Brand Comparison: Specialized vs Aventon

Written by: Rémy Rossi | December 12, 2024 Time to read 7 min

Specialized and Aventon are two of the biggest names in e-Biking. More than your typical Venn diagram, this article dives into the differences between the 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.

Specialized Globe Haul cargo electric bike on sidewalk and an Aventon on a blue wall

You may already be familiar with Specialized and Aventon, or you’ve noticed that these brands always pop up when electric bikes are mentioned. Both brands make popular e-Bikes but their offerings differ in price, design, and componentry choice. But what’s the best electric bike out there?


The right brand for you will depend largely on whether you lean toward value or performance— and then you’ll want to narrow it down to a specific model, of course. To get you started, I’ll break down the main differences between Specialized and Aventon.

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Brand overviews

Aventon

Aventon has skyrocketed to the forefront of the e-Bike game after releasing its first electric bike, the Pace 500, back in 2018. The California-based brand was founded in 2012 and originally focused on fixed-gear bicycles (remember the 2010s fixie craze?). Now, Aventon exclusively makes electric bikes with affordable models that target entry-level cyclists, emphasizing value and functionality. Compared to rival brands like Rad Power Bikes, Aventon incorporates especially sleek designs and new technologies like turn signals and an app. 

Aventon Aventure electric mountain bike in front of blue brick wall

Specialized

Specialized, on the other hand, has been around for a while. The long-standing brand was started by Mike Sinyard in 1974 in Morgan Hill, California, focusing mainly on bike tires. The brand took off in 1981 when it made one of the first mass-produced mountain bikes, the Stumpjumper. Since then, the powerhouse brand has expanded its fleet to all cycling disciplines, providing the bikes of many professional teams and riders.

The Specialized Turbo, the brand’s first e-Bike, came out in 2012 and was joined by subsequent models like the Levo, Vado, Creo, and Como. Good enough for the very best pros, Specialized bikes and e-Bikes feature advanced designs and high-quality components. Most Specialized models are considered mid- to high-end, ideal for performance-oriented cyclists looking for the best quality. 

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Motor

One of the biggest differences between Aventon and Specialized e-Bikes is the motor. Except for the Aventon Ramblas, all Aventon models utilize a rear hub motor with a power output of 500W or 750W. Specialized e-Bikes typically have a mid-drive motor powered at around 250W. The power differential and motor placement choice have a significant effect on ride feel and performance.

The higher-powered Aventon motors will feel more torquey with powerful acceleration and faster speeds. The premium mid-drive motors on Specialized still have plenty of power (250W is the standard for Class 1 e-Bikes and European models) and provide a more natural-feeling boost. The central placement of a mid-drive motor preserves the center of gravity we are used to, especially for riding electric mountain bikes and technical handling. 

Battery

It’s difficult to compare batteries head-to-head because every model is different and the range depends on a long laundry list of factors. In general, Specialized batteries have slightly higher capacity. More importantly, perhaps, the higher-wattage Aventon motors will drain the battery faster, especially if using the throttle. 
Rider removing battery of Aventon Pace 500 electric bike
You’ll have to dive deeper into the specifications and estimated range of the models you’re looking at but you can likely expect to squeeze a bit more range out of a Specialized e-Bike. One of my favorite models to recommend is the Specialized Turbo Vado SL, featuring a fully integrated battery and an impressive range of up to 80 miles on a single charge. The unique non-removable battery design helps the e-Bike save weight and increase range— a true win-win. 

Pedal assistance & throttle modes

This is a big one if you are looking for an electric bike with a throttle. All Aventon e-Bikes (except for the Ramblas) are Class 2, which means they have a throttle mode. Specialized electric bikes don’t include a throttle. Specialized e-Bikes achieve super smooth pedal assist and are highly regarded for their premium-feeling boost. If you’re looking for throttle assist and on-demand speed, Aventon is your best bet. But if you prioritize fluid pedal assist and a smoother ride sensation, Specialized will deliver.
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Check out Upway’s selection of Specialized models:

Design and technology

Both brands do an exceptional job when it comes to design and ride-enhancing tech on their electric bikes. Specialized e-Bikes often have all the bells and whistles, including top-quality components that will last for a long time. Specialized models have better frame geometry (and more frame sizes available) and are lighter in weight. The high-end models are made from carbon fiber.

Aventon stands out at its more affordable price point due to its sleek style and seriously cool tech. I consistently appreciate the brand’s eye for design and unique details like built-in turn signals, app connectivity, and bold frame colors, traits that are well beyond many other entry-level brands. 
Women standing over Specialized Globe Haul electric cargo bike

Price and value

There’s no beating around the bush here. Specialized electric bikes cost more than Aventon e-Bikes. And that’s because of the higher quality components, mid-drive motors, and more advanced design. Aventon e-Bikes cost between $1,000 to $2,000 while Specialized models run between $3,000 and $6,000, with premium models going even higher. Both brands offer excellent value, but the decision will come down to how much you want to spend.


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Which brand is best for you?

Aventon and Specialized cater to different kinds of cyclists. If you’re new to e-Biking or have a tighter budget, Aventon electric bikes offer great value, style, and features you won’t find elsewhere for the same price. The powerful, torque-heavy ride feel isn’t as natural, but it sure is fun. Specialized e-Bikes have higher-quality motors, batteries, and components for a smooth boosted ride. They come with a higher price tag but are known for their reliability and premium feel. 


Here’s a helpful chart of the most comparable models between Specialized and Aventon:

SPECIALIZED 


Hardtail eMTB

Turbo Tero


Commuter

Turbo Vado


Hybrid cruiser

Turbo Como


Cargo

Globe Haul

AVENTON


Hardtail eMTB

Ramblas


Commuter

Level


Hybrid cruiser

Pace 500


Cargo

Abound

Specialized Turbo Tero vs. Aventon Ramblas

Alas, the curious case of the new Aventon Ramblas. This e-MTB throws a wrench into my analysis of these two brands because it leans toward the type of e-Bikes made by Specialized and other higher-end brands. Unlike other Aventon models, the Ramblas has a mid-drive motor, premium RockShox suspension, and a dropper post. It’s most similar to the Specialized Turbo Tero, another versatile e-MTB hardtail for XC riding and flowy singletrack.


It’s a serious step up as Aventon tries to get a slice of the action typically dominated by Giant, Trek, and Specialized. It’s slightly more affordable than other e-MTB hardtails so could be a good model to look into for mountain biking. Is Aventon planning to go more up-scale? Is a road e-Bike next? We’ll just have to wait and see…


Specialized Turbo Tero electric mountain bike

Key Takeaways


Performance vs. Value: Specialized e-Bikes focus on performance and premium quality, with mid-drive motors and advanced designs, while Aventon delivers affordability, powerful rear hub motors, and entry-level-friendly features like throttle assist.

Design & Technology: Specialized excels in lightweight builds, precise frame geometry, and high-end materials, while Aventon stands out for its stylish aesthetics and app connectivity at a lower price point.

Price Comparison: Specialized e-Bikes range from $3,000 to over $6,000, catering to high-performance riders. Aventon offers more budget-friendly options priced between $1,000 and $2,000, making them ideal for cost-conscious cyclists.




There is more to Explore

Visit below articles for more info about electric bikes 

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Aventon Compare to Rad Power Bikes

Aventon electric bikes