Until now, the Aventon Level 2 was Bicycling’s Best Overall e-bike. It reigned for two-and-a-half years, and judging by the number of Levels we see on the roads, bike paths, and rail trails, many riders are fans of Aventon’s highly functional and sharply priced commuter e-bike, too.
However, the Level now claims the Best Overall Electric Bike title.
Aventon’s updates to the Level focus largely on comfort, aesthetics, and usability. Some changes are quite visible while others, like the electronic wheel lock, are almost entirely hidden. The third-gen Level receives two notable rider comfort updates compared to the Level 2. One is a suspension seatpost to smooth the ride and add some cush’ for the tush. The other is an adjustable-rise stem with up to 90 degrees of angle adjustment. Aventon’s most significant update is one that many riders may gloss over when shopping for an e-bike but some users might find it quite useful. Introduced last year on the brand’s Abound SR cargo bike, the Level 3’s new ACU (Aventon Control Unit) adds several smart features to the already well-equipped platform. The wheel lock and motion sensor alarm are passive theft deterrents when you stop for a mid-ride coffee or run into the post office. A 4G chip in the ACU provides GPS tracking from Aventon’s mobile app so you can find your bike if you forget where you locked it. 4G connectivity also allows you to set geofence restrictions on your Level 3 for teens or housemates.
Even without the connectivity features, the Level 3’s frame, comfort upgrades, and improved brakes make it surpass the Level 2 with ease as our Best Overall E-bike. The tracking, custom power settings, lock, geofencing, and alarm add to the bike’s usability in daily life without added cost.
