see what new changes Aventon made compared to the old model.
Our burning question was, did these changes to this bike justice? Read on and see what we found in our full Aventon Pace 500.3 ST review.
- A joyful, casual pedaling experience. The new torque sensor makes it the best feeling Pace 500 yet.
- Better low end power and overall power range with new 4 level PAS (Eco, Tour, Sport and Turbo modes) replacing old PAS 1-5
- Greater energy efficiency from the new torque sensor and battery management system, extends range of up to 67 miles.
- effective pedaling with the new 48-tooth crankset replacing the old 46-tooth crankset.
- Better road traction and handling with the new, thinner 27.5” x 2.1” tires.
- Adding turn signals is great for convenience and safety on the road.
- The 19″ stand over height makes this easily managed for shorter and taller riders alike (plus the multiple frame sizes).
- Easier to lift this 52 lb e-bike into a rack than comparable models.
- Great handling and overall ride quality make it a capable cruiser or commuter or city bike. However, those wanting fenders and a rack for commuting will have to add them after checkout.
- Class 2: Throttle pedal assist up to 20 mph
- Motor: 48V, 500W
- Battery: 48V, 12.8Ah(614Wh) with LG Cells
- Range: 25-48 Miles Average
- Display: LCD Smart Easy Read Display with Backlight, Colorful screen with app
- PAS Sensor: Torque sensor. Eco, Tour, Sport, Turbo modes
- Charger: 48V 3 Amp Fast Charger, 4-5 Hour Charging
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs
- Bike weight: 52 lbs
- Front basket capacity: 40 lbs.
- Brakes Tektro: E351 hydraulic disc, 180mm rotors, dual piston caliper
- Bottom Bracket: Square Taper, Sealed
- Crankset: 170mm w/46T
- Drivetrain: Shimano Altus, 12-32T, 8 Speed
- Frame: 6061 aluminum alloy, S/M: 4’11” – 5’7″; M/L: 5’7″ – 6’1″
- Fork: AE-E08 Pace V2 AL fork
- Gearing: 8-speed
- Grips: Ergonomic Comfort
- Handlebar: Aluminum 31.8 15 Degree Sweptback
- Headset: VP Sealed Bearing Headset
- Hubs: 36H Disc Nutted Front and Rear
- Pedals: 9/16″ Alloy Platform
- Racks: Aventon front rack 40 lb capacity
- Rims: Double Wall Aluminum 36h Front Rear
- Saddle: Aventon by SelleRoyal
- Seat Post: Forged Alloy, 30.9mm, 2-Bolt Clamp
- Shifters: Shimano Rapid Fire 8 Speed Trigger
- Spokes: Black Stainless 13 Gauge Front/12 Rear
- Stem: Threadless, Adjustable 31.8mm
- Tires: 27.5″ x 2.2″ Ebike Rated, Reflective Sidewalls
- Throttle: Thumb Throttle on Handlebars
- Tubes: Butyl Rubber, Schrader Valve 27.5″ x 2.2″
E- Bike Overview: Aventon Pace 500.3 Step Through Review
Aventon’s Pace 500 has been one of the most popular e-bikes on the market. Riders love its lightweight, comfortable “Dutch” style riding posture, power and handling, and its stylish looks. So why change anything? One might ask.
Their decision to add a torque sensor to the Pace 500.3 ST really wowed us. In our reviews of past Pace 500 models we noted how lower levels of PAS didn’t do much for you. But now, we see meaningful assist to all riders on the low PAS levels. The refining of the speed profile and hill climbing on all levels is markedly better.
Whetting our appetite further is the new pedal assist design that works with the motor. Aventon engineers dumped the old PAS 1 – 5 design with a new 4-level design, using Eco, Tour, Sport, Turbo modes.
Further iving your pedaling more effectiveness is the new 48-tooth chainring that replaces the 46-tooth chainring on the previous models. The earlier model had a slight issue with ghost pedaling at top speed, so the new chainring eliminated that. Also, the new chainring gives the feeling that you’re getting more out of your pedaling, because you are. Additionally, this slightly improves your battery distance range because you’re actively pedaling more.
It’s not all about the pedaling though. A safe new feature we’ve seen from all our recent Aventon e-bike reviews are the turn signals. For a bike that’s designed to be ridden on streets, turn signals are a must-have for safety. The new signals are sleekly integrated to the point that we didn’t notice them at first, until the indicator switch is activated. Riders on this new Pace will appreciate not being honked at anymore by nearby cars.
Lightweight and easy to ride, the Pace 500ST is also easy to lift onto bike a bike rack for transport.
46-tooth chainring makes pedaling easier than with the larger chainrings, while reducing ghost pedaling at top speed.
LCD color display is bright and easy to see under midday sun; it also works with Aventon’s smartphone app to enhance your ride info.
Earlier versions of Pace 500 The 27.5” x 2.1” tires on the new model are slightly narrower than the old tires, and still provide good traction, but without the additional resistance that makes pedaling more difficult. The new tires also help increase range, slightly, and they are puncture resistant.
Fortunately, Aventon kept all of the other great features that make this bike so popular. They include the 12.8 amp-hour battery with the reliable LG cells, Shimano 12-38T 8-speed gearing, Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, comfortable Selle Royal saddle, and the slightly swept back riser handlebar (for that “Dutch” feel).
After looking at the new additions and the unchanged features on this e-bike, we were ready to put this bike through our battery of tests to see how well it performed.
Circuit Speed Test: Aventon Pace 500.3 Step Through Review
The Circuit Test tells us how well the motor engages with rider pedaling and it shows us the average speed in each PAS mode. We do the first lap with no motor assistance, and record the time and calculate the average speed. After that, we did 4 more laps, one for each pedal assist mode (Eco, Tour, Sport and Turbo). We can learn a lot about a motor’s ability from this test.
The chart above shows how significant the motor kicked in once we switched from pedaling with no motor, averaging 12.4 mph, to the Eco mode where we averaged 16.4 mph. The acceleration and cruising speed the new Pace gets in Eco mode is more than 2 mph faster than previous version. The Eco mode on the Pace 500.3 worked better for consistent riding than the PAS 1 on the Pace 500.2, meaning scaling down the PAS to 4 modes was a good idea.
As we moved up to the next mode, Tour, we didn’t see as significant an increase in speed, but it transitioned consistently at the same speed. This is what we want because it’s easier for us as riders – and safer – that we know when to expect the motor to kick in, and at what speed.
The rate of increase continued on to the Sport and Turbo modes, which makes for a better quality ride because there are no inconsistencies, no surprises, and nothing about the motor engagement that will throw you off. In fact this motor’s output was so consistent that it made it easier for us to predict how hard to pedal, and when.
Comparing the results from this Circuit Test with the results from the earlier two models of this bike, we see a noticeable improvement in power output and energy efficiency. The new Pace version delivers good riding power in the first pedal assist level, which the prior models did not. Furthermore, the power output is more equitable at each of the levels. That means you won’t have one level where the bike lags or jumps out from underneath you. This also means the motor uses energy from the battery more judiciously. And that leads us to our next test, related to energy efficiency.
Designed to accommodate riders big and small, the Pace 500ST has the power to top some of the toughest hills you will encounter.
The 500W hub motor provides good speed and solid hill climbing capabilities
The Shimano Altus provides 8-gear range, and shifts well
Range Test Battery Performance: Aventon Pace 500.3 Step Through Review
The total distance an e-bike will travel on a single battery charge, is one of the most common questions we get. The range not only depends on the size of the battery and motor, but also the rider’s style and other conditions, like terrain, weather and rider weight. Riders want their e-bike to take them further between charges, and the Pace 500.3 ST’s range is sure to satisfy many riders.
In our minimum PAS range test, riding in Eco mode, this bike went 67.79 miles on a single charge. That’s 7.79 miles further than the range claimed by Aventon. In our maximum PAS range test, riding in the Turbo mode, this bike traveled 35.15 miles before running out of juice. Both of these range test results are excellent when compared to similar e-bikes, and it shows how sometimes an e-bike can show significant improvements without having to change a lot of things on it.
The Pace 500.3’s improved range can be attributed to the new torque sensor. Cadence sensors, like those used on prior models, only count the number of revolutions the pedal spins in order to determine motor power output. Often that causes the motor to crank out more power than the rider needs, and uses up more of the battery. But the torque sensor only delivers power based on how much you need. This helps deliver power that is predictable and conserves battery power.
Re-calibrating the motor’s pedal assist program also played a role in improving the range on this bike. The Eco mode on this new version provided better average speed than the PAS 1 on the previous version, affording us the opportunity to use a mode for this test that didn’t use as much battery power as the PAS 2 we used for the previous model’s minimum PAS range test. We got the best of both worlds: more speed while using less power. You can’t beat that!
The maximum PAS range test also gave us good results. The Pace 500.3 traveled 7.1 miles further than the Pace 500.2, and its average speed of 19.1 mph was 2.2 mph faster than the 500.2. Again we see how this new setup enables the new Pace 500 to go faster and use less battery power than the previous version – good job Aventon!
Hill Test: Aventon Pace 500.3 Step Through Review
The Hill Climb test tells us how well an e-bike is equipped to climb hills. Using Southern Utah’s own Hell Hole Trail, we know this is a test of extremes. Not all e-bikes reach the top, which doesn’t make them bad e-bikes, it just tells us how much raw power and torque they can muster when facing steep conditions.
In the first test, the throttle-only test, we wondered if this new Pace 500.3 ST would reach the top. The old Pace 500 ST (V2) didn’t make it. But the new bike did make it to the top in 2:09 and an average speed of 8.4 mph. Chances are, when climbing a hill, most riders will pedal to get the bike to reach the top. It’s comforting to know that this bike had enough power to make it on its own.
In the second hill test we use the highest PAS, Turbo mode, and contribute just basic, non-strenuous pedaling. Having reached the top on the previous – and tougher – test, this Pace 500.3 reached the top in 1:28, at an average speed of 12.3 mph. tests.
The big takeaway here: the bike has the capability to go it alone on the steepest of hills, but the smarts to know to “pace” itself and give mesured assist on hills that aren’t blazing time, but the battery life won’t suffer either. All-in-all, it was a good hill tests that showed improvements.
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Description
Brand new replacement AVENTON PACE 500 electric bike charger, UL Listed,reliable.Indication light to show that the charging is completed,DC output 54.6V designed for 48V battery,fast chargeing and short circuit protection, more quick, convenient and safe,always keep an additional charger for your kids.
Customer Reviews
Exactly what I ordered and the charger works as expected thanks
I got this for my nephews bike. It was delivered real quick. He is very happy
Avetenon OEM charger is 60 vs this 24 price. It charged my Aventon pace Next Gen 500 battery from 4% to 100% no problem. Arrived quickly too!
have 3 pace 500 batteries for my original pace 500 ebike, not the new pace 500 version they are currently selling but the older model original pace 500. Ordered 4 chargers, 3 one time and 1 the other time. One charger went bad for some reason, took the bad one apart and saw a burned spot on the charger pc board. It was also raining that week the charger went out, thought I kept the charger dry, not shure.The other chargers are working wonderfully. Use this bike almost daily going to work and also saves gas. Glad that you have these chargers in stock.
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