The electric bike revolution is sweeping across American cities, and the Aventon Soltera.2 stands as a compelling testament to how affordable e-mobility can transform your daily transportation routine. This sleek urban cruiser promises up to 46 miles of range at a price point that won’t break the bank, making it an attractive option for commuters, casual riders, and eco-conscious Americans looking to ditch their car keys.
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The Aventon Soltera.2 originally launched at $1,399 but can now be found for as little as $999 on various platforms including Aventon’s website and Best Buy. This significant price reduction places it squarely in the budget-friendly category while maintaining features typically found on higher-end models.
The bike maintains a traditional bicycle silhouette, save for the thicker down tube where the battery is integrated, and rolls on 700c wheels with 38mm tires. This design philosophy reflects Aventon’s commitment to creating e-bikes that don’t scream “electric” while providing modern functionality that today’s riders demand.
Motor Performance and Riding Experience
At the heart of the Soltera.2 lies a 36V, 350W brushless rear hub motor with an intuitive torque sensor that detects your pedaling effort and seamlessly amplifies it. Unlike cheaper e-bikes that rely on cadence sensors, the torque sensor provides a more natural riding experience by responding to how hard you’re pedaling rather than simply detecting that you’re pedaling.
The torque sensor encourages the rider to use their own leg power with the supplement of modest pedal assistance, making it appropriate for those looking for a more traditional cycling experience. This approach means you’ll still get a workout while enjoying the boost when you need it most, whether that’s conquering hills or maintaining speed against headwinds.
The motor provides assistance up to 20 mph in its default Class 2 configuration, though it can be unlocked to 25 mph (Class 3) through the Aventon app. For areas where throttles are prohibited, the throttle can be unplugged and removed to meet Class 1 e-bike requirements.
Battery Technology and Real-World Range
The Soltera.2 features a removable 36V, 9.6Ah (360Wh) lithium-ion battery with LG cells that charges in 4-5 hours. The battery’s integration into the down tube creates a clean aesthetic while maintaining the practical benefit of removability for indoor charging or security.
Aventon advertises up to 46 miles of range on a single charge, though real-world testing reveals more nuanced results. Independent testing determined that riders can expect between roughly 30 and 37 miles with the Soltera.2, with the narrow range variance attributed to the modest power differences between Eco and Turbo modes.
During testing with a 190-pound rider in 95-degree heat using primarily throttle, the bike achieved approximately 67% battery life remaining after 10 miles, which aligns with the advertised 46-mile range for a 160-pound rider. This demonstrates that while marketing claims may be optimistic, they’re not unrealistic under ideal conditions.
Build Quality and Components
Weighing in at 41-46 pounds depending on the configuration, the Soltera.2 strikes a balance between substantial feel and manageable portability. This modest weight makes it possible to carry the bike up stairs from basements or through narrow hallways, solving one of the biggest obstacles to urban bike commuting.
The bike features a 7-speed Shimano drivetrain paired with 180mm mechanical disc brakes. While some reviewers note that mechanical brakes “frankly, suck” compared to hydraulic alternatives, they acknowledge that “they do the job” at this budget price point.
Safety and Visibility Features
Safety-conscious design permeates the Soltera.2’s feature set. The bike includes integrated rear lights with turn signals and a braking flash, with brake lights that activate automatically when you hit the brake levers. Turn signals are operated using buttons mounted on the handlebars, though riders must remember to deactivate them manually after turning.
The bike meets IPX4 water-resistant standards, meaning it’s resistant to water splashes from any direction and safe for riding in rain, though it’s not designed for submersion or pressure washing.
Assembly and User Experience
Assembly is straightforward, taking about 25 minutes with the included tools and printed instructions, supplemented by helpful assembly videos on Aventon’s website. The remaining steps include installing the pre-assembled stem and handlebar, attaching the front wheel, installing the seat and seatpost unit, and attaching pedals.
The bike comes with a 2-year warranty, free shipping, and a 14-day return period, providing peace of mind for online purchasers who can’t test ride before buying.
Ideal User Profile
The Soltera.2 hits a lot of the market segments, particularly appealing to riders who want to navigate cities in an upright position on a budget. It’s light enough to manage on stairways or public transportation, looks good, and provides sufficient range for most riders to easily reach their destinations within a single charge.
The bike excels in urban environments where its responsive, sporty handling allows it to “turn on a dime” while feeling stable at speed. However, the rigid frame and lower volume tires don’t absorb vibration well, making cranks or bumps in the road feel harsh.
Limitations and Considerations
The bike may not have fared well in hill testing due to the limitations of its 350W motor, making it less suitable for consistently hilly terrain. For riders in hilly areas, alternatives like the Ride1Up Turris with more power might be preferable.
Reviewers would prefer to see an option to extend range through a larger battery or supplemental power source, noting that many similar city bikes offer optional range extenders.
The Bottom Line
The Aventon Soltera.2 represents an excellent entry point into electric cycling for American commuters and urban riders. It blends affordability, performance, and style into a compelling package that competes well with lighter but less-featured alternatives. While it may not be the most powerful e-bike available, it delivers where it counts: reliable daily transportation with enough range for most urban commuting needs.
In many ways, it’s an ideal commuter bike that allows riders to experience the wind-in-the-hair freedom that beats gridlock and parking structures, making it a worthy consideration for anyone looking to electrify their daily transportation routine.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Motor | 36V, 350W brushless rear hub motor with torque sensor |
| Battery | 36V, 9.6Ah (360Wh) removable lithium-ion with LG cells |
| Range | Up to 46 miles (manufacturer), 30-37 miles (real-world testing) |
| Top Speed | 20 mph (Class 2), 25 mph unlockable (Class 3) |
| Weight | 41-46 pounds |
| Drivetrain | 7-speed Shimano |
| Wheels | 700c with 38mm tires |
| Brakes | Mechanical disc brakes (180mm) |
| Display | LCD color with backlight |
| Charging Time | 4-5 hours |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 rated |
| Price Range | $999-$1,399 |
| Warranty | 2 years |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does the Soltera.2 battery last? A: The battery provides 30-37 miles of real-world range, though Aventon advertises up to 46 miles under ideal conditions with a 160-pound rider.
Q: Can I ride the Soltera.2 in the rain? A: Yes, the bike has IPX4 water resistance, making it safe for riding in rain and through puddles, though it shouldn’t be submerged or pressure washed.
Q: Is the Soltera.2 good for hills? A: The 350W motor provides modest hill-climbing assistance, but riders in consistently hilly areas might prefer more powerful alternatives.