Aventon vs Gazelle E-Bikes: What I Recommend

Written by: Rémy Rossi | December 30, 2024 Time to read 5 min

Deciding between Aventon and Gazelle e-Bikes? Learn more about the differences between these two popular brands.

More about the Author: Remy Rossi

Rémy Rossi is a bike writer, mechanic, and educator who got his start in community-based bike shops and co-ops. With a decade in the industry, he still wrenches on bikes when he can and plays bike polo on a fixie.

Gazelle electric bike on sidewalk
The comparison between Gazelle and Aventon isn’t as simple as old-school versus new-school.

Aventon is the new kid on the block with less than a decade producing electric bikes, but has quickly become one of the most popular brands in the US. In comparison to the California-based firebrand, Gazelle shows off its Old World heritage and long-standing legacy— it was founded way back in 1892 in the Netherlands and is still going strong.

What is the best electric bike from these brands and does a single manufacturer come out on top?

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Brand overviews

Aventon

Aventon is an affordable electric bike brand with entry-level models and excellent value. In the late 2010s, Aventon transitioned from making stylish fixies to focusing on electric bikes for recreational riders. The brand has now positioned itself as one of the hottest e-Bike brands in the US, known for its eye for aesthetics, tech-forward features, and reliable user support.

Gazelle

Close up of Gazelle e-Bike head badge and logo

If you’re Dutch, you know this brand. Recently bestowed with Royal status, this bicycle brand has over a hundred years of history and produces both standard and electric bikes. At the moment, Gazelle sells only e-Bikes in the US market. They are all hybrid models with premium features like a Bosch motor and optional parts like belt drive or wheel locks. Believe me, these e-Bikes are nice.

Aventon & Gazelle models

AVENTON


Hardtail eMTB

Ramblas


Commuter

Level


All-terrain

Aventure

Foldable

Sinch


Cargo
Abound

Hybrid
Pace 500

Lightweight city
Soltera


GAZELLE


Step-thru comfort

Arroyo


Premium step-thru belt-drive

Avignon


Long-range hybrid

Eclipse


Efficient hybrid

CityZen


Sporty city

Medeo


Fully-loaded commuter

Ultimate

Gazelle e-Bikes: premium hybrids

Gazelle hybrid e-Bike on sidewalk
Aventon produces a diverse fleet of electric bikes but Gazelle focuses mainly on hybrid e-Bikes, ideal for commuters and recreational riders. And Gazelle models are not your Walmart e-Bikes—they are premium hybrid e-Bikes with top-notch parts and a high price tag.

If you're looking to go low-budget, Gazelle is probably not your best bet. That said, there are seriously sweet deals on Gazelle e-Bikes available on Upway, but Aventon models are priced more approachably for riders with a tighter budget. Recently, I compared the Gazelle Medo T10+ and Riese & Müller Nevo GT Vario hybrid e-Bikes.

Motor and pedal assist

One of the main differences between Aventon and Gazelle e-Bikes is the motor. All Gazelle electric bikes are tricked out with premium Bosch mid-drive motors, leading the industry in performance and reliability. If you want the best, you probably want Bosch.

Aventon electric bikes, however, utilize custom rear hub motors between 500W and 750W. The new Aventon Ramblas e-MTB is an exception and has a fancier mid-drive motor. Aventon hub motors often feel a bit torque-y which many riders like, offering a zippy, powerful push.

Gazelle Bosch drive systems provide a smoother pedal assist that feels more similar to natural pedal power. Gazelle e-Bikes are Class 1 or Class 3 and don’t have a throttle mode— some Aventon models have a throttle. If you’re looking for a zestier ride with more oomph, Aventon are great fast and (sometimes) throttle-equipped e-Bikes. Gazelle e-Bikes are the perfect companion for riders with higher expectations for natural feeling pedal assistance.
Aventon Aventure close up

Design and technology

Both Aventon and Gazelle have a demonstrated keen eye for design albeit each with their own flavor. Gazelle is the elegant and chic urbanite while Aventon is the futuristic and confident all-rounder. And if those terms don’t make sense, just forget I even mentioned them— just brainstorming here.

Aventon sits on the opposite side of the price spectrum but offers a surprising amount of new tech and sleek aesthetics on its e-Bikes, especially compared to similar brands. Aventon has often beat out rivals like Rad Power Bikes and Ride1Up when integrating the latest technology. For example, new Aventon models have integrated turn signals, full-color displays,  app connectivity, and torque sensors.

I’ll risk comparing e-Bikes to vacuums. Maybe Gazelle electric bikes are like Dyson vacuums— premium, high-performance, and ultimately practical in the long run. The design is well thought out and there are pragmatic features like integrated wheel locks, comfortable frames, and high-end components that last longer than you’d think. Gazelle has learned a thing or two throughout their century-long history and understands the needs of commuters and urban riders better than almost anyone else. You don’t get recognized by the Dutch royal family for nothing.

Browse Upway’s fleet of Gazelle e-Bikes:

Price and value


You can probably guess what I’m about to say. I think the distinction between Aventon and Gazelle is another instance of higher price meaning higher performance. Gazelle makes e-Bikes that are the envy of aficionados across the globe, featuring premium parts and delectable design, if you’ve got the cash that is.

Aventon e-Bikes are recognized for their overall value and are fantastic first electric bikes or addition to your family’s fleet. Unlike some entry-level brands, Aventon has retailers and partners all around the US so you can easily find a shop that can service your e-Bike.

In the e-Bike world, you typically get what you pay for, and it depends what you’re willing to pay. Purchasing from Upway unlocks unbeatable discounts on Aventon and Gazelle e-Bikes so you can get a deal no matter which brand tickles your fancy. And saving cash is something that can make us all jump for joy. Do gazelles jump? Or is it more of a leap?


Key Takeaways


  1. Target Audience: Aventon offers affordable, stylish e-Bikes for budget-conscious riders, while Gazelle focuses on premium hybrids for commuters and urban users.
  2. Motor Differences: Gazelle uses smooth Bosch mid-drive motors, while Aventon offers zippy hub motors with optional throttle modes.
  3. Price vs. Value: Gazelle delivers high-end quality for a higher price, while Aventon provides excellent value for cost-conscious buyers.




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