I like the step-by-step ebike frame, not only because it allows my updated wife to borrow the bike when wearing a skirt, but also because it makes balancing and jumping easier when the bike is so heavy (67 lbs). When I had a saddle bag full of groceries, I never felt roughly hitting the intersection or trying to keep the bike upright.
Gears and drivetrains are something for the entry-level Shimano Altus, including an 8-speed trigger-controlled transmission. It also comes with nice Kenda tires that provide a lot of grip even on slippery Portland roads.
There is a built-in 4G connection that allows you to GPS track your bike – Theft, if you are like me, forget where to park your bike in Portland Timbers game. This 500W motor is capable enough to get me over the hills, even dragging gears or food.
Even for my 210 pound body, that range is enough for a long ride. I rode over 20 miles of town at a meeting on a big mountain, but still ended at my destination with over 20% battery power. If I didn’t run the bike at full speed and instead stepped on the flats more than using the thumb throttle, I could easily do it with half the battery.
Good for most people
Photo: Parker Concert Hall
Most people don’t ride 40 miles a day. They just rode a few, and the bike went far beyond that. The included charging bricks are easy to charge your bike in a few hours, and you only need to charge it once a week if you do a shorter commute or ride around town.
There are no many drawbacks in this model, but the main thing is the gears. I just hope the top gear makes it easier for me to keep up with the motor’s 20 mph speed limit. Sometimes I feel like a crazy hamster when trying to reach maximum speed.
At lower speeds and auxiliary speeds, the gears work well, so it’s best to ride more slowly when you want to pedal and go forward with your thumb throttle. For this reason, I usually prefer mid-drive eBikes; they use the actual drivetrain of your bike to deliver power rather than the motor on the rear wheel hub, so the situation will be better matched together. That said, when you feel lazy and just want a glorious electric scooter to take you home, it’s impossible to choose a thumb throttle, which isn’t what the mid-drive Ebikes offer.
For daily commuting, trips to farmers’ markets, and occasional long weekend rides, the Aventon Level 3 is a great choice. The price is correct, the specifications are solid, and it’s a confident ride with all the features most people need. Just grab the good helmet and the sturdy bike lock. These bikes look more expensive than them.
