Although riding a bike through Times Square might sound scary, I was surprised by how easy and secure it felt zipping through on my very steady, secure steed: the Aventon Level 3 Commuter. The sturdy frame gave me the boost of confidence I needed to ride through the chaos like a pro.

I then took it all the way to Central Park to see how far this machine could really go — all in the name of journalism, of course. But before I get into my thrilling experience on two wheels, let’s talk about the brand behind the ride.

When it comes to reliable, high-performance electric bikes, Aventon has quickly earned its place as one of the top players in the game. The California-based company blends sleek design with sustainable innovation, and its e-bikes are consistently praised for comfort, performance, and smart tech.

From commuters and casual riders to adventurers and trail junkies, Aventon offers something for every type of rider. Its lineup includes city cruisers, hybrid commuters, and rugged all-terrain models, each one built with thoughtful features and powerful motors that get you everywhere you need to be.

The bike I tested was the Aventon Level 3 Commuter, designed for long-distance travel, going up to 70 miles on a single charge.

It can hold up to 300 pounds and has a rack on the back for groceries and packages, and even a seat for your child (sold separately). Although I can lock this bike up safely in the basement of my building, not everyone is as lucky as me. For those commuters, Aventon has ACU (Aventon Control Unit) technology built in, so you’ll get GPS tracking, auto-lock, unusual movement detection, and an alarm system to monitor your bike’s security.

It’s not completely theft-proof, after all, this is New York, but there are plenty of precautions in place to make stealing it a lot more difficult.

Setting up the Aventon took a little time and patience, but it certainly could have been much worse. I suggest grabbing a friend, neighbor, or partner. The bike is solid (AKA heavy), and while the instructions are clear, you’ll definitely appreciate an extra set of hands to help with lifting the frame and tightening things down.

One hiccup I ran into? A bolt that was tightened a bit too tightly from the factory. I had to call in backup with stronger arms, but we got the job done. So, unless you’re hitting the gym on the regular, you may find yourself wrestling a bit here and there. Tip: I found watching this YouTube video from the brand helpful for setup. One thing to note is that it did skip over a few crucial moments that took some effort to put together.

Once assembled, the real experience begins. The cast aluminum frame gives the bike a sturdy, grounded feel, which is exactly what you want when you’re weaving through city traffic. Compared to a bunch of collapsible scooters I have tested before, this bike feels like a tank in the best possible way. 

However, in retrospect, I would recommend the Step-Through model for city traffic because I needed to hop on and off while riding on Broadway, and I don’t know about you, but I only have so many step-overs in me a day.

Yes, it’s heavier than a standard pedal bike, and you’ll notice it when trying to make tight turns. But that added heft also gives you unmatched stability, and it shines when the roads get bumpy. 

There’s a very nasty pothole on my commute that my scooter does not make it through, and yet I glided through on my Level 3 Commuter without an issue or injury. Honestly, I barely even noticed it. The seat has a great suspension system that allows me to hit bumps and not get a sore bum, something I haven’t experienced on other bikes.

The bike has blinkers controlled on the digital display with a left and right arrow button. I did hit them, but I felt that the lights were smaller on the back, making them less noticeable. Unless it’s dark outside, I’m not sure it’s helpful in the middle of New York City traffic. But, it was a nice touch, if only it were higher on the bike where drivers could see it more clearly.

Let’s talk specs. 

This model is a Class 2 e-bike. What does that mean? It has pedal assist with a top speed of 20 miles per hour, plus a throttle so you can cruise without pedaling. Just keep in mind that regulations vary by district, so it’s important to know what’s allowed where you live. 

Check out our latest article for everything you need to know about e-bikes, and read more about how the classes break down.

There are three power modes: Eco, Sport and Turbo.

I clocked my speed going 21 miles per hour downhill using Turbo mode, so keep in mind that you can really fly with the 500-watt motor that can push you past 25 miles per hour, depending on leg power and terrain.

The acceleration is impressively smooth. You don’t need much effort to get rolling, and once you’re moving, it practically glides. The breaks get a 10 out of 10. They stopped instantly but safely. And trust me, I had a few cabs cut me off, turning into my bike, so I needed to slam on them now and then.

For city commuters looking for a smooth and comfortable ride, the Aventon Commuter Level 3 provides a comfortable, relaxed riding position, perfect for navigating busy streets and weaving through traffic. It has a rear rack to hold your necessities, with front and rear fenders to prevent mud from splattering your work clothes while you ride.

The battery life on a single charge is up to 70 miles, and the bike can carry up to 300 pounds. Aventon offers regular and large sizes for all body types, so even the tallest riders feel comfortable. The regular size fits riders from 4-foot-11 to 5-foot-7, and the large size fits those from 5-foot-7 to 6-foot-1. For perspective, I’m 5-foot-9 and rode the regular, but it fit my frame comfortably, allowing my feet to reach the ground when stopped. 

Plan ahead because charging takes three to four hours, but just know it’s still a bike, so even if you run out of battery, you can still pedal home.

Beyond convenience, the Level 3 Commuter offers a smooth ride with customizable assistance levels to match your pace. It’s an excellent solution for anyone looking to reduce their carbon footprint while still getting where they need to go in style and comfort. 

You can choose from two frame styles, each available in two color options: Sandstone and Glacier Mint for step-through frames and Black and Aurora for step-over frames.

This bike comes with a two-year warranty and a 14-day return policy.

I highly recommend this for people looking for a bit of assistance in their daily lives, even when working out. It gives you the ability to travel to places you may not have been able to go or get more done in a shorter amount of time without paying for the bus, gas, or a monthly metro card.

I’d recommend a folding bike for those who live in walkups like myself, but if you have access to an elevator or storage room or live in a home, this bike is for you.

And before you ride anything, please wear a helmet. We highly recommend the Kali Protectives Lunati 2.0 Helmet because of the aggressive ventilation and secure locking sliders that custom fit your head. Happy riding! 

For this Aventon e-bike review, we didn’t just take it for a spin around the block; we took it straight into the urban jungle.

This wasn’t your average Sunday ride. We pushed the bike through the ultimate real-world gauntlet, Times Square traffic, Central Park’s tourist-covered paths, and a few steep inclines just for good measure. We wanted to know how the Aventon would handle high-stress conditions, fast-paced commutes, and leisurely cruising alike.

We tested across multiple power modes (Eco, Sport, and Turbo), checked battery longevity, and paid close attention to how it handled cornering, braking, and quick acceleration. We also evaluated comfort over time because what good is an awesome e-bike if your back is wrecked 15 minutes in? Or worse, brakes didn’t prevent oncoming traffic.

Lastly, if you’re looking to get the most value, definitely check out Aventon e-bike deals by signing up with an email address to get a discount on your first purchase.

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