Aventon Soltera.2 Review, 2024

Using the methods explained above, we determined that riders can expect a range of between roughly 30 and 37 miles with the Soltera.2. This contrasts with Aventon’s advertised range of up to 46 miles, but as always, there are a few factors to consider in relation to our results.

First, these results reflect the data gathered in our speed test; with only a few miles per hour of difference between Eco mode and Turbo mode, it makes sense that the bracket of figured determined by our range test data would look similarly narrow. If the power levels between those settings were greater, we would expect to see more variance in the amount of distance the bike could travel.

Second, the fairly powerful boost provided by Eco mode limits the overall range potential. We found it difficult to pedal slower than 14.5-15 mph in this setting even with a light pedal cadence and pressure, meaning that the bike was still using a significant amount of energy in this setting.

This is also reinforced by a comparison between our results with the Soltera.2 and the original version of the bike. We usually expect to see better range with a torque sensor, since it requires effort from the rider and allows the motor to do less work. The original Soltera, however, managed a whopping 49.5 miles – nearly 13 miles beyond our results with the Soltera.2.

All things considered, we’d like to see Aventon offer the option for a larger battery to extend the bike’s range closer to – or beyond – the 50-mile mark we achieved on the original Soltera. Many of the similar city bikes we’ve tested offered optional range extenders (external batteries the size of a water bottle) to supplement the main battery, so this would be a welcome option as well.

The results we measured may have been less than expected, but they are still practical; riders with over a 35-mile round-trip commute are covered. And we did measure better efficiency in Turbo mode despite moving at top speed; the original Soltera traveled roughly 24 miles compared to the Soltera.2’s 29 and a half.

Additionally, when estimating the amount of time our Turbo mode test would take, we expected to ride for roughly an hour as determined by the motor and battery specs (explained more in our guide to e-bike batteries). Surprisingly, the Soltera.2 gave us nearly an additional 200% – we traveled for 2 hours and 50 minutes.

In truth, this is one of the slowest times we’ve measured on any e-bike at this point in time, but there are a few caveats to consider. First, for the sake of consistency, we make it a practice to stay in the saddle during this test. We performed a second “unofficial” test while standing – which is likely how most riders would approach a path like Hell Hole Trail – and measured a substantially better result of 1 minute and 51 seconds and an average speed of 9.8 miles per hour. To be fair, the difference between the Soltera.2 and other bikes would likely be similar if we stood on those as well, but the Soltera is a great bike, and I don’t want its numbers to overshadow that.

Hell Hole is an extreme challenge – exactly why we perform our Hill Test at that location. I once attempted to pedal up the path with no motor assistance and failed almost immediately, walking the bike up the steepest sections. The fact that the Soltera.2 allowed us to climb the hill – albeit slowly – is a testament to its effectiveness. In this case, the relatively low-powered traditional bicycle feel is a feature! The Soltera.2’s modest motor gives its rider the sense that they are riding a non-electric bike but simultaneously allows them to do things they normally would be unable to do on their own power.

To evaluate the Soltera.2’s brake system, we used the process described above to calculate its average stopping distance. Equipped with a Tektro mechanical disc brake system with 180mm rotors and 2-piston calipers, the bike performed well; its average stopping distance was 22’-10”.

This result was slightly beyond the average across all city/urban e-bikes we’ve tested (currently 22’-1”), but still within our expected range of data. As such, we feel comfortable in saying that the bike’s performance was adequate and its brake system was appropriately-specced and safe.

A hydraulic brake system would be even more effective at slowing the Soltera.2 down, but we were not surprised to see mechanical disc brakes included on the bike. Many e-bikes of similar size and style we’ve tested have used mechanical disc brakes simply because they are effective enough in conjunction with lightweight frames.

In terms of feel, the Soltera.2’s brakes did a great job; they responded quickly and slowed the bike smoothly. Despite having relatively narrow 700x38c road tires, the bike maintained stability and a straight line of travel when coming to a stop. All in all, we were satisfied!

I’ve discussed its feel and effect on ride quality previously, but In my opinion, the bike’s torque sensor was truly the star of the show. The Soltera has always had the soul of a traditional bike, and that core aspect of the new version of the bike was allowed to shine with that upgrade. The simplest way I can put it is this: it felt like a non-electric bike, just better!

The Soltera.2’s riding position is a moderate forward lean, made slightly more upright than many of the city bikes we’ve tested by its riser handlebars. I found its saddle to be well-padded and comfortably shaped, and its ergonomic rubber grips were comfortable and well-textured.

With its relatively lightweight frame and 700x38c tires, the Soltera.2 was impressively nimble and maneuvered gracefully. At 660mm, the bike’s handlebars felt somewhat narrow to me (I have fairly broad shoulders) – and we learned that the handlebars on production models will be even more narrow at just 620mm. I’d personally have like to have seen 680mm bars, but fortunately, handlebars are both affordable and relatively easy to swap out.

After testing the Aventon Soltera.2, I’m thrilled to say that it met and exceeded our expectations – at least in terms of feel. We patiently awaited the torque sensor upgrade to this city bike, and couldn’t be happier with the difference it made with the bike’s ride. The original Soltera was a fantastic addition to the brand’s lineup, but with its analog bicycle soul, it unquestionably deserved a torque sensor.

In terms of performance, the Soltera.2 had mixed results. The bike may not have fared so well in our Hill Test, but we understand the limitations of its 350W motor. Based on its specs alone, we were pleased with its performance in our Range Test, though we’d like to see an option to extend its range through a larger battery or a supplemental power source.

The bike did well in our Brake and Speed Tests, but considering the results of the previous tests, we’d prefer to see a boost in power for the throttle and to allow for the bike to reach the maximum Class 3 speed of 28 mph.

Those points of critique aside, the Soltera.2 is still a staff favorite and an overall great bike. It’s a fantastic example of Aventon’s expertise; it’s a comfortable and effective e-bike that stays true to its analog roots and won’t break the bank.

We highly recommend the Aventon Soltera.2 for riders looking to spend more time on 2 wheels instead of 4. It’s an e-bike that gives riders the ability to climb intimidating hills, pedal faster, and travel greater distances while leaving the joy in a traditional cycling experience!

Happy Riding! Make sure to let us know if you have any questions down in our comments section or if you think we left anything out in this review of the Aventon Soltera.2.