Aventon Level.3 Review | A Massive Level Up for Commuting!

With the Level.3’s 500W rear-hub motor and a 36V, 708 watt-hour (Wh) battery, Aventon advertises up to 70 miles of range from a single charge. We performed two separate Range Tests using the method described in the graphic above to find the minimum and maximum distance the bike can travel on a single charge here in the real world.

Compared to similar commuter e-bikes we’ve tested with 500W and 750W rear-hub motors, the Level.3’s results of 44.2 and 80.6 miles (in Turbo and Eco modes, respectively) were both significantly above average.

The pool of bikes used for comparison, which includes many of the best commuter e-bikes on the market, averaged 30.3 and 57.3 miles. The Level.3 gave us roughly 14 additional miles in its Turbo mode test and about 24 miles more in its Eco mode test, proving it to be efficient and practical for long rides and many trips between charges.

We identified two main reasons why the Level performed so well.

First, the bike’s torque sensor allows its motor output to fluctuate, making it naturally more efficient than e-bikes with cadence sensors that engage a steady flow of power from the motor. With variable power output, the Level’s motor uses less energy over time, so it was able to get more ride time and mileage out of its battery.

Second, the Level.3’s battery capacity is higher than average when compared to other commuters we’ve tested. At the time of writing, the category average is 686 Wh, so Aventon’s larger 708 Wh power pack gave the Level some extra “gas in the tank” to begin with.

To reinforce the bike’s efficiency, we estimated its Turbo mode range by dividing its battery capacity by its motor’s nominal wattage. This gave us an estimate of 25 miles and a ride time of roughly 90 minutes, so the bike’s real-world results yielded nearly an additional 20 miles of range and over an additional hour on the bike before the battery expired.

Overall, we’re extremely impressed with the Level.3’s performance. As mentioned previously in the Speed Test section, I rarely needed the full power of Turbo mode; riders relying on the practical power levels of Eco and Sport modes should be able to maximize their range.

Whether using the Level.3 for the daily commute to work or school, leisure rides in the evenings, or a moderately intensive exercise routine, we expect most users should get days—and potentially even weeks—worth of rides in before needing to recharge. That’s seriously impressive!

With the included 4-amp charger, the battery recharges in about five hours when you do have to plug it back in.

We tested the hill-climbing power of the Level.3’s 500W rear-hub motor in our Hill Test using the process described in the graphic above. The bike completed both portions of the test (not all e-bikes with 500W motors have been successful), proving that it has the muscle to make the experience of pedaling uphill enjoyable instead of excruciating.

While the bike’s throttle test result was somewhat below average among the commuters we tested previously, we saw a significant improvement when comparing the Level.3 with the Level 2. The older model completed the throttle test in 2:41 vs. the Level.3’s time of 2:00, making the updated model 41 seconds faster.

Both bikes shared the same pedal test result of 1:23, which matches the commuter category average exactly (at the time of writing).

Two main factors usually play into a bike’s results in this test: the motor’s peak wattage and torque (measured in Newton meters or Nm).

Our data suggests that torque affects the pedal portion of the test the most. The Level.3’s motor produces a maximum of 60 Nm, which is average among commuters with 500-watt motors, so its average results make sense.

Peak wattage influences the throttle test more. The Level.3’s 500W motor peaks at 864W, which is relatively average for a 500W motor—and it is clearly enough to do the job.

Let’s address a potential elephant in the room: the Level.3 uses a 36V electrical system, which, on paper, might seem less powerful than the 48V electrical systems of many similar commuter e-bikes we’ve tested. All other things being equal, this would be correct, but there is more to the (literal) equation.

A motor’s total power is best represented by its peak wattage, which is a function of its voltage multiplied by the amperage of the bike’s controller. With the Level.3, Aventon opted for a lower-voltage system but selected a higher-amperage controller (24A) to offset the difference in power (versus the 18A to 22A controllers often paired with 48V systems).

We were highly impressed by the feel of the Level.3’s motor; if we were blindfolded, we might have guessed it was a 750W hub motor instead of a 500W drive unit. With such a peppy and capable motor, the Level.3 proved that it can handle intimidating hills effectively using either throttle or pedal assist.

As shown by our test results, riders will clearly get up and over hills faster when pedaling, but we appreciate that the Level.3’s throttle is a step up in power from the Level 2; it should do the job in most cases if you want to let the motor handle the heavy lifting.

We tested the Level.3’s Magura MT-A2 hydraulic disc brake system using the method described above. After three tests, the bike’s average braking distance was 22’2”, which is slightly better than average (currently 22’5”) when compared with similar commuter e-bikes we’ve tested.

We attribute the bike’s success directly to its brake system, as Magura brakes are known for their excellent stopping power. This reputation was reinforced both by feel and performance; the Level.3’s system is a step above the relatively basic (but still functional) brakes that are common on entry-level or even mid-tier e-bikes.

The Level.3’s brake levers have a fairly long pull before engaging, but once that happens, braking is powerful and fast. I recommend getting some practice with the brake system to understand how much pressure should be applied when attempting to modulate speed; the braking force took me by surprise the first few times I squeezed the levers.

Overall stopping power aside, we have one point of critique about the levers themselves. This model uses composite brake levers that flex significantly when squeezed. Combined with the relatively long pull before braking force is applied, this flexibility nearly resulted in pinching my fingers if I wasn’t careful.

Additionally, while the MT-A2 system’s performance matched the Level.3’s overall sense of high-quality construction and refinement, the brake levers’ flexibility gave them a feel of being noticeably less durable. We encourage Aventon to use a system with alloy brake levers in the future.

One final note: Potential buyers should be aware that the Level.3’s brake system does not have a motor cutoff feature. While the motor is responsive and does not overrun when the rider stops pedaling, this means that it can still deliver power if the rider applies the brakes while pedaling.

This feature (or lack thereof) is neither good nor bad—it largely comes down to rider preference. We appreciate motor cutoff features for their inherent safety, but brake systems like the MT-A2 provide a more responsive feel with a higher degree of control (once the rider gets a feel for the bike, of course).

Overall, we consider the Level.3 to be specced appropriately with effective brakes. Once again, the bike earned our approval in this test!

A myriad of elements affect a bike’s overall ride quality, including its sizing/fit, suspension, handling, motor engagement, etc. The Level.3’s ride quality was spectacular across the board, from standard elements shared with all e-bikes to its more unique and hi-tech features.

Aventon offers the bike with two frame styles: a high-step/step-over and a step-thru frame, both with two frame sizes. The high-step model we tested is intended for riders from 5’3” to 6’4”, while the step-thru frame fits those between 5’3” and 6’1”. The precise breakdown of these ranges between the two frame sizes can be found in the specs section above.

We tested the L/XL frame size, so at 5’11”, I was toward the lower end of its recommended height range. Its sizing felt appropriate; with six inches of saddle height adjustment, I had plenty of leg extension. The bike’s reach was on the longer side, putting me at a moderate forward lean, but the Level includes an adjustable stem for those who prefer a more upright position.

I found the bike extremely comfortable to ride, largely thanks to the shock absorption from the suspension fork and suspension seatpost with 80mm and 50mm of travel, respectively. I also liked the custom saddle and standard rubber grips, though I’d likely swap to ergonomic grips.

The Level.3’s handling and overall sturdiness were highlights of the ride as well. Its 680mm handlebars provided a balanced feel with great steering control, while its 27.5”x2.2” tires blended maneuverability with stability and rolling efficiency. The bike’s gravity-cast aluminum frame gave it a sense of solidity without causing it to feel heavy or sluggish.

We’ve consistently been a fan of Aventon’s user interface, which includes a large central color display and a highly tactile button panel on the left handlebar. The control panel comfortably places buttons for adjusting the bike’s pedal assist setting and activating the integrated turn signals within easy reach of the grips.

I was pleased to note that the Level.3 includes standard commuter features such as integrated head/tail lights, turn signals, fenders, and a rear cargo rack with 59 lbs of carrying capacity. With no brake cutoff feature included with its brake system, however, I was disappointed that the bike did not include brake light functionality.

For safety, I consider brake lights essential on any e-bike designed to share the road with vehicular traffic and other cyclists. The Level 2 (and most of Aventon’s other e-bikes) include brake lights, so I challenge the brand to include them again in the future.

Critique aside, let’s discuss the Level.3’s integrated security features and the Aventon app in greater detail.

Without pairing to the app, the ACU module can lock the rear wheel to prevent theft—one of the best (and newest) features of the bike—and eject the battery from its dock in the underside of the down tube. These features are accessible through the Level’s display.

Once paired with the app, users can set up an unusual activity detection feature with customizable sensitivity. If the bike is jostled or moved too much, this can be linked with an audible (albeit relatively quiet) alarm. In the event of theft, the bike can also be remotely deactivated.

Geofencing boundaries can be set using a GPS feature to designate allowed or restricted areas. This seems ideal for parents who wish to control where their children can and cannot ride; if the bike enters a restricted area or leaves an allowed zone, the pedal assist system will deactivate, and the alarm will sound until it is returned to a safe area.

An annual subscription is required to connect with 4G networks and get the most out of the Level’s GPS functionality. The first year is free of charge, but subsequent years will require a (completely worthwhile) nominal fee of $20 or a monthly fee of just $2 to stay active.

In the Speed Test section above, I referenced the ability to customize the Level.3’s motor output via the Ride Tune feature. This system of three sliders allows users to change the torque, pedal sensitivity, and pedal assist (wattage) of each of the bike’s three assist levels. A helpful diagram shows the balance of each mode.

The Aventon app also gives users the ability to track and sync ride and health data with Strava and Apple Health. The bike will automatically track rides (shown in grey within the app), but manual tracking is also possible (shown in blue).

It will also show current maintenance status so riders know when to service the bike, grant access to social media features shared with all Aventon e-bike owners, and activate diagnostic tests to ensure that all of the Level’s electronics are functioning properly.

With so many integrated security features that work in tandem with the app, it is an essential component of owning the Level.3. In truth, the Aventon app is among the most synergistic and functional we have tested; it encourages users to stay connected through Bluetooth and manage the bike’s operation and location.

All of these elements combine to create a degree of ride quality that is truly a level (pun intended) above what we expect from an e-bike priced below $2k. While it does have a learning curve to understand and use all of its features, the bike is comfortable, responsive, engaging, hi-tech, and extremely secure.

As Aventon has evolved in recent years, the brand’s drive to innovate and push the industry has been clear. We have witnessed the company grow from a reputable maker of great entry-level e-bikes to a manufacturer of refined, thoughtfully designed, and cutting-edge products on par with brands that have many more years (or decades) of experience.

The Level.3 is the best example of the embodiment of Aventon’s advancement to date. In addition to having a well-constructed, ergonomic, remarkably engaging, and pleasantly lively feel, it is arguably one of the most secure e-bikes at its sub-$2k price point.

Considering that e-bikes are a significant investment for many riders, the integration of protective features such as a wheel lock, motion detection, an alarm, remote deactivation, and location tracking gives owners a high degree of control and monitoring over their ride. This ultimately provides peace of mind—especially for those where theft is a serious concern.

The Level.3 performed extremely well in our testing, with top-notch Range Test results, impressive stopping power, intuitive programming (that also happens to be customizable), and solid climbing capability. As such, it’s a shining example of a commuter e-bike done right.

While its brakes gave great results, we encourage Aventon to use a system with less flexible brake levers and brake light compatibility in the future. These changes would improve the Level’s overall safety factor, increase user-friendliness, and raise the perception of the bike’s already high level of quality and durability to greater heights.

Relatively minor points of critique aside, the Level.3 is undoubtedly one of the best commuter e-bikes on the market. We enthusiastically recommend it to those seeking a reliable daily-use e-bike for the ride to work or school, and we also consider it well-suited to anyone desiring a well-equipped leisure or exercise bike.

In short, the Level.3 should be at the top of the list for anyone who wants a highly functional e-bike that looks great and feels awesome to ride!

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 Level.3 down in our comments section.