The Level 4 ADV is available as a step-through (two sizes) or step-over (three sizes).
Experts praise the mid-drive motor’s natural-feeling power delivery.
In a range test using Auto assist mode, a 200lb reviewer covers 58 miles and 1,581 feet of elevation at 14.8mph.
Reviewers find the ride comfortable over bumpy pavement and light off-road terrain.
The uphill start-assist feature provides a boost when starting from a standstill on an incline.
This bike comes with a 59lb-rated rear rack, fenders, a headlight, taillights with turn signals, and a USB-C charging port.
The 90-degree adjustable stem allows quick modifications to fit.
Users can tune motor output for each PAS level, adjust auto-shift sensitivity, and set top speed in mile-per-hour increments via Aventon's app.
Testers appreciate the Level 4’s agile handling.
The 4A charger delivers short charging times.
The bike’s IPX6 water-resistance rating is above average.
Aventon offers additional security features, including GPS tracking, geofencing, a motion alarm, a rear-wheel lock, and keyless battery access.
Aventon’s dealer network of around 1,800 shops in the US improves access to servicing and support.

7 reasons not to buy

Experts bemoan the delayed gear changes in auto-shift mode on climbs and descents.
One expert complains that the suspension fork is stiff and slow to respond.
The Level 4 ADV doesn't come with a throttle, though it is throttle-compatible.
The rear lights don't have brake activation.
The Level 4 ADV doesn't have a bell or horn.
There's no backup key for the keyless battery lock.
Two testers are disappointed by the cheap plastic pedals at this price point.

Bottom line

The Aventon Level 4 ADV is a mid-drive version of the brand's e-commuter. The auto-shifting and auto PAS sound great, but in practice, the shifting is too slow when the gradient changes. The smooth power delivery, impressive range, agile handling, and comfortable ride quality impress reviewers who also appreciate the above-average customizability and security features. The Level 4 ADV lacks a throttle and costs more than the hub-driven REC, but testers agree this mid-drive commuter is reasonably priced and worth consideration.

Expert Reviews

92/100 based on 4 rated expert reviews

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BikeRide – Scott C.C

Level 5 expert

Is the New Mid-Drive Worth the Upgrade? Aventon Level 4 ADV Review

Level 5 expert

Aventon just launched two new versions of its commuter e-bike. I’ve already tested the Level 2 and Level 3, so I’m excited to see how the latest versions compare.

In this review, we’re testing the Level 4 ADV, the higher-end of the two. It has a mid-drive motor and an electronic drivetrain, and it’s priced at just $2,799.

We’ve also received the Level 4 REC for testing, which is the more affordable hub-drive version priced at $1,999. In an upcoming review, we’ll put it through our standardized tests and compare it to the Level 4 ADV.

Unboxing

The Level 4 ADV arrived at my door almost ready to ride. Aventon provides everything needed to make setup as easy as possible, including an instruction manual and the required tools. All I had to do was attach the bars, install the pedals, and charge the battery.

Bike Specifications

Aventon offers the Level 4 with a step-over or step-through frame. The step-over comes in three sizes: Medium, Large, and XL. The step-through comes in Regular or Large sizes. I tested the Large step-over, and at 6′ tall, it fit me well.

Aventon lists the weight at 61lb, but I weighed it at 65lb. Up front, there’s a 100mm coil suspension fork with preload adjustment and lockout. The 50mm suspension seatpost in the rear helps take the edge off rough pavement.

This is Aventon’s first mid-drive commuter, and it uses the Aventon-branded Ultro S 250W motor with a peak output of 750W and 100Nm of torque.

A dual-sided torque sensor manages pedal assist, and power comes from a large 800Wh battery integrated into the down tube. On the step-over frame, the battery is removed through the bottom. The electronics are rounded out by a bright and easy-to-read display mounted in the middle of the bars.

The drivetrain is where things get interesting. It’s a Shimano CUES 10-speed, but it has a wireless shifter and automatic shifting. The brakes are Tektro hydraulic discs with 180mm rotors.

Accessories are an important part of any e-commuter, and Aventon provides full-coverage fenders, a rear rack rated to carry 59lb, and integrated lights with turn signals.

This bike also has Aventon’s ACU smart features, which include GPS tracking, geofencing, a display-activated rear wheel lock, 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

The first thing I noticed when I started riding the Level 4 ADV was how responsive and natural the power delivery feels. The power output feels perfectly matched to input. With the wide gearing range of the 10-speed CUES drivetrain, I was able to maintain a consistent cadence, which helped me get the most out of the mid-drive motor. The bike also provided plenty of power on climbs without ever feeling overly aggressive.

When I received the Level 4, I was skeptical about the automatic shifting and auto pedal assist modes, but in the end, they both worked well. The two settings are designed to be used together, and that’s how I rode during the entire range test.

Auto pedal assist monitors pedal input and selects the appropriate pedal assist level from the three available: Eco, Sport, and Turbo. At the same time, AutoShift monitors cadence, speed, and the motor’s output and selects the most appropriate gear. This combination really works. During the 58-mile range test, I rarely felt the need to switch back to manual shifting. In Auto PAS mode, the bike averages speeds a touch above Sport. For those who commute every day and just want a simple ride, this mode offers real benefits.

In my experience, AutoShift chose the right gear on flats and rolling terrain almost every time, with quick and clean shifting, but on steeper climbs, I found it slightly slower to shift than I’d like, and sometimes it chose a gear above or below my preferred cadence. The cadence settings can be tuned in the app, but on climbs, I still preferred to shift myself. Everywhere else, I happily left AutoShift on.

The display and app are both excellent. The display is easy to read in direct sunlight, clear, and quick to pair with Aventon’s app. In the app, the Ride Tune section gives full control over each assist level, speed limits, and the Auto mode and AutoShift settings. The Level 4 ADV is also compatible with a throttle (sold separately). During the range test, the display’s estimate was slightly optimistic, with around 62 miles projected for most of the ride, but the battery lasted 58 miles.

I rode for a few miles in Class 3 mode with top speed set to 28mph, and the bike handled these speeds well. In this mode, acceleration was quick, and I could cruise effortlessly at around 25mph. I completed the range test in Class 2 mode, and with an impressive 58 miles, I’m confident the Level 4 ADV would provide plenty of range if ridden exclusively in Class 3.

I found the Level 4 comfortable through almost four hours of range testing. The slightly forward-leaning but straight-backed riding position was comfortable, and the suspension seatpost takes the sting out of rough pavement. The fork does its job, but it’s a basic component that’s stiff and slow to respond, and at this price, I was hoping for better.

Everything else is quiet, solid, and well put together, with no rattles, creaks, or speed wobbles, and adequate braking that brought me to a stop from 20mph in just over 20 feet. My only gripe with the design is the charging port, which sits low on the battery in an exposed position. This isn’t ideal for a commuter bike designed to be ridden year-round.

Conclusion

So, how does Aventon’s first mid-drive commuter stack up?

The Aventon Level 4 ADV feels well-built and well-thought-out. My only gripes during testing were the stiff suspension fork and the charging port’s position, and while neither is a dealbreaker, I was hoping for a better fork at $2,799.

The Level 4 ADV’s mid-drive motor gives a natural ride quality that a hub motor can’t match, and the automatic shifting and pedal assist actually deliver real-world value. With its huge range, practical accessories, and high-quality display and app, this is a seriously well-rounded commuter e-bike with a price tag that’s hard to ignore.

In an upcoming review of the hub-drive Level 4 REC, we will provide a more detailed comparison of the two Level 4 models. For now, it’s safe to say the Level 4 ADV offers a more natural, rider-driven, premium ride feel.

Score Breakdown

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

Level 5 expert

Aventon Level 4 Electric Bike Is Here—And Taking on Big Brands on Price and Performance

Level 5 expert

… while similarly equipped models from other brands often cost upwards of [this higher price], the ADV comes in at [this price]. And that’s a very reasonable price for a bike with the impressive list of features and performance of the Level 4 ADV.

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