Aventon's Affordable Level 3 Is a Great Starter Electric Bike
The gearing and drivetrain is entry-level Shimano Altus stuff and includes an 8-speed trigger-controlled transmission. It also comes with decent Kenda tires that provide plenty of grip, even on slippery Portland roads.
There is a built-in 4G connection that allows you to GPS track the bike—nice for thefts and also in case you, like me, forget where you parked your bike at the Portland Timbers game. The 500W motor was more than powerful enough to get me over hills, even with gear or food in tow.
Even for my large, 210-pound body, the range proved more than enough for long commuting rides. I took it over 20 miles across town in a single session, over big hills, and still ended at my destination with over 20 percent battery. If I hadn't ran the bike at full speed the entire way, and had pedaled more on the flats instead of using the thumb throttle, I would easily have made it with half my battery left. Good for Most
Photograph: Parker Hall
Most folks aren't riding 40 miles a day on their ebikes. They're just riding a few, and this bike is more than capable of doing that. The included charging brick easily charges the bike in a few hours, you will only really need to charge once a week if you're doing a shorter commute or just riding a bit around town.
There aren't a lot of downsides to this model, but the main one is the gearing. I just wish that the top gear allowed me to keep up with the 20-mile-per-hour speed limit on the motor with more ease; I sometimes felt like I was pedaling like a crazed hamster when trying to go max speed.
At lower speeds and assistance rates, the gearing works just fine, so you're better off riding slower when you want to pedal, and using the thumb throttle to go full speed. I generally prefer mid-drive ebikes for this reason; they use the actual drivetrain of your bike to deliver the power, rather than a motor on the hub of the rear wheel, so things pair better together. That said, it's nice to have the option of a thumb throttle when you're feeling lazy and just want a glorified electric scooter to take you home, which isn't offered by mid-drive ebikes.
For daily commuting, trips to the farmers market, and occasional long weekend rides, the Aventon Level 3 is a great choice. The price is right, the specs are solid, and it's a confidence-inducing ride that has every feature most folks will need. Just snag a good helmet and a solid bike lock. These bikes look more expensive than they are.
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Digital Trends
27-06-2025
- Digital Trends
Aventon Level.3 e-bike review: the smarter commuter
Aventon Level.3 MSRP $1,899.00 Score Details 'Aventon focuses on what matters for commuters: comfort and security.' Pros Adapts to rider size and riding geometry Dual suspension softens ride Uncluttered controls and cables GPS-enabled app includes several security features Stays current with over-the-air updates High value cost-quality ratio Cons No brake lights Mirrors not standard Security features require 4G subscription All-terrain e-bikes, cruisers, and other models acquired for casual riding or recreational transportation are convenient and fun, but they don't have to justify their cost. That's not the case with e-bikes used for commuting. Good commuter e-bikes prove their value every day. The Aventon Level.3 e-bike for commuters is the latest model from a company with a history of producing solid e-bikes that offer the durability and comfort features required for daily commuting. Two years ago, when I reviewed the Aventon Soltera.2, I praised its power, light weight, and value as a city bike for commuters, although I wished it had hydraulic brakes, fenders, and a rear rack as standard equipment. The Level.3 has the brakes, fenders, and rack I asked for, but also goes far beyond the Soltera.2 with security and other smart features supported by the Aventon Control Unit (ACU) electronic technology that can keep the Level.3 and other ACU-equipped e-bikes current via over-the-air (OTA) updating. Recommended Videos Aventon Level.3 commuter e-bike: highest and best use The Level.3 ships as a Class 2 e-bike, with a maximum power-assisted top speed of 20 mph. Battery power is accessed via three levels of pedal power assistance or a thumb throttle located on the handlebar, adjacent to the hand grip. You can change the configuration to Class 3 via the Aventon app, which sets the top assisted speed at 28 mph with pedal assistance. The maximum speed remains 20 mph with throttle use only. You certainly aren't restricted to riding on pavement only with the Level.3, but it's not intended for heavy off-road terrain. The standard rear rack can carry up to 60 pounds and accepts a set of optional panniers, so light touring is a possibility. With a total cargo capacity of 300 pounds, including the rider, gear, and cargo, the Level.3 wouldn't be a great choice for long-distance touring or as a cargo bike. I tested the Level.3 Step Through e-bike during an Aventon pre-launch editorial event in Long Beach, California, in February 2025, and in late spring and early summer with a production model at home in Connecticut. Aventon also sells the Level.3 with a more traditional crossbar frame. Aventon claims that the Step Through version weighs 66 pounds, and the crossbar version weighs 68 pounds. According to my digital scale, the test e-bike weighed 67.8 pounds, which is approximately average for e-bikes overall. Commuter e-bikes and city e-bikes need to be sturdy and up to the challenge of frequent encounters with potholes and street curbing. The Level.3 boosts a gravity-cast 6061 aluminum frame, cited for its toughness and durability. Gravity-cast aluminum is particularly valued for its strength-to-weight ratio. The Level.3's highest and best use is as a commuter e-bike, preferably for someone who doesn't need to carry it up and down stairs every day. I'll delve into the bike's various comfort, convenience, performance, and security features below, but the Level.3 is purpose-built for commuting and is an excellent choice for that purpose. Aventon Level 3 commuter e-bike: power to go A 36V electric motor, rated at 500 watts sustained and 864 watts peak output, powers the Level.3. Torque is rated at 60 Newton-meters, but frankly, it felt like the bike had more pulling power when I rode up my long, steep driveway. When using pedal power assistance, a pedaling torque sensor adjusts the power delivery based on the force with which you pedal. Power is delivered in one of three riding modes: Eco, Sport, and Turbo. You can adjust the percentage of power assistance in each mode using Aventon's FineTune feature, although I found the power gradients to be sufficient and felt natural. And then this happened: Aventon added a Boost mode. Aventon began shipping the Level.3 in the spring. As I was finishing my testing for this review, however, the company issued a firmware update OTA for all Aventon models with an ACU unit and a hub drive motor. That update included Boost Mode. Boost Mode isn't a normal mode because you cannot select it and stay in it all the time, unlike Eco, Sport, and Turbo. Boost Mode allows you to use up to 120% of the motor's peak power and torque, but only for 30 seconds at a time. After 30 seconds, the motor reverts to the previous power mode. Boost is designed for a quick burst of extra power to clear an intersection, tackle a challenging incline, or other situations when you need a bit more power. When the time is up, however, you have to wait five minutes before you can reaccess Boost Mode. Aventon lists the Level.3's maximum range as 70 miles, which is much more than most e-bikes with single batteries, and 10 miles more than the previous model. To reach 70 miles per charge, you'll undoubtedly need to stay in Eco mode and restrict your speed somewhat, but few e-bike commuters will need more power for a daily round trip. The 36V battery, a 20-amp battery certified to UL 2271, supplies up to 733 Wh using its LG Lithium-ion cells. Aventon includes a more powerful-than-average 4 Amp charger, which can charge the battery from 0 to 100% in approximately five hours. Aventon Level.3 commuter e-bike: rider comfort and convenience Any bike that you'll ride on a daily basis has to be comfortable. Aventon addresses rider comfort with rider fit dimensional choices, handlebar and seat adjustments, and front wheel and seat suspension elements. The Level.3 traditional and step-through frames are each available in two sizes, regular and large. Aventon lists height and inseam ranges for both frame sizes. Frame Size Height Inseam Step Through Regular 4′ 11″ to 5′ 7″ 24″ to 29″ Step Through Large 5′ 7″ to 6′ 1″ 29″ to 33″ Traditional Regular 5′ 3″ to 5′ 10″ 26″ to 31″ Traditional Large 5′ 10″ to 6′ 4″ 31″ t0 35″ To accommodate rider size, the Level.3 seat and handlebar heights are adjustable. In addition, the handlebar angle adjusts from a range of forward or upright riding postures. I'm 5'7″ tall with a 29-inch inseam, and the large step through frame was a great fit. Because I've spent decades leaning over keyboards, my neck falls a bit forward, so Iwhen setting it up, I rolled back the handlebar to its most upright position for the most comfortable riding geometry. Road irregularities are a given, whether you're ridng in a city or the country. Aventon upgraded this lastest commuter e-bike with a suspension seat post with 50mm of travel to add to the adjustable front suspension fork which has 80mm travel. Aventon's seat is reasonably comfortable, but on my first rides the suspension fork's travel surprised me when it moved up and down with bumps in the road. I soon get used to it and became less concerned about road and sidewalk seams, joints, and cracks. The handlebar hardware organization and function is a less-obvious factor in rider comfort, but the simplicity of the Level,3's controls and its uncluttered appearance means there's less to keep track of and the contol you need is easy to find. The 2.75-inch diagonal measure, full-color LCD display is bright and easy to read. Aventon Level.3 commuter e-bike: security features E-bike security is a concern if you have to leave your ride unattended. I still recommend that you use at least two physical locks any time you park a bike in a public space, but the Aventon Control Unit (ACU) is packed with security features to protect your ride so it will be where you left it when your're ready to ride home. The ACI relies on 4G connectivity, with a one year subscription included with the bike purchase. Additional years cost just $20, but if you don't use the ACU features you don't need to resubscribe. The ACU's features include integrated GPS so you can track your bike if someone takes it or find it if you can't remember where you parked. There's also a motion sensor to detect unusual activity and geofencing, both can be configured to send an alert plus you can cut power assistance outside approved boundaries. There is a keyless battery fearture so you can remove the battery for charging or protection, even when you don't have the key. The integrated electronic rear wheel lock prevents the Level.3's long kickstand from being raised and locks the rear wheel. All of the ACU features are selectable with the Aventon app so you can use them selectively as needed. Aventon Level 3 commuter e-bike: riding impressions I wouldn't want to ride the Level.3 on a regular basis for exercise without power assistance, but avid bicyclists or fitness riders might think it's OK. I rode it with the power turned off on flat terrain and it was doable and even pleasant until I came to an incline, at which point the fun was over. I'm generally partial to fat tire all-terrain e-bikes and off-road bikes, but have come to appreciate well-sorted road bikes and city bikes. The demands differ between e-bike applications, and Aventon has clearly nailed the requirements for e-bike commuting. The Level.3 is a lightweight like the Soltera city bike models, but it's a sturdier bike designed for frequent, heavier use than the city bikes. I particularly enjoyed going into Boost Mode when it was available at the end of my testing the bursts of speed and power, but I also appreciated the Level.3's ability to weave around obstacles. The bike's 27.5-inch diameter 2.2-inch wide Kendra tires are by no means fat tires and don't soften the ride, but they added to the bike's agiity while still presenting a wider tread with more protection than a slim road bike tire. I do have two knocks against the Level.3, however. The lights are fine and I appreciate the Level.3's turn signals. The brake levers don't cut battery power when applied, however, and, even more significantly, there are no brake lights. The taillights are nice and bright, but Aventon missed a step. I also wish the Level.3 included at least one rear view mirror. The demo bikes at the pre-lanch press event had optional bar-end mirrors that worked very well, but they arent standard. Almost no brands include mirrors, but I think any bike, powered or not, that shares roads with motor vehicles needs at least one mirror. Aventon's Handlebar Grip Mirror is a $20 option. Aventon Level.3 commuter e-bike: our take You should absolutely choose Aventon's Level.3 if you're looking for a dependable e-bike for daily commuting. The rider accommodation and comfort features, standard smart security apps, and the overall quality of the Level.3 make it a bargain at its $1,899 list price. The Gazelle Eclipse e-bike is another highly evolved e-bike the standard wheel locking and its 100 mile range is greater than the Aventon Level.3's 70 miles, but the Gazelle sells for $6,000, which is more than three times the cost. The Lectric One commuter e-bike has advanced drive train components designed for durability and low maintenance. The One's $2,199 price isn't that much more than the Level.3, which makes it a tempting choice, but the lack of front or rear suspension can deliver a jarring ride.
WIRED
26-06-2025
- WIRED
Roku's Streaming Stick Plus Is the Best Streamer for Most
Roku has yet to disappoint me. Where other brands change form factors, interfaces, and product support with what can feel like alarming regularity even for insiders like me, Roku, with its rounded square interface, pleasantly rubbery remote controller, and joyously simple plug-and-play stick design, has held the course. When the new Roku Streaming Stick Plus arrived at my house, it felt like it was 2012 all over again. That Obama-era techno-optimism—remember when social media was on the right side of history?—is still evident. There are no huge annoying ads atop everything in the menus, there's no nagging to like or subscribe to some proprietary data funnel or other. Instead, you just get a decent processor, a USB cable for power, and a remote that now features four quick buttons for apps you might actually subscribe to—how SlingTV ever got a dedicated spot on a Roku remote I'll never know. Quality-wise, this 4K streaming device offers everything you could realistically need without buying a disc player and starting a 4K Blu-Ray collection. If you have $40 to spare and a sluggish TV, just buy one already. Sticking Out Photograph: Parker Hall There was once a time when stick-based players like this one, which is the size and shape of an old-school USB thumb drive, could cause weird mounting issues depending on whether or not a TV manufacturer had put its HDMI ports somewhere that made actual sense. These days, the stick easily plugs into every modern TV I've tested, with a decently long USB cable that plugs into the TV's external USB port (also now essentially always there) for power. It's a 'setup process' insofar as you are aware how to plug cables into cable-shaped sockets. The remote is what you'll interact with the most, and it is fantastic as usual, a nonslip pill shape with familiar buttons that feel like high-quality pencil erasers. It's all standard Roku fare at this point, until you realize that the apps listed for quick access on the bottom are actually good now: Disney+, Apple TV, Netflix, and Amazon. Now included in this tier of Roku device (previously it was only available on more expensive models) is the voice remote functionality, allowing you to use the microphone in the remote to search for your favorite shows and movies. It's a shockingly decent tool if you're not sure where to stream something specific, and one that comes in handy for me a few times a year when I have a hankering for a specific holiday movie or other. Logging On Courtesy of Roku It's really easy to get logged into any app you subscribe to, and also easy to rearrange the tiles on the home screen so you don't have to see stuff you don't use. Setup, including signing into Wi-Fi and installing a quick software update, took about 10 minutes.
WIRED
03-06-2025
- WIRED
20 Best Deals on Father's Day Gifts (2025)
Shopping for a Father's Day gift doesn't have to be difficult or expensive. We've rustled up real discounts on WIRED-approved gear. All of it is actually on sale—no fake discounts here—and set to arrive before Father's Day on June 15. In need of gift ideas? Check out our curated, hand-picked gift guides, including the Gifts for Dads, Gifts for Men, and Gifts for Golfers. WIRED Featured Deals: Tech Deals Photograph: Parker Hall The Ambient Weather WS-5000 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is an excellent gift for the dad who loves to talk about the weather. This station shows everything from daily rainfall to the current UV index, with the kind of intensive precision only a father could love. You can also pick up a ton of different accessories to measure things like humidity, detect leaks, check your fridge efficiency, and more. This deal comes around quite frequently, but it's a match of the best price we've seen on some of our favorite headphones. The Sony WH-1000XM5 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) have wonderful overall value, with frankly excellent noise cancellation and sound. They're no longer the newest addition to the lineup, but this pair is still fantastic—lightweight, comfortable, and sleek-looking with the user experience to match. The Nextbase 622GW is our very favorite dashcam. This deal gets you the base model that records the front-end view of your car, and it's been on sale for a couple of weeks. The camera is easy to mount and can record video in 4K at 30 frames per second, and it offers clear views of license plates and the vehicle's surroundings. It's got solid night vision and image stabilization. There's also a companion app with options for Alexa-based voice support, video review, and subscription-based SOS alerts in case of an accident. (Though Dad's smartphone probably has crash alerts, too, so consider those options before shelling out for another subscription.) Courtesy of Amazon The Sonos Roam 2 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is the best smart Bluetooth speaker. It's dust- and water-resistant, has 10 hours of listening time, and is about as big as a 16-ounce beer can. It has fantastic sound and USB-C charging, and it won't take up too much room when Dad is toting it to tailgates. Maybe your dad doesn't need a smart speaker like the Sonos mentioned above. In that case, check out the Beats Pill (8/10, WIRED Recommends). This feature-packed Bluetooth speaker is available in several discounted colors. It has fast pairing, a built-in speakerphone, and the ability to charge other devices. It also has Beats' Fast Fuel feature, meaning 10 minutes of charging gets Dad five hours of playback time (a full charge gets him 24 hours of battery life). And finally, for a super-portable Bluetooth speaker option, check out this discount. This speaker has a built-in carabiner, making it perfect for clipping to a camp chair, a belt loop, or a cooler handle. It sounds solid and has on-board controls, plus 12-hour battery life. It's also durable, with dust and water resistance, and it comes in several Dad-approved color schemes. Photograph: Ryan Waniata If Dad likes hitting the links, we recommend this golf watch, and this price is a goodie. It's comfortable to wear and easy to use, with foolproof buttons and seamless setup using the companion app for Android or iOS. It has GPS data for over 43,000 courses, and it can record your score as well as provide range tracking for how far you're hitting the ball or how far away hazards and doglegs are. The Nothing Ear (a) earbuds (8/10, WIRED Recommends) are the best earbuds for most people. They're super stylish, with a sleek clear charging case, and they also have great sound and decent noise cancellation. They're also comfortable to wear and have super intuitive controls. Combined with the affordable price tag, it's hard to find a better pair for the money—especially with this sale price. The Soundpeats Capsule3 Pro+ (10/10, WIRED Recommends) are some of our favorite AirPods Pro alternatives. They offer fantastic sound for the money, with clear highs and dynamic bass. It boggled the mind of our reviewers that these headphones were as affordable as they are, and with the sale price, this deal is a no-brainer if you're on the hunt for the best sound at the lowest price. This specific gadget isn't in our list of the best portable chargers, but we generally like Anker gear, and the price is too good not to mention. The 10,000-mAh capacity and 30-watt charging means it's capable of topping off most phones very quickly. It's also small at 5.4 inches, and there's a built-in USB-C cable so Dad doesn't need to worry about finding a cord. Home and Outdoor Deals Courtesy of Birdfy This is our favorite smart bird feeder. We've linked to the version with the solar panel included, but the version without the solar panel is also on sale for $120 ($80 off). Both have been on sale for a couple of weeks. We think the solar panel is worth it, since having to bring the feeder inside to recharge it just adds another chore to the list. The feeder is durable and easy to clean. The camera will send smartphone notifications when a bird is feeding, and it has AI recognition that (usually) correctly identifies the species. Note that the AI recognition does require a separate subscription; you can choose to pay for it ahead of time by purchasing that bundle and save some cash in the process. Another leftover from recent Memorial Day sales, the Aviron Victory Treadmill (8/10, WIRED Recommends) makes running fun. We haven't seen a better discount yet. The screen provides access to games and shows, and the deck is nice and low to the ground, so it's easy to step on and off. The membership that grants access to the fun content costs $29 a month or $288 per year, and there are also optional $299 loadable weights to add strength training. But if you're OK with the yearly costs, this is a good choice for making home workouts more enticing. Check our guide to the Best Treadmills for more. I'm in the process of reworking our guide to the best coolers, but this Pelican option is still a good one. It's durable and waterproof, and the tall, narrow design and small footprint make it ideal for road trips. It also features four cupholders and raised rubber feet so it can double as a small drink table while camping or at the beach. Photograph: Scott Gilbertson The Celestron 8x32 TrailSeeker (8/10, WIRED Recommends) are excellent binoculars for hiking and birding. They're lightweight and powerful enough for most people, and the glass is easy to see through, with very few chromatic aberrations coming through—even in bright conditions. The Dreo Chefmaker Combi Fryer is the best air fryer for roasts, steaks, and chops. The combination function allows this air fryer to reverse-sear cuts of meat—just add water to the atomizer atop the device before cooking. There's a built-in temperature probe that helps cook steaks and whatnot to your desired rarity before blasting them with heat to brown them. There's also a companion app with recipes that'll help you keep track of dinner progress. Our favorite budget body massager hasn't sold for less than this. It can target the back, neck, and shoulders, and even the lower back if you get creative. There are four kneading nodes, three intensity settings, and a heat therapy option. It can strap to a chair if you'd like, the remote control lets you easily adjust the settings, and there's a 15-minute automatic shutoff too. This is our favorite meat thermometer for kitchen use. It comes with four probes, which connect to the included base station via Bluetooth. Pair it with your phone and the companion app for at-a-glance temperature readings, and customize the experience further with notifications when dinner is reaching its ideal temperature. The system is safe to use for everything from sous vide to smoking, and the app has recipes and guided cooking as well. Deals on Everything Else Photograph: Julian Chokkattu Photograph: Julian Chokkattu These sweatpants are WIRED editor Julian Chokkattu's favorite of the many pairs he tested. He liked the Cloud Leg Straight even more. That pair is on sale, too, but the most popular sizes have sold out already. Both pairs are supremely soft, made with a cotton and recycled polyester fleece blend, which makes them perfect for lounging around. Despite being so comfy and cozy, they don't look too sloppy or oversized, so Dad could wear them out and about without feeling too underdressed. If Dad's water bottle is gross or dented, consider this replacement. It's the most durable water bottle we recommend, and it's available in a lot of neat colors. The slim design fits easily into a cupholder in the car or at the gym. It'll keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours, it's leakproof, and it's dishwasher-safe. It's reliable and gets the job done—just like he does. The best protein powder fluctuates in price often, but many different flavors and serving sizes are on sale right now. It offers 24 grams of protein per serving, it's easy to dissolve, and it has fewer additives than some other brands on the market. It's also available in a mind-boggling array of flavors. There's a chance you already know what Dad likes, but if not, the vanilla ice cream flavor linked above is a safe bet.
