Fat tire e-bikes hit their stride as the do-everything option, you can commute during the week, hit trails on the weekend, and even roll over curbs and potholes without a second thought. The Aventon Aventure 3 High-Step is Aventon’s answer for riders who want that versatility but prefer the traditional diamond frame design over a step-through.
The High-Step brings a gravity-cast 6061 aluminum frame that’s stiffer and more responsive than previous models, paired with tech features like GPS tracking and app-based controls that weren’t standard in fat tire e-bikes until recently. Aventon offers the Aventure 3 in both step-through and high-step frames. I’ve been testing the high-step version for a few weeks, putting it through paces on pavement, gravel paths, and rougher trail sections around Southern Utah.
At $1,799 (currently on sale, down from $1,999), the Aventure 3 High-Step packs a 750W motor, 733Wh battery, hydraulic disc brakes, and a suite of connected features that you’d expect from pricier models. In this review, I’ll break down how it rides, where it shines, and what you should know before buying.
My Experience Riding The Aventon Aventure 3 E-Bike
The Aventure 3 High-Step caught my attention immediately with its cleaner frame lines and updated gravity-cast construction. Unlike the bulkier frames you see on many fat tire e-bikes, Aventon kept this one trim where it doesn’t need extra material, resulting in a frame that looks purposeful rather than overbuilt. The geometry feels dialed in, with a slight forward lean toward the 680mm handlebar but still maintaining an upright posture that’s comfortable for longer rides.
I tested the Large frame, which Aventon sizes for riders 5’10” to 6’4″. At 5’11”, the fit worked well, not cramped, not stretched out. My test bike came in the Java colorway, a bronze-like finish with a glossy yet subdued look that photographs well and stands out without being loud. If bronze isn’t your style, the High-Step also comes in Stealth Black and Matcha Green, both with black accents throughout and minimal branding that keeps things understated.
The diamond frame design makes a noticeable difference in how the bike feels. There’s less flex compared to step-through designs, which translates to tighter handling when you’re carving through corners or navigating technical sections. The frame feels planted and responsive, giving you confidence when the terrain gets rough or when you’re pushing harder on climbs.
Power delivery comes from a 750W rear hub motor that peaks at 1188W with 80 Nm of torque, activated by a torque sensor that Aventon has refined well. The motor responds smoothly to pedaling input, no abrupt surges, just a natural boost that makes it feel like you’re stronger than usual. It stays quiet through most riding conditions, only becoming faintly audible when you’re at higher assist levels or speeds.
The 26″ x 4″ Innova tires are what make fat tire bikes fun. They roll over obstacles like a small truck, absorbing roots, rocks, and rough pavement with ease. On both dirt and asphalt, these tires stay surprisingly quiet and provide a cushioned ride that softens impacts you’d feel on standard tires. Combined with the 80mm front suspension fork and 50mm travel suspension seatpost, the Aventure 3 handles rough surfaces better than you’d expect without feeling mushy or disconnected.
Braking comes from Tektro HD-E3520 hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors. They handle stopping duties adequately for most riding, though on an 80 pound bike with massive tires, I found myself wanting more bite. Four piston calipers would suit this bike’s weight better, especially when descending or riding technical terrain. For general use, though, the dual piston setup works fine.
The Shimano Altus 8-speed drivetrain with a 48T chainring and 12-32T cassette provides enough range for varied terrain, and with pedal assist backing you up, you’re rarely left wishing for lower or higher gears. It’s a straightforward, reliable setup that does what it needs to without fuss.
Fat tire e-bikes like the Aventure 3 High-Step appeal to riders who want one bike that can handle everything: commuting on weekdays, trail riding on weekends, and rough roads whenever they come up. The High-Step’s diamond frame adds structural rigidity that enhances handling and responsiveness, making it the choice for riders who prioritize that traditional frame feel. After a few weeks of testing across different terrain, the Aventure 3 High-Step delivers on its versatility promise while bringing tech features that weren’t standard in this segment until recently.
Range
Estimated Range (from Aventon):
- Up to 65 miles
Real World Range Test Results:
- PAS 1: 62 miles
- PAS 5: 36 miles
Aventon claims the Aventure 3 can hit 65 miles on a charge, which sounds optimistic but needed testing. Range estimates vary wildly depending on rider weight, terrain, wind, how often you stop, and how hard you push the motor, so I ran two controlled tests to see what’s realistic.
I used a mostly flat recreational path with about 1,200 feet of elevation gain, minimal stops (one or two breaks, unlike city riding with constant red lights), and my weight at 180 pounds. First test was in Turbo mode, keeping pace with the path’s 20 mph speed limit, which drained the battery after 34 miles. After a recharge, I ran the Eco test at a relaxed 11-12 mph and stretched it to 62 miles on the same route.
Those numbers are strong, 62 miles in Eco nearly hits Aventon’s claim, and 34 miles in Turbo is still plenty for most daily rides. The range sits between 34-62 miles depending on whether you’re cruising at 12 mph or pushing 20 mph, which covers most use cases. If you want maximum distance, dial back the speed and ride in Eco. If you’re in a hurry or just want to push it, 34 miles at full power is solid for commuting or trail sessions. The Aventure 3’s battery delivers on its promise without much asterisk.
Power (Motor & Battery)
The Aventure 3 High-Step runs a 750W rear hub motor that peaks at 1188W and delivers 80 Nm of torque. Power comes through a torque sensor, which Aventon has refined across recent models like the Abound and Level.3. This sensor feels smooth and intuitive, it boosts your pedaling without sudden jolts, making it feel like your legs are just stronger than usual. The motor stays quiet through most rides, only becoming faintly noticeable at higher speeds or assist levels.
Three pedal assist modes, Eco, Sport, and Turbo, give you progressive power depending on how much help you want. Out of the box, the bike ships as Class 2, capped at 20 mph for both throttle and pedal assist. A few taps in the Aventon app unlocks Class 3 performance, bumping pedal assist to 28 mph while keeping the throttle at 20 mph. The process is simple: you acknowledge a liability waiver, agree to follow local laws, and you’re set. No tools, no hassle.
The battery is a 36V, 19.88Ah setup with 733Wh total capacity, using LG 21700 cells and carrying UL 2271 safety certification. Aventon’s move to standardize 36V batteries across multiple models is smart, it keeps production streamlined and costs down without needing unique batteries for each bike. For owners, this means spare batteries, displays, and controllers will be easier to find down the line, which matters when a broken part can sideline your bike. With this shared platform, Aventon can stock parts more readily, which benefits everyone.
The physical key for locking the battery is gone, replaced by an electronic lock controlled through the display or app. This is a welcome change, no more fumbling with yet another key on your keyring. The battery sits cleanly in the frame, secure and accessible without the fuss of traditional locks.
Components
The Aventure 3 High-Step’s components balance reliability with performance, giving you parts that work without pretending to be something they’re not.
The drivetrain is built around a Shimano Altus 8-speed setup with a 48T chainring up front and a 12-32T cassette in back. A three-piece crankset with 170mm arms and flat alloy platform pedals round out the package. The gear range handles most situations, and with pedal assist backing you up, you’re rarely left wanting for more gears. It’s a solid, dependable setup that does the job without fuss.
Braking comes from Tektro HD-E3520 hydraulic disc brakes with dual-piston calipers and 180mm rotors front and rear. These brakes work fine for general riding and provide reliable stopping power in my testing. That said, on a bike weighing over 75 pounds with massive 4-inch tires, I found myself wishing for 4-piston brakes to better handle the rolling mass, especially on steeper or more technical sections. The dual-piston setup gets the job done, but more stopping power would suit this bike’s weight better.
The cockpit features a 680mm aluminum handlebar with a 31.8mm clamp and 30mm rise, mounted to a 60mm alloy stem with an 8-degree rise. This setup contributes to the bike’s upright, relaxed riding position. There’s plenty of room for controls: Aventon lock-on grips, Tektro brake levers, Shimano 8-speed trigger shifters on the right, and a PAS display control pad with throttle on the left. The layout is clean with minimal cable clutter, keeping everything functional and easy to reach.
The wheels are 26-inch double-wall aluminum rims with steel spokes in an offset pattern, built to handle fat tire riding. They’re wrapped in Innova 26″ x 4″ puncture-resistant tires with a subtle all-terrain tread that works on pavement and trails. I added Slime to the tubes for extra flat protection and ran the tires at 18 PSI, which balanced traction and comfort well. These fat tires soak up bumps and roll over roots and rocks easily, making rides comfortable and capable.
The suspension setup includes an 80mm coil spring fork up front with preload adjustment and lockout options, plus a suspension seatpost with 50mm of travel and 350mm length. I’m usually skeptical of suspension seatposts, but this one quietly absorbs road vibrations and impacts that would otherwise rattle up your spine. Combined with the fat tires and front fork, the Aventure 3 handles rough terrain better than you’d expect, adding comfort without feeling mushy. The Aventon saddle is comfortable on its own, and the suspension seatpost elevates it further.
Screen / User Interface / App
The Aventure 3 High-Step uses Aventon’s BC280 display, a center-mounted color LCD that shows battery level, time, odometer, speed, and pedal assist level. A three-button control pad on the left handlebar lets you cycle through additional screens for trip distance, max speed, and other metrics. The display is clear and readable in direct sunlight, which matters more than you’d think until you’re squinting at a washed-out screen on a bright day.
The Aventon app, paired with the Aventon Control Unit (ACU), brings a set of features that separate the Aventure 3 from basic fat tire e-bikes. With 4G and Bluetooth connectivity, the app offers GPS tracking, ride logging, and real-time bike stats that sync to the cloud for easy access.
Security is a major focus here. You can remotely lock the bike through the app, set geofencing boundaries to get alerts if it moves outside a designated area, or enable a passcode-protected login to deter theft. The ACU also includes a rear wheel lock and battery alarm system, plus abnormal event logging and power status reporting. Over-the-air (OTA) updates keep the system current without needing a shop visit, which is convenient when software updates can add features or fix bugs.
Beyond security, the app adds customization. The Ride Tune feature lets you adjust how the three PAS modes (Eco, Sport, Turbo) respond to your pedaling, fine-tuning the motor feel to match your riding style. You can also switch between Class 2 (20 mph throttle and pedal assist) and Class 3 (20 mph throttle, 28 mph pedal assist) with a few taps, provided you accept the liability waiver and agree to follow local laws.
The electronic battery lock replaces the traditional physical key system. You lock and unlock the battery through the app or display, which eliminates the need to carry another key. It’s a small detail, but it’s one less thing to manage.
Aventon Aventure 3 Model Options
The Aventon Aventure 3 comes in two frame styles: High-Step and Step-Through. Each is available in Regular and Large sizes to fit different riders. The High-Step Regular accommodates riders from 5’3″ to 5’10”, while the Large extends up to 6’4″. The Step-Through offers slightly different sizing, with the Regular fitting 4’11” to 5’7″ and the Large reaching 6’1″.
Color options for the High-Step are Stealth Black and Matcha Green. Both colors feature black accents on tires, wheels, fork, and contact points, with understated Aventon branding. The Step-Through gets different colors, Java Bronze and Cobalt Blue, so your frame choice also determines your color options.
Every Aventure 3 ships with fenders and a rear rack included, which adds utility for commuting or hauling gear. Additional mounting points on the downtube allow for a water bottle cage or small accessories, though the integrated battery takes up significant space, limiting options for larger add-ons.
Aventon hasn’t detailed specific optional accessories for the Aventure 3 yet, but based on their history with previous models, a range of add-ons like baskets, front racks, or bags seems likely. For now, the bike arrives ready for most adventures without needing additional purchases.
Is The Aventon Aventure 3 Worth Buying?
So, is the Aventure 3 High-Step worth $1,799? After a few weeks of testing, I’d say yes. The gravity-cast diamond frame is stiffer and more responsive than older designs, and the handling feels confident whether you’re on pavement or trails. The 750W motor with torque sensor delivers smooth, natural power, and my range tests hit 34 miles in Turbo and 62 miles in Eco, nearly matching Aventon’s 65 mile claim.
The ACU tech with GPS tracking, geofencing, and app-based controls isn’t common in this price range, and being able to tune the motor or unlock Class 3 speeds through the app is convenient. The theft protection features are a nice bonus too.
The weight is the main consideration. At 77.4 pounds, lifting or storing this bike takes effort, though that’s typical for fat tire e-bikes. The dual piston brakes work fine for general riding, but four piston calipers would suit this bike’s weight better on steeper terrain.
For riders who want a versatile fat tire e-bike with modern tech and prefer the diamond frame, the Aventure 3 High-Step delivers. It handles commuting, gravel, and trails without issue, and at $1,799 (currently on sale), it’s competitive in a crowded market.
Pros
- Equipped with the Aventon Control Unit (ACU), marks the Aventure 3 as one of the most tech-advanced and security-rich e-bikes on the market.
- The Aventon App allows for motor tuning of all aspects of the Aventure 3’s motor as well as a suite of security features to keep your ride secure.
- In real-world range testing, we were able to cover 62 miles on the minimum assistance setting and 36 miles on the maximum showing that despite the size and weight, its abel to deliver practical everyday range.
- The 750W motor that peaks at up to 1188W’s and pumps 80Nm of torque making the Aventure 3 very capable and quick both on and off the bike path.
- Routing all the cables through the headset from the handlebars keeps the look of the Aventure 3 nice and sleek.
Cons
- While the 2-Position Hydraulic Disc Brakes performed well in my testing, I’d prefer to see a set of 4-Piston calipers to have a little more stopping power.
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