The Aventon Pace 500.3 is the latest evolution in Aventon’s popular Pace 500 series, bringing some thoughtful upgrades to an already well-loved electric cruiser. This third iteration now features a torque sensor for smoother pedal assist from its 500W rear hub motor, along with sleek frame-integrated turn signals that add a practical touch for everyday rides.
It’s built for riders who want an e-bike that’s no-fuss, comfortable, and has enough power and range to handle commuting or leisurely cruises around town.
Rolling on 27.5×2.1” Aventon-branded tires paired with black alloy wheels, the Pace 500.3 looks sharp while delivering a smooth ride. The 8-speed Shimano Altus drivetrain gives you enough gearing for various terrains, and Aventon claims a range of up to 60 miles per charge. Plus with the added mounting points for fenders and racks, the Pace 500.3 is a bit of a blank canvas.
Naturally, I was eager to hit the streets and see if the bike lived up to those specs in real-world conditions.
My Experience Riding The Aventon Pace 500.3 ST E-Bike
When I hopped on the Aventon Pace 500.3, the first thing I noticed was how easy it was to get on and off thanks to that 17-inch step-over height. The step-through frame definitely caters to anyone who may have some balance or stability concerns—it just makes everything smoother and more accessible. What really surprised me was how solid the frame felt. With a lot of step-through designs, you get this noticeable flex, but Aventon clearly did their homework because this frame stayed nice and rigid. That gave me confidence while riding, especially on the more uneven paths.
The geometry puts you in this great upright riding position, which, paired with the Dutch-style handlebars, makes it feel like a cruiser built for long, chill rides. It’s the kind of bike you could sit on for hours without your back screaming at you afterward. The bike ships as a Class 2 model, limited to 20 MPH, which is plenty for most casual rides. But the fact that I could easily switch it to Class 3 and hit 28 MPH with a few tweaks in the Aventon app was a nice bonus.
The 500W rear hub motor was a pleasant surprise, too. The torque sensor does a great job of adjusting the pedal assist to match your own effort, so it feels more like a natural extension of your ride instead of that sometimes jerky, unnatural boost. There are four pedal assist modes—Eco, Tour, Sport, and Turbo—each ramping up the responsiveness. Personally, I found Eco was perfect for cruising, while Sport and Turbo really shined on those long stretches where I wanted a little more speed.
Even without suspension, the rigid frame still rode comfortably. You’ll feel some bumps, but nothing too jarring unless you’re really pushing it on rougher terrain. The Shimano 8-speed drivetrain offered a good range for various riding scenarios, and the Tektro hydraulic disc brakes were solid—they gave me a confident stop whether I was rolling up to a stop sign or pulling a quick halt in traffic.
Aventon nailed it with the safety features, too. The front and rear lights are nice, but the integrated turn signals in the frame are a welcomed integration to this 3rd version. They look sleek and actually make navigating city traffic safer, which is always a plus in my book. And to round it all out, there are mounting bosses for racks and fenders if you want to deck this thing out for commuting or weekend adventures.
Range
Estimated Range (from Aventon): Up to 60 miles
Real World Range Test Results: 68 (Eco) and 35 (Turbo)
For the Aventon Pace 500.3, we ran a full range test across its four PAS levels, and the results are pretty solid for a mid-range commuter e-bike. For context, Aventon advertises the Pace 500.3 as having ‘up to 60 miles’ of range.
In the lowest assist mode, the bike clocked an impressive 68 miles on a single charge. This is where you’ll get the most bang for your buck if you’re riding mostly flat terrain and don’t mind putting in a little extra leg work. Eco is great for leisurely rides or when you’re trying to stretch your battery life over multiple days of commuting.
On the flip side, Turbo mode delivered 35 miles, which is more than enough for the typical daily commute or weekend joyride. It’s what you’d expect when you’re maxing out the bike’s 500W motor to really feel the wind in your face. This range is solid for riders who prefer to rely more on the motor and enjoy higher speeds without worrying too much about recharging.
For a 614Wh battery, these results fall in line with other commuter e-bikes in the same class. You can expect a nice trade-off between power and range depending on how you like to ride.
Power (Motor & Battery)
The Aventon Pace 500.3 packs a punch in the motor and battery department, delivering a solid balance of power and range for everyday riders. It’s equipped with a 500W rear hub motor that provides enough oomph to get you up to speed quickly, especially when you switch it to Class 3 mode through the Aventon app. That app integration is a nice touch, giving you flexibility between the default Class 2 setup, which tops out at 20mph, and Class 3 for when you want to push it up to 28mph.
One of the standout features is the motor’s torque sensor activation. This adds a level of finesse to the pedal assist, making it feel smoother and more responsive. Instead of the motor abruptly kicking in, the torque sensor reads how hard you’re pedaling and adjusts the assist to match. It gives a more natural riding feel, like the bike is just amplifying your own effort rather than taking over.
As for the battery, the 614Wh unit, using reliable LG cells, is more than enough for most day-to-day rides. The 48V, 12.8Ah capacity offers a good range, especially when you’re mixing up pedal assist levels between Eco, Tour, Sport and Turbo modes. I found the battery to hold its charge well, and Aventon’s use of UL 2849 compliant components adds a layer of safety and reliability.
Overall, whether you’re cruising around town or maxing out on speed, the Pace 500.3 keeps things efficient without sacrificing too much on power.
Components
The Aventon Pace 500.3 comes equipped with components that strike a good balance between durability and ease of use, making it a solid choice for riders who want a capable e-bike without over-complicating things.
The 27.5-inch alloy wheels paired with 2.1-inch puncture-resistant tires are great for rolling over mixed terrain, and the reflective sidewalls are a nice touch for visibility in low-light conditions. The tires aren’t overly wide, so they keep the ride nimble while offering enough cushion for comfort on most roads.
The drivetrain is straightforward, with an 8-speed Shimano Altus setup. It’s nothing too fancy, but it gets the job done for the kind of cruising this bike is designed for. The 48T chainring paired with a 12-32T cassette gives you a good range of gears, whether you’re pedaling at higher speeds or tackling slight inclines. The trigger shifter works smoothly, and the 170mm crank arms provide a good balance of leverage and comfort.
On the handling side, the adjustable threadless stem allows for some fine-tuning of the fit, while the sweptback aluminum handlebars offer a relaxed, upright position. The grips are ergonomic and lock-on, so you don’t have to worry about them slipping during longer rides. The Aventon-branded saddle is cushioned and spring-supported, which adds a little extra comfort, especially over rougher roads, and the forged alloy seatpost with a 2-bolt clamp holds it firmly in place.
For stopping power, the Tektro hydraulic disc brakes are reliable, featuring 2-piston calipers and 180mm rotors. They’re more than capable of giving you the confidence to brake effectively in various conditions, whether you’re slowing down gradually or coming to a hard stop. The 1.8mm rotor thickness also adds durability for long-term use, so you won’t have to worry about frequent replacements.
All in all, the Aventon Pace 500.3 is built with components that balance comfort and performance, ideal for the casual rider looking for reliability without overthinking the tech.
Screen / User Interface / App
The Aventon Pace 500.3 features a bright, easy-to-read color display showing battery level, speed, odometer, time, and PAS level. The advanced menu lets you adjust units of measurement, clear trip data, check firmware, control screen brightness, set speed limits, and pair the bike to the Aventon app via a QR code.
The app is user-friendly, allowing you to track ride stats, share data, adjust PAS modes, and set speed limits. You can also locate local Aventon dealers and access support, making it a convenient tool for managing your rides and bike settings. Together, the display and app offer a smooth, connected experience.
Aventon Pace 500.3 ST Model Options
The Aventon Pace 500.3 is available exclusively in a step-through frame, which makes mounting and dismounting super easy, especially for those who appreciate a bit more accessibility. It comes in two sizes: Regular, suited for riders between 4’11” and 5’7″, and Large, for those between 5’7″ and 6’1″. You’ve also got three sharp color options—Basalt, Ghost White, and Blue Steel—so there’s something for everyone’s style.
With a 300 lb payload capacity, the bike is versatile enough for most riders and cargo needs. If you’re into long rides, the current promotion of a free second battery is a major win, boosting the potential range to an impressive 120 miles.
Aventon has also made it easy to customize your setup with attachment points for front and rear racks, and you can choose from a variety of optional accessories like racks, baskets, mirrors, bags, pumps, locks, and fenders to suit your riding needs. Bottomline, there’s plenty of flexibility in how you can kit out the Pace 500.3.
Is The Aventon Pace 500.3 ST Worth Buying?
The Aventon Pace 500.3 is a solid all-around e-bike that checks a lot of boxes for riders looking for an easy, smooth ride, whether you’re cruising around town or commuting. The step-through frame design makes getting on and off a breeze, which is perfect for anyone who values accessibility and convenience.
At 54 lbs, it’s on the lighter side for an e-bike, which is a big plus if you find yourself needing to lift or move it often. The 500W motor provides just the right amount of power—enough to get you where you’re going without feeling like overkill.
Pros
- Easy to get on and off, thanks to the step-through frame with a low 17-inch height.
- Real-world testing showed 68 miles of range, outperforming the 60 miles Aventon advertises.
- Front and rear lighting with integrated frame turn signals add safety and convenience.
- Multiple mounting points for racks and fenders offer versatility for carrying gear.
- Solid component lineup featuring brands like Shimano and Tektro, both of which performed well during testing.
- A full range of optional accessories for customization.
Cons
- The color display can be difficult to see in direct sunlight.
- The wire management near the cockpit is a bit cluttered and could benefit from better routing or bundling
I could rant about other features or perks I’d like to see on this bike, but that would detract from what the bike is—a great-looking, modern electric cruiser that gets the job done from a brand that’s been building a solid reputation in the e-bike world for years now. The component lineup fits the bike’s laid-back, practical style, making it a reliable choice for those who want simplicity with performance.
All in all, the Pace 500.3 strikes a great balance between power, comfort, and ease of use, making it a versatile option for most riders.
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