Aventon Level.2 Commuter eBike Review

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After creating a line of successful fixed gear bikes and experimenting with eBikes in 2018, Aventon took the market by storm with the launch of their Pace 500 eBike, a high-caliber and affordable eBike that won prestigious awards and really put Aventon on the map. Aventon continues to develop and produce more innovative products with the latest being their Level.2 Commuter eBike, which is the next generation of Aventon’s flagship eBike the Level. Aventon’s Level.2 is not merely an update of the original, but an upgrade, by taken what was good and making it even better with new components and all of the latest features.

Aventon Level.2 Commuter eBike Unboxing

The Aventon Level.2 Commuter eBike is shipped in a standard bike box and everything is well packaged and secured so that all components and accessories arrive intact and without damage.

The Level.2 comes with everything you need to assemble and start riding the bike in about 30 minutes after unboxing. Building the Level.2 was very simple as there were only six main components that needed to be installed: the handlebars, pedals, seat, front wheel, fender and headlight.

Aventon Level.2 Commuter eBike Build

The Aventon Level.2 Commuter eBike is built with a 6061 double-butted aluminum alloy step-thru frame with an internal battery. Coming in at 53lbs., the build is lightweight (for an eBike), yet solid, where some step thru models have a bit of a spineless feel due to the lack of the top tube, the Level.2 feels stout and sturdy. The step-through frame makes it easy for almost anyone to saddle up and get out and ride.

Equipped with four integrated lights, front and rear fenders and a rear rack, the Level.2 is provisioned to take on virtually any commute. The integrated front and rear lights can be turned on and off with the light button on the handle bar or in the Aventon app and are bright enough to help the bike be seen and provide nice viewability in low light riding. The three rear taillights activate when the brake levers are pulled even if the lights are off.

The fenders help keep you protected for wet spray and debris, while the rear rack can can transport everything from work essentials to groceries.

Aventon Level.2 Commuter eBike Front Suspension

The Aventon Level.2 Commuter eBike has a front suspension fork with up to 65mm of travel and lockout functions which allows you to fine-tune the fork (with a simple twist of the dial) depending on the terrain you are riding on. This makes riding on rough roads or flat surfaces more comfortable and enjoyable.

Aventon Level.2 Commuter eBike Brakes

The Aventon Level.2 Commuter eBike is fitted with 180mm hydraulic disc brakes that deliver quick and smooth stopping power. Hydraulic brakes self adjust and require little to no maintenance, making them the preferred option over standard disc brakes on any eBike.

Aventon Level.2 Commuter eBike Battery and Motor

Integrated batteries are slowly becoming an industry standard. Not only does an integrated battery have a sleeker look, but it can also disguise the fact that you’re riding or locking up an expensive eBike. The Level.2’s battery is removable and can be charged on or off the bike. It is a Lithium-ion 48V, 14Ah (672Wh) battery, which is spec’d right in line with most eBike batteries on the market today.

Furnished with a powerful 500 Watt Brushless Rear Hub Motor that can peak at 750 Watts, commute times were quick, starts were snappy and rides were enjoyable. The Level.2 was never lacking any power and with a little effort hit speeds well beyond the claimed 28mph.

Aventon Level.2 Commuter eBike Pedal Assist and Throttle

The Aventon Level.2 Commuter eBike has both a throttle and five levels of pedal assist, which offers up a very versatile riding experience. Activating one of five levels of pedal assist and it provides a boost at every level that will let you cover more distance at ever increasing speeds up to 28mph or rely solely on the throttle to revel in a effortless scenic joyride at speeds of up to 20mph. Level.2 ships as a Class II eBike, but can be modified within the Aventon app to a Class III allowing you to really experience what the bike has to offer.

Aventon Level.2 Commuter eBike Torque Sensor

Most of the eBikes on the market today are equipped with a cadence sensor which let’s the controller know when to send power to the motor. The problem with cadence sensors is they are unable to sense how much effort is being put into the pedals, it is really just an on or off switch – either the pedals are moving or they are not – power to the motor or not. And while this works okay for some eBikes, there are some that it is down right awful on, it actual eliminates the bike riding experience and turns the eBike into what amounts to an electric moped. A torque sensor solves that problem and brings back the natural riding experience but with a boost.

The Level.2 is Aventon’s first electric bike engineered with a torque sensor and they absolutely nailed it. Aventon’s torque sensor let’s you take control of the ride as it intuitively amplifies the effort that you put into the pedals. Meaning the harder you pedal, the more assistance you receive from the motor and the less intense you pedal, the less power you receive. Remember the “well beyond the claimed 28mph” I mentioned above, because of the torque sensor and some effort on my part, I was able to hit 32.2 mph on a flat road, and something tells me I could likely have reached even higher speeds if I wasn’t wearing jeans. A torque sensor also reduces battery usage, extends the range and lets you burn a few more calories. A torque sensor certainly adds quite an incremental cost to an eBike, which is why most eBike manufacturers opt for the cadence sensor, but in my opinion it is worth every penny to retain the natural feel of pedaling on an eBike.

Aventon Level.2 Commuter eBike Backlit LCD Display

Aventon’s backlit, fully colored and intuitive eBike display details all the data you’ll need at a glance. The full color display is bright and easily readable, shows battery life, distance traveled, speeds and pedal assist level. It can also charge your phone if it happens to die on an extended trip and it also can sync with the Aventon app, where you can access even more information about rides, turn on and off the integrated lights, adjust the top speed of the Level.2, view achievements and connect with the Aventon community.

The Aventon app even lets you check out your total carbon emissions reduced and trees saved for every ride you take.

Aventon Level.2 Commuter eBike Experience

For me, the Aventon Level.2 Commuter eBike is an absolute joy to ride, thanks to the torque sensor it brings back the feeling of riding a normal bike, but with faster speeds. I was able to cover more distances and faster, while still being able to put in a good amount of effort and actually enjoy shifting through the gears and tackling different terrains. The battery lasts longer than any of the other eBikes I have tested and the top end speed exceeds all of them as well. Add in the integrated lights, accessories and cushioned suspension fork, and the Level.2 delivers a comfortable and responsive ride that is perfect for commutes or weekend adventures. The Level.2 from Aventon is the complete package, balancing intuitive riding with powerful efficiency.

Aventon Level.2 Commuter eBike Specs

• Motor: 48v, 500W Brushless Hub Motor with Torque Sensor
• Display: BC280 LCD Color Display with Backlight, w/ App Connectivity
• Brakes: Hydraulic Disc Brakes
• Weight:  52 LBS.
• Drivetrain: 8-Speed
• Frame Type: 6061 Double-Butted Aluminum Alloy with Internal Battery
• Tires: 27.5” X 2.1”
• Assistance: Throttle and Pedal Assist Modes
• Includes: Front & Rear Fenders + Rear Rack

Final Thoughts on the Aventon Level.2 Commuter eBike

With all of the new features and the addition of the torque sensor, Aventon has a winner on their hands with the Level.2 Commuter eBike. If you are in the market for a commuter or a weekend adventure eBike that provides the feeling of natural bike riding and offers exceptional battery life, ride distances and speeds, the Aventon Level.2 Commuter eBike is a solid choice to consider.

MSRP $1,949  For more info on the Level.2 and other eBikes from Aventon, visit www.aventon.com.