The Aventon Level.2 has launched and established itself as the perfect city friend for contemporary commuters. It's a ride that combines the power of your free spirit with the love of smart pedal assist and staying comfortable in a plush seat while you take on other riders. Whether you need an electric bike that blends performance and practicality for city commuting, or simply want the quick lowdown on what we thought after testing the Aventon Level.2 in a range of terrain conditions over several weeks, let this review be your guide along the path to finding out if it’s the e-bike for your ride.
Performance and Ride Quality
If there was one standout feature of the Aventon Level.2, it is its incredibly smooth and responsive feel, mainly due to its torque sensor. Unlike cadence sensors, which give you power assistance a half-second after you begin pedaling, Shimano's torque sensor gives you power assistance so smooth it could be your own natural effort. This makes for a fluid, responsive experience that feels like you have bionic legs, delivering enough torque to tackle city hills while still pulling away quickly from a standing start thanks to the 500W sustained brushless rear hub motor (750W peak). It is already fully compliant as a Class 2 e-bike (throttle and pedal assist included) but can be reconfigured to Class 3, which means it goes up to 28 mph on pedal assist.
Key performance highlights include:
- Torque Sensor: The star of this show. This provides instant and smooth power, which feels very intuitive and manageable, especially in city stop-and-go traffic.
- Motor: The 500W brushless motor makes the bike powerful enough to ride 20-25 mph. It’s strong enough to tackle uphill climbs without feeling overpowering, enabling a controlled and safe ride.
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Suspension Fork: Comes with a 65mm travel suspension fork that takes the edge off bumps. It does a good job damping potholes and rough pavement, which you'll appreciate if your ride is anything but smooth.
Pro Tip: You may want to change out the preload of the fork suspension to better match your own weight/riding style for a more tailored fit feeling. - Handling: The bike has a comfortable geometry that is designed to allow the cyclist to ride in an upright position. This offers great visibility in traffic and encourages a relaxed riding position, which can make long commutes less tiring. The bike is very predictable and inspires confidence for new and experienced riders.
Components and Build Quality
The Level.2 is a reflection of Aventon’s reputation for sturdy construction and continues this legacy. It feels solid and well put together with a 6061 single-butted aluminum alloy frame in which the welds are nicely hidden to give it that high-end, clean finish. Critically, the Level.2 is ready to commute straight out of the box, meaning you won't have to splash out on indispensables. Part choices are well considered, reflecting an eye for reliability and a low-maintenance package for a daily rider. The bike’s overall carrying capacity is 300 lbs, making it ideal for attachments like panniers, a child seat, or even a basket for your groceries.
The basic building blocks are as follows:
- The Frame: is available in both classic block style and easy-on step-through styles to accommodate abilities and rider preferences.
- Brakes: Safety is a big thing and the hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors are major contributors. They offer strong and reliable braking in all weather conditions, an essential requirement when riding in the city.
- Drivetrain: An 8-speed Shimano Acera derailleur provides a wide range of gears to tackle terrains as diverse as city streets and their surrounding rolling hills.
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Included Accessories: Each bike comes with a robust rack, full metal fenders, and a kickstand. The complete range of realistic add-ons is a valuable bonus.
Save MONEY NOTE: If you buy a bike with these extras fitted (not aftermarket), they save hundreds of dollars!
| Aventon Level.2 Key Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Motor | 500W Continuous, >750W Peak Rear Hub Motor |
| Max Speed | 28 MPH (Class 3 Capable) |
| Sensor | Torque Sensor |
| Brakes | Hydraulic 180mm Rotor Disc Brakes |
| Frame | 6061 Single-Butted Aluminum Alloy |
| Fork | Coil Spring Suspension, 65mm Travel |
| Drivetrain | 8-Speed Shimano Acera |
| Weight Limit | 300lbs (136kg) |
Battery, Range, and Electronics
The electrical nature of Level.2 is well integrated into the smooth operation. It is powered by a 48V, 14Ah, 672Wh lithium-ion battery fully integrated into the downtube of the frame. This also protects the battery and gives the bike a non-electric appearance. The battery is designed to be removed for easy indoor recharging. Aventon promises to cover up to 60 miles on a single charge, which is a reasonable goal for light use in low pedal support levels. A 25–40-mile range is more realistic for the average city rider with a mix of throttle and higher support levels. The full-color display on the handlebar is easy to read, even in direct sunlight. The tech integration of the Level.2 is a key differentiator. The 672Wh battery offers extensive capacity for long trips. The battery meets strict safety standards for fire and electrical hazards as it is UL 2849 certified. The full-color display provides all the crucial metrics – speed, battery life, distance, and level of assistance – and does so on a screen with a USB port for your convenience. The display syncs with the Aventon app to monitor trips, change speed limits, interact with the Aventon community, and also gain kudos for your riding accomplishments. The Level.2 has integrated front and rear headlights powered by the main battery. The taillights are cleverly mounted in the bike’s seatstays and function as brake lights for added visibility and added rider and bike safety. This means riders never have to remember to charge them individually.
Making the Commute Great Again with the ENGWE E26
While the Level.2 is an excellent option, commuters searching for a more versatile and robust model need look no further than the amazing ENGWE E26. This e-bike is built for everything, including a path to wherever the road takes you. The ENGWE E26 offers an uncompromising option that pushes the boundaries between on-road and off-road, combining all-terrain dominance with high-level comfort. The high-performance 750W motor delivers the highest acceleration in its class and will get you over even the most daunting hills with ease - or just give you some push for a challenging uphill. This is the e-bike for the rider who doesn’t want to be restricted by pavement.
Discover the ENGWE E26 advantage:
- All-Terrain Hype: Fat tires are the epitome of where other bikes happen to go, and the ENGWE E26 has got big, chunky, jumbo ones. With 4.0-inch fat tires, the E26 can efficiently ride through rough sandy, snowy, and mountain roads, and can easily handle city roads. These tires offer incredible stability and a smooth, cushioned ride.
- Ultimate Comfort: A combination of a lockout front fork and a rear shock absorber system provides improved smoothness that keeps you comfortable even on all-day rides. This guarantees an ultra-soft ride, even over the roughest of surfaces.
- Long Range Power: With a high-capacity 48V 16Ah removable battery, the E26 has your back with an extensive range to take on those longer commutes or just ride for fun all weekend, without worrying about losing power.
- User-friendly Design: The ENGWE E26 is available in a stylish step-thru model, making it a super comfortable and easy-to-board bike for all genders, seniors, and riders who are recovering from rehabilitation. The smart, subtle design is proof that you can have great performance without alienating non-tech-savvy players.
Design, Comfort, and Final Verdict
The Aventon Level.2 is a clinic in purposeful design. Its look is clean and modern, with internal cable routing and a frame-integrated battery that could allow you to pass it off as a non-electric bike at a distance. Comfort is clearly a priority. The upright riding position relieves pressure on your back and neck, while the comfortable grips and cushy saddle make long rides a pleasure. Two frame sizes in either style means that nearly anybody will find their optimal fit. It’s this attention to ergonomic detail that can make a good e-bike feel like a great daily companion.
Key things a prospective buyer should know:
- Who is this for? The Level.2 will suit the city commuter who needs a responsive ride, wants added practicality, and enjoys the assurance of having a neat, reliable commuter bike. It makes a great alternative to a car for trips to work, the store, or just cruising around town.
- Step-Through vs. Step-Over: If you have to stop and go a lot, wear fancy clothes, or have mobility limitations, step-throughs beat step-overs for ease of use. The step-over version, which also comes in a classic and slightly stiffer frame, looks the part.
- Overall Value: When you consider the fact that it offers a torque sensor, hydraulic brakes, and the complete package of accessories (fenders, rack, built-in lights) that come included on this bike, the Level.2 is a great deal. It is in fact a total commuting solution from day one.
Verdict: The Aventon Level.2 is a great commuter e-bike that nails just about everything. It has a top-of-the-line ride, thanks to its torque sensor, and boasts commuter-friendly features as well as a sturdy build quality, making it an excellent all-rounder for daily riding.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What is the primary attribute of the LEVEL.2's torque sensor?
The biggest benefit is its reactivity. It's measuring how hard you are pedaling and getting motor assistance exactly when and as much as you need it, so that your ride feels completely natural – it just multiplies your efforts.
2) Is the 60-mile range realistic?
60 miles requires you to ride perfectly in the lowest pedal assist setting on flat terrain. For a mixed daily commute with hills and higher assist levels, a practical range would be more like 25-40 miles.
3) Am I allowed to use the throttle from a standstill?
Yes, the Level.2 is a Class 2 e-bike, so you can use the throttle from a stop to start moving without pedaling — very handy at traffic lights. It’s one of the best bikes on sale for someone who is serious about moving up from their daily commuter.