Aventon’s newly launched Soltera ADV looks almost perfect – I’d only change one thing

Aventon has just pulled the wraps off the Soltera 3 ADV, and on paper, it looks like one of the cleanest, most thoughtfully designed lightweight urban e-bikes the company has released yet. Announced this week, the Soltera 3 ADV builds on Aventon’s minimalist roots with a refined single-speed setup aimed squarely at city riders who value simplicity, low maintenance, and easy handling above all else.

At just 37 lb (16.8 kg), the Soltera 3 ADV is Aventon’s lightest e-bike to date, and that alone will turn heads in a market increasingly crowded with e-bikes over twice its weight. The bike sticks to a single-speed drivetrain with a Gates Carbon Belt Drive, eliminating chains, grease, rust, and nearly all drivetrain fuss. That belt setup, combined with a torque sensor and hydraulic disc brakes, gives the bike a premium feel that the company hopes will justify its $1,499 price tag.

Power comes from a 250W rear hub motor (500W peak), and the bike is Class 1 only, topping out at 20 mph with pedal assist and no throttle. That lack of throttle may turn off many riders in the US, but helps keep it in Class 1 territory and thus has the widest access for riding in areas that restrict some throttle-enabled or higher-speed e-bikes.

Aventon claims a range of up to 70 miles (112 km), though that is with the rider doing most of the work, and is undoubtedly also helped by efficient rolling from relatively narrow 700x38c tires. Integrated lights and turn signals come standard, and the bike rolls on a clean aluminum frame with a fully integrated battery for a sleek, uncluttered look. While the integrated battery removes some weight and keeps the downtube slimmer, it also means riders won’t be able to swap in a fresh battery to extend rides, or remove the battery altogether as a theft deterrent when locking outdoors.

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Shipping is expected to begin this month, and the Soltera 3 ADV is available in Matte Storm Blue, Matte Black, and Sterling Silver through Aventon’s dealer network and its website.

Electrek’s Take

Honestly, I really like this bike. The Soltera 3 ADV is almost exactly what I want in a lightweight, no-nonsense Class 1 urban e-bike. It would pretty much replace my old RadMission as a beater, everyday ride, and shedding more than 10 lb compared to that 48 lb bike is a huge win. I thought my RadMission was light, but this would feel like a feather next to it.

I can get past the no-throttle since I like riding these lighter e-bikes on pedal assist (though I know a lack of a throttle is a deal breaker to some folks who see it as safety equipment). But if I could change one thing, it would be the battery size. The 36V, 367 Wh battery feels just a bit small. Yes, it’s a Class 1 bike with just pedal assist, so efficiency should be solid. And yes, bumping it to something like 500 Wh would mean a chunkier downtube. But part of me still wishes for a little more capacity.

That said, I don’t even mind the integrated battery. Sure, replacements aren’t as convenient (you’ll need some tools and some time to pull out the integrated battery via the bottom bracket area), but on the upside, it’s pretty hard for someone to walk off with your battery at a bike rack. They’d have to steal the whole bike, though I’d rather them not do that, either.

Ultimately, though, this is a minimalist, practical, and well-thought-out bike. I’d say the Soltera 3 ADV comes very close to perfect for what it’s trying to be. Now I just need to get on one. You guys know I’ll be back to let you know how it goes once I get some saddle time in. Until then, let me know your first impressions in the comment section below!