Aventon Level.2

The Level.2, Aventon’s commuter-specific e-bike, is now in its second generation. With this version, Aventon made a few key changes to the technology and components, improving what was already a high-value electric bike.

Keep reading to learn more about the latest Level.2 and how it performs in our testing.

What Is the Aventon Level.2?

The Aventon Level.2 is a commuter e-bike with fenders, a rear rack, and integrated lights. It looks good, feels well-built, and the ride quality is excellent, with comfortable seated and pedaling positions. Additionally, the suspension fork and 2.1″ tires help smooth out bumps and provide traction.

The Level.2’s most notable update is the torque sensor. This makes for a smoother, more responsive, and more efficient pedal assist that matches your input. The secondary effect is increased range through more efficient use of the battery.

This bike also has a large color display, which is compatible with Aventon’s companion app. Through the app, you can modify settings, track your rides, and connect with the Aventon community.

Technology aside, how does the Level.2 feel to ride?

Pros

Accessories

Aventon provides several accessories with the Level.2. These include beautiful seatstay-integrated taillights, a rear rack integrated into the frame, and full fenders that keep you clean of road debris and water. Even with these accessories, the Level.2 has a reasonable weight of 62lb.

Design Aesthetics, Ease of Use, and Fit

The Level.2 is well-built, with quality welds, pleasant aesthetics, and a nice paint job.

Using the bike is intuitive. It has a large color display and a five-button touchpad with dedicated buttons for all functions. The Aventon smartphone app is also simple to use.

This bike is also available in two different frame sizes, making it easier to find the right fit than the one-size-fits-all frames we usually see at this price point.

Component Quality

The Level.2 features above-average components for its price. Firstly, it has Tektro hydraulic brakes with 180mm rotors. It also has an 8-speed Shimano Acera drivetrain with a 12-32t cassette. The included trigger shifter is a notable upgrade to the basic TX-50 thumb shifter found on many competing bikes. As mentioned, Aventon uses a torque sensor on the Level.2 for enhanced pedal assist performance.

Ride Quality

The Aventon Level.2 is enjoyable to ride, mixing comfort with a slightly sportier geometry and efficient pedaling position, allowing you to produce more power and ride with a straight back.

The torque sensor further enhances the ride quality, resulting in a power output that better matches your pedaling input and leaves you feeling more in tune with the bike, inspiring confidence when climbing or accelerating.

Cyclists of traditional bikes will appreciate the feel of the Level.2. Its modestly sized frame, reasonable weight, 27.5″ rims, and 2.1″ tires make it ride more like a regular bike.

Cons

Steep or Repetitive Hill Climbing

The Level.2 features a 500W motor that peaks at 750W. While this motor is quick and peppy over most terrain, it struggles on gradients above 16 percent. A larger 750W motor or mid-drive may be better for those who regularly tackle steep inclines.

Torque Sensor + Hub Cons

The torque sensor is a wonderful asset for this bike, enhancing the ride quality. However, it requires more input to cruise at the top speed or climb hills.

With a torque sensor, the motor delivers power based on the power input through the pedals, so going fast and overcoming hills requires more effort. Thankfully, the throttle is available to assist in these circumstances.

What Does It Do Best?

The bike is purpose-built for commuting, and it certainly achieves this with its bright integrated lights, rear rack, and fenders. It’s also well-designed, easy to pedal, and simple to control. The Level.2 is also suitable for recreational riders and could be used for touring if you can keep it charged.

Reasons to Look Elsewhere?

Those with a passion for riding off-road should look elsewhere. This bike is best suited for pavement and light dirt or gravel paths. It’s a practical bike for transport and cruising.

Conclusion

It’s safe to say that Aventon knocked it out of the park with this bike, producing a fun and functional e-bike. It was a challenge to find any negatives while reviewing the Level.2.

If you’re looking for a great entry-level commuter bike, the Level.2 from Aventon is a worthy consideration.

Specs

Electric Bike Class: Class 2, Class 3
Warranty: 2-year limited warranty
Total Weight: 62lb
Motor Brand: Aventon-branded
Motor Type: Rear hub
Motor Nominal Output: 48V – 500W
Max Torque: Unknown
Battery: 48V – 14Ah (672Wh)
Range Claimed: Up to 60 miles
Range Tested: 30.45 mi
Speed: 28mph
Throttle: Thumb-style
Pedal Assist: 5 levels
Charger: 48V – 3A Charger
Charge Time: 5-6 hours
Display: LCD “smart” easy-read color display
Frame: Aluminum
Fork: Aluminum coil suspension fork with lockout – 65mm
Brake Levers: Tektro hydraulic
Brake Calipers: Tektro hydraulic – 2-piston
Brake Rotors: 180mm front + rear
Chain: 122 link, 8-speed
Crankset: 170mm aluminum 46t
Derailleur: Shimano 8-speed
Shifter: Shimano trigger shifter
Cassette: 12-32t
Rims: 27.5” aluminum
Tires: 27.5” x 2.1”
Fenders: Included plastic
Lights: Included front + rear integrated
Grips: Ergonomic comfort, lock-on
Saddle: Aventon by Velo
Handlebar: Aluminum 31.8mm, 680mm
Kickstand: Yes, single-sided
Pedals: Feimin flat pedal
Max. Total Capacity: 300lb

Frame and Geometry

The Level.2 is a conventional-looking e-bike with a great paint job and tidy welds. The sloping top tube dips towards the seat to reduce standover height and make the frame more accessible.

The geometry is relatively sporty for a commuter bike, making it easier to apply power when pedaling. However, it’s also comfortable.

Frame Size: Regular
Seat Tube: 17.5” (44.5cm)
Reach: 14.3” (36cm)
Stack: 22” (56cm)
Stand Over Height: 26” (66cm)
Virtual Top Tube Length: 22.7” (58cm)
Min Saddle Height: 32.8” (83cm)
Max Saddle Height: 39.9” (101cm)
Wheelbase: 43.1” (1097 mm)

Recommended Rider Height: Regular Frame: 5’3” – 5’10” Large 5’10” – 6’4”

Motor

This bike has a 500W Aventon-branded hub motor capable of 750W at peak output. The motor’s torque output isn’t provided by Aventon, but similar motors are typically in the 50Nm to 65Nm range.

This motor is repsonsive and provides ample power at higher voltages (full battery). The bike easily reaches its top speed and has good acceleration when using the throttle.

The motor did struggle on steep and repetitive hills, showing its size on inclines of 16 percent, overcoming these climbs at a slow pace.

Cockpit and Control

The Level.2. is simple to control with its five-button touchpad, color display, and companion smartphone app. The touchpad has dedicated buttons for each function.

The color display is bright and easy to read, with solid functionality and metrics, including speed, odometer, assist level, and battery level. The battery level is displayed as a percentage for easier range estimation.

The smartphone app adds functionality by allowing easy access to settings. You can also track and share your rides with the Aventon community.

Battery

The Level.2 uses a standard 48V 14Ah battery, which returns solid range. We achieved 30 miles using maximum pedal assist and throttle.

Aventon stated max range is 60 miles at PAS level 1 on flat terrain, which we feel is accurate.

Charger, Battery Removal, Keys

Aventon provides a 3A charger instead of the standard 2A found at this price. This results in a five-hour charge time.

Charging can be done on or off the bike. To remove the battery, you insert the key, turn it to release, and then remove the battery from the frame with the tab on the underside of the down tube.

The key needs to be installed for the battery to go back in. After installing and clicking the battery into place, you lock it to the frame with the key.

Drivetrain

It’s great to see an 8-speed Shimano Acera drivetrain on this bike, a welcome upgrade to the basic Shimano Tourney setup found on many competing models.

The 8-speed 12-32t rear cassette has enough range for climbing and riding at 20mph. The front chainring has a double-sided guard to keep your clothes clean.

Brakes

Tektro E-350HD hydraulic disc brakes offer above-average stopping power and inspire confidence when riding at high speeds.

Wheels, Tires

This bike runs 27.5″ x 2.1″ CHAOYANG hybrid tires with reflective sidewalls mounted on 27.5″ double-walled aluminum rims, an appropriate choice for this type of bike.

The tires offer balanced performance, traction, and comfort on pavement and light off-road paths.

Safety

The Level.2 has a headlight and integrated taillights located on the seatstays. These offer good visibility and are integrated with the bike’s electronics and operated with their own button on the control panel.

The Tektro hydraulic brakes have motor cut-off switches to enhance braking performance.

Kickstand

The Level.2 includes a standard single-sided kickstand with a wide base.

Contact Points

Grips

The contact points on the Aventon are comfortable. The grippy rubber lock-on handlebar grips feel pleasant and blend nicely with the bike’s looks.

Saddle

The saddle is made by Velo specifically for Aventon. It is comfortable on short to mid-range rides, but being a more athletic-styled saddle, it doesn’t offer much cushioning. It became uncomfortable toward the end of the 30-mile range test.

Pedals

The Level.2 has platorm pedals from the brand Feimin. The small spikes provide reasonable traction and are fine to get you out riding.

Accessories

Aventon offers a range of accessories to increase the bike’s functionality. These include phone holders, bags, coolers, pannier bags for the rear rack, child carriers, and trailers. Check out the full range of items online if you are considering buying this bike.

A great commuter and road bike that is friendly, fun to ride, and has tons of range.

… the Level.2 feels much more like an enhanced version of a classic bike experience.

This baby has got it all: a responsive torque sensor, super cool integrated high-visibility lights, and a top speed of 28 mph.

The Aventon Level.2 is terrific for anyone looking for a quick, affordable, full-featured commuter.

It feels natural, in a way, almost like the bike has a mind of its own and is aiding you on your journey.

… I’m immensely happy with the new Aventon Level.2. This is an e-bike that can perform nearly any commute, anywhere, and for anybody.