Aventon improved the Level e-outstanding bike’s ride quality and visibility. The rear hub motor on the bike of the current generation is powered more evenly thanks to a new torque sensor. When cycling, the Level.2 feels more instinctive and natural. One of our favorite commuting e-bikes has been improved with the inclusion of integrated lights and a smaller, simpler display.
Nearly two years ago, I evaluated the original Aventon Level and in essence said, “Please take my money!” The bike is even better and more commuter-ready than before thanks to the new Aventon Level.2.
Aventon got its origins in the fixed-gear and track racing scenes, for those who are unfamiliar with the company or are new to e-bikes. The Los Angeles-based business recently shifted its emphasis to electric motorcycles. By providing performance and value, Aventon e-bikes, which are sold direct to consumers and through dealers, have gained a loyal following among commuters and e-bike riders.
Prior to its release, I got the opportunity to test out the new e-bike during the past few weeks. I’ll be posting a detailed review soon, including with a video of my testing procedure. Expect that in the upcoming days.
| Height | 5'7" - 5'11" |
| MOTOR | 750W (Peak) 500W (Sustained) Brushless Rear Hub Motor |
| SPEED | Up to 28 MPH on Pedal Assist and 20 MPH on Throttle |
| PEDAL ASSIST | 5 Levels |
| FRAME | 6061 Double-Butted Aluminum Alloy with Internal Battery |
| FORK | Coil Spring Suspension, Thru-axle, 65mm travel with lockout |
| BOTTOM BRACKET | Square Taper, Sealed, Torque Sensor |
| CASSETTE | 12-32T, 8 Speed Cassette |
| CHAIN | 122 Link, 8 Speed |
| TUBES | Butyl Rubber, Schrader Valve |
| SADDLE | Aventon by Velok |
| SEAT CLAMP | 31.8 mm Quick Release |
| GRIPS | Ergonomic Comfort |
| THROTTLE | Throttle on demand - Throttle from a complete stop |
| BATTERY | Removable Internal Lithium-ion 48V, 14Ah (672Wh) |
| CHARGER | 48V 3 Amp Fast Charger, 4-5 Hour Charging |
| WEIGHT | 54lbs |
| WEIGHT LIMIT | Maximum Payload Capacity: 300 lbs |
| CRANKSET | 170mm w/ 46 T |
| SHIFT LEVER | 8 Speed |
| RIM | Double Wall Aluminum 36h Front & Rear |
| HUBS | 36H Disc Thru-axle Front, Nutted Rear |
| SEATPOST | Aluminum Alloy, 27.2mm, 2-Bolt Clamp |
| HANDLEBARS | Aluminum 31.8mm, 680mm |
| DISPLAY | LCD Smart Easy Read Display with Backlight, Colorful screen with app |
| SENSORS | Torque Sensor |
| RANGE | Up To 60 Miles* |
| PEDALS | 9/16" Alloy Platform |
| KICKSTAND | Included, Rear Mount |
| REAR DERAILLEUR | 8 Speed |
| BRAKES | Hydraulic Disc Brakes, 180mm Rotors |
| SPOKES | Black Stainless 13G Front / 12G Rear |
| TIRES | 27.5” x 2.1” Hybrid Tires, Reflective Sidewalls |
| STEM | Threadless, 31.8mm, 7 Degree Rise |
| HEADSET | Sealed Bearing Headset |
Aventon Level.2: Design and Build Quality
That frame is a rolling work of art with Aventon’s distinctive smooth welds, and I wish other manufacturers would better replicate it. Such beautiful manufacturing at this pricing point is uncommon.
The Aventon team has been quite busy this year, rolling out improvements to current platforms and releasing new models. The new Soltera came first, and we thought it was so great that we named it one of the Best Bikes of 2022. The Pace 350 and Pace 500 cruising e-bikes were then updated by Aventon. In recent months, it also revised the Sinch folding model.
Regarding frame integrations, have a look at those tail lights. The business integrated the tail lights directly into the seat stays on the back of the frame, just like on Aventon’s other well-liked electric bicycles. This means that at night, you have good sight from the side and rear. Since the front headlight is handlebar mounted, you can steer around a corner while it turns using the bars. Polar White, Himalayan Pink, Glacier Blue, and Clay are the available hues.
We were curious to discover what was inside when two parcels from Aventon recently arrived at Bicycling’s front door. A fresh iteration of the Level was the surprise. Our gear team was eager to test these upgraded bikes because they are a popular e-bike among our readers.
It might be simple to miss the changes Aventon made to the Level at first sight. This updated Level is of the second generation and features a full-color display, an upgraded torque sensor, and integrated lighting. They contribute to the improvement of an already superb commuter and town bike.
A pair of maintenance-free hydraulic disc brakes provide strong stopping force. Hydraulic brakes, in contrast to mechanical cable disc brakes, essentially maintain tuning until the brake pads eventually fail. It could take a year before you need to undertake maintenance and get the pads changed, depending on how often you ride.
The left controller is also used to control the built-in lighting of the Level.2. Although we didn’t have many complaints about the original Level, we did wish the bike came standard with lights. Any e-bike that is used on the roadway must have lights. They are especially important for commuter bikes used in the early morning or late evening when it can be dark or bad weather.
The Aventon Level.2 has 27.5 x 2.1 inches tires, and it also has a full fender package to keep dirt and water from splashing all over you. The back of the bike has a rear rack that commuters can use to attach panniers or an additional cargo box for carrying items.
Both a step-over frame (54 pounds) and a step-through frame are available for the bicycle (52 pounds).
For the step-over and step-through frame types, respectively, Regular and Large and S/M and M/L, are the two sizes that are offered. The size Large step-over frame fit our test rider, who is 6 feet tall, fairly well. But the M/L size step-through frame was a little too narrow, so she had to lift the seatpost to the top height permitted. Choose the Large step-over frame if you are taller than 6 feet.
The Level.2 has a more expensive appearance thanks to a new color display. Last year, Aventon bikes like the Aventure fat-tire bike started to get similar LCD displays. The head unit displays important riding data like speed, distance, and level of assistance. The new device is smaller and includes an easy-to-use menu system that can be accessed by pressing the controller next to the left-hand grip.
The only aspect of the Level.2 that we didn’t like was the Zoom Aria suspension fork. The Aria tops out forcefully on larger bumps, while having a nice appearance. For our test riders, the fork was also under-sprung. Fortunately, the lockout function is reliable.
Aventon Level.2: Motor and Drive
How the motor gets turned on is one of the bike’s most significant recent updates. With pedal assistance, the bike can reach speeds of 28 mph or 20 mph thanks to a 500W continuous-rated back hub motor.
We sometimes found ourselves zipping across town in mode 4 or 5 for shorter rides. We kept the controller’s lower setting of 2 or 3 when on the bike path. Only when cycling in a busy environment did we actually use mode 1.
Speaking of pedal assistance, the new torque sensor makes it better than before. Contrary to cheaper cadence sensors, a torque sensor measures the force of your pedaling rather than the speed. This enables the bike to give a pedal assist that is significantly more responsive and intuitive and better imitates your own power delivery.
With the Level.2 unlocked as a class-3 e-bike and a rider weighing 200 pounds, we got roughly 30 miles of range. We used a combination of the throttle, pedal assistance, climbing hills, and riding on various terrains. That range will be increased by lighter riders, maintaining the Level.2 in class-2 mode, and using the throttle more carefully.
The eight-speed gearbox offers for even more pleasant pedaling and enables riders to select the ideal gearing for their speed and terrain.
The Level.2 is described as a class-2 e-bike having a top pedal-assist speed of 20 mph when it is taken out of the box. You may easily increase the top speed of the pedaling assistance via the Aventon app to 31.7 mph if you choose. Without pedaling, you can travel up to 20 mph using the throttle control. This throttle is useful for restarting the bike after stopping or, if you are in an excessively large gear, for climbing an unexpected incline.
Aventon Level.2: Battery and Range
Aventon Level.2 are provided by a frame-integrated 14Ah battery. Riders should be able to get about 40 miles of use out of the battery with only light pedal assistance. While the battery may discharge more quickly if you ride at full power, a reasonable range of 25 miles is still most likely acceptable.
The Aventon Level.2’s battery can be locked inside the frame, but it can also be taken out and charged separately if the rider has to lock the bike outdoors.
The Aventon’s downtube is neatly home to a 672 Watt-hour battery. Although it is the same component as the bike from the prior generation, the Level.2’s new torque sensor could aid to extend range. The battery can be readily removed and charged either installed or off the bike. The battery recharged fully in under 4.5 hours from a 15-percent charge.
Aventon Level.2: Conclusions
One of the greatest streetbikes you can buy overall and the best passenger e-bike under $2,000 is still the Aventon Level.2. The platform changes improve an already excellent bike.
We put the Level.2 through it’s own trials in daily commuter life for two weeks. We utilized it for enjoyable rides about town, errand runs, and transportation to work. We rode it across crushed gravel bike trails, freshly constructed asphalt roads, and unkempt city streets. On level terrain and up some of the city’s steepest streets, we rode it.
Comparable passenger versions from rival companies don’t compare favorably to the Level.2 ride in terms of premium quality, use, or polish. The ride is not nearly as comfortable and natural-feeling as on e-bikes with mid-drive motors, but it is arguably the best-feeling hub motor we have experienced on a bike under $2,000.
The new Aventon Level.2 is currently offered on Aventon’s website for a price of $1,949.
