Aventon Level Commuter Electric Bike Review Part 1 – Pictures & Specs
The new Aventon Level 28 mph eCommuter bike has arrived for testing and review!
The Level is one of the latest eBikes from Aventon and it has a lot of features generally found in more expensive eBikes.
This Class 3 eBike features pedal assist up to 28 mph and a thumb throttle providing assist to 20 mph.
Spec highlights include a 500 watt (750 watt peak) geared rear hub motor, an internal frame battery (48V 14Ah 672Wh), hydraulic disc brakes, Shimano Acera drivetrain, and a range of quality accessories.
In this first part of the review you will get a detailed look at this bike with a BUNCH of pictures and the specifications.
Part 2 of the Aventon Level review includes info on the ride characteristics, the range test, pros, cons, and overall thoughts.
Alright, let’s take a closer look at the Aventon Level.
The Aventon Level is packed with features which, together with the fact that its a Class 3 28mph model, make the $1,599 price a very good value.
The 6061 aluminum frame uses hydroformed tubing to produce a smoothly distinctive and stylishly curvaceous design with sloped top tube for good standover height and a downtube that houses and protects the frame-integrated battery.
There are three frame sizes available – small (5’1″ – 5’7″), medium (5’7″- 5’11”) and large (5’11” – 6’4″). The Level in this test is the Medium frame size.
The maximum rider weight is rated at 250lbs / 113kg and the max cargo capacity at 50lbs / 22.5kg.
The top tube and down tube are very smoothly and strongly welded as is evident here.
There is internal cable routing through the downtube for cable protection and a clean look.
Here is another angle of the smoothly hydroformed frame where you can see the long weld connection between the top and down tubes and the head tube connection.
In this picture you can also see the charge plug for in-frame charging of the battery.
A big highlight of the Level is the 48V 14ah 672Wh battery (Samsung cells) that is enclosed in the round-edged, sturdy, square profile of the downtube as seen here.
The downtube location of the battery is good for overall balance and handling of the bike. It also has a clean design that blends in well with the overall look of the bike.
Removing the battery is accomplished by unlocking the battery with one of the two supplied keys.
Then the lever at the top of the battery connection is rotated to release the battery for removal from underneath the downtube.
The battery then drops out starting at the upper end of the down tube.
Here’s a look at the lower battery connection point at the bottom end of the down tube.
Aventon e-bikes are built to the IPX4 water-resistant standard so the battery fit into the frame is built to that same standard (but don’t use a pressure washer or sprayer to clean the bike – good general advice with any e-bike in fact).
Here is a good example of how the hyrdoformed tubing has been shaped to integrate the battery in the downtube while tapering near the bottom bracket area to provide clearance for the chainring.
You also get a good look at the nice detailing on the two tone paintwork.
The battery can be charged on or off the bike as it is fully removable. It weighs 7.9lbs / 3.6kg.
Here you can see it removed alongside the 48V 3 Amp fast charger that will charge from empty to full in 4-5 hours.
Here is another shot of the smooth welding where the top tube meets the seat tube and the seat stays.
In this view you can also see the rear rack attachment to the seat stays.
Also note the stylish aerodynamic profile of the seat tube. It further adds to the unique look that makes the Level stand out.
The drivetrain uses a 46 tooth chainring with double chainring guards to keep the chain on the chainring and to provide some pant leg protection. These are 170mm cranks.
The aluminum pedals have a large platform with studs on both side for a solid grip.
A Shimano Acera derailleur shifts through the 8 speed cogset that has a 12 tooth to 32 tooth range.
The geared rear hub motor is rated at 500 Watts continuous power and 750 Watts peak.
The motor has a compact size considering the impressive power stats and it blends in well with the overall looks of the bike.
The Level ships as a Class 3 eBike with pedal assist to 28 mph and throttle to 20 mph.
There is an option to change the pedal assist limit per the information on the Aventon website “If you are riding on private property or in an area without ebike speed restrictions, the speed limit can be modified in the settings, and Level’s powerful motor can go up to about 32 MPH on pedal assist.”
Additionally “Level will also operate with the throttle unplugged and removed, should you want to ride in an area where throttles are not allowed.”
Here is a look at the other side of the rear hub motor with 180mm disc brake rotor attached.
The Aventon Level uses Bengal Aries 3 hydraulic disc brakes on the front and back. This picture is the rear brake caliper with a clean attachment to the frame.
Here is a look at the 180mm front disc brake rotor attached to the Suntour suspension fork.
The bike features both throttle and pedal assist, with the pedal assist providing motor power up to 28mph / 45kmh. The pedal assist uses a cadence sensor to add assist when you turn the cranks.
Here you see the cadence sensor very discretely placed just inside the left crank. There is also internal cable routing for the cadence sensor wiring.
The Aventon Level is equipped with a Suntour Mobie A32, coil spring suspension fork. It has 75mm (~3″) of travel and uses a thru-axle for the front wheel attachment.
This gives added strength and stiffness in the dropout area and provides more solid handing and fork performance over rough terrain.
On the upper left side of the fork is a preload dial that adjusts the spring rate of the fork to fit your riding weight and ride style.
On the upper right side of the fork is a lockout dial that prevents the fork from moving for an efficient ride on smoother roads.
A quick turn of the dial unlocks the fork for active suspension on rougher roads.
The 27.5″ x 2.2″ Kenda Kwick Drumlin tires are e-bike rated and have reflective sidewalls on both sides of the tires.
Semi-slicks are designed for paved roads along with some gravel roads and similar unsealed surfaces. That is reflected by the smoother central tread and the more aggressive knobby elements towards the edges.
They are on double wall aluminum 36 hole rims with strong 13 gauge spokes for the front wheel and 12 gauge spokes for the rear wheel.
Let’s take a look at the ride position and handlebar controls.
The Aventon Level has a comfortable yet sporty ride position with flat profile handlebars that have a slight rise.
The handlebar height can be adjusted by moving the stem and spacer locations on the steer tube. In this picture the stem is in the highest location.
On the left side of the handlebar are the Velo lock-on grip, Bengal Ares 3 front hydraulic disc brake lever, thumb throttle, and control pad.
The thumb throttle (left) can be used as a boost for the pedal assist or it can be used as a pure throttle without pedaling.
The control pad adjusts the 5 pedal assist levels with the up and down arrows and the button below turns the bike on/off and cycles through information on the display.
In addition there is the walk mode that allows you to walk with the bike up a steep incline as the bike powers itself.
On the right side is the Velo lock-on grip, Bengal Ares 3 rear hydraulic disc brake lever, and Shimano Acera 8 speed shifter.
Here is a closer look at the Shimano Acera rapidfire trigger shifters for the 8 speed drivetrain.
Here’s a shot of the Bengal Ares 3 hydraulic brake lever. Each brake lever has a reach adjustment to fit the brake levers to your hand size.
There are sensors in each brake lever that will stop the assist when either brake lever is engaged.
In this view you can also see the gear indicator to show you which of the 8 gears you are in.
The display unit is centrally mounted and has a large clear display that includes a backlight feature.
The display provides info on:
- Battery level
- Current speed
- Pedal assist level
- Walk mode status
- Trip mileage
- Odometer
- Battery voltage
The Aventon Velo saddle gives a nice wide sitting platform with a narrow front end for efficient pedaling.
The sturdy looking aluminum rack has plenty of attachments points for straps, baskets, bags, and panniers. It is rated to carry 60 pounds (27 kg) of cargo.
Another highlight to the Level are the full coverage aluminum fenders front and rear. These have a sturdy look and feel and they are generally found on more expensive eBikes.
An adjustable length kickstand completes the accessory package.
Aventon Level Electric Bike Specifications
Frame: Hyrdoformed 6061 double-butted aluminium alloy tubing with internal battery
Fork: Suntour Mobie A32, coil spring, thru-axle, 75mm (~3″) travel, with lockout
Motor: 48V geared rear hub, 500 Watt (750 watt peak power)
Battery: Removable frame integrated lithium-ion 48V 14Ah (672Wh) with Samsung Cells. Weight 7.9 pounds / 3.6kg
Assist Options: 5 pedal assist levels (plus walk mode) and thumb throttle. Cadence sensor for the pedal assist.
Speed: Throttle up to 20 mph / 32kmh and pedal assist up to 28mph / 45kmh which makes this a Class 3 eBike. From Aventon “”If you are riding on private property or in an area without ebike speed restrictions, the speed limit can be modified in the settings, and Level’s powerful motor can go up to about 32 MPH on pedal assist.”
Additionally “Level will also operate with the throttle unplugged and removed, should you want to ride in an area where throttles are not allowed.”
Display: Large LCD display with backlight
Drivetrain: Shimano Acera 8 speed with 46t chainring and 12t to 32t cogset, Shimano Acera rapidfire trigger shifters
Brakeset: Bengal Ares 3 Hydraulic Disc Brakes, 180mm Rotors
Tires: 27.5″ x 2.2″ Kenda Kwick Drumlin, eBike rated, reflective sidewalls
Seat: Aventon Velo comfort saddle
Accessories: Aluminum rear rack, aluminum fenders front and rear, double chainguards, and kickstand
Sizes: 3 frame sizes fitting riders between 5′-1″ to 6′-4″
Colors: Earth / grey two tone
Weight: 63.3 pounds / 28.7kg, 55.4 pounds / 25.1kg with the 7.9 pound / 3.6kg battery removed.
Warranty: Lifetime frame warranty and 1 year warranty on all other parts
Now checkout Part 2 of the Aventon Level review with info on the ride characteristics, the range test, pros, cons, and overall thoughts!
-Pete
Review Note: Each company pays a fee for a review on Electric Bike Report because of the considerable amount of time that it takes to provide an in-depth review of each eBike. A lot of time is spent on the full range test with distance & elevation profile, the wide variety of detailed pictures, in-depth video, and the write up with the specifications, ride characteristics, pros, cons, and overall thoughts. The reviews on Electric Bike Report are focused on providing you with a detailed “virtual” look at each eBike to help you determine if it is the eBike for you.
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Paul Vild says
Is there a place for a water bottle cage?
MMC says
When you buy the ebike one of the accessories you get is a vertical water bottle mount that you can attach to your stem or handlebar. The bike also comes with a standard water bottle cage
Don Gerhardt says
Who is the manufacturer of the hub motor and the wheels? Thanks.
Mike says
Hub motor is Shengyi, very strong and proven reliable. Been using them for years. The rims are supported by 12 guage spokes, and added stainless steel eyelets to improve reliability. This ebike far exceeds others out there in the price range of $1400 to $2500 in a number of respects. The paint finish is automotive grade quality. Many ebike frames are extruded,which wont come close to overall strength and integrity. Once again, Aventon keeps setting the bar for awesome quality, very good components, excellent style, while keeping it affordable. (too many others use very entry level stuff, and just nowhere near the aesthetics if they are priced below $2000). Aventon with this LEVEL, is approaching the aesthetics of Specialized where theirs are priced at $4000 to $5000. And yet, Specialized mid drive motors are showing repeated failures as noted on many popular forums.