Aventon Abound LR Review | Connected, Capable, & Secure

The Abound LR features a 36V, 708-Watt-hour (Wh) battery that is UL 2271 Certified. We tested the bike’s motor efficiency using this battery in two Range Tests using the process described in the graphic above. Our results, as well as those from similar cargo e-bikes we’ve tested, are also shown above.

While the bike’s 36.1-mile result in Turbo mode is relatively average in comparison to other e-bikes we’ve tested (the cargo category averages 33 miles), its Eco mode test yielded one of the best results we’ve seen from a cargo bike. With a result of 80.3 miles, the Abound LR exceeded the category average of 62 miles by 18 miles.

The Abound LR’s highly natural feel in Eco mode is a result of (expectedly) relatively low power output. This programming, combined with the bike’s torque sensor, seemed to be a winning combination in this test! E-bikes with torque sensors are usually more efficient than those with cadence sensors because their motor output is variable instead of remaining constant.

We were thrilled with the Abound’s results in this test—especially considering that its 708-Wh battery is on the smaller side for the cargo e-bike category (the average is roughly 729 watt hours).

A bike’s battery capacity can be divided by its motor’s nominal wattage to estimate range. Based on its Speed Test results and motor/battery specs, we expected the results of our Turbo mode test to be roughly 16 miles with 57 minutes of ride time. Our real-world test lasted over twice as many miles and minutes, proving the Abound LR’s efficiency. Clearly Aventon is doing something right!

It is important to be aware that we performed our testing using the bike’s default Class 2/20 mph speed limit. We also did not add any additional cargo weight. Riders carrying cargo/passengers or riding at higher speeds should expect fewer miles from a single charge, but we expect most will land somewhere between our minimum and maximum results.

With the ability to cover such a significant distance before needing to recharge, we consider the Abound LR to be effective as a daily-use working bike for package or food delivery. Those using the Abound LR for shorter family trips should expect to get quite a few rides in before needing to plug in.

As shown, the bike’s performance was relatively average in comparison to similar cargo e-bikes we’ve tested; cargo bikes average 1:20 in the throttle portion of the test and 1:10 when pedaling. The two seconds of difference in the Abound LR’s results are well within the margin of error.

On paper, it may be easy to expect that the Abound LR would be less capable in this test due to its 36V motor and battery; most similar e-bikes we’ve tested had 48V electrical systems. Higher numbers equate to more power, right?

In truth, voltage is only one component of the equation—specifically, the formula used to calculate the motor’s peak wattage. This figure, which primarily affects throttle results in our Hill Test, is a factor of the motor/battery voltage multiplied by the amperage of the bike’s controller.

The Abound LR uses a 33-amp controller to produce a peak of 1,188W, which is extremely close to the category average of roughly 1,158W. With only 30W of difference (at the time of writing), this explains why the bike’s throttle time matched the category average so closely.

It is worth noting that a 36V electrical system can generate more heat than a 48V system when drawing a high current. Our contact at Aventon explained that the development team focused on heat management when engineering the Abound LR, using thick wires, improved connectors, and a controller that is designed to hold up under these conditions.

Our testing suggests that the motor’s torque output is a primary factor influencing the pedal portion of our Hill Test. The Abound LR’s motor produces 80 Newton meters (Nm) of torque, which does not stray far from the category average of 87 Nm. Once again, the bike’s results make sense.

Clearly, the Abound has enough power to match the performance of its peers when dealing with hills, but I wanted to get firsthand experience with added cargo to ensure that it had a user-friendly experience.

I tested the Abound in similar fashion to our formal test—unladen and also with 60 pounds of weight distributed between a set of optional pannier bags—at our secondary location (dubbed “Pilot Hill”). While this hill is not as extreme as Hell Hole Trail, it is a suitable testing location, as most cyclists choose to walk up.

While the additional weight had a slight impact on my speed (a difference of less than 10 seconds and 2 mph), the bike felt nearly identical to my unladen tests. It climbed steadily when relying on throttle power and more swiftly when pedaling, powering uphill in both cases without struggle or strain.

All of these tests proved that the bike is powerful enough to give riders the option to throttle or pedal when climbing hills, and it has the capability to carry cargo or passengers in hilly areas effectively.

The Abound LR uses the familiar HD-E3520 hydraulic disc brake system from Tektro. This system pairs brake levers that include a motor cutoff feature with 2-piston brake calipers. In contrast with many other bikes using 180-mm rotors on both wheels, the Abound LR has a 180-mm front rotor and a larger 203-mm rear rotor that provides greater leverage.

Using the process explained above, we determined the Abound LR’s average stopping distance to be 20’ 7”, which is an excellent result that is well within the normal range we consider safe.

Compared to similar cargo e-bikes, the Abound LR’s result is just over a foot longer than the cargo e-bike category average of 19’ 6” at the time of writing. After removing a few outliers, this difference dropped to only 7 inches, proving that Aventon’s cargo bike closely matches the performance of similar models on the market.

The brakes performed well when going by feel, stopping the bike effectively when it was both laden and unladen. Based on my personal testing, I wouldn’t describe the system as aggressive in its stopping power, but they provided good modulation and control over my speed even when carrying 60 lbs of cargo in pannier bags secured to the cargo rack. I also appreciated that the bike did not deviate much from its line of travel when braking.

Ultimately, we consider the bike to be specced appropriately, and we are pleased to see the that Aventon included a larger rear rotor. With safe and controlled braking, the Abound LR earned our approval in this test.

Starting with the bike’s sizing and fit, Aventon manufactures the bike in a single frame size intended to fit riders from 4’ 11” to 6′ 6” in height. The bike includes a 350mm suspension seatpost and a telescoping threaded/quill stem to accommodate such a wide range, and its geometry places the rider in an upright position.

At 5’11”, I am squarely within the bike’s recommended height range. I found the saddle, BMX-style handlebars, and ergonomic rubber grips to be comfortable, and I liked that I could adjust both the handlebar height and angle to find an appropriate position. Leg extension, however, is one area with room for improvement.

To avoid strain and maximize pedaling efficiency, riders should have a slight bend at the knee at the bottom of their pedal stroke; with the Abound LR’s saddle at its highest, I had much more of a bend than I hoped for.

The bike’s higher levels of pedal assist helped to offset the need for me to apply a lot of pressure on the pedals, but I found myself somewhat sore after about an hour of riding in Eco mode. For this reason, I encourage Aventon to include a longer suspension seatpost in the future; by my measurement, the bike’s seat tube should accommodate an additional 50mm.

To be clear, I enjoyed the overall comfort level of the ride; with 50 mm of travel in both the bike’s suspension fork and suspension seatpost, most bumps were smooth and almost unnoticeable.

As with most cargo e-bikes, the Abound LR is a large bike. In terms of handling, the bike generally felt its size and weight, but its 20” wheels gave it a surprisingly nimble feel, too. Case in point: I was able to turn around comfortably on a bike path without needing to perform a three-point turn!

Whether riding with or without cargo on the rear rack, the Abound felt generally sturdy and stable. We critiqued the original model for having a significant amount of flex when loaded up; Aventon’s redesign of the frame, which now features a cast, single-piece front triangle, uses a system of internal reinforcement to add stiffness. The difference was definitely noticeable!

Speaking of cargo, we had the opportunity to try some of Aventon’s optional accessories in our testing. Aside from the aforementioned pannier bags, the brand offers seat pads, a grab bar, and a handrail for young kids, a “captain’s chair” for older child passengers, cargo baskets for cargo—and even a front pizza rack for food delivery work!

At the time of writing, we’re not entirely sure which accessories will be cross-compatible between the Abound AG (the first version of the bike), the Abound SR (the short-rack utility version), and the Abound LR—please use one of the red “Check Best Price” buttons on this page to learn more.

I have discussed the bike’s motor engagement at length, but its responsive nature and powerful feel are defining characteristics of the Abound LR.

In terms of the user interface, I like the small handlebar-mounted display/control panel. I found the bike’s three assist levels easy to use; the fact that they are color-coded made it easy to know which mode I was in at a glance. The battery percentage was somewhat small and difficult to read, but the Aventon app shows this much more clearly.

To begin an explanation of the ACU’s features, I will begin with the Ride Tune feature I mentioned previously. This customization feature allows users to adjust the motor’s torque, sensitivity, and the strength of pedal assist (watts) in each of its assist levels. Each parameter can be changed with a slider that also adjusts a diagram of the overall motor output.

One of the most useful features of the Aventon app and the ACU is the ability to lock the center-mounted kickstand; this can be done manually or set to happen automatically when the bike is powered off. Similarly, the bike’s battery is typically locked and sealed in the down tube, but it can be ejected for external charging through the app or the bike’s display.

A GPS function within the Aventon app shows the bike’s location. Geofencing boundaries can be placed that can dictate where the bike can and cannot ride—an extremely useful feature when sharing the bike with a teenage child! If the bike leaves an allowed zone or enters a prohibited zone, the pedal assist system will be deactivated until the bike returns to an approved area.

The bike also has a motion detection and alarm system with three levels of sensitivity. If the bike is moved too much, the bike owner will receive an alert and the alarm will sound. The alarm can also be set to activate if the bike leaves its approved geofenced areas.

Finally, the bike can be manually deactivated if it is stolen or set to automatically deactivate if it does not make contact with Aventon’s servers within a predetermined time frame.

All of these features functioned well in our testing. Many of them require a subscription to keep the bike connected with 4G networks; the first year is free, and subsequent years will cost $20 annually or $2 per month.

In addition to governing the ACU and the bike’s security and customization features, the Aventon app can track ride data manually or automatically. Ride data can be synced with Apple Health and Strava. Users also have access to a social-media-like platform where they can share rides/photos and interact with other Aventon e-bike owners. Very cool stuff!

Like other models in Aventon’s most recent generation of e-bikes, such as the Level.3 and the Abound SR, the Abound LR is more than just a bike. With such a high level of connectivity, users are encouraged to make use of the Aventon app and use it hand-in-hand with the bike on a daily basis. Overall, these features elevate the Abound LR’s ride quality to a different level!

Thanks to its robust app and 4G connectivity, the Abound offers uncommon security and customization features for its price—on top of solid performance—making it a smart value purchase. In our testing, the bike delivered excellent range, great programming with a responsive feel, effective stopping power, and good hill climbing capabilities.

The only potential downside we identified was the bike’s relatively short suspension seatpost, which may not allow riders on the taller end of its recommended height range to get full leg extension when pedaling. Otherwise, our testing showed the bike to be capable and powerful enough to move cargo and/or child passengers effectively.

We recommend the Abound LR to riders seeking a connected and secure alternative (or supplement) to a car. It would make a great leisure e-bike for family rides in the evenings or on weekends. Additionally, we’re confident it would serve equally well as a workhorse for food or package delivery. The possibilities are (nearly) boundless!

Happy Riding! Make sure to let us know if you have any questions or if you think we left anything out in this review of the Aventon Abound LR down in our comments section.