The Ultimate Guide to Aventon Electric Bikes

Aventon found their humble beginnings in Ontario, California. Like most start-ups, their story involves one room warehouses, small delivery vans, early mornings, & late nights all underpinned by a single dream: to produce bikes that looked great & rode well, yet were also accessible to cyclists who didn’t have a huge amount of money to drop on a bike. 

Whether you’re new to Aventon e-Bikes, or you would like to know more about the brand & its products, we’ve broken down Aventon’s history and product offerings here. 

Contents:

1. When was Aventon founded?
2. When did Aventon start making electric bikes? 
3. Where are Aventon bikes available? 
4. What makes Aventons the best electric bikes?
5. Feel your ride like never before
6. Geared up for the ride
7. The best affordable e-Bikes
8. Aventon electric bikes: the best in class
1. Aventon Abound
2. Aventon Aventure.2
3. Aventon Aventure
4. Aventon Level.2
5. Aventon Pace V2
6. Aventon Soltera
7. Aventon Sinch
9. Product Comparison
10. Step Over vs. Step Through Frames
11. A strong fan following

When Was Aventon Founded? 

In 2012, Founders Jianwei Zhang & Augusto Peraza III were avid cycling enthusiasts recently out of college. Like many cyclists at that age, they spent their days admiring the bikes they would see racing around the Red Hook Crit (a lapped race on a closed circuit in Brooklyn) and the WolfPack Hustle race in Los Angeles. While these performance bikes were works of art in their own right, they all had one problem in common: they were very, very expensive. 

Aventon believed they could bring these bedroom-poster bikes to a wider market, so they set about producing the same elegant, streamlined pedal bicycles, but with one key difference: they were much, much cheaper. That didn’t mean, however, that these bikes were lacking. Despite their lower price point, riders were still getting a very well-made, reliable & lightweight bike that looked just like their dream rides.

When Did Aventon Start Making Electric Bikes? 

After marketing their bikes to college-aged riders, it wasn’t long before Aventon rapidly grew in popularity among many cycling enthusiasts. In line with their egalitarian approach to cycling, they believed they could do more to make Aventon accessible to larger audiences, so in 2018 they started developing their first e-Bike, the Aventon Pace. 

As of 2022, Aventon has now pivoted exclusively to manufacturing electric bikes, but unlike a lot of brands that produce increasingly expensive products in line with their growth, Aventon have stuck to their roots by continuing to manufacture bedroom-poster performance e-Bikes underpinned by their core attention-to-detail and affordability. 

Where Are Aventon Bikes Available?

Today, Aventon e-Bikes are available across their home country of the USA, Canada, Europe, and most recently, Australia. 

What Makes Aventons The Best Electric Bikes? 

Aventon’s e-Bikes are built on a belief: every bike should present the rider with form, function, & freedom. Moreover, they believe that cycling should be accessible to everyone regardless of age, income, or cycling experience. 

This belief has led them to focus on the little things that make riding an e-Bike so much fun. Their laser-focused attention-to-detail lets them pack in a variety of great features in such a way that doesn’t push up their prices, and they do so without having to cut functionality or ride comfort. 

Feel Your Ride Like Never Before

It is this belief that embeds a certain emotion in every e-Bike they make. Riding an Aventon is different from riding other electric bikes. With most e-Bikes, riding them feels like riding a machine. There’s a coldness to it, and the ride feels clinical. Everything works just as it should, but none of it is exciting, and none of it is interesting enough to talk about with friends. There’s just no passion, only the raw pursuit of an objective. 

This doesn’t happen with Aventon. Their versatility and top-tier performance specs present an e-Bike that is a lot more enjoyable than most. Everything works just as it should, but there’s something different about the ride. Something that makes you feel like there’s more to your journey than just getting from A to B. Your bike is going on an adventure with you as a companion, not a machine.

Geared Up For the Ride

Beyond that, what makes Aventons some of the best e-Bikes available in Australia right now is the sheer amount of technology that comes with each one, particularly considering their price point. 

Every Aventon comes with an independent thumb throttle. They all have colour LCD screens that display your speed, distance, remaining battery, and how many trees you’ve saved by cycling instead of driving. They all have powerful rear-hub motors with power outputs ranging from 350W to 750W. They all have smooth weld joints that improve frame strength while keeping weight down. All their batteries are integrated into the aluminium frames, yet they are easily removable for recharging. 

The Best Affordable e-Bikes

When Electric Kicks took our range of Aventons to the Melbourne Bike Show, one of the most common questions asked was “Is that all they cost…?” 

Like most riders, our guests had visited electric bike stores across the state, finding that the bikes that did what they wanted were too expensive, and the bikes they could afford wouldn’t do what they wanted. This Catch-22 situation is something that any entry in Aventon’s present range avoids. 

So what is it that makes Aventons the best electric bikes? Simple. There is finally an e-Bike for the Australian market that does everything you want it to do that comes at a price you can afford. 

Aventon Electric Bikes: The Best in Class

Aventon’s range is focused predominantly on the urban lifestyle, and while each model has a primary purpose, Aventons are surprisingly versatile. Below is a guide to each of the Aventon models, and why they have had such a boost in popularity since their launch. 

The Best Cargo Electric Bike: The Aventon Abound

Hot off Aventon’s manufacturing lines, the Abound marks Aventon’s first entry into the Cargo E-Bike category. From their production history, we know that Aventon doesn't hold back when dropping a new type of electric bike, and the Abound is no different. 

At a quick glance, it’s immediately clear to see the Abound as a culmination of its tried-and-tested predecessors: the influence of the Aventure in the frame design; the influence of the Level.2 with the torque sensor; the influence of the Sinch in the handlebars; the influence of the Pace in the wheels. As much as the Abound is a new bike, it calls on its heritage in a number of ways, but reworks them into something totally different. 

As a cargo bike, it’s easy to think of the commercial applications that naturally come with this class of electric bike, but Aventon are great when it comes to making their bikes apply to a wide range of audiences. While its commercial potential is huge, the Abound comes with a huge variety of accessories and attachments that make it applicable to a wide range of situations. The rear rack, which can support 64 kg of weight, can be decked out with wide baskets, bags, or even a hand rail that allows smaller children to be transported around. 

For those that have been looking to move away from their dependance on cars, but found nothing quite replacing the practicality, here is a genuine alternative. Weekly grocery shop? With the expanded optional rear basket, you’ll fit all your groceries without issue. School run? Depending on the age of your kids, you can take two kids to school at a time. Picking up a parcel, or pet food, or transporting an esky of cold ones to your friend’s house? The Abound can do it all. 

In terms of performance, the Abound has a 750W motor that pushes the ride to 32 kph. That’s not the fastest speed in the Aventon range, but you’ll find a greater emphasis on safety with the Abound, which includes fully hydraulic brakes, front & rear fenders, indicators, and a torque sensor that prevents startling acceleration. That’s important if you’re planning on transporting anything on the back. 

It’s a brilliant electric bike with a wide range of applications, and it comes at a price point simply unmatched by any other cargo bike available in Australia. 

Available in: Step Through Frame

Sizes: One Size Fits All

Colours: Polaris, Sage

RRP: TBC

Read more about the Aventon Abound and order online. 

The Best Fat Tyre Electric Bike: The Aventon Aventure.2

Launching in early 2023, the Aventure.2 is the successor to Aventon’s popular Aventure. The original Aventure became a hit for a variety of reasons - it had a high-powered motor that pushed it to 45 kph, while its fat tyres helped it handle a variety of terrain. It had a brilliant build quality with smooth welding, and a powerful battery that provided 70+ km range per charge. It did a lot of things well, and promptly took the title of the most popular Aventon.

The Aventure.2 doesn’t attempt to rewrite the fundamentals of what its predecessor was. It’s still a fat tyre electric bike, so its versatility hasn’t changed. It still has its 750W rear motor that takes it to 45 kph. It still has buttery-smooth welds. In terms of look and feel, outside of a new range of frame colours, it doesn’t look a whole lot different either.

The Aventure.2’s main change comes from the inclusion of a torque sensor similar to that found in the Level.2 below. The Aventure has never been a lightweight bike, and while the cadence sensor found on the original was a lot of fun, one of the biggest criticisms of the throttle & motor was a lack of responsiveness that meant you had to get the bike moving by yourself first. There was a 1-2 second delay between starting to pedal and the motor kicking in. When it did turn on, the speed you pedalled actually bore little relation to how fast you’d go as the cadence sensor would power itself to the maximum speed dictated by the selected pedal assist level. In short, you’d go as fast as the bike wanted you to go. 

The torque sensor removes that by activating the second the pedals begin to turn, and adjusting the power output based on how hard you are pedalling. It’s a more natural ride and helps carry the Aventure.2’s weight to produce a smoother ride. 

Outside of this, the Aventure.2 ships with self-cancelling indicators, improved hydraulic brakes, and now comes with a rear rack included. 

While not a significant remake of the original, the Aventure.2 is a natural evolution that improves in every way that matters, while sticking true to its roots. 

Available in: Step Over Frame, Step Through Frame

Sizes: Regular & Large

Colours: Camouflage (SO), Slate Grey (SO), Cobalt (ST), Midnight (ST)

RRP: $3,799.00 

Read more about the Aventon Aventure.2 & order online

The Best E-Bike for Adventuring: The Aventon Aventure

The Aventon Aventure launched in 2021, and still holds its place as the most powerful of the Aventon range. As its name suggests, the Aventure is designed to head off the beaten track across uneven terrain. Its huge 4” fat tyres make it stable across loose surfaces such as sand, snow, & dirt, and when added to the front fork suspension, contribute to a remarkably comfortable ride. 

Its 750W motor puts out a significant amount of torque, making this an impressive hill climber that can achieve speeds of 45 kph. Like all Aventons, the battery is integrated into the frame to adhere to Aventon’s sleek design heritage, but it can be easily removed for charging. The battery is able to power the Aventure to a range of 72km on a single charge. 

The Aventure’s hydroformed aluminium frame provides a strong & stable ride. With its 33kg weight, it’s one of the heavier in the Aventon range, but riders get a powerful & versatile e-Bike. 

It features the same integrated lights, colour LCD screens, disc brakes, pedal-assist modes as all the Aventons, but at a price of just $3,299 RRP, the Aventure presents incredible value for money, particularly when compared to other fat-tyre eBikes. 

eBikes at similar price points tend to cheap out somewhere. The welding isn’t as good. The suspension is firm. The fenders are plastic, and everything rattles as you go across rough terrain. None of that is present on the Aventure. What you get is a solid, durable & versatile e-Bike ideal for those who prefer to cycle the path less travelled. 

Available in: Step Over Frame, Step Through Frame

Sizes: Medium & Large

Colours: Camouflage Green (SO & ST), Fire Black (SO), Electric Red (ST)

RRP: $3,199.00

Read more about the Aventon Aventure & order online

The Best Commuter E-Bike: The Aventon Level.2

The original Aventon Level commuted its way into the US market during 2021, and became an instant success among commuters. 2022’s Level.2 model took everything that made its predecessor a hit & produced a ride focused on giving commuters everything they needed.

A powerful 500W rear hub motor with a peak output of 750W propels riders to a top speed of 45 kph, while the 672Wh battery can push a rider to 97km on a single charge. The Level.2 is also one of the few e-Bikes on the market that comes with front & rear fenders, along with a rear luggage rack as standard.

The Level.2 is the first of the Aventon range to carry a torque sensor as opposed to a cadence sensor, which makes the ride more responsive & intuitive. Power is distributed to the motor based on how hard the rider is pedalling rather than how fast, which creates a much smoother ride. 

Featuring conveniences such as powerful hydraulic brakes, front fork suspension, integrated front & rear lights, the Level.2 promises to be the best commuter electric bike available, and its price point of $3,199 makes it a genuine alternative to other methods of commuting. 

Available in: Step Over Frame, Step Through Frame

Sizes: Regular & Large

Colours: Clay (SO), Glacier Blue (SO), Polar White (SO), Himalayan Pink (SO)

RRP: $3,199.00 

Read more about the Aventon Level.2 & order online

The Best E-Bike for Cruising: The Aventon Pace.2

The original Pace was Aventon’s first electric bike, and for that reason it was important to show the world that they could produce an electric bike while sticking to their core beliefs of creating functional electric bikes that looked great while keeping the price down at the same time. 

The Pace was a roaring success, winning awards across the US for being an all-round great e-Bike. 

The Pace V2 launched in 2022 and builds on its award-winning heritage. With two motor options (350W & 500W), the Pace is the perfect embodiment of Aventon’s Californian roots. Two motors make it accessible to those who want a relaxed ride and those who want a relaxed ride with a bit more power, while its sweeping handlebars & upright riding position make it a comfortable e-Bike for cruising, getting around town, and taking it easy. 

Its reasonably low weight also means the Pace V2 is easy enough to cycle without the help of the motor, which attracts riders who want a cruiser bike that they can use without a power source. However, with the motor in tow, riders can expect speeds of 32kph (350W) to 45 kph (500W) and a range of 65 - 77km. 

Like all Aventons, the Pace was built with one purpose in mind, but in practice, they can cover a number of bases. The Pace was built for cruising around in comfort and style, but it can also be used as a commuter e-bike, and its 2.2” tyres make it stable on rougher terrain such as rail trail riding. 

Aventon Pace V2 350

Available in: Step Through Frame, Step Over Frame

Sizes: Small/ Medium, Medium/Large

Colours: Ghost White (SO), Plum Purple (SO), Midnight Black (ST), Cloud Grey (ST)

RRP: $2,299.00

Read more about the Aventon Pace V2 350 here & order online

Aventon Pace V2 500

Available in: Step Through Frame, Step Over Frame

Sizes: Regular, Large

RRP: $2,699.00

Read more about the Aventon Pace V2 500 here & order online

The Best Lightweight E-Bike: The Aventon Soltera

The Aventon Soltera is an homage to Aventon’s pedal bike roots. A sleek & elegant aerodynamic frame meets 1.5” tyres to produce an e-Bike that weighs just 20kg, and the overall design sings back to the bikes of Aventon’s past. 

While it is possible to find lighter e-Bikes, you’ll struggle to find one as good as the Soltera. 

As you’d expect from Aventon, the Soltera comes with an independent thumb-throttle, 5 pedal-assist models, integrated front & rear lights that double as brake lights, a colour LCD screen that shows all your riding information, but you also get to choose from a single speed or 7 speed variant to suit your style of riding. 

The Aventon Soltera is designed for the cycling enthusiast. To keep weight down, the Soltera carries the lowest-power electric motor of the Aventon range, putting out 350W. It’s worth noting, however, that this is still more powerful than most e-bike alternatives in the same class, and it carries a lower-than-average price of just $2,299.00. The Soltera works best when you mix your cycling abilities with the pedal assist modes. On pedal assist level 1, Aventon believes you can get to 100km on a single charge, and even if you get caught short, the Aventon weighs so little that it’s easy enough to pedal without the motor at all. 

The Soltera’s primary use is commuting, but with such a long range, it effectively doubles as a tourer as well. It’s the bike for riders who enjoy the cycle but just want to take the edge off the hills from time-to-time. 

Available in: Step Over Frame, Step Through Frame

Sizes: Regular, Large

RRP: $2,299.00

Read more about the Aventon Soltera here & order online

Best Folding Fat Tyre e-Bike: Aventon Sinch

The Aventon Sinch debuted back in 2000 as a Step-Over off-road folding e-Bike that packed a 500W motor with a peak output of 750W. Coupled with Aventon’s independent thumb-throttle, the drive system of the Sinch put it in a class of its own straight away, but Aventon didn’t stop there. 

In 2022, Aventon launched the Sinch Step-Through, and beyond the motor & battery, the Sinch SO was an entirely different bike. 

As you’d expect from Aventon, the 2022 Sinch sports a colour LCD screen, 500W motor with peak output of 750W, 5 pedal-assist modes, strong hill-climb ability, disc brakes, and superior build quality. 

The folding mechanism of both Sinch models is remarkably sturdy. There’s no rattle or wobble, and while riding, the frame feels solid and responsive, which is rare for any folding bike. You also get a longer wheelbase than most folding bikes, so the Sinch feels more like riding a regular bike than anything else. 

The Sinch is a little on the heavier side, so it’s better suited for camping, caravanning, or outdoor adventures than carting up and down stairs. 

In late 2022, the Sinch Step Over was given a refresh to include the colour LCD screen of Aventon’s newer models, and its overall performance still holds up today. 

Aventon Sinch Step Through

Available in: Step Through Frame

Sizes: One-size fits all

RRP: $2,699.00

Read more about the Aventon Sinch ST here & order online

Product Comparison

Step Over vs. Step Through Frames

Every Aventon comes in two frame styles: Step Over (SO) and Step-Through (ST). Here’s what you can expect from each, and what the key differences are. 

A Step Over frame (left) vs. a Step Through frame (right). 

Step Over (SO)

A Step Over frame requires a rider to lift their leg over the bike as the top tube tends to be higher, & more horizontal. Historically, Step Over frames have more rigidity & give a more stable ride due to their geometry, but manufacturing advancements over the last decade or so have made the difference fairly negligible. 

Step Over frames are generally more suitable for all-terrain use given their stability. Taller riders and more experienced cyclists tend to gravitate to Step-Over frames because they have no problem accessing the frame. SO frames tend to be more stable over various types of terrain, so adventurers often favour this style due to its versatility. Given the large amount of space between elements of the frame, Step Over frames are easy to accessorise with drinks holders, bike pumps, locks, & bags. On top of that, SO frames are easier to mount on cars due to a lot of bike clamps fixing to the top tube. 

Step Over frames also place riders into a more horizontal riding position. While better for speed and uphill climbs, some may find this position uncomfortable for long periods of time. 

Step Through (ST)

A Step Through frame has a lower top tube, or no top tube at all. They are sometimes confused with Low-Step frames, but in reality they are a little higher, with their height landing somewhere between Low-Step & Step Over frames. 

Step Through frames are better for more relaxed cycles, fun, every-day commutes, delivery riders, or any cycle that requires the rider to regularly hop on and off their e-bike. They are also more comfortable in traffic because the upright riding position doesn’t require riders to lean forward and backwards depending on whether the bike is moving or not. 

Step Through frames are also popular with older riders, or those with limited mobility. Because riders don’t need to throw their legs over the frame, ST frames are easier to access. Moreover, they tend to make better commuter bikes as their low frame allows riders to cycle in more restrictive clothing, such as suits & dresses. 

ST frames can be tricky to accessorise as they have limited spots for accessories given their shape. Additionally, the low frame can also make uphill pedalling a little more uncomfortable due to the lower nature of the frame, but given Aventons have strong pedal-assist & thumb throttles, this shouldn’t really be an issue. 

Because of their lack of horizontal top tubes, ST frames can be tricky to mount to cars without an adaptor.

Is Step Over Better Than Step Through?

There isn’t a straight answer to this question as it depends on the style of cycling you want to do. Taller, younger riders with varied cycle routes across differing terrain may prefer Step Overs for their stability and speed, but commuters may find Step Overs tedious and uncomfortable in traffic. 

Conversely, a Step Through frame is often popular with commuters due to its ease-of-access and upright riding position, but more adventurous riders may find the frame feels unstable on loose terrain or on uphills due to its height. 

It comes down to a matter of what you need, and what sort of cycling you need to do. If you’re uncertain, give Electric Kicks a call on 1300 054 257 for some advice. 

Are Step Through Frames Women’s Bikes? 

Traditionally, yes, but not any more. Women’s bikes have historically come in the Step Through frame style as it was more comfortable to ride in dresses & skirts, however that approach is changing with the advent of electric bikes. You’ve probably noticed that almost all of the hire e-Bikes across Australia are in the Step-Through style as well, but they aren’t marketed to any one gender. The frame styles are considered unisex now, and what matters is the comfort of your ride. 

A Strong Fan Following

While Aventon bikes have been available for years overseas, they have only recently become available in Australia through an exclusive partnership with Electric Kicks. That said, Aventons have already been capturing the attention of thousands of Australians each year who have been following the company’s progress just waiting for the day Aventon’s brand of well-built, specced-up yet price-friendly eBikes landed on our shores. 

With a strong appeal to riders of all types & levels, Aventons promise to become a cornerstone of Australia’s e-Bike scene, growing to take their place as some of the best electric bikes available in Australia for the foreseeable future. 

Click here to view the full range of Aventon electric bikes & accessories.