The Best Aventon E-Bikes Right Now
There’s something for everyone, with the range of options available from one of the leaders in the industry.
Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. How we test gear.
Editors’ Note: On January 4, 2024, Aventon issued a voluntary recall of its Sinch.2 folding e-bike after notifying riders in August 2023 of issues the bike was having with its acceleration. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, “the recalled e-bikes can accelerate unexpectedly, resulting in loss of control, posing crash and injury hazards.” Though no one has reported any injuries, if you own a Sinch.2, don’t ride it. Contact an Aventon dealer to get the bike repaired for free. The dealer will run a software update that, according to Aventon, “mitigates the motor engagement issue.”
With the increased number of e-bikes on the road, there’s no doubt you’ve seen more than a couple emblazoned with “AVENTON” across the frame.
The company makes a range of lower- to mid-level e-bikes in a range of styles and formats to meet the needs of just about any rider.
It’s a company founded in entrepreneurship and hustle. While at California State University, Long Beach, founder JW Zhang observed many college students riding fixies, but a gap in the market for something lighter with the same sort of easy functionality. From there, he used his family’s manufacturing plant in China to produce the first Aventon bikes, managing everything from bookkeeping to sales calls during the company’s early days.
In 2013, Aventon released the Mataró, a high-design, lightweight bike ideal for southern California cruising. With this model in tow he went to different bike shops around Los Angeles and Orange County to sell the Mataró out of the trunk of his Toyota Sienna.
As initial designs caught on, Zhang saw potential in the e-bike space and began to consider what a functional, reliable e-bike would look like, long before the category caught on. Aventon’s first e-bike, the Pace 350/500, was a sleek bike with plenty of capability and ushered in a new era of electric mobility.
Today, the brand has more than a dozen options available and is quickly becoming an entry point for those looking to get a quality e-bike. These e-bikes can be bought directly from Aventon or from one of many authorized dealers.
- Best for Commuting: Aventon Level.2
- Best Cheap E-Bike: Aventon Pace 350
- Best Singlespeed E-Bike: Aventon Soltera
- Best All-Around E-Bike: Aventon Pace 500
- Best Fat Tire E-Bike: Aventon Aventure
- Best Folding E-Bike: Aventon Sinch
Aventon updated its outstanding Level e-bike to have a smoother ride and added visibility. A new torque sensor delivers power to the rear hub motor more evenly than the previous generation bike. The Level.2 has a more natural and intuitive feel when riding. The addition of integrated lights and a smaller, easier-to-use display help make one of our favorite commuter e-bikes even better.
In our testing, the Level.2 performed better than expected in every situation. The Aventon Level.2 remains the best commuter e-bike you can purchase for less than $2,000 and one of the best commuter bikes you can buy overall. The updates to the platform make an already great bike even better.
This e-bike has everything you need for commuting or getting around town. Plus, the Level.2 rides great and is priced right. Now's the time to level up!
The Pace 350 is one of Aventon’s original models, and it’s safe to say the company’s latest iteration is among its most well-rounded offerings. This e-bike hits 20 mph with a 40-mile range and includes a range of integrated components that puts it well above competitors in its class. It’s a great commuter/weekender hybrid with plenty of utility to conquer a casual ride or the daily grind.
Aventon’s base-level offering comes in under $1,300, but certainly doesn’t feel like a budget bike. Your choice of single- or seven-speed drivetrains offer real biking versatility whether you’re heading to work or taking a spin on the greenway. The geometry of this particular bike is a bit more forward-leaning for those who prefer a more aggressive riding style and the general build of the bike lends itself to being a bit more swift than some of its peers. Adding a couple of the available racking accessories makes it a real commuting competitor.
We loved the Pace 500’s blend of comfort, speed and versatility.The zippier of the Pace lineup includes a larger motor (which, for a few hundred dollars is an investment that’s realistically worth it) and cements that power with upgraded brakes and a better drivetrain. We also liked the upright frame across the Pace line, which made it a great multi-use option if you’re looking for one bike that can do it all.
Aventon’s most powerful and versatile option is possibly the Aventure. This is a bike built for tougher, unpredictable terrain with a front suspension fork, fat tires, and rigid construction. On top of that, a nifty LED display keeps all of your metrics in one, easy-to-view locale. The brand has also done a good job of integrating front fenders and front and rear lights to ensure that wherever you go you’ll be both seen by others and protected from those quick shifts in the surface.
The Sinch Step-Through is proof that fun-loving e-bikes don’t have to be tricky to transport. The key here is a foldable frame that downsizes into a package small enough to fit into the trunk of a sedan or the storage unit within an RV. However, that functionality doesn’t mean less features: you still get 4” fat tires, a strong motor, and front suspension with the price of admission.
Geoff Nudelman is a freelance writer from Portland, Oregon, who focuses on style, travel, and the outdoors. His work has appeared in outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, Travel Channel, Lonely Planet, Digital Trends, Harper’s Bazaar, Bloomberg Pursuits, and Thrillist.
Watch Next
The 14 Best Electric Bikes, Tested by Our Editors
All About E-Bike Tax Credits and Rebates
The 10 Best Cheap E-Bikes You Can Buy Right Now
These 2 Electric Bikes Are Currently 40% Off
