Should you buy one?
If you want a commuter e-bike that comes with everything already on it, the Aventon Level.2 is the one I’d have pointed you to when I filmed it in 2022. The biggest upgrade over the first Level is the torque sensor: the harder you pedal, the more power you get, and it’s the most responsive way I’ve found to ride an e-bike. It also comes with front and rear fenders, a rear rack, integrated head and tail lights, brake lights and a full color display.
It isn’t perfect. It’s pretty heavy, especially next to the Soltera I was riding every day (2:32), and there’s no bell on the handlebars (2:15).
Buying note: Aventon lists the Level.2 as discontinued (status and price details are under “Buying one now”). My Aventon link below goes to Aventon’s store, where you can see the current Level lineup.
Shop Aventon (affiliate link)
Pros and cons
Pros
- Torque sensor: the harder you pedal, the more power goes to the motor
- Full color display that turns on when you hold the power button
- Throttle works from zero, as long as you’re in a pedal assist mode
- Integrated headlight and tail light, plus brake lights on the frame and the rear fender
- Front and rear fenders and a rear rack come standard
- Front fork suspension that soaks up bumps
- Removable battery that locks with a key
- App lets you see the bike, change settings like brightness, check range and unlock the bike
- New color options that look great
Cons
- Pretty heavy, especially next to the Soltera
- No bell on the handlebars
- $1,949 when I filmed it, a steep price
What’s new on the Level.2
Most of what I liked on the first Level is still here. Aventon updated the controls: hold down the power button and the full color display turns on. The brakes now trigger brake lights on the frame and on the rear fender.
You get 5 pedal assist levels, and the throttle works from zero. By the time I filmed, I’d done over 30 miles on this bike.
The app
You can connect the Level.2 to your phone. The app lets you see the bike, tailor a couple of settings like brightness, see your range, unlock the bike and “maximize the power” (1:02). I didn’t explain in the video what that power setting changes, and I didn’t test it, so I can’t tell you what it does. Aventon’s archived step-over page says the bike ships as Class 2 and can be unlocked to 28 mph on pedal assist; I can’t confirm that’s the same setting. I also had Aventon’s phone holder on one of my bikes, and the bags you see in the video are from Aventon’s website too (1:21). I didn’t give prices for them in the video.
Two frames, same controls
I filmed both the step-through and the step-over Level.2, and the controls are the same on both.
Everything that comes standard
These are beautiful bikes. Front fork suspension, a key-locking removable battery, integrated lights, full fenders and a rear rack all come standard.
Aventon also updated the Level.2 with multiple new colors. The design is very similar to what Aventon first released with the Soltera and the Soltera.7 (the 7-speed version of the Soltera), with those beautiful colors and the integrated features.
The integrated lights help other people see you. Squeeze either brake and the brake lights come on, both on the back of the frame and on the rear fender (0:27).
Aventon’s archived step-over page listed a few accessories alongside the bike: a Kali Central helmet at $79.99, a BiKASE CoolKASE rack bag at $139.99 and a K&H pet basket at $89.99. Those are 2023 prices from that page, and I didn’t test any of them.
The torque sensor is the biggest upgrade
The biggest and best upgrade on the Level.2 is the torque sensor (3:24). A cadence sensor only measures your feet going around in a circle. A torque sensor measures how hard you press, so the harder you push, the more power goes to the motor.
On the display, you step through 5 pedal assist levels with the plus and minus buttons (0:44). Aventon’s archived page lists 5 levels too. In the video I didn’t describe how each level felt, or how the bike pulled away from a stop with the two tag-alongs on the back, beyond saying I didn’t notice the extra weight. So I can’t give you more than that.
What the specs mean on the road
500W motor, 750W peak. Pulling two tag-along bikes, I didn’t notice the extra weight (3:06).
672Wh battery, 60 mile rating. That’s a big battery for a commuter. I didn’t run a range test, so treat 60 miles as Aventon’s best case. The app shows your range, which is the number to watch day to day.
65mm fork. A short-travel fork takes the edge off cracks, roots and rocky trail. It isn’t mountain bike suspension, but it’s why the rocky sections in my video felt comfortable.
62 lbs (step-through) or 54 lbs (step-over). In the video I said it was pretty heavy next to the Soltera. For a labeled comparison: Aventon lists the current Soltera 2.5 at 46 lbs, so the step-through Level.2 is 16 lbs heavier on paper and the step-over is 8 lbs heavier.
Hydraulic discs, 180mm rotors. Aventon’s archived step-over page lists hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors. I didn’t comment on brake feel in the video.
27.5 x 2.1 in tires. Hybrid tires with reflective sidewalls, per the same page.
Charging. Aventon lists a 48V 3A charger and 4 to 5 hours to charge.
300 lb total limit. That includes you, your bags and anything on the rack.
Key-locking battery. It comes off for charging inside, and the lock means nobody walks away with the most expensive part of the bike.
20 mph out of the box, 28 mph unlocked. Many bike paths allow Class 2 but not Class 3, so check local rules before you unlock it.
A parent hack: tag-along bikes
We have younger kids, and getting kids to go on a longer bike ride, or ride their bikes at all, can be hard. I picked up two of those little tandem tag-along bikes used on Facebook Marketplace for relatively cheap. I think it was around $40 (3:06). I said “younger kids” but didn’t give their ages in the video.
It’s so easy to have the kids hop on and tag along with us. And since you have the electric motor, you don’t notice dragging the extra weight.
Two notes. First, I didn’t show or describe how the tag-alongs attach in the video, so follow the tag-along maker’s instructions for fitting. For reference, Aventon lists a 27.2mm seatpost on the step-over. Second, Aventon’s 300 lb total weight limit covers the rider and what the bike carries; it doesn’t include tag-alongs, and Aventon doesn’t list a tag-along rating. Check the tag-along’s own limits. If you want to ride with your kids, this is a cheap way to start. My parents’ guide to kids’ e-bikes covers more options.
How it rides
Here’s how the riding parts of my video break down:
What I measured on camera: over 30 miles on my test bike (video, 0:46).
- 0:27 to 1:20: the controls and brake lights, with the bike standing still.
- 3:06: the tag-alongs, with both kids hopping on.
- About 3:50 to 5:20: a riding montage set to music. I don’t talk over it, so it shows the bike moving but doesn’t give you any measurements.
- 5:25: where I sum up the ride. I said it’s fine on a solid trail like the one in the video, a concrete path or a rocky trail, and that the front fork took the edge off the bumps.
So: fine on solid trail and rocky sections; not a mountain bike. With the rack and full fenders, you can carry your things and stay dry in a light rain.
For the step-over, Aventon’s archived page lists a coil fork with 65mm of travel and lockout. I didn’t use the lockout on camera.
How it compares
| Level.2 | Level 3 | Soltera 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motor (W, sustained) | 500 | 500 | 350 |
| Motor (W, peak) | 750 | 864 | Not listed |
| Torque sensor | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Battery (Wh) | 672 | 733 | 345.6 |
| Rated range (mi) | 60 | 70 | 46 |
| Rear gears | 8 | 8 | 7 |
| Fork | 65mm coil | 80mm | Rigid, no suspension |
| Brakes | Hydraulic | Not listed | Mechanical disc |
| Weight (lbs) | 62 (ST) / 54 (SO) | 67 | 46 |
| Fenders and rack included | Yes | Yes | No (rack $67.99 extra) |
| Price, USD (Oct 22, 2026) | Discontinued | 1,699 (sold out) | Replaced by Soltera 2.5, $1,199 |
Level 3 and Soltera 2 figures come from my Aventon Level 3 review and Aventon Soltera 2 review, which cites its sources.
- Aventon Level 3: the newer Level, with a bigger battery and longer rated range.
- Aventon Soltera 2: lighter, and what I rode every day before the Level.2.
- Aventon Pace 500.3: lighter, with a step-through frame and no suspension.
Who it’s for
- Commuters. Rack, fenders, lights and suspension come standard.
- Riders who like to pedal. The torque sensor rewards effort.
- Parents. Add a used tag-along bike and the kids can ride with you.
- First-time e-bike buyers who want everything installed out of the box.
Who should look elsewhere
- Anyone who needs to lift the bike often. It’s pretty heavy.
- Riders who want the newest model. Aventon lists the Level.2 as discontinued.
- Shoppers on a tight budget. There are cheaper e-bikes out there.
Step-through sizing and geometry
Aventon’s Level.2 Step-Through page still carries a sizing chart. These are Aventon’s numbers for the step-through frame, not measurements I took. The step-over geometry is further down, from Aventon’s archived page.
| Measurement | S/M | M/L |
|---|---|---|
| Rider height | 4’11” to 5’7” | 5’7” to 6’1” |
| Top tube (mm) | 572 | 613 |
| Reach (mm) | 373 | 404 |
| Head tube (mm) | 120 | 130 |
| Standover (mm) | 477 | 459 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 1,095 | 1,130 |
| Saddle height, min to max (mm) | 810 to 975 | 875 to 1,065 |
Source: aventon.com/products/aventon-level-step-through-commuter-ebike, accessed Oct 24, 2026.
A 477mm standover is about 18.8 inches, low enough to step through easily. Aventon lists the larger M/L frame with a slightly lower standover (459mm) than the S/M. That looks odd, but it’s what the chart says, so measure a used bike before you buy if standover matters to you.
If you’re 5’7”, you sit right where the two sizes meet. The saddle height ranges overlap from 875 to 975mm, so either can work; the M/L gives you 31mm more reach.
Aventon’s FAQ suggests an adjustable stem or a higher-rise handlebar if you want to sit more upright.
Step-over geometry
| Measurement | Regular | Large |
|---|---|---|
| Reach (mm) | 364 | 385 |
| Head tube (mm) | 150 | 160 |
| Standover (mm) | 662 | 695 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 1,097 | 1,122 |
| Saddle height, min to max (mm) | 835 to 1,015 | 907 to 1,080 |
Source: Aventon’s archived 2023 Level.2 step-over page (web.archive.org), accessed Oct 24, 2026.
The step-over standover (662mm, about 26 inches) is about 185mm higher than the step-through S/M, so the step-through is the one to pick if swinging a leg over is hard for you.
Rain and water
Aventon rates the Level.2 at IPX4: resistant to splashes from any direction. Aventon says that’s fine for light rain and spray from a wet road, but not for long exposure to rain, submersion or a pressure washer. That’s a lower rating than the IPX5 Aventon lists for newer models like the Soltera 2.5 and Abound LR.
The full fenders help here. In the video I said you can stay dry in a light rain, and that lines up with the IPX4 rating. I wouldn’t plan a daily commute through heavy rain on it.
Lights, but no turn signals
Aventon’s FAQ confirms the Level.2 doesn’t have turn signals. It has integrated front and rear lights, and the brake lights on the frame and rear fender that I showed in the video. Newer Aventon models like the Soltera 2.5 and Abound LR list turn signals, so if you want them, that’s a reason to look at the newer bikes. Add a bell either way.
Where Aventon says it can ride
Aventon’s FAQ says commuter tires like the Level.2’s can handle roads, gravel, dirt trails and rocky areas, and points people to its mountain bikes for rougher terrain. That fits what I rode in the video: solid trail, concrete path and rocky sections, with the 65mm fork taking the edge off. It isn’t a mountain bike.
Aventon’s FAQ also sets the Level.2 apart from the Pace 500.3: the Level.2 is the commuter, with suspension, fenders and a rack, and the Pace is the cruiser, with an upright position, swept-back bars and a cushioned saddle. My Pace 500.3 review covers that bike.
Buying one now
Aventon’s Level.2 Step-Through page says the bike is discontinued. As of Oct 24, 2026, the same page shows $999 with a $1,899 compare-at price, but every color and size is marked unavailable. I’m going with the discontinued notice: I don’t expect you can order one new from Aventon.
That leaves used bikes. I couldn’t find a used price range I could verify, so I’m not listing one. Things to check:
- The battery. It’s the most expensive part. Ask how old it is, and check the range on the display or the app on a test ride.
- The key. The battery locks with a key, so make sure the key comes with the bike.
- Speed setting. Aventon ships it limited to 20 mph and says it can be unlocked to Class 3 at 28 mph. Ask which mode it’s in, and check your local rules.
- Size. Use the chart above.
Warranty
Aventon’s warranty page (aventon.com/pages/warranty, accessed Oct 24, 2026) sets out terms for bikes bought from 2026 on:
| Item | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Frame, drivetrain, electrical, wheels, installed accessories | 2 years |
| Frame, registered within 90 days, original owner | Lifetime |
| Battery | 2 years or 300 cycles, to 75% capacity |
| Other parts | 1 year |
| Wear items and labor | Not covered |
| Shipping damage | Report within 7 days |
| Transfer to a second owner | Partial, with proof of purchase |
Aventon says bikes bought before 2026 keep the warranty they were sold with. Every Level.2 was sold before 2026, so a used one carries its original warranty, and whatever coverage is left may not transfer. Ask the seller for the receipt.
Recall check
I checked the CPSC recall list and Aventon’s recall page on Oct 24, 2026. The only Aventon recall I found is the Sinch.2 folding bike (CPSC 24-075, Jan 4, 2024), for unexpected acceleration, fixed with a free controller software update at a dealer. The Level.2 isn’t on it. Check cpsc.gov again before you buy, because recalls can come out later.
FAQ
What’s the biggest difference between the Level.2 and the first Level?
The torque sensor. The harder you pedal, the more power you get, which makes it the most responsive way to ride.
Does the throttle work from a stop?
Yes, it works from zero, as long as you’re in one of the pedal assist modes.
How fast does it go?
Aventon lists 20 mph on throttle. Aventon says pedal assist can be unlocked to 28 mph (Class 3).
Does it come with fenders and a rack?
Yes. Front and rear fenders and a rear rack come standard.
Is it heavy?
Aventon lists 62 lbs for the step-through and its archived page lists 54 lbs for the step-over. It felt pretty heavy to me compared to the Soltera.
What brakes and tires does it have?
Hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors and 27.5 x 2.1 in tires, per Aventon’s archived step-over page.
How long does it take to charge?
Aventon lists 4 to 5 hours with the 48V 3A charger.
Does it have turn signals?
No. Aventon’s FAQ says the Level.2 has front and rear lights but no turn signals. It does have brake lights.
Is it waterproof?
No. Aventon rates it IPX4, which it says covers light rain and road spray but not heavy rain, submersion or a pressure washer.
What size do I need?
Aventon lists the step-through S/M for 4’11” to 5’7” and the M/L for 5’7” to 6’1”.
Price
The Level.2 cost $1,949 when I filmed it in September 2022 (1:55). That’s a steep price, but I think you get a ton for it. For current status, see “Buying one now” above. For other options, see my list of the best e-bikes under $2,000.
Shop Aventon (affiliate link)
Related reviews and guides
- Aventon Level 3 review
- Aventon Soltera 2 review
- Aventon Pace 500.3 review
- E-bike classes explained
- E-bike laws by state
- Compare e-bikes
“And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.” Isaiah 30:21 (ESV)
