Aventon Level 2 Review – 2024

Aventon Level 2 Review: Intro

This Aventon Level 2 review revealed a significantly different bike in its second iteration. Since their launch, Aventon has introduced a collection of bikes that have caused us to reassess our ideas about value at a given price point. They are making the case that they are setting the bar for best-bang-for-the-buck. The updated Aventon Level, now dubbed the Aventon Level 2 values hard.

In reviewing the Aventon Level 2’s specs, it looks like a bike that should cost $2500 or more. It’s a Class 2 e-bike (that can easily be unlocked to Class 3) powered by a 500W brushless hub motor and features an 8-speed Shimano drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes, a suspension fork and a torque sensor. Aventon specs their e-bikes with what might be the best LCD display being used on an e-bike in this price range, plus they have an app that allows users an unusual degree of control. And, we shouldn’t forget that this e-bike comes in four sizes. Whoa.

Honestly, seeing so many great features put together near the $2000 price point makes us think of the Amazon Fire tablets that were priced at a loss just to pull people into the Amazon ecosystem. Aventon isn’t a company built on world domination and can’t afford to sell e-bikes for less than they make them, so the only other options are sorcery or remarkably good relationships with their suppliers. We’re guessing the latter.

With the Aventon Level 2 there’s much to consider, so let’s jump into our review.

E-Bike Category: Commuter

Who The Aventon Level 2 Electric Bike Is For: Commuters

The Aventon Level 2 is terrific for anyone looking for a quick, affordable, full-featured commuter.

Aventon Level 2 E-Bike Specs

• Battery: Removable Internal Lithium-ion 48V, 14Ah (672Wh)
• Expected Range: 35-67 mi.
• Charger: 48V 3 Amp Fast Charger, 4-5 Hour Charging
• Motor: 750W (Peak) 500W (Sustained) Brushless Rear Hub Motor w/torque sensor
• Pedal Assist: 0-5 level pedal assist
• Throttle: Included, can throttle from a stop
• Display: LCD Smart Easy Read Display with Backlight, Colorful screen with app
• Headlight: Included
• Taillight: Included
• Frame: 6061 Double-Butted Aluminum Alloy with Internal Battery
• Fork: Coil Spring Suspension, Thru-axle, 65mm travel with lockout
• Fenders: front and rear included
• Kickstand: Included, rear mount
• Handlebars: Aluminum 31.8mm, 680mm
• Grips: Ergonomic Comfort
• Drivetrain: 8-speed Shimano
• Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors
• Pedals: Alloy, platform
• Saddle: Aventon by Velok
• Tires: 27.5” x 2.1” Hybrid Tires, Reflective Sidewalls

In-Depth Aventon Level 2 Review

Aventon Level 2 Review: Comfort, Handling, and Ride Qualities

When we consider comfort on e-bikes, one detail we consistently see that works against the bike’s comfort is the presence of knobby tires. They get great traction off road, but they aren’t necessary on the road (smoother treads enjoy better traction). Knobby tires transmit more vibration to the rider, both at their hands and at their seat.

In reviewing the Aventon Level 2, among its many merits we liked were the smooth-treaded 27.5 x 2.1-in. tires that roll quickly on asphalt. Also contributing to rider comfort is a coil-spring suspension fork with 65mm of travel. With commuters, suspension travel doesn’t need to be all that great; mostly it is intended to erase the effect of riding on a rough road.

While those details are certainly important, the fact that the Aventon Level 2 comes in four sizes means they are serious about making sure riders are comfortable on their e-bikes. The Level 2 comes in two frame styles—traditional and step-thru—and in two sizes for each frame design. Overstating how helpful this is to rider comfort might not be possible.

The Aventon Level 2 is a Class 2 (unlockable to Class 3) commuter and one of the ways we consider an e-bike’s comfort is how it handles at various speeds. While this e-bike isn’t quite so nimble as one with 20-in. wheels, it can negotiate busy bike paths or crowded parking lots just fine. More important is that as its speed approaches 28 mph, the Aventon Level 2 handles predictably and with a calm demeanor.

Another item on our long list of reasons to like the Aventon Level 2 is that Aventon’s choice to spec a 500W motor and a 672Wh battery (we’ll discuss those more soon) means that the two heaviest components on this e-bike aren’t as heavy as on some similar e-bikes. As a result, the Aventon Level 2 weighs 61 lbs., a fact that makes it easier to handle than some of its competitors..

Aventon Level 2 Review: Motor, Battery, and Drivetrain Performance

As a Class 2 e-bike, the Aventon Level 2 we reviewed out of the box has a max pedal assist speed of 20 mph; if unlocked, that max speed climbs to 28 mph. To accelerate up to that speed and assist a rider well enough to stay at that speed requires a fairly powerful motor. A 500W brushless hub motor that can produce a maximum of 750W will definitely get a rider up to speed; some riders may find, though, that staying at top speed requires a fair bit of work on their part. What will help riders stay at a high cruising speed is the presence of a torque sensor, which will increase the motor’s output in proportion to how hard the rider pedals. A cadence sensor detects whether the pedals are moving or not. It’s possible to pedal very lightly and have the motor do the great majority of the work. With a torque sensor, the motor only works when the rider is pedaling and its output is proportional to the rider’s effort. The relationship between the rider and the motor becomes much more seamless.

The 672Wh battery isn’t huge, but because it is powering a 500W motor, riders willing to restrain the Aventon Level 2 to PAS 1 can anticipate as more than 60 mi. per charge; our colleagues at Electric Bike Report rode for 67 mi. on the Level 2. For a rider using the throttle alone and with the controller set to PAS 1, they can expect to cover 30 mi.

An 8-speed drivetrain on a sub-$2000 e-bike is, well, uncommon; the default is a 7-speed drivetrain that doesn’t offer as great a gear range, and more importantly, doesn’t have the lowest gear found on an 8-speed drivetrain. The Shimano drivetrain spec’d on the Aventon Level 2 will last under hard use and offers a somewhat wider gear range than its 7-speed counterparts, though not as wide as an eMTB. We also like the trigger shifter selected; it’s easy to learn what the two different triggers do and muscle memory after a few rides will make shifting seamless and quick.

Aventon Level 2 Review: Braking, Safety, Customer Service & Warranty

On many e-bikes we are willing to debate whether or not hydraulic disc brakes are really necessary. However, should a rider choose to unlock the Aventon Level 2 and ride it as a Class 3 e-bike, hydraulic disc brakes aren’t just smart, they are necessary. Aventon pairs the hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors, a combination that will give any rider terrific control and ultimate stopping power.

Solid brakes and a good fit are important points to consider when assessing how safe a bike is. So is the bike’s overall weight because smaller riders will be better able to control a lighter bike. Aventon also includes front and rear lights, and the rear lights are integrated into the seatstays, which makes for a very stylish look.

Customer service does not get the same high marks this e-bike has gotten so far. Owner reviews on the site are mostly great (76 percent give them 5 stars), but when there has been a problem, buyers have complained about being charged for new parts, as well as getting little or no response from customer service. Like so many things, a product may be terrific until it’s not; getting it back to terrific is what defines good customer service. Their 14-day return policy seems adequate but only so long as the company answers buyer emails.

The Aventon Level 2 comes with a one-year warranty, which is increasingly typical of direct-to-consumer brands.

Aventon Level 2 Review: Recommendation/Final Verdict

The Aventon Level 2 is an e-bike that doesn’t just offer great value, it pwns the very idea of value. We love that the Level 2 comes in multiple sizes, includes an 8-speed drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes, suspension fork, torque sensor and sits right around the $2000 price point. Oh, did we mention that Aventon includes front and rear fenders, a rear rack and lights front and rear? We could appreciate them leaving the last items off and selling them as accessories, but their presence just serves to confirm how impressive an e-bike this is.

Aventon produces one of the best-looking displays we’ve seen on an e-bike. It’s big and easy to read, even for those of us who wear glasses when reading. Their app that the display links to is all the more impressive given its functionality. Unlocking the Aventon Level 2 to perform as a Class 3 e-bike takes just seconds.

It’s rare that we encounter a bike that is so well-spec’d that it sets a new standard for e-bikes in a given price range. The Aventon Level 2 is a bike we are likely to compare future e-bikes we review in the $2000 price tier. The question is natural, and unavoidable given our curiosity. We all want our dollar to go as far as possible (we’re assuming our readers aren’t all a part of the 1 percent), and this is an e-bike we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to friends and family.

We have some concerns about Aventon’s seemingly weak response to some of their bad reviews, but it’s obvious from the many positive reviews that they get it right the overwhelming majority of the time. The customer service is the only knock we have against this bike, and it’s worth pointing out that in using higher quality components a bike maker decreases the opportunity for problems.

For anyone who wants an e-bike with either more or better features than the ​​Aventon Level 2, they will likely have to spend more, substantially more.

Thank you for reading through our review of the Aventon Level 2. Still have further questions? Wondering how it compares to a similar bike? Leave us a question in the comments below and the team at BestElectricBikes.com will answer!