Aventon Level Electric Commuter E-Bike by Aventon
The Level Commuter e-bike from Aventon is a stylish and well-built bicycle with a powerful electric motor assist. With its battery discreetly built into the downtube and the powerful but compact 750 Watt motor integrated into the rear hub, the retro-styled bike has a timeless look that doesn’t scream out loud, “I’m an electric bike!”.
Coming in at a very reasonable price of $1,599, it’s got all the essential features most riders want in a simple and effective means of transportation. The Level Commuter e-bike is ready to commute. It is equipped with front and rear fenders to handle the elements, a solid rear rack to stow your stuff, a large backlit LCD status display up front, and solid components. This electric bike is built to perform ride after ride around town and beyond.
E-Bike Class Matters
Governments have considered e-bikes a sort of ‘in-between’ element in the laws of the roads: they’re not motorcycles or mopeds that are licensed and regulated like vehicles and travel on the highways and roadways, but they are similar. And they’re not strictly just old-style, human-powered bicycles, but they’re more like them than anything.
Eventually, an industry panel devised a set of rules that established three basic classes of powered bicycles. Class 1 e-bikes have pedal assist power up to 20 miles per hour; Class 2 e-bikes include a throttle power boost, up to 20 miles per hour; Class 3 e-bikes provide pedal-assisted power up to 28 miles per hour.
California and about 25 states have made these rules law, in basically this form. Each state and regional government has regulations that apply in that area, though, so it is worth getting to know the rules and limits of which type of e-bikes are welcome in the area around you.
Features and Details
Aventon advertises that the sensors included with the Level Commuter have a cadence sensor and speed sensor. The power boost kicks in when you move it up a level, and the pedals spin free until you reach the target speed for that assist level.
Class 3 in Style
The Commuter covers the bases with a 28 MPH pedal assist power boost at the top of five power-assist settings, each with a target speed. The speed targets up to 20 MPH are available on throttle boost, with really no pedaling required, except for the first turn of the crank, which is needed to activate the system.
The Commuter comes with an easy option to unplug and remove the throttle for places with throttles on e-bikes are banned. Only the rider can be sure of the local rules and regulations that control e-bike technology and riding in the area, so it’s your responsibility to check the laws
Power to Ride
The 750W Peak Motor (500W sustained), 48V brushless rear hub motor provides torque at 60 Newton meters. Charged up with a substantial 672Wh capacity, the interval lithium-ion 48V, 14Ah battery pack packs plenty of power. Locked and concealed in the downtube is the 1.8lb charger, which remains out of sight and out of mind most of the time.
Weighing in a relatively heavy weight of 59 pounds, the Level Commuter is rated at a maximum rider weight of 250lbs and has a cargo capacity of 50lbs. The frame bars are 6061 double-butted aluminum alloy.
Nice Details
While the front suspension fork also adds some pounds, it does smooth out the ride very nicely. The Suntour Mobie A32 with a coil spring goes through 75mm of travel to ease over the thumps and bumps of the road.
A big backlit LCD display, greyscale, is mounted at an adjustable angle and shows up to 10 bars for energy available, as well as speed, assist level 0-5, odometer with Trip A and Trip B options, and timer.
Upgrades available include a full range of customizable options for more cargo or smoother riding:
- Axiom panniers for maximum load-hauling,
- A Burley Flatbed Cargo Trailer, to bring a load along,
- A set of good front headlights and rear taillights for improved safety and visibility
A rapid-fire Shimano Acera 8 speed shifter is at your fingertips. Brakes are Bengal Ares 3 hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors and dual-piston calipers, with three-finger levers at your hand.
The automatic motor-off switch built into the brake levers can surprise some riders who put a finger or two on the brake lever as a habit — the power can cut out if the pressure on the lever triggers the kill switch.
Tires on the Commuter are good for getting around town. The 27.5″ x 2.2″ Kenda Quick Drumlin is e-bike rated, with reflective sidewalls and puncture protection built in the hybrid tread pattern.
Pros:
- Well-equipped
with its rear-rack ready to hold cargo, aluminum alloy front and rear fenders, and helpful 8-gear shifter giving you plenty of pedaling options with the five levels of power assist, the Level Commuter has the basics well covered.
- Well-built
Aventon has been in business only about five years, and they’ve proven themselves capable of putting out solid and reliable bicycles. They select quality components assembled on a tough 6061 aluminum frame for dependable riding.
- Powerful
Five power assist levels from the 750 W (peak) motor will get you up to speed quickly. Throttle control will take you up to 20 MPH (designed for easy optional removal where there are legal issues with throttles on e-bikes), and class 3 pedal-assist to get up to 28 MPH to get you commuting at a relatively high speed.
- Efficient
Go about 40 miles or more on a single charge. Cover transportation and errands, simple and easy, and return the Commuter to the plug for four or five hours to power up again.
Cons:
Summary
The Level Commuter is just what the name promises; a solid performance e-bike for around town with the basics well covered. At up to 20 MPH with throttle assist and a 28 MPH pedal assist Class 3 e-bike, the Level Commuter is smooth and straightforward to ride. The mildly retro, classic design gives off an aura of functional and sturdy charm.
Sources
https://www.aventon.com/products/aventon-level-commuter-ebike
bosch-ebike.com/us/everything-about-the-ebike/stories/three-class-ebike-system/
https://www.wired.com/story/guide-to-ebike-classes/