Latest news with #Aventon
Digital Trends
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Digital Trends
Aventon Abound LR e-bike review: greater capacity, comfort, and security
Aventon Abound LR MSRP $1,999.00 Score Details 'The versatile Abound LR includes a reassuring array of electronic security features.' Pros Generous cargo capacity Adaptable for many uses Suspension seatpost softens the ride Cargo accessories standard Comprehensive security features Competitive price for benefits Cons Mirrors not standard Pedaling without power is hard Heavy weight is awkward to move around The Aventon Abound LR rounds out the brand's purpose-focused e-bike lineup with a stretch version of the Abound SR cargo and utility bike. Capacity, comfort, and security matter for all e-bikes, but particularly for cargo bikes that regularly transport children, groceries, equipment, and gear. The Abound LR wins on all fronts and is available at a price that allows you to stock up on a selection of accessories for carrying kids, touring, hauling groceries, or even delivering pizza. Recommended Videos Aventon Abound LR e-bike: highest and best use At 88 pounds without added accessories such as child seats or cargo baskets, the Abound LR outweighs the Abound SR by 8 pounds. The LR is also 7 inches longer than the SR model. Right from the start, it's clear that the Abound LR isn't designed for agility or off-road riding. Some might consider using the Abound LR primarily for one-up riding with extra carrying capacity in reserve, the way many of us buy SUVs. That logic falls short if you also want to ride the bike for exercise, where the weight and size are more noticeable. Pedaling the Abound LR without battery power assistance is too hard. You can think of the LR as a long-wheelbase utility bike, a category where versatility and durability are primary factors. Perhaps the simplest way to consider the difference between the Abound SR and LR is to think of the SR as one-child transportation and the LR as the better choice for carrying two kids. The same factors that argue against the Abound LR for casual use make it an excellent choice as a versatile hauler. The overall cargo capacity is 440 pounds, with a maximum of 123 pounds that can be placed on top of or hung from the long rear rack. Aventon Abound LR e-bike: the numbers The Abound LR shares most components and capacities with SR; the only significant differences are length and weight. Power from a 36-volt, 20-amp-hour Lithium-ion battery supplies a rear hub drive motor that generates 750 watts continuously and 1,188 watts peak power. The maximum torque rating is 80 Newton-meters, which corresponds to a pulling power that's especially helpful when you're getting started with a heavy load and encountering steep inclines in your travels. The Abound LR is configured as a Class 2 e-bike with a top speed of 20 mph, whether accessed through the thumb throttle or with pedal-assisted support. There are three riding modes, Eco, Sport, and Turbo, with correspondingly increased power, torque availability, and speed. You select the ride mode using a small control pad on the left side of the Abound's handlebars. Aventon's FineTune software, available on the Aventon app, lets you configure power delivery for each mode to suit your preferences. Aventon recently utilized the LR's over-the-air update feature (OTA) to introduce a new mode that provides temporary additional power. Boost mode can only be used for a maximum of 30 seconds, after which you must wait five minutes to reaccess Boost. While in Boost, the Abound's motor provides up to 120% of the normally available torque. Using Boost continuously would significantly cut the bike's maximum range and likely cause the motor to run too hot for too long, affecting durability. You can use the Aventon app to reconfigure the Abound LR as a Class 3 e-bike for a higher top speed. With throttle use, the Class 3 top speed remains limited to 20 mph, but the pedaling assistance maximum increases to 25 mph. Normally, Class 3 e-bikes have a maximum speed of 28 mph with pedal assistance, but limiting the top speed to 25 mph is a good idea for a cargo bike, as it likely also conserves battery range. Aventon rates the Abound LR's range per charge up to 60 miles. Many factors affect battery range, including overall cargo weight, travel speed, acceleration patterns, elevation, temperature, and others. It's safe to assume that you'll only get close to the range maximum if you ride primarily in Eco mode and use pedaling assistance power for long inclines or to get started from intersections. Aventon stands out among its competitors by including a 4-amp charger with the Abound LR, which will charge a 20 amp-hour battery from 0 to 100% in about 5 hours, twice as fast as the 2-amp chargers standard with most cargo e-bikes. Aventon Abound LR e-bike: comfort and convenience Heavier e-bikes often feel more stable than lightweight models, and that's the case with the Abound LR. However, Aventon also includes an adjustable front fork suspension and a suspension seat post that's adjustable. The bike lacks a rear suspension, but the seat's suspension, with 50mm of travel and rebound, helps soften the ride when you hit a bump, a stone, or a crack in the road surface. Handlebar and seat adjustments also contribute to the Abound LR's comfort, as well as rider sizing. Aventon offers just one frame size for the Abound LR, but rates it for riders from 4 feet 11 inches to 6 feet 3 inches. You can adjust the height of the handlebar stem and the angle to suit your preferred riding geometry. I like to ride with the handlebars at an angle, maintaining an upright posture rather than leaning forward and bending over. I'll sacrifice the minimal aerodynamics loss for great back and neck comfort every time and appreciate the ability to set up the Abound LR to my liking. The Abound LR's standard rear rack, footboards, and wheel guards provide a valuable base setup for additional accessories. Most e-bike rear racks range from 15 to 17 inches in length, but the Abound LR's 27.5-inch length can accommodate two child seats or one child and additional cargo. You'll need to add a seat pad or child seat adapters to carry passengers, but having the wheelguards already installed to protect feet, shoe laces, and clothing from getting caught in the spokes is a great idea. Another convenience, which is a must for cargo bikes, is the installed center stand. A typical kick stand isn't much help when you're loading children or cargo on the back of a bike. Keeping the bike level makes loading easier and safer. Aventon Abound LR e-bike: safety and security Because cargo bikes typically cost more than regular e-bikes, and because there are times when you might need to leave a loaded bike unattended for a short period, security is a particular concern. Fortunately, the Abound LR is one of Aventon's ACU-equipped e-bikes. ACU stands for Aventon Control Unit. The ACU employs GPS and 4G connectivity, included free for the first year and renewable by subscription for $20 per year. The 4G service isn't necessary to ride the bike, but the connectivity adds functions that can give you peace of mind, including unusual activity detection, GPS tracking, and geofencing. Unusual activity detection can be configured to sound an alarm and send a notification if the bike is moved. With GPS tracking, you can contact law enforcement for assistance in locating and retrieving your bike. Geofencing enables you to define areas where a bike can be ridden, including both permitted and restricted zones. If someone borrows or steals your bike, for example, and rides away from an allowed area, the ACU can cut power assistance. Standard Aventon Abound LR security features also include a startup password, keyless battery access, and an integrated bike lock that secures the rear wheel. Aventon Abound LR e-bike: riding impressions I rode the Aventon Abound LR in traffic on city streets in Long Beach, California, at a pre-launch press event in February, and in suburban Connecticut on town streets and park pathways. In that type of riding, torque for quick starts from intersections and for tackling inclines is more important than a high top speed. I used the Aventon app to configure the bike as a Class 3 e-bike, but found that the only time I ever hit the 25 mph top speed was when I tested to see if it was possible. Otherwise, most of the time was ridden between 15 and 20 mph. There is a noticeable difference between Eco, Sport, and Turbo modes. I generally kept the bike in Turbo mode because I wasn't concerned about range. Aventon utilizes a torque sensor for pedal power assistance, which responds to the force applied by your pedaling. I never experienced a sudden power surge, which can occur with some cadence sensors that apply full power whenever the pedals are turning. Boost mode certainly adds the sensation of extra power, but again, it was modulated by pedaling force. The Aventon features an unobtrusive, compact display and button control module located on the left side of the handlebars. Operating the controls is pretty intuitive, and using the Aventon app makes it even simpler. The headlight is mounted low on the front fender, which is OK for visibility, but if I were going to travel extensively at night, I'd want a larger light. The horizontal taillight is noticeable, and it brightens significantly when the brakes are applied. I was particularly pleased to find that Aventon's turn signals automatically turn off after 15 seconds. Like almost all e-bike brands, Aventon does not include mirrors as standard equipment. I wish they did and wonder why any e-bike company that sells bikes that share the road with cars doesn't equip their bikes with at least one mirror. Aventon sells an accessory handlebar grip mirror for $20. Aventon Abound LR e-bike: options and accessories Aventon offers a diverse range of baskets, racks, bags, seats, and other accessories for the Abound LR. Because cargo bike buyers typically shop with specific uses in mind, it's a good idea to be sure you can also buy the accessories that you need. Aventon's broad selection should meet the needs of most cargo bike users. Aventon Abound LR e-bike: our take I keep coming back to the concept of 'the complete package' when I think of the Aventon Abound LR. It's easy to recommend such an evolved vehicle, especially now with its OTA update and upgrade functionality. The Abound LR's rider comfort and convenience, standard cargo-bike accessories, and the security elements of its ACU all justify the $1,999 price. Other cargo bikes to consider include the $1,725 Lectric Expedition 2.0, $2,399 Rad Power Bikes Radwagon 5, $3,895 Pedego Cargo. The Expedition 2.0 can utilize a second battery to double its range, and the price is slightly lower. The RadWagon 5 has a higher starting price and has less cargo capacity. The Pedego Cargo is a gorgeous cargo bike, but it costs twice as much as the Abound LR and weighs significantly more at 114 pounds. None of those cargo bikes has the Abound LR's range of security features. The last alternative cargo bike to consider is the Abound SR, which is essentially the same bike, but shorter and slightly lighter. Choosing between those two would depend only on the size of the cargo you'll haul or whether you are carrying one child or two.
Digital Trends
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Digital Trends
Aventure 3 is the best-selling fat tire ebike yet — here's why that matters
If you thought Aventon's top-selling fat tire ebike had already hit its peak, think again. The new Aventure 3 takes everything riders loved about its predecessor and layers in smarter tech, stronger components, and a ride experience that feels genuinely elevated. It still comes equipped with those beastly 26 x 4-inch fat tires and a 750W motor that eats up dirt trails, sand, snow, and pothole-pocked city streets with equal ease. But now, the Aventure 3 isn't just built for anywhere, it's built for anything. New tech, real benefits Aventon's Aventure 3 now includes the brand's latest innovation: the Aventon Control Unit (ACU). This powerful onboard system unlocks features like 4G connectivity, GPS tracking, and motion detection alerts. Translation: Your bike is now more secure, more customizable, and always connected. The theft deterrence suite alone is a major upgrade. The Aventure 3 includes an integrated rear wheel lock, keyless battery removal, and the ability to lock and unlock the bike remotely via the Aventon app. If someone tampers with your ride, you'll get a real-time alert. Combine that with geofencing, which lets you create no-go zones for your bike, and you've got the kind of security most ebikes only wish they had. Personalized performance Every rider is different so why should every ride feel the same? The Aventure 3's ACU also introduces Ride Tune, a feature that lets you tweak the bike's performance profile. Want more power off the line? Prefer to stretch your battery for longer weekend adventures? With Ride Tune, you control how the Aventure 3 responds. And yes, that range is impressive: the Aventure 3 delivers up to 65 miles on a single charge, depending on your settings and terrain. That's not just enough for commuting, it's enough for going completely off-grid and still making it home before dark. Built to handle it all Smart tech aside, the Aventure 3 doesn't lose focus on the fundamentals. It includes Tektro hydraulic disc brakes for powerful, consistent stopping in all conditions. It ships with a rear rack and full fenders, so you're ready to haul gear or groceries in any weather. And the wide tires aren't just about grip — they help absorb shock for a smoother, more forgiving ride on rough surfaces. Whether you're navigating snowy backroads, rocky trails, or uneven pavement, the Aventure 3 delivers a ride that's both rugged and refined. An upgrade that actually means something Too many product updates focus on flashy features that sound good in a press release but add little to the experience. Not here. The Aventure 3 is a thoughtful evolution: a smarter, tougher, and more responsive version of Aventon's best-selling fat tire ebike. This isn't just an upgrade. It's a redefinition of what a fat tire ebike can be. With the ACU now standard, the Aventure 3 is ahead of the curve. And that makes all the difference, whether you're ripping through a mountain trail or just locking up outside your favorite coffee shop.
Digital Trends
5 days ago
- Automotive
- 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
20-06-2025
- Automotive
- WIRED
How to Convert an Analog Bike to an Electric Bike
Michael Venutolo-Mantovani You can save yourself thousands of dollars on an electric bike by upgrading your current ride. Let us walk (or cycle!) you through it. Courtesy of Science Photo Library via Getty Images All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. Say you want to get a bicycle up and down hills with a minimal amount of pedal power. What do you do? The first option is simple: buy an electric bike. However, ebikes aren't cheap. These days, the least expensive but still reliable ebike you can buy is Aventon Soltera 2.5, which costs around $1,200. You can rent an ebike, or find a city bike program that uses them, or, if you're really lucky, find an ebike in a lending library. Or you can just make your regular bike into an electric bike. That is, you can slap an aftermarket unit on your traditional bike, creating a motor-assisted ebike with little more than your bicycle and any of a variety of aftermarket power sources. What used to be a very niche field with only a small handful of offerings has become a cottage industry full of contenders and pretenders, and any number of startups offering a readymade conversion for your bike. So how do you turn your traditional bike into an ebike? And what are some of the best offerings out there? We'll walk you through it. If you don't see anything you like, make sure you check out our guides to the Best Electric Bikes or the Best Electric Scooters. Hot to Throt Well, first, you need to decide what kind of conversion you want. There are two basic kinds of ebikes, pedal-assist and throttle, with many newer models boasting some combination of both. Pedal assist is a mechanism that provides an added boost of electric power when you're pedaling. Via the use of cadence and/or torque sensors (how fast your pedals are rotating and the power that's being applied to them, respectively), pedal-assist units kick on at a certain point, making pedaling easier. Sometimes pedal assist can be so minimal, it's difficult to tell just how much work you're doing versus how much of the load your bike is handling. Throttle units act more like a motorcycle or moped, allowing the rider to either twist a tube mounted near the handgrip or use a thumb-based knob to deliver immediate power to the wheels. Throttle-based ebikes can be ridden without pedaling. When it comes to ebike conversions, where your power comes from and how it's delivered can look several different ways. Some mechanisms deliver power to either your bicycle's rear or front hub. Others are situated in the bottom bracket (that is, where the cranks meet the bike frame). And some newer conversion kits act something like a treadmill mounted to your bike, using rollers to help propel your wheel forward. Roll the Clip Photograph: Stephanie Pearson Having said all that, it's important to consider your level of bicycle know-how when it comes to what kind of ebike conversion you want to undertake. If you're a wrencher, the conversion process is generally straightforward, regardless of the type of unit. If you can change a tire or swap out your cassette, you'll probably be fine with a bit of trial and error and the help of YouTube tutorials. If you're asking yourself, 'What's a cassette?' it's probably best to visit your local bike shop and have a pro handle the work. Those 'treadmill' style conversion kits—such as the Rubbee X, Livall PikaBoost 2 rear-wheel units, or the Clip front-wheel unit—are typically the easiest to install, as you simply need to fix the machine to either your bike's seatpost frame or its fork, make sure its rollers are contacting your tire, and off you go. However, that 'contacting your tire' bit is a bit of a rub (pun intended), as the added contact with your rubber might lead to some extra wear. As disc brakes are becoming ever more the norm (as opposed to a traditional rim brake), Skarper offers a conversion unit that is equally as simple to install to your bike's disc-brake mounts and can be done by almost anyone who knows how to use an Allen wrench. The cool thing about each of these aforementioned units is the ease with which they can be attached and removed, meaning your ebike conversion isn't permanent. With them, you can use your road bike as a commuter during the week, yet keep on with your weekend group rides on the weekend. Hub It Out If you're looking for something more permanent (and way more powerful), units such as the Bafang M-Series replace your traditional bottom bracket with a motor that can deliver up to 1,000 watts of added power to the crank arms of your bike. However, as replacing a bottom bracket is one of the more involved things you can do on a bike, this isn't something you'll want to swap in and out. Somewhere in between the clip-on ease of units like the PikaBoost and the more permanent solution the M-Series offers, are the aforementioned hub-based power units, which tuck motors into the hubs of your wheels. Many of these units also offer battery packs that are meant to be attached to your bike's existing bottle cage mounts. Among the many options for hub-based power units, it's hard to beat the Zehus, which requires nothing more than replacing your existing rear wheel with a Zehus-outfitted wheel. Similarly, Cytronex, one of the earliest and longest-standing ebike brands around, offers a hub-based conversion kit that, while a bit more involved, should take no more than a few minutes of setup. With the explosion in popularity in ebikes, this list is barely scratching the surface. For each of the units mentioned here, there are a dozen or more aftermarket competitors offering similar products. Do your research, talk to the experts at your local bike shop, and decide which unit is right for you and your needs. Once you do that, keep the rubber side down! Power up with unlimited access to WIRED . Get best-in-class reporting that's too important to ignore for just $2.50 $1 per month for 1 year. Includes unlimited digital access and exclusive subscriber-only content. Subscribe Today .
Digital Trends
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- Digital Trends
I tried an e-bike for the first time and now I'm hooked
Before this year, I'd never even touched an e-bike before, and the thought of riding one was never on my radar. With life already in constant motion thanks to two toddlers, biking wasn't something I ever considered adding to the mix. I'd always assumed e-bikes were for hardcore commuters or serious cyclists, not someone like me. I wasn't looking for a big lifestyle change. I just wanted a quicker way to get to the park so we'd have more time to play before dinner. Recommended Videos Ideally, I'd avoid pushing a double stroller and maybe even enjoy the ride myself. I didn't really know what to expect that first time, but the second I started pedaling, it just felt easy. Not dramatic or overwhelming, just smoother than I thought it would be. I had never even considered hauling my kids in a bike trailer before. The thought alone sounded exhausting. But with the Aventon Pace 4, I actually did it, and it felt surprisingly manageable. What used to seem like a huge effort suddenly became a quick and efficient way for us to get to different parks around our neighborhood. Instead of packing everyone into the car or convincing them to get into the stroller, we were cruising to the swings in no time, and having fun getting there too. Understanding the ride modes The Aventon Pace 4 offers three pedal assist levels — Eco, Sport, and Turbo — plus a throttle. With pedal assist, you still have to pedal, but the motor gives you a helpful boost based on the mode you're in. It makes everything feel easier and smoother, especially when you're hauling kids. The throttle is a separate feature that lets you press a small lever on the handlebar to make the bike go without pedaling at all. I found it super helpful for starting from a stop or giving my legs a break on longer rides, especially when pulling the trailer. I typically stay in Eco mode because it gives just enough help to make rides smooth without using up too much battery. It's perfect for casual cruising or when I'm towing the kids and we're not in a rush. Sport mode kicked things up a notch and became my go-to when I needed to move fast — like during a toddler meltdown when I just wanted to race home. Turbo was the real powerhouse. I used it on big hills or when the trailer felt extra heavy, and it made those moments feel a lot more manageable. I did notice that Sport and Turbo drain the battery more quickly, especially if I relied on the throttle. But having that power when I needed it made the bike feel like a tool I could trust to adapt to my day. Terrain limitations One limitation I did run into was terrain. The Pace 4 does great on pavement, bike paths, and even slightly bumpy or uneven roads. It handled dry grass fine too. But on gravel? Not a chance. I attempted a short trail detour and had to hop off and walk the bike back. It simply isn't built for loose gravel or off-road use, and the tires do not grip well in that setting. That wasn't a dealbreaker for me — most of our rides are on city or suburban streets — but it's something to be aware of if you're thinking of taking it anywhere rugged. Setup and accessories Putting the bike together was pretty straightforward. I'm not super handy, and with a little help from my husband and a YouTube video, I had it ready to go. We also added a few accessories to make it more family-friendly, like a rear rack and front and rear fenders. Most of the add-ons were simple enough to install, but the rear fenders were a serious challenge. There was one bolt on the underside of the bike that was especially difficult to remove, and it was almost stripped when we tried to take it off. Thankfully, the kit included a replacement, and once we swapped it out, we were able to finish the install. Still, that part took more time and effort than expected. Once everything was in place, though, the fenders really helped keep the trailer and kids cleaner on muddy rides. I have the bike in the color Mica, which looks sleek in person, but I do wish there were more color options to choose from. A few brighter or fun family-friendly shades would be nice, especially for a bike that gets so much everyday use. Comfort on the go I've done plenty of indoor rides — I used to take spin classes regularly and now have a Peloton at home, so I'm used to being on a bike. But I wasn't sure how an outdoor cruiser-style e-bike would feel in comparison. The Pace 4 surprised me with how smooth and comfortable it was for casual rides. The upright posture was easy on my back and shoulders, and the wide saddle felt comfortable throughout, even on longer trips with the trailer. It handled uneven pavement and neighborhood speed bumps with no issues. It's not meant for hardcore trails or rugged paths, but for daily rides and weekend adventures, the comfort totally holds up. Everyday use and app experience On the bike itself, the display shows your speed and battery level clearly, and switching between assist modes is just a tap of a button. I didn't need to study a manual or fiddle with settings — everything was intuitive enough that I felt confident riding it right away. I also used the Aventon app, which pairs with the bike via Bluetooth. I liked being able to adjust assist levels and track rides from my phone. The speed boost feature, which unlocks a slightly faster top speed, was fun, but I did find it odd that it's only accessible through the app and not directly from the bike itself. The security features, like the motion alert and rear wheel lock, are nice extras, though I still recommend using a physical lock too. The app works well once you get used to it, but the interface could be simpler for people who just want quick access to the essentials. Value and practical use The Pace 4 is definitely priced higher than a traditional bike – starting at $1,799, but after using it regularly, I can see how the features and ride quality justify it. I would recommend adding the fender kit and rack, which come in at $69.99 and $65.99 respectively, as these really added to the experience – but does mean the costs tops $1800. For someone who's just looking for a way to make everyday outings more fun and a little faster, it absolutely holds value. It's not something I'd use for every errand or to replace the car, but for getting the kids from one place to another quickly — and making it fun — it fits perfectly into our routine. It's a break from the stroller grind, and honestly, the kids love the speed of the trailer just as much as I do. Final thoughts I wasn't looking to overhaul my lifestyle or swap my SUV for a bike. I just wanted something that made getting outside with my kids easier and more fun. The Aventon Pace 4 gave us that. It's quick, smooth and park runs and neighborhood rides feel like little mini adventures. This bike surprised me in all the right ways. It's not about being a 'bike person.' It's about finding small upgrades to everyday life, and this one genuinely delivered. If you're considering an e-bike, make sure you read our e-bike buying guide before you purchase one.
