Aventon Soltera.2 is the latest addition to the brand’s range of affordable electric bikes. Aventon has released the new model of Soltera as an affordable alternative to the popular Level 2 electric bike. In this Aventon Soltera 2 vs Level 2 comparison, we find out if it is worth going for the Soltera.2 instead of the Level 2 ebike.
The Aventon Level 2 is a torque sensor ebike with front suspension and a powerful 500W motor. The Soltera 2, however, is a lighter ebike with a 350W motor and lacks the front suspension as well!
The Soltera.2 also features a torque sensor and is a comparatively affordable model from the brand. But you have to compromise on a lot of performance features that the Aventon Level 2 offers.
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Best Alternatives to Aventon Level 2
Aventon Level 2 and Soltera 2 are decent ebikes but lack UL certifications for battery and other electrical components. Consider the following alternatives if you need a safer option.
1. Velotric Discover 2
Velotric Discover 2 is the most premium option in this category and price range.
Key Features:
- UL 2271 Recognized Battery
- Responsive Torque sensor
- Works with Apple Find My
- 48V, 706Wh Samsung Cells
- 750W (75Nm Torque) Hub Motor
- Hydraulic Disc Brakes
- 8-speed Shimano Drivetrain
- Tektro Hydraulic Suspension Fork
- 75 Miles of Max Range
- 28mph Top Speed
- 3A Fast Charging
- IPX6 Water Resistance
- 440 lbs of Weight Capacity
- Kenda 27.5″x2.4″ Puncture-resistant Tires
2. Velotric T1 ST
Velotric T1 ST does not compromise on safety as it features the UL-2271 recognized battery which can be easily verified on UL’s official database.
Key Features:
- UL-Certified Safe Battery
- Efficient Torque Sensor
- 25 mph Top Speed
- Weighs just 34 lbs
- Apple Find My Support
- 350W (600W Peak) Hub Motor
- 8-speed Shimano Drivetrain
- Tektro Hydraulic Disc Brakes
- 52 Miles of Max Range
- IPX6 Water Resistance
- 700×40c Puncture-resistant Tires
Before we go further, take a look at our recommended accessories for both of these Aventon ebikes.
Recommended Accessories for Aventon Soltera 2 and Level 2
Aventon Soltera 2 vs Level 2: Electrical Specs & Key Features
| Feature | Aventon Soltera 2 | Aventon Level 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Power | Rear Hub Motor 36V, 350W | Rear Hub Motor 48V, 500W 60Nm Torque |
| Top Speed | 20 MPH | 28 MPH |
| Battery | 36V, 9.6Ah Removable Battery | 48V, 14 Ah Removable Battery |
| UL-Certified | No | No |
| Maximum Range | 46 Miles (Pedal Assist) | 60 Miles (Pedal Assist) |
| Sensors | Torque Sensor | Torque Sensor |
| Pedal Assist | 4 Levels | 5 Levels |
| Throttle Mode | Thumb Throttle | Thumb Throttle |
| Charging Time | 4-5 hours | 4-5 hours |
| App Support | Yes | Yes |
| Charger | 36V, 2 Amp | 48V 3 Amp |
| Ebike Class | Class 2 | Class 3 |
| Headlight | Yes | Yes |
| Taillights | Rear Lights with Turn Signals | Integrated Rear Lights |
500W motor in Aventon Level 2:
The most notable difference between these two commuter electric bikes is that the Aventon Level 2 offers a more powerful motor 48V 500W motor with up to 60Nm of torque. In comparison, the Soltera.2 is relatively underpowered with a 36V 350W rear hub motor.
This difference also translates into the maximum speed of these two electric bikes as the Aventon Level 2 can go up to 28mph. The Soltera.2, however, has a top speed limited to 20mph.
So, essentially this means that the Level 2 ebike will take you comfortably on steeper hills as well whereas you’ll have to use your legs a lot on the Soltera.2.
On flat terrain, the Soltera.2 offers a decent riding experience but its power gets tested on areas with moderate to steep slopes.
Smaller Battery in Aventon Soltera.2:
To keep the Soltera.2 affordable and lightweight, Aventon has included a 36V, 9.6Ah battery that can offer you a maximum range of 56 miles on the pedal-assist.
This battery is relatively smaller as the Aventon Level 2 features a 48V, 14 Ah battery. And you are getting a maximum range of 60 miles with the Level 2.
Even in the pure throttle mode, you can get at least 5 to 10 miles extra with the Level 2.
So, the Aventon Level 2 is more powerful and comes with a bigger battery in comparison to the Solter.2 ebike.
Turn Signals in Aventon Soltera.2:
Aventon has also included the turn signals with rear lights in the Aventon Soltera.2. The Level 2 commuter electric bike comes with 3 integrated rear lights but without any turn signals.
So, this is a nice safety feature that comes with a rather affordable Soltera.2 commuter ebike from Aventon. But the Soltera.2 has some other benefits to offer as well which you’ll find in the next section of the Aventon Soltera 2 vs Level 2 down below!
Aventon Soltera 2 vs Level 2: Design, Dimensions, & Weight Limits
| Feature | Aventon Soltera 2 | Aventon Level 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Step-Through Step Over | Step-Through Step Over |
| Color Options | Midnight Black Citrine Storm Blue Ghost White | Clay Glacier Polar Himalayan |
| Bike Weight | 46 lbs | 62 lbs |
| Max Payload | 300 lbs | 300 lbs |
| Rider Height | Step-over: R: 5’3″ – 5’10” L: 5’10” – 6’4″ Step-through: R: 4’11″ – 5’7″ L: 5’7″ – 6’1″ | Step-over: R: 5’3″ – 5’10″ L: 5’10″ – 6’4″ Step-through: R: 4’11” – 5’7″ L: 5’7″ – 6’1″ |
| Min Seat Height | ST: 865 mm SO: 915mm | ST: 810mm SO: 835mm |
| Max Seat Height | ST: 1050mm SO: 1120mm | ST: 1065mm SO: 1080mm |
Although the Aventon Soltera.2 is an entry-level cruiser from the brand, it is actually very lightweight. At just 46 lbs, it is 16 lbs lighter than the Level 2 which weighs 62 lbs.
The lightweight frame of Soltera.2 offers you more agility and maneuverability than the Level 2, especially in turns and corners. And even if your battery dies down during a ride, you can always pedal a 46lbs ebike back way home.
Doing the same is not easy with electric bikes weighing more than 60 lbs.
Aventon Soltera 2 vs Level 2: Other Components
| Feature | Aventon Soltera 2 | Aventon Level 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | Tektro Mechanical Disc Brakes 180mm rotors | Tektro HD-350E Hydraulic Disc Brakes 180mm rotors |
| Rear Derailleur | 7-speed Shimano Tourney | 8-speed Shimano Acera |
| Shifter | Shimano RevoShift Twist Shifter | Shimano Trigger Shifter |
| Tires | 700c*38c Kenda | 27.5” x 2.1” + Reflective Sidewalls |
| Suspension | None | Coil Spring Suspension 65 mm travel |
| Seatpost | Standard | Standard |
| Rear Rack | Not Included | Included |
| Fenders | Not Included | Included |
Aventon Soltera.2 doesn’t have Front Suspension:
To keep the Soltera.2 affordable and lightweight, Aventon hasn’t included the front suspension in this ebike. Instead, it comes with a rigid fork that won’t absorb any bumps you face during a ride.
The Aventon Level 2, however, features a coil spring suspension fork with 65mm of travel. So, the Level offers a more comfortable ride than the Soltera.2 due to this front suspension.
Both of these electric bikes lack rear suspension and there is no suspension seat post either. We highly recommend you add a suspension seat post and a high-quality saddle to get a more comfortable riding experience.
Hydraulic Disc Brakes in Aventon Level 2:
Another significant difference between these cruiser electric bikes is that the Level 2 comes with the Tektro hydraulic disc brakes along with 180mm rotors.
The Aventon Soltera 2, on the other hand, comes with Tektro mechanical disc brakes along with 180mm rotors. Tektro brakes are trusted in the bike industry for offering a decent braking experience and Aventon has raised the bar for other ebike brands by including such quality components in even affordable commuter ebikes like these two.
The Transmission Difference:
Just like the brakes, the quality of transmission components is also different in these commuter ebikes. The Aventon Level features the Shimano Acera drivetrain which is far better than the Shimano Tourney derailleur that you get with the Soltera.2.
The Shimano Tourney is mostly included in entry-level electric bikes like the Soltera. But it still offers a smooth riding experience and is certainly better than some unbranded components you get with the most affordable ebikes.
Included Accessories with the Aventon Level 2:
The final difference we want to highlight here is that the Level 2 offers you accessories like fenders and a rear rack without any additional price. These essential accessories are not included with the Aventon Soltera.2 and you have to pay extra for these components.
Aventon Soltera 2 vs Level 2: Price Comparison
| Aventon Soltera 2 | Aventon Level 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Price | $1399 | $1799 |
| Sale Price | $1199 | $1699 |
| Shipping | Free | Free |
At the current discounted prices, there is a $500 difference between these two electric bikes. You can get the Soltera.2 for just $1199 whereas the Level 2 is priced at $1699. Shipping is free for both of these Aventon electric bikes.
Aventon Soltera 2 vs Level 2: Our Verdict
The Aventon Level 2 offers more value for money than the Soltera.2.
For an extra $500, you are getting a more powerful 48V 500W motor, hydraulic disc brakes, a 48V 14Ah battery, front suspension, Shimano Acera drivetrain, and 60 miles of maximum range. And you’ll get the rear rack and fenders for free as well. Those accessories are easily worth $100.
The only significant benefit of getting the Soltera.2 is that it’s extremely lightweight at just 46 lbs. And you are getting turn signals as well. So, if you don’t worry about the above-mentioned features and just want a lightweight cruiser to ride, the Soltera.2 is a good ebike.
Otherwise, the Aventon Level 2 is a far better ebike and offers more bang for your buck! If you are conscious about the performance and ride quality of the ebike, then Aventon Level 2 is your best bet!
Read More: Best Fat Tire Electric Bikes Under $1000
