The Aventon Abound is a cargo e-bike with a sleek, user-friendly design and tons of carrying capacity. Aventon’s use of a torque sensor in the hub-drive system results in a ride quality that outperforms the affordable price tag.
The entry-level electric cargo bike market is increasingly competitive, with several direct-to-consumer e-bike brands offering this type of bike, such as the RadWagon 4 and Lectric XPedition. Aventon’s experience making reliable and functional products is evident in the Abound cargo bike, and it’s a compelling option in the segment.
The main differences between the abovementioned entry-level and the more expensive mid-drive models are the versatility, ride quality, and accessory options. Aventon has bridged the gap in ride quality by fitting the Abound with a torque sensor, but it still lacks bespoke accessory choices.
Our Aventon Abound review will discuss the bike’s main specs and examine the frame, electronics, components, and cargo-carrying abilities in more detail. Finally, we will compare the Abound to other popular models and offer our verdict on whether or not it’s worth the money.
Contents
Aventon Abound Main Specifications
The Aventon Abound specs are impressive, given its price of just $2,199. Aventon electric bikes are often on sale, so the Abound can often be bought for less than $2,000.
This is the only entry-level model that comes with multiple accessories included. Additionally, it’s one of the best cargo bikes with a hub motor to use a torque sensor.
Aventon chose brand-name components in important areas, such as the brakes and drivetrain, ensuring durability. They also added a dropper seatpost, which makes it easy to get a foot down when coming to a stop.
- Motor: 750W, 48V hub
- Battery: 15Ah, 720 Wh
- Range: 50 miles
- Charge time: 5 hours
- Top speed: 20 mph
- Weight capacity: 440 lb (143 lb on the rear rack)
- Bike weight: 81 lb
- Fork: Suspension, 50 mm travel
- Drivetrain: Shimano Tourney 7-speed
- Brakes: Tektro Hydraulic disc brakes,180 mm rotors
- Tires: 20″ x 2.4”
- Accessories: Fenders, rear rack, lights, turn signals, footboard, wheel guards, and kickstand
Aventon Abound Cargo E-Bike Review
Step-Through Aluminum Frame
The Aventon Abound’s frame is the same double-butted aluminum material used across the brand’s lineup. It has smooth welds and a high-quality paint finish, available as ‘Polaris’ blue or ‘Sage’ green. This robust frame and integrated rack can support huge payloads of 440lb or 143lb on the rear rack.
Aventon was one of the first entry-level e-bike brands to integrate its batteries and cabling into the frame, and the Abound has a large 720Wh battery housed in the downtube. The battery is removable or chargeable through a port on the frame.
The Aventon Abound e-bike features a durable double-butted aluminum frame with an integrated rack, supporting up to 440lb, and houses a removable 720Wh battery within its downtube.
The Aventon Abound e-bike is only available with a one-size step-through frame. The company states that it fits riders from 4’11” to 6’3″, but we recommend a test ride if you’re at either end of the range.
Powerful Torque-Sensing Motor and High-Capacity Battery
The Aventon Abound cargo bike uses a 750W hub motor, which is typical for this type of bike, but the use of a torque sensor enhances ride quality.
A torque sensor measures the force of the rider’s input instead of just measuring if the pedals are turning or not. This more advanced method results in more natural power output from the motor that fluctuates based on how hard you pedal.
As a hub-drive bike, the Abound also has a throttle which is a big plus as most mid-drives don’t come with throttles. With the bike loaded, riders can use the throttle to get started from a stopped position, an otherwise precarious maneuver. In contrast, riders of mid-drive cargo bikes must shift gears regularly to avoid getting stuck in too high a gear on a hill.
Finally, the Abound’s 720 Wh, 48V battery returns up to 50 miles of range thanks to the Class 2 20 mph max speed and the extra efficiency added from the torque sensor.
Functional Components and Aventon Abound Accessories
Aventon chose a basic 7-speed Shimano Tourney drivetrain for the Abound, which works well but won’t be the most durable. They also chose powerful Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, essential for stopping a heavy, loaded cargo e-bike like this.
Additionally, 20″ wheels wrapped in 2.4″ tires pair well with a short-travel 50 mm suspension fork to take the edge off bumpy roads.
Again, the dropper seatpost makes the Abound more user-friendly because you can easily get a foot down when coming to a stop. Aventon also includes a headlight, rear lights with brake activation and turn signals, and fenders to keep you dry.
Aventon Abound e-bike features a 7-speed Shimano drivetrain, Tektro brakes, and user-friendly extras like integrated lights and essential cargo accessories.
The most important characteristic of electric cargo bikes is that carrying cargo or passengers is simple and easy. The Aventon Abound accessories, such as a frame storage bag, footboards, and wheel guards, help achieve this.
Aventon’s optional accessory selection isn’t very extensive, but they offer the basics, including a rear seat, handrails that can fit two children comfortably, a rear basket, a front platform rack, panniers, and different bags for the front or rear.
Aventon Abound E-Bike vs. Competition
There is stiff competition in the entry-level cargo e-bike market from brands like Rad Power Bikes and Lectric Bikes and others like Blix Bikes and Magnum. Let’s see how the Abound stacks up against two of the most popular competitors.
Aventon Abound vs. Lectric XPedition
The Lectric XPedition is the cheapest cargo e-bike from a trusted brand. It comes in at $800 less than the Abound. However, it doesn’t have the same level of components. A basic cadence sensor, regular seatpost, and no extra accessories (boards, wheel guards, storage bag) mean this bike isn’t as user-friendly or capable out of the box.
Nonetheless, the lower price makes it much more accessible and will leave you with enough budget to personalize the bike without crossing the $2,000 mark.
The other major difference is that the XPedition can support 300lb on the rear rack (450lb total), making it suitable for carrying a large adult passenger. Despite its higher weight capacity, the XPedition also weighs 13lb less, albeit without accessories and with a smaller 14Ah battery.
Aventon Abound vs. RadWagon 4
Rad Power Bikes’ RadWagon 4 is one of the most popular entry-level cargo e-bikes on the market. Rad Power Bikes has a wide selection of accessories for personalizing the bike, much more than the Abound. However, it doesn’t come with many extras as sold, just wheel guards.
The RadWagon 4 has a smaller 672Wh battery and thus a lower max range. It also has a much smaller total payload capacity of 350lb (120lb on the rear rack), less powerful mechanical disc brakes, and no suspension or dropper post.
Overall, the RadWagon 4 relies on the accessories choice and Rad Power Bikes’ reputation to compensate for its sub-par build kit.
Final Verdict
The Aventon Abound e-bike stands out in the affordable cargo e-bike market. Its integrated design, natural pedaling from the torque sensor, impressive carrying capacity, and thoughtful choice of accessories add to its appeal.
While the Aventon Abound cargo bike faces stiff competition from brands like Lectric and Rad Power Bikes, Aventon’s choice of user-friendly features (dropper seatpost and pre-installed accessories) gives it an edge.
The Aventon Abound e-bike distinguishes itself in the budget cargo e-bike market with its integrated design, natural pedaling feel, and well-chosen accessories, offering solid value despite some drivetrain limitations.
Despite minor shortcomings in the drivetrain and limited accessory options, the Abound offers solid value for money, making it a worthwhile consideration if you’re in the market for a reliable, functional, and affordable cargo e-bike.
Aventon Abound
$2199
Pros
- Torque sensor
- Storage bag and footboards included
- Stylish integrated design
- 50-mile range
- Dropper seatpost
Cons
- Minimal accessory options
- Heavier than the competition
