How Do Aventon E-Bikes Compare to Rad Power Bikes?

Written by: Rémy Rossi | December 9, 2024 | Time to read 6 min

In the red corner, Aventon. In the blue corner, Rad Power Bikes. You’ve met your champions, now let’s compare these popular and approachable e-Bike 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.

Rad Power Bikes RadRover ebike on sidewalk

Aventon and Rad Power Bikes are two of the biggest hitters in the affordable electric bike game. The North American-based brands both appeal to recreational riders and offer excellent value so it’s no wonder that their e-Bikes are a common sight on bike paths across the country. To find out what electric bike is best for you, let’s dive into the differences between Aventon and Rad Power Bikes.

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Table of Contents

Design and Aesthetics

Price

Servicing

Key Takeaways

Brand overviews

Aventon

Some of you fixie OGs may remember this, but Aventon actually got its start as a fixed-gear brand in the 2010s. As the fixie craze died down, the California-based brand eventually pivoted to only making electric bikes. The first model was the Pace 500 (now in its third generation) and there are now seven distinct models in the Aventon fleet. Aventon is known for its sleek designs, good value, and often being the first to integrate new technologies like turn signals and an app.

Rad Power Bikes

Rad Power Bikes has been rolling around the e-Bike industry for a while longer, founded by Mike Radenbaugh back in 2007. The brand started small with converted e-Bikes, local trade fairs, and eventually produced its first complete electric bike in 2015, the RadRover. Rad Power Bikes grew fast and now has eight distinct models in its lineup. The brand frequently makes updates to its flagship models and embraces functional design with semi-integrated or externally mounted batteries.

Motor

The motors on Aventon and Rad Power Bikes provide similar power numbers but have a slightly different ride feel. It’s generally agreed that Aventon e-Bikes feel more torquey with a more powerful boost. The maximum wattage will vary across models which I won’t cover here, though.

All Aventon models now use torque sensors to better detect and determine the amount of pedal assistance needed (as opposed to a cadence sensor), but Rad Power is also starting to install torque sensors on its new models. Both brands use rear hub motors but the new Aventon Ramblas is the only model with a mid-drive motor.

Battery

One of the most noticeable differences between the brands is their preferred battery design. All Aventon models have integrated batteries hidden inside the downtube. Rad Power Bikes changes up its design depending on the model, but varies between fully integrated, semi-integrated, and externally mounted batteries. It’s not as clean of a look, but I actually like the semi-integrated design, for example, that allows for a slimmer downtube and easy removal. The batteries of both brands are fully removable for easy off-bike charging.

The battery placement isn’t a dealbreaker, but it’s up to you which designs you like best. External batteries can be even easier to quickly swap for a fresh battery and add a bit of a utilitarian feel to the bike. Aventon uses a faster 3-amp charger compared to Rad Power’s standard 2-amp charger. The capacity and range of the batteries are similar across the brands, varying based on the model. It’s not worth getting into the weeds about it here, but you can learn all about e-Bike range here.

Pedal Assistance

All Aventon and Rad Power Bikes models fall into the three-class system, and most are Class 2 e-Bikes with a top speed of 20 mph with pedal assist and a throttle. Prior to 2024, Rad Power Bikes designed only Class 2 e-Bikes but has since expanded a few of its models' capabilities to Class 3 status. The e-Bikes come set up as Class 2 models but can be unlocked to reach a top speed of 28 mph.

Rad Power Bikes Class 3 models (unlockable):
Radster Trail
Radster Road
RadWagon 5
Aventon Class 3 models (unlockable):
Pace 500
Aventure
Level
The rest of the brands’ electric bikes are all Class 2, save for the Class 1-only Aventon Ramblas electric mountain bike.

Design and Aesthetics

To my eye, Aventon takes the cake when it comes to design but that’s just me. Many riders appreciate the more utility-focused look of Rad Power Bikes. Aventon pays special attention to integration, chiseled frame shapes, and unique paint colors that are more up my alley. I also like Aventon’s early adoption of built-in turn signals which Rad Power has included on its latest models. Rad Power Bikes has a belt drive model and an electric tricycle, two things that Aventon doesn’t offer.

Power up and explore Upway’s selection of Rad Power Bikes e-Bikes:

Price

A major part of why Aventon and Rad Power are direct competitors is the similar price point. Prices hover around the $1,500 mark for new models that’s a great entry point for new riders and recreational users. Currently, Aventon models range between $999 and $2,599 for its premium e-MTB. Rad Power Bikes are priced at $1,399 to $2,399.

But for big savings on both brands, browse Upway’s huge selection of Aventon and Rad Power electric bikes! We stock brand-new and certified pre-owned models from these powerhouse brands— they are professionally inspected and reconditioned to ensure the highest quality, including a one-year warranty.

Aventon Aventure electric bike rear wheel with disc brake

Servicing

Potentially the most important factor in this comparison is serviceability. Having a bike shop near you that has experience in servicing and repairing Aventon of Rad Power e-Bikes is crucial in case there’s an issue with the battery or motor sometime down the road. Electric bikes require special attention and expertise and in-person service is always better.

You can check the location of the nearest affiliated bike shop or retailer to you on the brands’ website. Aventon claims that there are over 1,800 bike shops in its network across the country and Rad Power Bikes states it has 1,200+ service partners nationwide.

Key Takeaways

Performance & Features: Aventon offers sleeker designs with integrated batteries and torque sensors for a smoother ride, while Rad Power focuses on utility with diverse models and semi-integrated battery options.
Price & Value: Both brands are budget-friendly, with most models priced between $1,500–$2,500. Pre-owned options from Upway offer even greater savings.
Serviceability: Aventon boasts a larger service network with over 1,800 locations, compared to Rad Power’s 1,200+, ensuring reliable support for repairs and maintenance.

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