Review: Aventon Soltera 3 Electric Bike

The Soltera 3, the new single-speed, hybrid-style commuter from electric bike brand Aventon, is the brand’s answer to the ever-growing bulk and heft of modern ebikes. In my opinion, Aventon has made the least ebikey bike on the ebike market, which provides the most fun I’ve yet had riding an electrically powered bicycle. (Sorry, I couldn’t in good conscience write “ebike” in that sentence a third time.)

The Soltera 3 is a class 1 electric bike, meaning it has a top speed of 20 miles per hour. (Motor-assisted, of course. Your legs combined with a downhill can get this thing going a whole lot faster.) It also lacks any sort of throttle control. However, the bike's pedal assist is super responsive and offers immediate aid with the slightest bit of rider input.

It has a claimed range of up to 70 miles—though ...