Should you buy one?
The first-generation Aventon Level Step-Through is the same bike as the regular Level I rode for 100+ miles (see “The regular Level: 100+ miles” below), with a frame that’s much easier to get on and off. After riding it for several weeks, I liked the parts: an easy thumb and index-finger shifter (0:29), brakes that work great, a Zoom front fork, the wide Aventon seat, fenders and a rear rack. The throttle now works from a stop once you’re in pedal assist 1 through 5, after Aventon’s software update (1:03).
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My big miss: it has no integrated headlight and no tail light. From a safety standpoint I think every e-bike should have both (7:03).
Buying note: this is the first Level. Aventon has since replaced it with the Level.2 and the Level 3, which I’ve also reviewed. Those are the bikes to look at new.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Step-through frame that’s easier to get on and off (1:29)
- Same high-quality parts as the regular Level: shifter, brakes, Zoom fork (0:17, 1:44)
- Wide Aventon seat, not a racing seat (1:44)
- Throttle works from a stop in pedal assist 1-5 (1:03)
- Front and rear fenders and a rear rack included, rear fender pre-installed (4:16, 7:24)
- Removable battery that you can also charge on the bike (3:10)
Cons
- No integrated headlight or tail light (6:25)
- Getting the battery out means moving the front wheel, and putting it back is harder (2:33)
- The battery is massive and heavy (2:51)
- Standard display, not Aventon’s color display (0:40)
The controls
The shifter is the same one on the regular Level: you click through the gears with your thumb and index finger, and it’s really convenient. The brakes are easy to use too (0:29). There’s a big display in the center. On this model it’s Aventon’s standard display, not the color one, but it’s still very nice (0:40).
On the left side you get the front brake lever, the left grip and the thumb throttle. When this bike first came out, the throttle didn’t work from zero. Aventon updated the software, and now all their e-bikes let you go from zero. In pedal assist 0 the throttle does nothing. In pedal assist 1 through 5, pushing it gets you moving from a standstill (1:03). The power button is hidden down low and is marked with an M (1:21). Aventon’s manual says to press and hold M for 3 seconds to turn the bike on or off.
The step-through frame
The only difference between this and the regular Level I tested is the frame. The regular Level is a little harder to get on and off. With the step-through you just step right through, flip up the kickstand and ride. Getting off is just as easy: slide your leg through, put the kickstand down and walk away. If you’re shorter, it’s definitely easier (1:34).
The battery
The battery locks in with a key and is integrated into the frame. Taking it out is a little funky. There’s a switch up at the top, and then you have to move the front wheel out of the way to slide it out. Getting it back in was harder; I think squeezing one of the brakes would have helped (2:33 to 3:00). You don’t have to remove it to charge, though. There’s a charge port on the other side of the bike, so you can plug in right there (3:10).
What the specs mean on the road
Removable battery. You can charge it inside if you can’t plug in where you park. Since the battery is heavy, charging on the bike is easier if you have an outlet.
No lights. If you commute early or late, budget for a headlight and tail light. That’s the main thing missing from this bike.
How it rides
It feels super smooth, and the brakes work phenomenally (5:54). The thumb throttle is convenient whenever you don’t feel like pedaling or you’re on your way to work. Keep the battery charged and you won’t be sweating on hot days (5:50 to 6:17).
The regular Level: 100+ miles
Before the step-through, I rode the regular (high-step) first-generation Level for over 100 miles (video, June 2020; times below are from that video). It’s the same bike apart from the frame, so here’s what that longer test added.
- Power: I’m 6’1” and about 200 lb, and the 500W motor had plenty of power to get me up hills. Aventon’s site listed it as peaking at 750W. I never felt it needed more, and in pedal assist 5 it takes off fast (4:05 to 4:42).
- Range: Aventon claimed 40 miles. I went from 100% to zero in 38 miles, with a lot of steep inclines, so flat riding would go further (8:00 to 8:32).
- Pedal assist lag: it uses a pedal sensor, so the motor kicks in after about a half turn, sometimes a full turn, of the cranks (2:57 to 3:10).
- Throttle: it was really responsive and pulled from a complete stop, which helps at a stoplight or on a hill (2:45 to 2:57).
- Build: the whole bike felt solid, from the handlebars to the metal pedals to the disc brakes (3:48 to 4:04).
- Chain drops: on light off-road riding, like grass or a trail, the chain bounced off twice. I planned to tighten it (6:18 to 6:42).
- Lights: front and rear reflectors only, no headlight or tail light. Some cheaper e-bikes include both (7:12 to 7:27).
- Display: the LCD was easy to read in direct sunlight. It shows your assist level, battery and speed (8:32 to 8:59).
- Assembly: it needs some assembly, and the tools come in the box. Don’t tip the bike up, because the rear fender comes installed (1:00 to 1:36).
- Weight: it’s pretty heavy, and it doesn’t fold like the Sinch. Since it’s not meant to go in and out of a trunk, that was fine with me (5:34 to 5:58).
- Value: I said some e-bikes with comparable specs cost less, but this one comes standard with fenders and a cargo rack (9:07 to 9:30).
Aventon listed the Level at $1,599 in sizes S, M and L in 2020 (Aventon’s product page, archived on the Wayback Machine). It no longer sells the first-generation Level as of Oct 23, 2026.
How it compares
In the same video I put it next to two bikes with 350W motors.
- Mac Mission 100: I thought it was pretty terrible. It has a 350W rear motor, which is lacking for its size, plus a cheap display, inexpensive brakes and hard grips, and its fenders were a pain to install (3:19 to 5:50). It was $700 to $750 (6:17 to 7:35).
- Ziprs F1: same 350W motor, but you get more kick out of it because it’s lighter. It also folds, and it has an integrated headlight (4:28 to 7:35). If you’re going with a smaller motor, I’d pick the Ziprs over the Mac Mission.
| Level Step-Through (1st gen) | Aventon Level.2 | Aventon Level 3 | Ziprs F1 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor, sustained (W) | 500, 750 peak (regular Level video, 4:05 to 4:27) | 500 | 500 | 350 |
| Battery (Wh) | not listed | 672 | 733 | 345 |
| Pedal assist top speed (mph) | 28 | 28 (unlocked) | 20 (Class 2) | not listed |
| Throttle top speed (mph) | 20 | 20 | not listed | 20 |
| Assist levels | 5 | 5 | 3 | 3 |
| Integrated lights | No | not listed | not listed | Headlight only |
| Folds | No | No | No | Yes |
Sources: Aventon’s Level manual (2020) and my video for the first Level; my Level.2, Level 3 and Ziprs F1 pages for the others. “Not listed” means I don’t have a sourced number.
Of the three bikes in that video, the Level Step-Through is the nicer one. The Ziprs F1 was the only one with an integrated headlight, and none of the three had a tail light (6:17 to 7:35).
Accessories I used
Aventon sent me a set of two rear-rack bags. They clip onto almost any rear rack, they’re waterproof, and the two bags snap together for carrying (7:37 to 9:41).
Who it’s for
- Riders who want an easier frame to get on and off
- Commuters who want fenders, a rack and front suspension included
- Shorter riders
Who should look elsewhere
- Anyone riding in low light who doesn’t want to add lights
- Anyone shopping new today: look at the Level.2 or Level 3
FAQ
Does the throttle work from a stop?
Yes, after Aventon’s software update, as long as you’re in pedal assist 1 through 5 (1:03).
Does it have lights?
No integrated headlight or tail light on the bike I tested (6:25).
Can you charge the battery on the bike?
Yes. There’s a charge port on the side, and the battery also comes out (3:10).
How fast does it go?
Aventon’s manual lists pedal assist up to 28 mph and the throttle up to 20 mph.
How do you get the battery out?
Flip the switch at the top, then move the front wheel out of the way and slide it out (2:33). Squeezing a brake may help when you put it back (3:00).
Should I buy a used first-generation Level?
Check that the software has the throttle-from-zero update (1:03), budget for lights, and test the battery. Otherwise, look at the Level.2 or Level 3.
Price
I didn’t give a price in this video, and Aventon no longer lists the first-generation Level, as of Oct 23, 2026. See the Level.2 and Level 3 reviews for their current price notes.
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Related reviews and guides
- Aventon Level.2 review
- Aventon Level 3 review
- Ziprs F1 review
- Best commuter e-bikes
- Class 2 vs Class 3 e-bikes
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.” Ecclesiastes 9:10 (ESV)
