Introduction to My Aventon e-Bike Ride
Although riding a bike through Times Square might sound scary, I was surprised by how easy and secure it felt zipping through on my very steady, secure steed: the Aventon Level 3 Commuter. The sturdy frame gave me the boost of confidence I needed to ride through the chaos like a pro.
I then took it all the way to Central Park to see how far this machine could really go — all in the name of journalism, of course. But before I get into my thrilling experience on two wheels, let’s talk about the brand behind the ride.
About Aventon Bikes
When it comes to reliable, high-performance electric bikes, Aventon has quickly earned its place as one of the top players in the game. The California-based company blends sleek design with sustainable innovation, and its e-bikes are consistently praised for comfort, performance, and smart tech.
From commuters and casual riders to adventurers and trail junkies, Aventon offers something for every type of rider. Its lineup includes city cruisers, hybrid commuters, and rugged all-terrain models, each one built with thoughtful features and powerful motors that get you everywhere you need to be.
The bike I tested was the Aventon Level 3 Commuter, designed for long-distance travel, going up to 70 miles on a single charge. It can hold up to 300 pounds and has a rack on the back for groceries and packages, and even a seat for your child (sold separately). Although I can lock this bike up safely in the basement of my building, not everyone is as lucky as me. For those commuters, Aventon has ACU (Aventon Control Unit) technology built in, so you’ll get GPS tracking, auto-lock, unusual movement detection, and an alarm system to monitor your bike’s security.
Security Features
It’s not completely theft-proof, after all, this is New York, but there are plenty of precautions in place to make stealing it a lot more difficult.
Set Up
Setting up the Aventon took a little time and patience, but it certainly could have been much worse. I suggest grabbing a friend, neighbor, or partner. The bike is solid (AKA heavy), and while the instructions are clear, you’ll definitely appreciate an extra set of hands to help with lifting the frame and tightening things down.
One hiccup I ran into? A bolt that was tightened a bit too tightly from the factory. I had to call in backup with stronger arms, but we got the job done. So, unless you’re hitting the gym on the regular, you may find yourself wrestling a bit here and there. Tip: I found watching this YouTube video from the brand helpful for setup. One thing to note is that it did skip over a few crucial moments that took some effort to put together.
The Ride
Once assembled, the real experience begins. The cast aluminum frame gives the bike a sturdy, grounded feel, which is exactly what you want when you’re weaving through city traffic. Compared to a bunch of collapsible scooters I have tested before, this bike feels like a tank in the best possible way.
However, in retrospect, I would recommend the Step-Through model for city traffic because I needed to hop on and off while riding on Broadway, and I don’t know about you, but I only have so many step-overs in me a day.
Yes, it’s heavier than a standard pedal bike, and you’ll notice it when trying to make tight turns. But that added heft also gives you unmatched stability, and it shines when the roads get bumpy.
There’s a very nasty pothole on my commute that my scooter does not make it through, and yet I glided through on my Level 3 Commuter without an issue or injury. Honestly, I barely even noticed it. The seat has a great suspension system that allows me to hit bumps and not get a sore bum, something I haven’t experienced on other bikes.
The bike has blinkers controlled on the digital display with a left and right arrow button. I did hit them, but I felt that the lights were smaller on the back, making them less noticeable. Unless it’s dark outside, I’m not sure it’s helpful in the middle of New York City traffic. But, it was a nice touch, if only it were higher on the bike where drivers could see it more clearly.
Specifications
Let’s talk specs. This model is a Class 2 e-bike. What does that mean? It has pedal assist with a top speed of 20 miles per hour, plus a throttle so you can cruise without pedaling. Just keep in mind that regulations vary by district, so it’s important to know what’s allowed where you live.
Check out our latest article for everything you need to know about e-bikes, and read more about how the classes break down.
There are three power modes: Eco, Sport and Turbo.
- Eco Mode – Gentle pedal assist, great for saving battery on longer rides.
- Sport Mode – Noticeably zippier, ideal for city traffic and keeping up the pace (my go-to in Central Park).
- Turbo Mode – All gas, no brakes. You’ll hit top speeds fast. Just hold on, and be sure you’re in full control. Pro tip: I suggest not using this in Times Square but rather in long stretches of road where you can think quickly on your feet.
I clocked my speed going 21 miles per hour downhill using Turbo mode, so keep in mind that you can really fly with the 500-watt motor that can push you past 25 miles per hour, depending on leg power and terrain.
The acceleration is impressively smooth. You don’t need much effort to get rolling, and once you’re moving, it practically glides. The breaks get a 10 out of 10. They stopped instantly but safely. And trust me, I had a few cabs cut me off, turning into my bike, so I needed to slam on them now and then.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Long battery life
- Free shipping
- Integrated smart features like GPS tracking, auto-lock, and theft alerts
- Multiple sizing and frame options for all body types
Cons:
- This bike is very heavy, so you need to be strong enough to hold it up
- Takes three to four hours to charge
The Final Verdict
I highly recommend this for people looking for a bit of assistance in their daily lives, even when working out. It gives you the ability to travel to places you may not have been able to go or get more done in a shorter amount of time without paying for the bus, gas, or a monthly metro card.
I’d recommend a folding bike for those who live in walkups like myself, but if you have access to an elevator or storage room or live in a home, this bike is for you.
And before you ride anything, please wear a helmet. We highly recommend the Kali Protectives Lunati 2.0 Helmet because of the aggressive ventilation and secure locking sliders that custom fit your head. Happy riding!
How We Tested
For this Aventon e-bike review, we didn’t just take it for a spin around the block; we took it straight into the urban jungle.
This wasn’t your average Sunday ride. We pushed the bike through the ultimate real-world gauntlet, Times Square traffic, Central Park’s tourist-covered paths, and a few steep inclines just for good measure. We wanted to know how the Aventon would handle high-stress conditions, fast-paced commutes, and leisurely cruising alike.
We tested across multiple power modes (Eco, Sport, and Turbo), checked battery longevity, and paid close attention to how it handled cornering, braking, and quick acceleration. We also evaluated comfort over time because what good is an awesome e-bike if your back is wrecked 15 minutes in? Or worse, brakes didn’t prevent oncoming traffic.
Lastly, if you’re looking to get the most value, definitely check out Aventon e-bike deals by signing up with an email address to get a discount on your first purchase.
Conclusion
The Aventon Level 3 Commuter is a solid choice for city commuters looking for a smooth, comfortable ride. With its long battery life, integrated smart features, and multiple sizing options, it’s perfect for navigating busy streets and weaving through traffic. While it may be heavy and take a few hours to charge, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.
FAQs
- Q: How far can the Aventon Level 3 Commuter travel on a single charge?
A: Up to 70 miles. - Q: What is the maximum weight the bike can hold?
A: 300 pounds. - Q: Does the bike come with a warranty?
A: Yes, a two-year warranty and a 14-day return policy. - Q: Can I customize the assistance levels on the bike?
A: Yes, there are three power modes: Eco, Sport, and Turbo. - Q: Is the bike suitable for all body types?
A: Yes, Aventon offers regular and large sizes to fit riders from 4-foot-11 to 6-foot-1.
