Here’s a robust, real‑world breakdown of the Aventon Level.3—the first model in your Gravel Bike Collection—with specs, ride impressions, and expert-tested performance data.
⚙️ Key Specifications
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Motor: 500 W sustained rear-hub motor, peak ~864 W, delivering around 60 Nm torque via a torque sensor for natural pedal assistance aventon.com+15electricbikereport.com+15electricbikereview.com+15.
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Battery: 36 V, 20 Ah (~708 Wh) Lithium-ion pack (LG 21700), fully removable, weighing ~8.7 lb, UL 2849 (and 2271) certified electricbikereview.com+4aventon.com+4bentgate.com+4.
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Amp‑Hours: ~20 Ah at 36 V (≈708 Wh) youtube.com+6electricbikereview.com+6ebikesofne.com+6.
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Weight: Approximately 67 lb (30.4 kg) inclusive of battery and rack (~standard commuter weight for its spec)nypost.com+6electricbikereview.com+6wired.com+6.
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Claimed Range: Up to 70 miles, though qualified by light assist and ideal conditionsen.wikipedia.org+11electricbikereport.com+11bentgate.com+11.
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Assist Type: Bottom-bracket torque sensor (no cadence-only option)electricbikejournal.com+7ebikeescape.com+7ebikesofne.com+7.
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Top Speed: Class 2 default throttle limit of 20 mph; full pedal assist can be unlocked to 28 mph via Aventon appyoutube.com+15electricbikereport.com+15bentgate.com+15.
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Components & Features: 8-speed Shimano Altus drivetrain, 180 mm Magura hydraulic disc brakes, 80 mm coil suspension fork + suspension seatpost, integrated lights, turn signals, adjustable stem, 59 lb-rated rear rack, fenders, ACU-based smart security with GPS, 4G, geofencing, alarm and remote lockingnypost.com+4ebikeescape.com+4bentgate.com+4.
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Water Resistance: IPX6 rating for strong splash resistance (not full immersion)bentgate.com+2aventon.com+2ebikesofne.com+2.
🏁 Real‑World Range & Ride Performance
Range Tests by Electric Bike Report:
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Eco mode (torque-assisted, moderate load): ~80.6 miles nypost.com+5electricbikereport.com+5nypost.com+5.
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Turbo mode (full power): ~44.2 miles electricbikereport.com+1ebikeescape.com+1.
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Notably, these figures rank ~14 mi above average for Turbo mode and ~24 mi above average in Eco versus similar commuter bikes, due to both torque sensing and a larger 708 Wh battery.
Additional Real-World Observations:
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With balanced throttle use and moderate pedaling, ~45 miles is a safe estimate on hills or headwinds.
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On flat routes using Eco assist and active pedaling, 60–70 miles can be realistic—especially when customized via Ride Tune tuningebikeescape.com+5electricbikereview.com+5electricbikereport.com+5electricbikejournal.com+5bentgate.com+5electricbikereport.com+5.
⚙️ Specs Summary Table
FeatureSpecification
Motor500 W (864 W peak), 60 Nm torque
Battery36 V, 20 Ah (~708 Wh)
Amp‑Hours~20 Ah
Total Weight~67 lb (30.4 kg)
Range (Eco mode)60–80 mi (est. 70 mi real‑world tested)
Range (Turbo mode)~44 mi
Assist TypeTorque sensor only
Top Speed20 mph (throttle), unlockable 28 mph assist
BrakesMagura MT‑A2 hydraulic discs, 180 mm rotors
Suspension80 mm fork; suspension seatpost (50 mm)
Security FeaturesGPS, remote lock/shutdown, alarm, geofencing
DrivetrainShimano Altus 8-speed
AccessoriesLights, fenders, turn signals, rear rack
✨ Strengths & Trade-Offs
✅ Pros
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Exceptional efficiency for a commuter e-bike: high range out of a 500 W motor thanks to torque sensing and a 708 Wh battery.
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Ride Tune customization, adjustable assist curves, and rich security tech elevate usability.
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Magura hydraulic brakes, suspension, and integrated lights/signals give it a premium feel beneath the $2,000 price point.
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Comfortable, adaptable geometry via adjustable stem and premium components support long rides or multi-day commutes.
⚠️ Cons
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No motor cutoff when braking, which may impact safety preferences—especially in busy trafficoutdoorgearlab.com+6electricbikereport.com+6ebikeescape.com+6bentgate.com+4ebikesofne.com+4electricbikereview.com+4electricbikereview.combentgate.com+1bikeride.com+1tomsguide.com+6ebikeescape.com+6lakese-bikes.com+6.
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Entry-level gearing: high-speed pedaling at moped limits (~20 mph) requires effort; gearing ratio may feel less optimized for high assist levels (noted in multiple reviews) wired.com.
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Security features require subscription after trial; ongoing service adds cost.
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Smaller motor torque (60 Nm) means performance on steep hills isn’t as robust as 750 W commuter or cargo bikes.
🧠 Final Remarks
The Aventon Level.3 is a standout option in your Gravel Bike Collection for riders prioritizing efficiency, smart tech, and comfort in urban and light off-road settings. While it doesn’t boast fat tires or full suspension, its robust torque-sensor system, smart security suite, and strong real-world range make it impressive in its commuter‑gravel niche.
Expect ~70 miles in Eco mode, ~45 miles in Turbo, and plenty of control via Ride Tune optimization. Its capabilities shine in city or paved-gravel hybrid use—if you want more torque or payload, we’ll compare it to other models next.
Would you like to add more gravel-oriented bikes into the collection for comparison (e.g. Lectric Gravel, Rad Power Radrunner, Ado), or proceed to the next model in this collection?