Aventon vs. Rad Power: Which E-Bike Brand Should You Buy? 

This is the second post in our e-bike brand comparison series. View our “Aventon vs. Specialized E-Bike Brand Comparison.”  

As the market for e-bikes continues to grow more crowded and competitive, it becomes harder than ever to keep track of all your options and determine which e-bike is best for you. How do you differentiate one brand from another and ensure that you’re finding the perfect ride to meet your needs? 

We’re here to help! In the next post in our e-bike brand comparison series, we’ll be taking a look at two of the most popular current brands: Aventon and Rad Power. Their products provide great entry points into the electric bike market, as opposed to high-end performance brands like Specialized. You can’t go wrong with either Aventon or Rad Power, but each brand has its strengths, shortcomings, and unique features. 

In this article, we’ll cover the following: 

• Brand overviews 
• Performance comparison 
• Design and build quality 
• Riding experience 
• Technology and features 
• Price points and value 
• Target audience 
• Customer reviews and satisfaction  

Brand Overview

Aventon

Aventon was founded in 2012 in southern California, where it is currently headquartered in the city of Ontario. It started off as a fixed-gear bicycle company before releasing its first electric bike, the Pace 500, in 2018. By 2020, Aventon had transitioned to e-bikes exclusively, and the company doubled its fleet of electric bicycles by 2022.  

Aventon is known for combining value and affordability with performance, style, and innovation. Their e-bikes offer a great deal of versatility, allowing riders to conquer practically any kind of terrain or riding style. Some of their most popular models include the Aventure, Pace, Level, and Soltera, along with the eMTB Ramblas and the electric cargo bike Abound.  

Rad Power

Rad Power Bikes was started by Mike Radenbaugh in 2007, who sought a way to make his 15-mile bike ride to school through rural, hilly countryside easier and more enjoyable. After his first homemade electric bike got him going, Mike made a name for himself converting traditional bikes to electric versions, selling them locally through word of mouth and at craft fairs. Before long, the company took off with its first electric fat tire bike: the RadRover.  

Over the years, Rad Power added to its lineup with the RadWagon electric cargo bike, the RadMini electric folding bike, and the RadCity e-commuter bike, among others. Today, Rad Power has over 550,000 riders across the globe who have taken part in the direct-to-consumer e-bike movement. Rad Power’s most popular models include the Radster, RadRunner, and the bike that started it all for the company: the RadRover (now in its sixth iteration).  

Performance Comparison

Motor

Aventon and Rad Power motors are actually in the same ballpark, power-wise: the Aventure and RadRover 6, for example—two similar and popular models—both have 750W brushless rear-hub motors. That said, Aventon still offers a more powerful ride, delivering more “get up and go” and higher average speeds. This is partly due to Aventon’s different torque and pedal assist capabilities (more on these categories below), as well as the motor tuning and engineering. 

Torque

Aventon e-bikes clock in with slightly more powerful torque, which is another helpful way to measure power (particularly acceleration). While Rad Power’s e-bikes typically have about 50 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque—which is about standard for most electric bicycles—Aventon’s line of e-bikes are on the higher side, with some models boasting 80 Nm (Aventure) or even 100 Nm (Ramblas) of torque.  

This means that Aventon e-bikes are often able to tackle steep inclines and rugged terrain with ease, so you can ascend tough hills without feeling like you’re doing a rigorous amount of work (depending on the level of pedal assistance you choose).   

Battery

It’s notoriously difficult to rate and compare e-bikes’ level of battery range and power, since these factors are dependent on numerous other variables (speed, pedal assistance, terrain, riding style, etc.). Still, Aventon batteries have a slightly higher capacity—about 750 watt-hours (Wh) as opposed to Rad Power’s 672 Wh (on most models). Because Aventon e-bikes typically have more efficient torque sensors instead of cadence sensors to provide pedal assistance (more on this in the next section), that’s another reason why Aventon e-bike batteries have a longer range.  

Another thing to mention about the batteries is that Aventon e-bike models feature fully integrated batteries (meaning they’re built directly into the frame of the bicycle) while Rad Power e-bikes only have semi-integrated batteries (in most cases). Fully integrated batteries tend to look sleeker and more streamlined, and they’re protected from the elements and airborne debris, helping them last longer without needing as many repairs.  

Pedal Assistance

This is a category where Aventon has the clear advantage. Most of their e-bikes feature torque sensors, which adjust the motor’s assistance based on how hard you pedal. Cadence sensors, on the other hand—as featured on many Rad Power models—activate motor assistance based on pedaling speed. Torque sensors generally provide a more natural riding experience; they’re highly responsive and adaptive, not to mention efficient, since they only use battery power when you (the rider) demand it. 

It’s worth mentioning that some Aventon and Rad Power e-bikes feature throttle assistance up to 20 mph, though Aventon e-bikes typically feature thumb-operated throttle and some Rad Power models feature a “half-twist” throttle.  

Because the level of pedal assistance is more powerful on Aventon e-bikes, that classifies many of them as Class 3, meaning they can accelerate to 28 mph. Rad Power e-bikes, on the other hand, are Class 2, meaning they can only accelerate to 20 mph, even with maximum pedal and throttle assist. That might not be a deal-breaker for non–speed demons who don’t need to go as fast as possible (and, depending on your state or city’s laws, you may not be able to ride Class 3 electric bikes anyway). But something to keep in mind if you feel the need for speed.    

Credit: Rad Power Bikes

Design and Build Quality

First things first: both Aventon and Rad Power make some beautiful e-bikes, with most of their frames built from aluminum. Both brands generally feature comfortable saddles and wide, mountain bike–style flat handlebars. But there are some design and build quirks for each brand that are worth mentioning.  

Some Aventon e-bikes include attractive features that put just a little extra refinement in your ride, like controllers that are concealed within frame, attention to streamlined aesthetics, attractive colorways, metal front and rear fenders, and more. In the words of Electric Bike Report, the Aventon Aventure features “swooping lines that make it an aesthetic standout among its competitors.”  

That’s not to say Rad Power e-bikes are unappealing. Their in-house designers engineered the frame for enhanced ergonomics and an ideal fit for riders of any height (though some reviewers claim their e-bikes require an athletic body position in the saddle). Rad Power e-bikes often feature “economical builds,” meaning they’re sturdy, reliable, and rugged, if not always sleek and streamlined. Generally, there’s not much weight difference between these brands’ electric bikes; Aventon’s weight range is 41–73 pounds, while Rad Power has a wider range of about 35–88 pounds, depending on the model. 

One last design element by which Aventon e-bikes set themselves apart is the grips. Unlike the faux leather featured on a number of e-bike grips (including some of Rad Power’s), Aventon includes lock-on rubber grips that are more secure and sweat-resistant than other options.  

Riding Experience

This might be the most subjective category of all, and which brand is preferable depends on what kind of ride you’re looking for. Aventon’s powerful speed and acceleration allows you to climb steep hills more quickly and effortlessly, while both brands feature relatively smooth and quiet rides.  

It should also be mentioned that Aventon e-bikes generally feature hydraulic disc brakes, which are smoother and more gradual, leading to better brake modulation while still retaining optimal stopping power. Rad Power e-bikes, on the other hand, typically feature mechanical disc brakes, which don’t have the same responsive stopping power. This might not be a deal-breaker for some riders, but it’s important to try out both hydraulic and mechanical disc brakes and see if you have a preference. 

The front forks on most of these brands’ e-bikes are similar, with suspension systems on many Aventon and Rad Power models that provide ample travel (for example, 80 mm on both the Aventon Aventure.2 and Rad Power Radster Trail). In short, both Aventon and Rad Power e-bikes ride very well, with similar handling characteristics.  

Credit: Rad Power Bikes

Technology and Features

While Rad Power’s backlit LCD display is functional and reliable, Aventon’s display is a leap ahead. Their full-color displays features app sync capabilities like ride tracking and social connectivity with other Aventon riders. That’s not to mention more vital features like integrated lights with turn signals that come pre-equipped on most Aventon e-bikes. These fun and practical tech features do make some Aventon models a little more expensive than Rad Power, but for some it’s worth the extra money to enjoy all the bells and whistles.  

Price Points and Value

Aventon and Rad Power are direct competitors, occupying the same niche in the e-bike market: not top of the line, but definitely solid and dependable brands, offering high-quality performance at affordable prices. Aventon’s most popular models clock in around $1,500–$2,000, while the e-bikes on Rad Power’s website range from $1,000–$2,000 (although the RadWagon 5 is a bit more expensive). In other words, their prices are comparable.  

It should be mentioned that Rad Power doesn’t sell their bikes in brick-and-mortar stores (which is why they’re not available at ERIK’S locations or on our website). Rad Power has always specialized in direct-to-consumer e-bike sales, with a smaller distribution network as a result. Because we don’t sell Rad Power bicycles, our service team would not be able to repair them (although we would work on their mechanical systems if the customer removes the battery beforehand). So, if repairs or maintenance are needed on a Rad Power e-bike, it may be slightly more difficult to service them—one of the benefits of purchasing a bike directly from a local retailer instead of a direct-to-consumer brand.  

Target Audience

These two brands really do target similar audiences: cyclists who are just getting into e-bikes, or riders who just want to get out there casually but may not rely on their e-bike for everyday commuting.  

The sturdy frames, easy-to-read displays, and fat tires on many Rad Power e-bikes make them ideal for less athletic riders who want reliable green transportation in rural or suburban areas (for example, older riders or cyclists recovering from injuries or impairments). Of course, Aventon provides that too, but the heightened speed, torque, and high-tech features of many Aventon e-bikes skew toward a slightly younger demographic. 

Customer Reviews and Satisfaction

One of the best ways to research which brand is right for you is to turn to the customers themselves! Below, you can find testimonials from ERIK’S customers about Aventon e-bikes, as well as customer reviews taken from Rad Power’s website.  

Aventon Customer Reviews

“This was my first e-bike, and I didn’t know anything about them. I did some research and then headed to ERIK’S bike shop… I walked out of the store with the Aventon Aventure.2. I absolutely love the bike! In the first week I put over 100 miles on it—that’s more miles than I’ve done in the last five years! The bike is awesome, lots of power and comfort. My wife ended up buying the exact same bike.” 
—Deerslayer, Becker, MN 

“[The Aventon Pace 500.3 is a] perfect bike! So comfortable to ride. I had hip replacement and lumbar back fusion, and I can get on and off it very easily. It makes it easy for my husband and I to get exercise! Love it!” 
—Avery, Bartlett, IL 

“We love the [Aventon Level.2]! I first thought it was a bad idea to buy electric bikes. I am not lazy, but now I get it! Just get to your location a bit quicker, the uphills aren’t so tough, and crossing streets is much safer with a throttle. Love them!” 
—Bo, Phoenix, AZ 

“I researched [the Aventon Soltera.2] and finally purchased it from ERIK’S. I love this bike! It’s very well built and has lots of cool features. I really like the color too. I’ve totally enjoyed riding my new bike! I highly recommend this bike to anyone who wants a cool-looking, fun-riding bike!” 
—Davi, Newport News, VA 

Rad Power Customer Reviews

“I’m almost 75 years old. I ride my [RadRover 6] every day, usually somewhere between 12 and 20 miles. In my neighborhood it seems like everything is uphill!! Some of my hills are steep enough that I’m in second gear with a five on the pedal assist, and I still don’t have to stand up to pedal! That is awesome! This bike has managed to get an old man off the couch.” 
—Philip L. 

“What a fun bike [the RadRunner Plus]! I did a lot of research and demo rides and eventually chose this model. This bike is easy to handle and operate… If you’re considering buying this bike, just a couple of tips: […] read the owner’s manual thoroughly and follow the battery charging instructions… Then go have a great time!”  
—Susan P. 

“My [RadTrike Electric Tricycle] has given me a level of mobility I have not been privy to in decades. Born with cerebral palsy and an eventual fused left ankle surgery after injuries I sustained in a 1985 car accident have excluded me from many outdoor activities. Riding my Rad tricycle around town and to the beach has been such a thrill. The quality of the trike and its built-in technology that allows me to go up hills and change speed have been seamless and very easy to use. I am so grateful to the smart folks at Rad who designed this trike. It has transformed my life.” 
—Monica G. 

“Fantastic bike. The RadWagon 4 cargo bike is perfect for our family, and we have the full set-up including a baby seat. It’s smooth and even light enough to run without the power. Would highly recommend!” 
—Lauren H. 

Conclusion

In this article, we’ve offered a broad comparison of two similar e-bike brands, Aventon and Rad Power. While there are numerous variations based on each brand’s various models—and, of course, customer preferences—it’s still possible to come away with some broad takeaways: 

• Aventon’s powerful torque and pedal assist capabilities allow for exhilarating speed, acceleration, and ruggedness in tackling steep hills and difficult terrain.  
• Aventon batteries have slightly more capacity and longer range, and Aventon e-bikes are generally more efficient.  
• Both Aventon and Rad Power have sturdy, reliable designs, though Aventon is commonly seen as more streamlined. 
• Rad Power e-bikes offer a smoother, quieter ride, partly because Aventon models have powerful torque and responsive hydraulic disc brakes.  
• Aventon’s full-color LCD display and built-in tech features provide more customization and performance than Rad Power’s.  
• Both brands target similar audiences and offer safety and reliability at affordable prices.  

It’s impossible to say which brand is objectively “better”—that’s up to you to decide! Stop into an ERIK’S location and test ride some Aventon e-bikes; you can also set up a test ride through Rad Power’s website.  

No matter what kind of riding you like to do and your particular e-bike preferences, there are so many options out there today that you’ll be sure to find your perfect electric bicycle! So find just the right one and then hit the trails or roads to your heart’s content.  

Still have questions or need advice? Reach out to us through one of the methods below! 

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