Should you buy one?
The Level 3 is discontinued. As of Oct 24, 2026, aventon.com shows its last price as $1,699 (down from $1,899), but every color and size is unavailable and the buy button reads “Discontinued.” The step-through is the same. You can only get one used or as leftover dealer stock.
Buy a used Level 3 if you want an all-around commuter or a first e-bike, the seller has the receipt, and the price is well under the successor’s. When I reviewed it in April 2025 I put it ahead of every other e-bike I’d tested at that point (0:08), and it’s the one I’d point a beginner to (8:08). It rides on gravel, asphalt and concrete, the torque sensor makes pedaling feel natural, and it added a live range estimate and 4G tracking over the Level 2.
The current successor on Aventon’s US site is the Level 4 REC at $1,799 (on sale from $1,999) as of Oct 28, 2026: a hub-drive commuter rated at 80 Nm (96 Nm in boost), up to 75 miles, 68.5 lbs, Class 2 and convertible to Class 3. Aventon also sells the mid-drive Level 4 ADV at $2,699 (on sale from $2,799). I haven’t ridden either.
In July 2025 my Aventure 3 review moved the Aventure 3 ahead of the Level 3, mostly because I ride a lot of gravel now.
My only complaints are the hand grips and the kickstand, which both feel cheap on a bike this nice.
Check Aventon’s current lineup (affiliate link)
Pros and cons
Pros
- Fits me perfectly and works as an all-around bike
- Torque sensor makes pedal assist feel natural
- Name-brand brake levers, an upgrade from the Level 2 and the original Level
- Thumb throttle works from zero while you’re in a pedal assist mode
- Display gives a range estimate based on how you’ve actually been riding
- Built-in 4G location tracking
- Integrated LED headlight, and the tail light lights up when you brake
- Front suspension fork plus a suspension seat post
- Adjustable stem for rider comfort
- Integrated rear rack that holds about 60 lbs
- Clean look with the charge port tucked under the frame
- Matte black on black looks great
Cons
- Cheaper hand grips without the elongated shape I like
- Same cheap kickstand as the last Level
- Aventon says GPS is free for the first year, then it’s a paid subscription
- Discontinued; used or leftover stock only as of Oct 24, 2026
Design
Aventon gave the Level 3 a more modern frame shape (0:26). Mine was the matte black frame with black pedals, a black rack and black grips. Everything is black, and I love it (0:36).
Controls
On the left you get the hand grip, and this is the one part of the bike I’m not too fond of. It’s a little cheaper, and it’s missing the elongated grip I really like, which is a lot more comfortable.
The brake levers are an upgrade from the Level 2 and the original Level (1:05). They’re name-brand levers, and the rear lever gets the same upgrade (3:16). I couldn’t read the brand in my footage. Aventon lists the brakes as Magura AT-2 or Tektro HD-E3520, so it can vary from bike to bike.
Next to that is a thumb throttle that works from zero, as long as you’re in a pedal assist mode. On the right side you get a pointer finger and thumb shifter.
The display and range estimate
The display looks identical to the Level 2, but it does something new. There’s a range section that predicts how far you can go based on how you’ve been riding.
What my range number means (1:53 to 2:17): I’d been riding on throttle only, and the battery was at 50%. From that, the display predicted about 10 miles in eco, 7.3 in sport and about 6 in turbo. Aventon’s 70-mile rating assumes a 165 lb rider in eco on flat pavement with the default Ride Tune settings, and pedaling. Throttle-only riding on half a battery is close to the opposite of that, so the two numbers don’t conflict. Doubling my eco estimate gives roughly 20 miles on a full charge with throttle only. That’s my arithmetic, not a test. I didn’t run a measured range test.
GPS tracking
There’s a little location dot on the display. The Level 3 has 4G built in, so you can see where the bike is at all times. If it’s stolen, you can find it in the app (2:31).
Cockpit, lights and stem
The stem has some adjustment for rider comfort, so you can raise it and bring the handlebars closer to the seat (3:46). There’s an integrated LED headlight; hold the plus button to turn it on. You get Aventon’s integrated tail lights in the back, and they light up when you squeeze the brake.
Suspension, brakes and battery
Up front there’s a suspension fork that adds a ton of comfort, a disc brake and a front fender that comes with the bike.
There’s a pad under the main part of the frame where the battery sits (4:49). In the video I said it didn’t look easily removable. Aventon’s spec sheet settles it: a removable internal battery that weighs 8.7 lbs. The charge port is tucked right underneath the frame. Usually it’s on the side, but I like how clean this makes the bike look.
The crank has a torque sensor, which makes it really comfortable and natural. The seat post is a suspension seat post with a couple of inches of travel, which adds comfort since the Level doesn’t have rear suspension.
The seat
It’s an Aventon branded seat, slightly upgraded from the last version. The cushion feels about the same, but it has a textured, almost tacky surface, so you have some traction when you’re sitting on it. I really like it.
Rear rack and motor
In the back there’s a 500W rear hub motor, a disc brake and an integrated fender with a rear rack that holds about 60 lbs. There’s an excellent bar to hook a bag on.
The one other cheap part is the kickstand. It’s the same Aventon kickstand from last time, with a little nut to adjust its height. I’d like to see Aventon upgrade it, along with the hand grips.
What the specs mean on the road
Torque sensor. It measures how hard you push on the pedals and adds power to match. That’s why the assist felt natural to me. A cadence sensor only checks whether the pedals are turning, which can feel like an on/off switch.
500W, 864W peak, 60 Nm. The peak is the burst you get pulling away and climbing.
733Wh battery, 70 mile rating. A big battery for a commuter. The display’s estimate is the more useful number day to day, because it adjusts to how you ride.
80mm fork plus 50mm seat post. Suspension at the front and under you, but no rear shock. That’s the setup that let me ride gravel, asphalt and concrete comfortably.
67 lbs, 300 lb limit, 60 lb rack. The weight is noticeable if you have to lift it. The 300 lb limit covers rider plus cargo, so a 240 lb rider has about 60 lbs left for bags.
4G tracking. Useful if you park in public. The subscription details are below.
How it rides
Everything about this bike just fits me (5:56). The video doesn’t state my frame size, so I won’t guess at it. Aventon lists the high-step for riders 5’3” to 6’4”. The ride footage covers four kinds of surface:
- Concrete path, first person (2:41 to 3:04, 3:25 to 3:46, 7:23 to 7:59): I’m riding with both hands on the bar over expansion joints. The 80mm fork and suspension seatpost take the edge off them (4:39, 5:24).
- Cracked asphalt street (4:14 to 4:39): side shots of me pedaling across patched, cracked pavement.
- Dirt and gravel shoulder (6:08 to 6:44): close shots of the front wheel and pedals on a loose dirt edge next to the path. This is where I said you can easily ride it on gravel (6:00).
- Throttle from a roll: the throttle works from zero as long as you’re in an assist level (1:23).
The seat’s textured, almost tacky cover keeps you from sliding around (5:43). The video doesn’t include a steep hill, so I haven’t tested climbing. It also doesn’t cover assembly; Aventon posts a 10:17 assembly video on the Level 3 page.
What changed from the Level 2
From my video and Aventon’s page:
- Range estimate on the display (1:45). The Level 2 display looks the same but doesn’t predict range.
- 4G location tracking (2:31).
- Upgraded name-brand brake levers (1:05).
- Charge port moved under the frame (5:02). It used to be on the side.
- Textured seat cover (5:37). It has about the same cushion as before.
- More range: Aventon says Ride Tune and new motor power curves give up to 10 more miles than the Level 2.
- Unchanged: the kickstand (7:08). I didn’t like the grips either (0:52).
How it compares
| Aventon Level 3 | Velotric Discover 1 | Aventon Pace 500.3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motor (W, sustained) | 500 | 500 | 500 |
| Motor (W, peak) | 864 | 900 | 864 |
| Torque sensor | Yes | No (cadence) | Yes |
| Battery (Wh) | 733 | 692 | 614 |
| Rated range (mi) | 70 | 65 | 60 |
| Weight (lbs) | 67 | 63 | 54 |
| Front suspension | Yes | Yes | No |
| Rear rack included | Yes | Optional in 2023 | Not listed |
| Price | $1,699, discontinued (Oct 24, 2026) | $1,300 (2023) | C$1,999, discontinued (Aventon Canada, Oct 24, 2026) |
Level 3 from aventon.com; Discover 1 from Velotric’s comparison page and my Discover 1 review; Pace 500.3 from my Pace 500.3 review.
- Velotric Discover 1: cheaper when I tested it, and Velotric’s comparison page rates it for 440 lbs total versus Aventon’s 300 lbs for the Level 3, but the rack was an extra-cost option on the 2023 bike and it uses a cadence sensor.
- Aventon Pace 500.3: lighter, with no suspension.
- Level 4 REC (current, $1,799 on sale as of Oct 28, 2026): Aventon’s successor. On paper it adds torque (80 Nm against 60) and range (75 miles against 70) for 1.5 lb more weight. Not tested.
Who it’s for
- Beginners. This is an excellent first e-bike.
- All-around commuters. Gravel, asphalt and concrete, with a rack for your bag.
- Riders worried about theft. The 4G tracking lets you find the bike.
- Riders between 5’3” and 6’4”, per Aventon.
Who should look elsewhere
- Riders over Aventon’s 300 lb total limit.
- Anyone who hates subscriptions. GPS is paid after the first year.
- Buyers who want new with a full warranty. It’s discontinued, so look at the Level 4 REC.
Water rating
Aventon’s step-through listing rates the bike IPX5 and its components IPX6. The high-step page’s FAQ also says IPX5. IPX5 covers low-pressure water jets from any direction, so light to moderate rain is fine. It isn’t waterproof. Don’t submerge it or use a pressure washer.
What the 4G subscription covers
I mentioned the GPS tracking in my video. Here’s what Aventon’s page says the built-in Aventon Control Unit (ACU) does with a 4G connection:
- GPS location, updated periodically in the Aventon app
- Geofencing, with alerts when the bike leaves an area you set
- Lost-bike reporting, which can disable motor assist from the app
- Remote shutdown over Bluetooth or 4G
- A motion alarm that reports vibration or movement after shutdown
- Status reports on location and battery even when your app isn’t connected
- A transportation mode that turns these off to save battery
Aventon says the first year of 4G service is free from the date you register the bike, and after that you need a paid subscription to keep those features. The page doesn’t list the subscription price, so I can’t tell you what it costs. If you skip the subscription, Aventon lists Bluetooth for remote shutdown, but location and lost-bike features need 4G.
Source: aventon.com/products/level-3-commuter-ebike, accessed Oct 24, 2026.
Warranty
Aventon’s current warranty, for bikes bought on or after Jan 1, 2026, covers the frame, drivetrain, electrical system, wheels and installed accessories for two years. The frame becomes lifetime coverage for the original owner if you register within 90 days. The battery is covered for two years or 300 cycles, which Aventon says is designed to keep up to 75% capacity. Other parts get one year. Wear items and labor aren’t covered, and shipping damage has to be reported within seven days. Bikes bought before 2026 keep the warranty they shipped with.
Source: aventon.com/pages/warranty, accessed Oct 24, 2026.
Recall check
As of Oct 24, 2026, I found no CPSC recall for the Level 3. Aventon’s only CPSC e-bike recall I could find is for the Sinch.2 folding bike, a different model.
Sources: cpsc.gov and the eridehero.com recall list (updated Mar 23, 2026), accessed Oct 24, 2026.
Used-buyer checklist
- Receipt and registration. Aventon’s lifetime frame coverage is for the original owner, so ask for proof of purchase.
- 4G status. Ask whether the subscription is active and have the seller remove the bike from their Aventon app account.
- Battery. Make sure the battery comes out, charges and comes with its 42V 4A charger.
- Brakes. Check which set it has (Magura AT-2 or Tektro HD-E3520) and that both levers feel firm.
- Fork and seatpost. Push down on the bars and seat. Both should rebound smoothly.
- Kickstand. It’s the weak spot I called out. Check it holds the loaded bike.
- Price. The Level 4 REC is $1,799 new (on sale as of Oct 28, 2026), so a used Level 3 should be well below that.
FAQ
Is the Aventon Level 3 worth it?
Used, yes, if the price is well under the $1,799 Level 4 REC. It’s discontinued new.
Does the throttle work from a stop?
Yes, as long as you’re in a pedal assist mode.
Does it have GPS?
Yes, 4G location tracking.
Is the battery removable?
Yes. Aventon lists a removable internal battery, 8.7 lbs.
How much can the rack carry?
About 60 lbs.
Is it good on gravel?
Yes, on dirt and gravel shoulders like the one in my video. For rougher gravel, I’d now point you to the Aventure 3.
How accurate is the range estimate?
It adjusts to how you’ve been riding. I didn’t compare it against a measured ride, so I can’t tell you how accurate it is.
How long does it take to charge?
Aventon lists 5 hours.
Which Level 3 size should I get?
Aventon lists the high-step Regular for 5’3” to 5’10” and Large for 5’10” to 6’4”. The step-through Regular is 4’11” to 5’7” and Large is 5’7” to 6’1”.
Is the Level 3 waterproof?
No. Aventon lists IPX5 for the bike, which covers rain and road spray but not submersion or pressure washing.
What brakes does the Level 3 have?
Hydraulic discs with 180mm rotors. Aventon lists them as either Magura AT-2 or Tektro HD-E3520, so the brand can vary.
Has the Level 3 been recalled?
I found no CPSC recall for the Level 3 as of Oct 24, 2026.
Price
As of Oct 24, 2026, aventon.com shows the Level 3 at $1,699 and marks it discontinued in every variant. The successor, the Level 4 REC, was $1,799 on sale (list $1,999) as of Oct 28, 2026. For more options, see my list of the best e-bikes under $2,000.
Check Aventon (affiliate link; it doesn’t cost you any more)
Related reviews and guides
- Aventon Aventure 3 review
- Aventon Soltera 2 review
- Aventon Sinch review
- E-bike classes explained
- E-bike laws by state
- Compare e-bikes
“And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’” Luke 15:6 (ESV)
