Aventon’s no stranger to breaking new ground. They didn’t invent the fat tire eBike, but they sure fanned the flames of the craze with the Aventure.1, the first to roll out hydraulic disc brakes in the segment. Then they doubled down with the Aventure.2, pioneering a torque sensor in a fat tire eBike. Now Aventon’s back with the Aventure 3, ready to shake up the market again.
What’s “first” this time? Plenty. The Aventure 3 sports a redesigned frame with slicker geometry, plus a suite of tech and security features that set it apart in the crowded fat tire field. I’ve been riding this beast for a couple of weeks, putting it through its paces on pavement, gravel, and beyond.
In this review, I’ll break down what makes the Aventure.3 shine, call out where it stumbles, and give you the full scoop on Aventon’s latest. Let’s dive in!
My Experience Riding The Aventon Aventure 3 E-Bike
At first glance, the Aventure 3 might seem like a familiar fat-tire e-bike, but a closer look reveals meaningful updates. The redesigned frame, built with a new gravity-cast 6061 aluminum alloy, sports cleaner lines and fewer welds, resulting in a more rigid and responsive structure. Unlike the bloated frames common in fat-tire bikes, this one keeps things slim where it doesn’t need extra bulk, giving it a modern, purposeful look.
The new color options are a highlight. My test bike came in the Java colorway—a bronze-like hue with a glossy-yet-almost-matte finish that looks sharp and modern. If bronze isn’t your thing, you can choose from Stealth (black), Cobalt Blue, or Matcha Green, all with subtle black accents on tires, wheels, fork, and contact points, plus understated Aventon branding that doesn’t scream for attention.
I tested the Large step-through frame (available in Step-Through and Step-Over, both in Regular and Large sizes). Aventon lists the Large step-through for riders 5’7” to 6′ 1″, and at 5 ’11 “, I found the fit spot-on. The riding position is a hybrid, leaning slightly forward toward the 680mm handlebar but favoring a relaxed, upright posture that’s comfortable for daily commutes or longer trail rides.
The 750W rear hub motor (peaking at 1188W with 80 Nm of torque) is paired with a torque sensor, a feature Aventon has refined in recent models. This setup feels smooth and natural, delivering power that enhances your pedaling without jerky surges—it’s like your legs are just stronger than usual. The motor stays quiet, only becoming faintly noticeable at higher pedal assist levels or speeds, making it unobtrusive for most rides.
The 26” x 4” Innova tires roll over obstacles like a two-wheeled monster truck, a hallmark of fat-tire bikes that exploded in popularity during peak COVID years. They’re fun, capable, and surprisingly quiet on both pavement and dirt, adding to the bike’s playful, go-anywhere vibe. Whether commuting or hitting backroads, these tires make rough terrain feel effortless.
Braking comes from Tektro HD-E3520 hydraulic disc brakes, which provide solid stopping power for an 80-pound bike. They handle most situations well, but on technical off-road sections, I found myself wishing for a 4-piston setup for extra bite—a personal preference rather than a necessity. For general riding, these brakes are more than adequate.
The Shimano Altus 8-speed drivetrain, with a 48T chainring and 12-32T cassette, offers reliable gearing for most scenarios. With pedal assist, I never felt limited by the range, as the motor picks up any slack when climbing or cruising at speed.
Fat-tire bikes like the Aventure 3 are popular for their versatility—no need for a second bike when this one can commute, tackle trails, or cruise backroads with ease. Compared to the Aventure.2, the Aventure 3 brings subtle but impactful upgrades: a stiffer frame, a dialed-in torque sensor, and refined components that elevate the ride. It’s been a crowd favorite for years, and this latest iteration proves why, delivering a fun, capable e-bike that’s ready for just about anything.
Range
Estimated Range (from Aventon): Up to 65 miles
Real World Range Test Results:
- MIN PAS: 62 miles
- MAX PAS: 34 miles
Aventon claims the Aventure 3 can deliver up to 65 miles on a single charge, a promising figure for a fat-tire e-bike. As someone who’s tested countless e-bikes, I know these estimates need verifying—some bikes fall short, others exceed, and factors like rider weight, terrain, speed, riding style, and stops can drastically affect results.
To get a clear picture, I conducted two range tests on a mostly flat course with about 1,200 feet of elevation gain, riding a closed recreational path with minimal stops (one or two, unlike city commuting with frequent red lights). At 180 pounds, I tested the bike in both the minimum pedal assist setting (Eco) and the maximum (Turbo).
In the Turbo test, pushing the bike to the city path’s 20 mph speed limit, I covered 34 miles before the battery ran out. After recharging, I ran the Eco test, keeping speeds between 11–12 mph, and stretched the range to 62 miles on the same course.
These results are impressive, nearly hitting Aventon’s 65-mile claim in Eco mode and delivering a solid 34 miles at full throttle. The range of 34–62 miles, depending on speeds between 12–20 mph, is a strong offering for most riders. If you’re looking to maximize distance, ease up on the throttle and adopt a relaxed pace to push toward the upper end. For those who prefer to ride hard, 34 miles is still plenty for most commutes or trail sessions, making the Aventure 3’s range versatile and reliable for most owners.
Power (Motor & Battery)
The Aventure 3 is powered by a 750W rear hub motor, capable of peaking at 1188W and delivering 80 Nm of torque. It’s activated by a torque sensor, a refined version Aventon has rolled out in recent models like the Abound SR, LR, and Level.3. This sensor is smooth, quiet, and intuitive, seamlessly boosting your pedaling to feel like your legs are just naturally stronger—no jarring surges here. The motor offers three pedal assist modes—Eco, Sport, and Turbo—each stepping up the power progressively for everything from leisurely cruises to faster trail rides.
Out of the box, the bike is configured as a Class 2 e-bike, capped at 20 mph for both throttle and pedal assist. With a few taps in the Aventon app, you can unlock Class 3 performance, bumping the throttle to 20 mph and pedal assist to 28 mph. The process is simple: acknowledge a liability waiver, agree to follow local laws, and you’re set—no tools or hassle required.
The battery is a 36V, 19.88Ah system with a total capacity of 733Wh, using LG 21700 cells and carrying UL 2271 safety certification. Aventon’s decision to standardize 36V batteries across multiple models is a smart one, streamlining production and keeping costs down without needing unique batteries for each bike. This also benefits owners, as spare parts like batteries, displays, and controllers will be easier to source down the line—a critical consideration when a broken component can sideline your bike, especially if the brand discontinues support. With this shared platform, Aventon can stock spares more readily, a win for both the company and riders.
Gone is the physical key for securing the battery, replaced by an electronic lock controlled via the display or Aventon app. This is a welcome change, sparing you from adding yet another key to an already crowded keyring. The battery integrates cleanly into the frame, staying secure and accessible without the fuss of traditional locks.
Components
The Aventon Aventure 3’s components are built for reliability and versatility, striking a balance between performance and practicality for a fat-tire e-bike.
The drivetrain centers on a Shimano Altus 8-speed setup, including a 48T chainring, a 12-32T cassette. A three-piece crankset with 170mm arms, and flat alloy platform pedals provide a solid gear range that handles most rides, especially with pedal assist to cover any gaps.
Braking is handled by Tektro HD-E3520 hydraulic disc brakes with dual-piston calipers and 180mm rotors (1.8mm thick) front and rear. This setup provides sufficient stopping power and performs reliably in testing. However, on a bike weighing over 75 pounds with massive 4-inch tires, I found myself wishing for 4-piston brakes to better manage the rolling mass, particularly on technical off-road sections. The dual-piston brakes get the job done for general riding, but heavier bikes like this could benefit from extra braking muscle.
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, contributing to the bike’s relaxed, upright riding position. There’s ample space for controls, including Aventon lock-on grips, Tektro brake levers, Shimano 8-speed trigger shifters on the right, and a PAS display control pad with a throttle on the left. The layout is clean, with minimal cable clutter, keeping the setup functional and intuitive.
The wheels are 26-inch double-wall aluminum rims with steel spokes in an offset pattern, built to handle the rigors of fat-tire riding. They’re wrapped in Innova 26” x 4” puncture-resistant tires with a subtle, all-terrain tread that performs well on everything from pavement to trails. I added Slime to the tubes for extra flat protection and ran the tires at 18 PSI, striking a balance between traction and comfort. These fat tires are like pillows for the bike, soaking up bumps and rolling over roots and rocks with ease, making rides both comfortable and fun.
The Aventon saddle is comfortable on its own but elevated by a suspension seatpost with 50mm of travel and a 350mm length. I’m usually skeptical of suspension seatposts, but riding the Aventure 3 reminded me how effective they are at dampening road vibrations and impacts. Those 50mm of travel quietly absorb shocks that would otherwise rattle up your spine, adding a surprising layer of comfort to an already plush ride.
Screen / User Interface / App
The Aventon Aventure 3 is equipped with a BC280 center-mounted display, a clean and functional color LCD that shows all the essential ride data: battery level, time, odometer, speed, and pedal assist (PAS) level. Cycling through the screens is simple with the three-button control pad on the left handlebar, letting you access additional metrics like trip distance or max speed without fuss. The display is clear and readable in various lighting conditions, including direct sunlight, which is always a win.
The Aventon app, paired with the Aventon Control Unit (ACU), brings a suite of tech and security features that set the Aventure 3 apart. With 4G and Bluetooth connectivity, the app offers GPS tracking, ride logging, and real-time bike stats, syncing data to the cloud for easy access.
Security is a major focus on the Aventure 3. You can remotely lock the bike, set geofencing boundaries, 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, giving you peace of mind when the bike’s out of sight. Over-the-air (OTA) updates keep the system current without needing a trip to the shop.
Beyond security, the app enhances customization. The Ride Tune feature lets you fine-tune the feel of the three PAS modes (Eco, Sport, Turbo) to match your riding style, adjusting how the motor responds to your pedaling. 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. I do like ditching the physical keys and moving to the keyless battery system—locking and unlocking the battery is handled electronically through the app or display, eliminating the need to make your existing key set any bigger..
Aventon Aventure 3 Model Options
The Aventon Aventure 3 offers High-Step and Step-Through frames, each in Regular and Large sizes to accommodate different riders. The Step-Through Regular fits riders from 4’11” to 5’7”, while the Large extends to 6 ‘1 “. The High-Step Regular covers 4’11” to 5’10”, and the Large reaches 6’4”. The sizing range is broad, giving room for most folks to find the right fit.
Four colors are available across all frame types and sizes: Stealth Black, Matcha Green, Cobalt Blue, and Java Bronze. Stealth Black keeps things low-key, Matcha Green adds an earthy vibe, Cobalt Blue leans bold, and Java Bronze has a warm, retro feel.
Included with every Aventure 3 are fenders and a rear rack, which add utility for commuting or carrying gear. Additional mounting points on the downtube allow for a water bottle cage or small accessories, separate from the fender and rack mounts. However, the integrated battery crowds the downtube, leaving limited space for larger add-ons, which could frustrate riders looking to customize.
Aventon hasn’t detailed any specific optional accessories for the Aventure 3 yet, but given their history with models like the Aventure.2, a range of add-ons—possibly baskets, front racks, or bags—seems likely. However, in its current state, the Aventure 3 ships to you ready to tackle most adventures.
Is The Aventon Aventure 3 Worth Buying?
So, is the Aventon Aventure 3 worth dropping $1,999? After putting it through its paces for a couple of weeks, I’m impressed with what it brings to the table. The gravity-cast frame is a big step up—stiff, responsive, and way sharper-looking than older models, with geometry that makes city streets and gravel trails feel like home.
The Aventon Control Unit (ACU) is a great addition, packing geofencing and 4G tracking to keep tabs on your bike, plus an app that lets you tweak the motor or update software on the fly. My range tests were solid: 34 miles at full blast in Turbo mode and 62 miles cruising in Eco, nearly hitting Aventon’s 65-mile claim. That’s plenty for commutes or a day on the trails.
The catch? The weight of the Aventure 3 is 78 pounds, which is no joke when you’re lifting it or stashing it in a tight space. It’s normal for fat tire eBikes, but still a hassle and worth a mention.
The 750W motor and torque sensor are smooth and quiet, and those 4-inch Innova tires roll over anything with ease. For the price, you’re getting a versatile, tech-packed ride that’s hard to beat.
Pros
- The Aventure 3’s gravity-cast frame feels sturdier and more refined than its predecessors, with geometry tweaks that improve handling on varied terrain.
- Aventon’s Connected Unit (ACU) integrates geofencing and 4G connectivity for real-time tracking and theft protection, a rare feature in fat tire eBikes.
- My testing showed a range of 34 miles at minimum pedal-assist and 62 miles at maximum, solid for everything from quick commutes to longer rides.
- The motor, paired with a torque sensor, delivers smooth, strong, and quiet power, making pedaling feel natural even at high effort.
- Internally routed cables through the headset and color options like Stealth Black, Matcha Green, Cobalt Blue, and Java Bronze give a clean, modern aesthetic.
- The Aventon app offers over-the-air updates, motor tuning, ride tracking, and service location lookups, adding functionality that rivals higher-end eBikes.
Cons
- At nearly 80 pounds, the Aventure 3 is tough to lift or maneuver without power (or a helping hand if lifting), a common issue for fat tire eBikes but still worth a mention if you’re new to these.
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