Exploring the Aventon Pace 500.3: A Comprehensive Review
If you’re seeking out a pace 500.3 review, here are the key points you need to know:
- Priced at $1,699
- Powerful 500W motor with a top speed of 28 mph.
- Range of up to 60 miles.
- Features turn signals for improved safety.
Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are becoming a popular choice for eco-friendly transportation, blending the ease of biking with the power and convenience of electric motors. Among these, the Aventon Pace 500.3 stands out as a top choice.
The Aventon Pace 500.3 offers a delightful mix of features like its intuitive torque sensor, which adjusts to your pedaling efforts. This e-bike is designed for comfort, with a cushioned saddle and an upright riding stance, making your rides enjoyable, whether you’re commuting or just exploring.
But what really sets the Pace 500.3 apart are its multiple pedal assist levels and integrated turn signals, a rare find in this price range. It’s a versatile ride, perfect for beginners and seasoned cyclists alike, offering power and range that make longer journeys a breeze.
Key Features of the Aventon Pace 500.3
Torque Sensor Upgrade
One of the standout features of the Aventon Pace 500.3 is its improved torque sensor. This upgrade from the previous cadence sensor results in a more responsive and natural ride. Unlike cadence sensors that merely detect if you’re pedaling, a torque sensor measures how hard you’re pedaling. This means the motor provides assistance that feels much more organic and proportional to your effort, making it feel like a non-electric bike with a little extra boost.
Integrated Turn Signals
Safety is a key concern for any cyclist, especially in urban settings. The integrated turn signals on the Pace 500.3 are a game-changer. These signals are built into the rear seat stays, making them highly visible to other road users. This feature not only improves rider visibility but also makes signaling turns much easier and safer, reducing the need for hand signals that can be missed or misinterpreted by drivers.
Ergonomic Design
The ergonomic design of the Aventon Pace 500.3 ensures a comfortable and enjoyable ride. The bike’s upright, cruiser-style geometry places the rider in a relaxed position, offering a broad view of the surroundings. This design is particularly beneficial for both occasional riders and daily commuters, reducing strain on the back and wrists.
Motor and Battery
Equipped with a 500W motor and a 48V battery, the Aventon Pace 500.3 delivers robust performance. The motor is powerful enough to reach speeds of up to 28 mph when open uped via the Aventon app, making it perfect for both city commuting and leisure rides. The battery offers a range of up to 60 miles on pedal assist and 30 miles on throttle alone, ensuring you can go the distance without worrying about running out of juice.
Frame and Brakes
The Aventon Pace 500.3 features a 6061 single-butted aluminum alloy frame, which is both lightweight and durable. Weighing in at just 52 lbs, this e-bike is easy to handle and maneuver. The hydraulic disc brakes provide reliable stopping power, although it’s worth noting that the rear wheel can lock up and slide under hard braking, a point to be cautious of.
Tires and Handling
The bike comes with 27.5″ x 2.1″ puncture-resistant tires that feature reflective sidewalls for added visibility. These tires are designed to handle various terrains while offering a smooth ride. The bike’s low weight and ergonomic grips improve its maneuverability, making it easy to weave through traffic or steer tight corners.
With these features, the Aventon Pace 500.3 stands out as a versatile and user-friendly e-bike, perfect for a range of riding styles and needs. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cyclist, this bike offers a blend of comfort, safety, and performance that is hard to beat.
Performance Tests and Real-World Usage
Circuit Speed Test
The Aventon Pace 500.3 is no slouch when it comes to speed. During our circuit speed test, the bike’s 500W rear-hub motor showed impressive responsiveness. The pedal-assist system allows you to easily switch between different levels of assistance, ensuring that you can find a speed that suits your comfort level. With a top speed of 28 mph when open uped, the Pace 500.3 offers a thrilling yet controlled ride.
Range Test
Aventon claims a range of up to 60 miles on pedal assist, which we put to the test. We conducted two separate range tests: one in Turbo Mode and one in Eco Mode. In Turbo Mode, with the motor working at its maximum power, the bike managed around 35 miles. In Eco Mode, we were pleasantly surprised to achieve 68 miles, exceeding Aventon’s own claims. The battery performance and overall efficiency were impressive, making the Pace 500.3 a reliable choice for long commutes or multiple short trips.
Hill Test
When it comes to climbing, the hill test gave us a clear picture of the bike’s capabilities. The torque sensor plays a crucial role here, distributing power based on how hard you’re pedaling. Although the Pace 500.3 is not the most powerful climber, it managed to complete a steep hill climb in 2 minutes and 5 seconds at an average speed of 8.7 mph. While these numbers aren’t groundbreaking, the bike successfully made the climb, which is more than can be said for its predecessor.
Brake Test
Safety is paramount, and the brake test highlighted the reliability of the Pace 500.3’s hydraulic disc brakes. We tested the stopping distance under various conditions and found that the brakes performed admirably. They provide strong stopping power, ensuring you can halt quickly and safely, even during sudden stops. However, be cautious as the rear wheel can lock up under hard braking, which could lead to sliding.
These tests confirm that the Aventon Pace 500.3 is a well-rounded e-bike, capable of handling a variety of conditions with ease. From speed and range to climbing and braking, it offers a balanced performance that caters to both casual riders and daily commuters.
Pros and Cons of the Aventon Pace 500.3
Pros
Great for Beginners
The Aventon Pace 500.3 is designed with beginners in mind. Its upright riding position and step-through frame make it easy to mount and dismount, even for those who haven’t ridden a bike in years. Robyn, a self-proclaimed non-biker, found it so intuitive that she rode more in a month than she had in the past 20 years.
Intuitive Drive
The torque-sensing drive system is one of the standout features. It adjusts the motor’s power based on how hard you’re pedaling, making the ride feel natural and smooth. This is a big plus for new e-bikers who might find a cadence sensor less intuitive.
Powerful Motor
With a 500W 48V Brushless Hub Motor, the Pace 500.3 offers impressive power. It can reach speeds up to 28 MPH with pedal assist, making it a quick and efficient option for city commuting. The motor’s responsiveness is notable, as highlighted in our circuit speed test.
Cons
Lack of Suspension
One downside is the lack of suspension. The bike’s rigid frame and seat can make for a less comfortable ride on bumpy roads. The tires are designed to be ridden soft, which helps, but it would have been nice if a suspension seatpost came standard.
Sensitive Throttle
The thumb-controlled throttle can be overly sensitive, especially for new riders. It’s easy to give it more juice than intended, resulting in a jerky start. While you get used to it over time, a twist-controlled throttle might be preferable for some.
These pros and cons offer a balanced view of the Aventon Pace 500.3, making it clear why it’s a popular choice for both new and experienced riders. Now, let’s dive into how it compares with its predecessor, the Pace 500.2.
Comparison with Previous Models
Pace 500.2 vs Pace 500.3
The Aventon Pace 500.3 brings several significant upgrades over its predecessor, the Pace 500.2, making it a more refined and user-friendly e-bike.
Cadence Sensor vs Torque Sensor
One of the most notable changes is the switch from a cadence sensor to a torque sensor. The Pace 500.2 used a cadence sensor, which simply detected if you were pedaling and then applied motor power accordingly. This could sometimes result in a jerky ride, especially if the sensor was not finely tuned.
In contrast, the Pace 500.3’s torque sensor measures how hard you’re pedaling and adjusts the motor power to match. This results in a much smoother and more natural riding experience, as the motor’s assistance feels more intuitive. Riders have reported that the bike feels more like a traditional bicycle, which is a huge plus for those new to e-bikes.
Motor Power
Both models feature a 500W rear-hub motor, capable of reaching speeds up to 28 mph with pedal assist. However, the improved responsiveness of the torque sensor in the Pace 500.3 makes the motor feel more powerful and efficient. This upgrade is especially noticeable during hill climbs and rapid accelerations, where the motor’s assistance feels more seamless and controlled.
Design Improvements
Aventon has also made several design tweaks in the Pace 500.3 to improve comfort and usability. The new model retains the upright, Dutch-inspired cruiser geometry but adds more ergonomic features. The swept-back handlebars and plush saddle make for a more comfortable ride, especially on longer journeys.
Another key improvement is the addition of integrated turn signals. These add a layer of safety by making you more visible to other road users, which is crucial for commuting in busy city environments.
Market Positioning
The Pace 500.3 sits in a competitive price range of $1,500 to $2,000, offering features that are often found in more expensive models. The inclusion of a torque sensor at this price point is particularly noteworthy, as it is a feature typically reserved for higher-end e-bikes. This makes the Pace 500.3 an attractive option for both new riders and those looking to upgrade from a basic e-bike.
In summary, the Aventon Pace 500.3 offers significant improvements over the 500.2, particularly in terms of ride quality and safety features. The switch to a torque sensor, improved motor responsiveness, and ergonomic design make it a standout choice in its price range.
Next, let’s address some frequently asked questions about the Aventon Pace 500.3.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Aventon Pace 500.3
How much does the Pace 500.3 step through weigh?
The Pace 500.3 step-through weighs 52 pounds, making it relatively lightweight for an e-bike. This weight includes the 500W motor and the 48V battery, both of which contribute to its impressive performance. For comparison, many e-bikes in this category can weigh significantly more, so the Pace 500.3 is a good option if you’re looking for something easier to handle.
How long does the Aventon Pace 500 battery last?
The battery life of the Aventon Pace 500.3 is one of its standout features. Aventon advertises a range of up to 60 miles with pedal assist and 30 miles using throttle only. Real-world tests have shown that the bike can achieve between 35 to 68 miles, depending on the mode and conditions. This makes it suitable for long commutes, leisure rides, and even short workout sessions.
What class is the Aventon Pace 500?
The Aventon Pace 500.3 is classified as a Class 2 e-bike. This means it has a 500-watt motor and a top speed of 20 mph using the throttle. However, with pedal assist, you can reach speeds up to 28 mph. This classification makes it versatile and compliant with most e-bike regulations, making it a great choice for city commuting and recreational riding.
Differences with Pace 350
While discussing the Pace 500.3, it’s worth noting how it compares to its sibling, the Pace 350. The Pace 350 is also a solid e-bike but features a 350W motor and a maximum speed of 20 mph. The Pace 500.3 offers more power and a higher top speed, making it a better option for those looking for extra performance. Additionally, the torque sensor in the Pace 500.3 provides a smoother and more intuitive ride compared to the cadence sensor in the Pace 350.
Next, let’s dive into the pros and cons of the Aventon Pace 500.3.
Conclusion
Final Thoughts
The Aventon Pace 500.3 stands out as an excellent e-bike choice for various riders, from beginners to enthusiasts. Its combination of a 500W motor and a 48V battery offers impressive performance, while the torque sensor ensures a smooth and intuitive ride. The bike’s range of 35 to 68 miles, depending on the mode, makes it suitable for long commutes, leisurely rides, and even short workout sessions.
The integrated turn signals and hydraulic disc brakes add to its safety and usability, making it a well-rounded option for urban commuting. Although it lacks suspension, the bike’s ergonomic design and comfortable riding position make up for it. Overall, the Aventon Pace 500.3 offers great value for money, especially considering its performance and features.
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