Aventon Pace 500.3 Review: Affordable Comfort and Smooth Power in a Cruiser E-Bike
Jordan Grimez
2024-09-20The Aventon Pace 500.3 is the third generation of the brand’s popular cruiser e-bike. It has a straightforward design, modern features, and an affordable price tag.
Cruiser e-bikes like the Pace 500.3 are ideal for those who prioritize comfort for leisurely riding. In addition, mounts for a rack and fenders mean you can customize it for commuting.
The newest iteration of the Pace brings a premium torque sensor, turn signals on the integrated rear lights, and 50% more range for just $100 extra.
These new features help distinguish the Pace 500.3 from similarly priced cruiser e-bikes like Ride1UP’s Cafe Cruiser, Blix Bikes’ Sol Eclipse, and Rad Power Bikes’ RadCity 5 Plus.
Our Aventon Pace 500.3 review will discuss the specs and performance and see how they compare to the competition so you can choose the perfect electric cruiser bike for your needs.
Aventon Pace 500.3 Specs:
- MSRP: $1,699
- Class: 2 and 3, 28 mph
- Motor: 500 W hub
- Battery: 614 Wh
- Range: 60 miles
- Tires: 27.5″ x 2.1″
- Drivetrain: Shimano Altus 8-speed
- Brakes: Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, 180 mm rotors
- Aventon Pace 500.3 weight: 52 lb
- Payload Capacity: 300 lb
Aventon Pace 500.3 Review: Comfort and Smooth Power at an Affordable Price
The Pace 500 is Aventon’s flagship cruiser-style electric bike and the first model the company released in 2018 when it moved into the electric bicycle market.
Now in its third generation, this e-bike is more refined, efficient, and functional. The most notable change from the Pace 500.2 was the torque sensor. This results in a smooth ride quality closer to a mid-drive motor.
The natural power transfer complements the cruiser-style ride feel. Swept-back handlebars, a cushioned saddle, and relaxed geometry make for smooth, comfortable riding on the Pace 500.3. In addition, riders can choose the Aventon Pace 500.3 step-through if they have mobility issues. Unfortunately, the rigid fork means a slightly bumpier ride on rough surfaces.
If you want to use this e-bike for commuting, factor in the cost of fenders and possibly a rack for carrying cargo. Otherwise, it has everything needed for urban riding.
The Aventon Pace 500.3 is a cruiser e-bike that outperforms its affordable price tag, offering more range, a torque sensor, and higher-end brakes than the competition.
Like all Aventon e-bikes, the Pace 500.3 is competitively priced at $1,699. Impressively, it costs $200 less than the Blix Sol Eclipse, which has mechanical disc brakes, a cadence sensor, and 25% less range. However, Ride1UP’s Cafe Cruiser is $100 cheaper and has a rack, fenders, and suspension (but no torque sensor and less range).
Aventon Pace 500.3 E-Bike Pros and Cons
Pros
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Cons
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An Integrated Frame With Relaxed Cruiser Geometry and Broad Sizing
The Aventon Pace 500.3’s frame is stylishly designed with integrated battery and cabling. The narrow-ish tubing also makes it look more like a traditional bike than an e-bike.
If you choose to install a front or rear rack, they’re purchasable through the online store. The rear rack can support up to 55 lb of cargo, and the frame’s total payload capacity (rider+cargo) is 300 lb.
Again, the geometry is a hybrid cruiser design similar to Dutch city bikes. This position is more upright than regular city electric bikes, and the swept-back handlebars mean you don’t have to reach far forward. Overall, this is a more comfortable riding position that ensures good visibility of the road ahead.
The frame is available in two layouts: step-over (5’3″ to 6’4″) and step-through (4’11” to 6’1″). Each layout comes in two sizes. Most direct-sales e-bike companies only use one frame size, so the choice between two means you can find a more tailored fit.
A Punchy and Efficient Torque-Sensing E-Bike System
The torque sensor distinguishes the Aventon Pace 500.3 from other entry-level cruiser e-bikes, like the Sol Eclipse, RadCity 5 Plus, and Cafe Cruiser.
This sensor measures the force the rider is putting in instead of how fast the pedals turn (cadence sensor), resulting in a smoother and more natural ride quality.
Additionally, efficiency is higher with a torque sensor, meaning you get more range from the same size battery. The downside is that reaching the bike’s top speeds requires slightly more power from you.
A 500 W motor provides plenty of kick for the average cruiser e-bike rider. However, the 750 W motors used on the alternative cruiser models mentioned above might be favorable if you’re maximizing the 300 lb payload capacity limit or want more power for steep climbs.
A 500 W motor and a removable 614 Wh battery combine to provide a smooth and efficient ride with up to 60 miles of range, making the Aventon Pace 500.3 stand out among entry-level cruiser e-bikes.
The 48 V Aventon Pace 500.3 battery is removable and has 614 Wh of juice. Combined with the torque sensor and low weight, this moderate-size battery returns up to 60 miles for range, 10 to 15 miles more than the competition. This battery also charges faster (in roughly four hours) thanks to the fast 3 Amp charger.
Minimalist Build Kit With Solid Components
The Pace e-bike series has a streamlined frame without any rack or fenders. However, it does have a rear-mounted kickstand, a headlight, and integrated rear lights with turn signals.
Aventon chose an above-average groupset for this price range, including an 8-speed Shimano Altus drivetrain with trigger shifters and Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with 180 mm rotors. For example, the $2,000 RadCity 5 uses cheaper NUTT brakes and a smaller 7-speed Altus drivetrain.
Other notable components that add value to this bike include the comfortable cruiser saddle and an adjustable stem for finding the perfect position. In addition, Aventon’s large, easy-to-read color display is one of the best among entry-level e-bikes.
Finally, you can choose between a range of Aventon Pace 500.3 accessories to equip the bike for specific jobs, like commuting, running errands, or taking your kid to school.
How Does the Pace 500.3 Compare to Other Aventon E-Bikes
Aventon Pace 350.2 vs 500.3
The Pace 350.2 is the cheaper, less powerful alternative to the Pace 500.2. It has a smaller 350 W motor supported by a 417 Wh battery with a lower max range of 40 miles. Like the older generation (500.2), the Pace 350.2 uses a cadence sensor instead of a torque sensor and doesn’t have turn signals.
Other notable differences include the mechanical disc brakes and 7-speed drivetrain compared to the hydraulic discs and 8-speed setup on the Pace 500.3.
Overall, the Pace 350.2 is a lower-performance bike that’s a solid choice if you have a tighter budget or just need basic functionality for lighter-duty urban riding.
Aventon Level.2 vs. Pace 500.3
The Aventon Level.2 is the brand’s pure commuter e-bike with typical upright city bike geometry. It’s sold with a rear rack and fenders, so you don’t have to worry about adding these components. The Level.2 also has a 65mm travel fork and a larger battery (but roughly the same range).
The Pace 500.3 comes with rear turn signals, more relaxed geometry, an adjustable stem, and cruiser handlebars, and it weighs 10 lb less.
Therefore, the differences are minimal. However, if you’re buying a bike for commuting, it makes more sense to go with the Level.2, as adding these components to the Pace 500.3 would take the price over the Level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Verdict: Ride or Pass?
The Aventon Pace 500.3 is a cruiser e-bike that outperforms its affordable price tag. This third generation of the brand’s flagship e-bike brings a couple of notable changes, including a torque sensor and rear turn signals.
The Pace 500.3 has more range, a more natural ride quality, lower weight, higher-end brakes, and more size options than the competition. The integrated rear lights with turn signals also contribute to safer riding.
If you’re looking for smoothness on bumpy terrain, the Ride1UP Cafe Cruiser might be favorable with its 3″ tires and fork suspension. Alternatively, the RadCity 5 Plus offers better out-of-the-box commuter functionality with its rack and fenders.
The Aventon Pace 500.3 can be tailored to meet specific riding needs, enhancing its value and versatility.
However, the overall performance, features, and component quality make the Aventon Pace 500.3 electric bike a worthy choice, and it earns a “ride” verdict from us.
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