Aventon Level 4 REC

The Aventon Level 4 REC is a hub-drive e-bike and the cheaper of Aventon’s two new commuter models, at just under $2,000.

We recently tested the mid-drive version, the Level 4 ADV, which costs an extra $800, so I was excited to see how they would compare.

In this review, we’ll put the Aventon Level 4 REC to the test to find out how it performs so you can decide which is the smarter buy.

Unboxing

The Level 4 REC arrived almost ready to ride. All I had to do was attach the bars, install the pedals, and charge the battery.

Aventon provides everything needed to make setup as easy as possible, including an instruction manual and the required tools.

Bike Specifications

Aventon offers the Level 4 REC with the choice of a step-over or step-through frame, each in two sizes. Our size Large test bike should fit riders from 5’10” to 6’4″.

The bike’s payload capacity is 330lb, and Aventon lists the weight at 68.5lb, and on my scale, it came in just over that at 69.3lb.

Up front, there’s a basic 80mm coil suspension fork with preload adjustment and lockout, and in the rear there’s a 50mm suspension seatpost.

The motor is the main difference between this build and the Level 4 ADV. The REC has a 750W rear hub with 80Nm of torque.

Pedal assist is managed by either a cadence or torque sensor, which can be toggled in the app. Unlike the ADV, the REC comes with a throttle as stock. This bike also has a Boost Mode that provides 96Nm of torque and up to 1,440W for 30-second bursts.

Juice comes from a 36V 20Ah (733Wh) battery with LG cells. The battery can be removed without a key via the app or the advanced menu.

A 4A charger returns a full charge in around five hours. The bright, easy-to-read, centrally mounted display rounds out the electronics.

The other key difference to the ADV model is the lower-end Shimano Altus 8-speed drivetrain instead of 10-speed CUES. This setup includes a 12-32t cassette, a 48t chainring, and a trigger shifter. The brakes are Tektro hydraulic discs with 180mm rotors.

Accessories are an important part of any e-commuter, and Aventon equips this bike with full-coverage fenders, a rear rack, and integrated lights with turn signals. The rear light also acts as a brake light, a feature that the mid-drive ADV lacks.

Like all of Aventon’s recent releases, the Level 4 REC has a suite of smart features that include 4G and GPS tracking, geofencing, a display-activated rear-wheel lock, unusual activity detection, and a remote phone lock. These extras are free for the first year, and $20 per year after that.

As always with Aventon, the battery and electronics are UL certified, and the water-resistance ratings are more than sufficient.

Riding the Bike

When rolling the bike around before starting to ride, I really noticed the weight; 70lb is heavy for a commuter e-bike.

As soon as I started riding, the weight was less apparent, and I immediately found the upright geometry to be comfortable. Under power, the Level 4 is notably fast. Using max assistance (Turbo mode), the bike accelerated from 0 to 20mph in just 6 seconds by pedaling, and 7 seconds with the throttle.

In Boost mode, it knocked a second off both times, putting it among the quickest of our comparison e-bikes: Level 4 ADV, the Level 3, the Velotric Discover 2, and the Velotric Summit 1.

The Level 4 REC can be programmed to reach Class 3 speeds of 28mph using pedal assist, and the 750W motor quickly accelerates close to that top speed, cruising comfortably in the high 20s.

Climbing is where the Level 4 REC really shines. On our steep hill test, it posted the fastest time of the comparison group, and it delivered strong results on the gradual hill, too.

The only trade-off is noise. Under heavy load on steep gradients, the rear hub is loud, with an annoying whine and vibration. In comparison, the ADV’s mid-drive motor is quiet when it’s working hard.

The Level 4 REC is the first bike I’ve tested with regenerative braking, and it actually comes in two forms. There’s regen braking, which recovers energy by pulling the brake levers, and regen coasting, which recovers energy while rolling. These features can be activated together or individually through the app.

Aventon claims these can add around 10 miles of range, and while I wasn’t able to confirm that during my short testing window, I think it’s possible that regen braking contributed to the strong range test result.

Using max pedal assist, the Level 4 REC lasted 44.2 miles, putting it second in the comparison group behind the mid-drive ADV.

Similar to my experience with other Aventon bikes, both the display and app are excellent, easy to read in direct sunlight, and quick to pair. In the app, Ride Tune gives owners full control over each assist level, speed limit, and the torque or cadence sensors.

Braking was the only disappointing test result. From 20mph, the REC took 22 feet to stop, the longest stopping distance of the five comparison bikes. These brakes are fine for everyday riding, but it may be worth swapping to a larger front rotor when the stock one wears out.

Conclusion

So, is the cheaper Level 4 REC the smarter buy, or is it worth splashing the extra $800 for the ADV?

From my short test period, the REC made a strong case for its value. It accelerates and climbs faster than most e-commuters, and it delivers excellent range. Unlike the ADV, it has a brake light, regenerative braking, and a handy Boost mode.

What you give up for those $800 is the unmatched smoothness of the mid-drive assistance, the automatic shifting and pedal assist, a higher-end 10-speed CUES electronic drivetrain, and more stopping power. The ADV’s motor is also quieter under load.

For riders who want a powerful, well-equipped commuter and don’t value the more premium ride feel of a mid-drive, the Level 4 REC is more than sufficient. To see what that extra $800 buys, check out our review.

Score Breakdown

• Build quality: 90
• Performance/Innovation: 90
• Design: 95
• Ride quality: 90
• Price/Value: 90

Overall: 91

Detailed Specs

Electric Bike Class: 2, 3
Warranty: 2 year limited, lifetime frame
UL Certification: UL 2849, UL 2271
IP Rating: Bike: IPX5 | Components: IPX6
Total Weight: Claimed: 68.5lb – Actual: 69.3lb
Payload Capacity: 330lb
Motor Brand: Aventon
Motor Type: Rear hub
Motor Nominal Output: 750W
Motor Peak Output: 1,440W
Max Torque: 80Nm (96Nm Boost Mode)
Speed: 28mph
Throttle: Yes
Pedal Assist: 3 levels
Sensor: Cadence and torque
Battery: 36V 20Ah (733Wh)
Charger: 42V – 4A
Charge Time: 5 hours
Range Claimed: 75 miles
Range Tested (PAS 3/3): 44.2 mi – 1,473 ft. – 17.7mph
Display: Aventon A280
Frame: 6061 Aluminum
Fork: 80mm travel coil spring, preload adjustment and lockout
Brake Levers: Tektro HD
Brake Calipers: Tektro HD – E3520
Brake Rotors: 180mm
Chainring: 48t
Derailleur: Shimano Altus 8-speed
Shifter: Shimano Altus
Cassette: 12-32t 8-speed
Rims: 27.5” Double-wall aluminum
Tires: 2.2” Kenda Kwick Seven-5 Sport
Fenders: Full coverage
Lights: Front and rear, turn signals, brake indicator
Grips: Aventon lock-on
Saddle: Aventon saddle
Pedals: Platform
Handlebar: Aluminum 31.8mm, 680mm
Kickstand: Yes

Geometry Details

Frame Size Large Step-over
Recommended Rider Height: 5’10” – 6’4”
Seat Tube: 19.68” (500mm)
Reach: 17.71” (450mm)
Stack: 24.33” (618mm)
Stand Over Height: 27.36” (695mm)
Virtual Top Tube Length: 25” (635mm)
Seat height minimum 37” (940mm)
Seat height max 41.75” (1060mm)
Wheelbase: 46.48” (1180.7mm)

… the Level 4 REC is an impressive, high-tech, and value-forward commuter that is ready for the rigors of daily use.

Is the Aventon Level 4 REC worth buying? Yeah, it is. If you are looking for a strong, tech-forward commuter with serious security built in, it is hard to find much competition at [this] price point.

… a great choice for commuting, running errands, or riding around town.