Takeaway: A zippy e-bike for stress-free cruising and getting around town, the second-generation Aventon Pace 500 proves you don’t need to sacrifice speed to have a comfortable riding bike. Loaded with comfort-driven features, the Pace has a clean, stylish appearance, a powerful motor, and remains reasonably priced.
- Class 3 e-bike with 28 mph max pedal-assisted speed and throttle
- Torquey 500w rear-hub motor
- Strong Tektro hydraulic disc brakes
- You get a cushy saddle, adjustable-rise stem, and ergonomic grips
- Comes with a headlight and taillight with integrated brake lights
Price: $1,700
Weight: 52.8 lbs (Large)
Aventon Pace 500 2022 Gallery
Style: Cruising e-bike
Material: 6061-T6 aluminum w/ internal battery
Wheel Size: 27.5 inches
Fork: Pace V2 AL fork
Motor: 48V, 500w brushless rear-hub motor, 28mph max speed
Battery: Removable internal lithium-ion 48V, 12.8Ah(614Wh) with LG Cells
Drivetrain: Shimano Altus, 8-speed
Crank: Alloy, 170mm length w/ 46T chainring
Pedals: Alloy platform
Rear Cassette: Shimano 12-32T, 8-speed
Brakes: Tektro hydraulic disc, 180mm rotors (front & rear)
Wheels: Double-wall aluminum rims, 36H (front & rear)
Tires: 27.5"x2.2", e-bike-rated w/ reflective sidewall
Saddle: Aventon by SelleRoyal
Seatpost: Forged alloy, 30.9mm diameter, 2-bolt head
Handlebar: Aluminum 31.8mm clamp, 15° backsweep
Stem: Adjustable rise, threadless, 31.8mm clamp
Other: Front & rear lights, brake lights, quick release seat clamp, kickstand, ergonomic grips
Pros
- Peppy 500 watt hub motor
- Hydraulic disc brakes & 8-speed drivetrain
- Integrated lights
Cons
- Be mindful of the torque in low gears
With bikes, it’s often assumed that buyers who want a comfortable ride need to sacrifice speed or good looks to get it. But Aventon throws that idea out the window with its latest Pace 500 e-bike.
As e-bikes rise in popularity, so are their prices. Some models carry high four-digit price tags, with an increasing number of models now costing over ten grand. But if you aren’t seeking the pinnacle of performance there are still plenty of cheap e-bikes available. And of that bunch, the Pace 500 is an exceptional deal for riders looking to cruise the bike path, ride along the boardwalk with a partner, or roll around the neighborhood with the kids.
At $1,700 the new bikes cost about $300 more than the previous version but it’s still one of the best values we’ve tested. The build and features of the Pace 500 are on par with the more expensive Rad Power RadCity 5 Plus and better than the equally priced Electra Townie Go! 7D.
The Second-Gen Aventon Pace Models
Aventon overhauled its successful Pace 500 and Pace 350 models for 2022, carrying over many elements of the prior versions while updating the bikes’ looks, electronics, and overall functionality. Aventon, however, completely redesigned the bike’s chassis with refreshed frames and forks, which now have integrated batteries, and taillights cleanly tucked into each frames' seatstays.
Aventon’s Pace platform consists of two models, the $1,400 Pace 350 and the Pace 500 model we tested priced at $1,700. Both models come in standard double-diamond and step-through frames and two frame sizes—regular and large for the standard frame and S/M and M/L for the step-through. Our 6-foot tall test rider fit comfortably on the size large frame.
Updates to the Pace’s aesthetic are a leap forward in the category. The frame and fork now have a clean and integrated look. This puts the Pace ahead of bikes from competitors in the consumer-direct segment and at—or in some cases ahead—of e-bikes with similar riding purposes from more established and pricier specialty-retail brands. In particular, the updates to the Pace step-through frame give the bike a fresh and modern look. Aventon also improved colors and graphics across the board, with the step-through bikes receiving some bright and poppy shades that just look fun. The cable routing, on the other hand, isn’t particularly tidy, but at this price that’s not uncommon to see.
The new Pace 500 also gets Aventon’s new, sleeker digital display. The updated unit has a more compact profile, a backlit LCD color screen, and compatibility with Aventon’s mobile app. We found the new display and software easier to navigate through settings and better to see in direct sunlight and at night than the previous one. Riders can change power-assistance settings and access ride data via a controller located on the left side of the bar, all without having to remove a hand from the grip to touch the screen.
Aventon Pace 500 vs 350: Key Differences
Since the Pace 500 and 350 use the same frame and fork, the models have an almost identical profile. They’re priced similarly too. The $1,700 Pace 500 is just $300 more than the 350. It’s not until you look up close at the details (or side-by-side in the Aventon technical sheets) that the differences become more apparent. For that extra $300 on the Pace 500, you get a more powerful motor, 28 mph top speed, hydraulic disc brakes (instead of cable-actuated ones), an 8-speed drivetrain, and an adjustable stem on the Pace 500. That’s a lot of extra value for a relatively small jump in price—and that makes the 500 a better proposition for most rides.
The Pace 500’s more powerful rear motor and extra top speed help when riding along with vehicles or other e-bike traffic on the road. It also helps if you ride in a hilly area or are a heavier rider. While testing other models we’ve found that some lower-wattage rear hub motors can bog down a bit, especially when ridden up steeper hills or by heavier riders. Our 200-pound test rider did not have that issue with the 500-watt motor on this model.
The Pace 500’s 8-speed cassette has a wider gear range than the 7-speed one found on the Pace 350. It has both a lower low gear and a higher high gear. This extra range allows you to pedal up longer hills (with the low gear) while also enabling you to carry speed beyond the 28 mph assist limit (with the higher gear). The added range of the 8-speed cassette isn’t a deal-breaker on an e-bike in this category and price, but it’s nice to have.
It can be easy to overlook the adjustable stem included on the Pace 500 (it’s not included on the 350), but for many riders, this might end up being their favorite feature. Adjustable stems are many times derided for their complexity, added weight, or awkward look but in the right application, they can be a game-changer for lots of riders. If leaning forward to ride causes you discomfort when on the bike, you will potentially benefit from and appreciate the 90-degree range of adjustment offered by this stem. Combined with the Pace’s already tall headtube and upright rider position, this stem can place the bars even higher and closer to the rider.
Spending Time on the Aventon Pace
We spent two weeks riding the Pace 500, mainly on city streets around town, on paved bike paths, and gravel rail trails. For a comfort-oriented bike, the Pace 500 has a peppy ride, shedding the notion that foot-forward style cruisers are all chill and no thrill. The 500-watt motor has a noticeable amount of torque and can get up to its 28 mph max assisted speed without issue.
That jumpy torque was perhaps the only downside we found with the Pace 500. The motor assistance comes on strong when starting from a stop or slow-rolling speed. On most other e-bikes the motor engagement is less noticeable, and it has been barely perceptible on some of the mid-motor e-bikes we have tested.
That immediate and sometimes jarring application of power is related to pedaling cadence. Aventon’s motor gives you more boost when you pedal faster. So the feeling was more pronounced when any of our half-dozen test riders started in a low gear. Once we adjusted to it (and learned to shift into a higher gear before stopping) it felt more manageable. But for riders new to e-bikes, or not expecting the power curve of this motor, it can be surprising and even jarring.
In every other way, the Pace 500 proved to be a problem-free and easy bike with which to live and ride. It has a comfortable, upright position that gives you a clear view of the road or path ahead without any neck strain. And its wide, well-cushioned Selle Royal saddle adds a plush, relaxed feeling.
The Pace also features front and rear lights powered off the bike’s battery. Though the beam pattern is not very wide, the front light works well for lighting up a bike lane or path when riding before dawn or after dusk. The Pace’s taillights are now integrated into the seat stays of the rear triangle and feature a brake light function wired into the Tektro hydraulic disc brakes. If riding at night without streetlamps we recommend a brighter light for the task.
The bike’s integrated downtube battery can be quickly removed for charging or transport. Plus, a lock helps keep the battery from being stolen if you have the bike locked up and can’t bring the battery along with you. Aventon posts a claimed range of 25 to 48 miles for the Pace 500 battery. Based on our test rides, that estimate should be possible for lightweight riders on flatter paved surfaces. On one outing over crushed-gravel paths with a heavier rider, the battery drained to 50 percent from fully charged over 10 miles. Another time it lost 5 percent of its charge when we rode it with max assistance over a 2-mile stretch of the bike path.
Aventon sells its bikes both through bike shops and directly to consumers on its website. Our mechanic reported that the bike assembly was quick, with the only problem he noticed resulting from shipping damage and not the fault of Aventon or indicative of the Pace’s build quality. A combination pedal/axle bolt wrench and Allen keys are included for assembly.
The Right Pace for You?
For the money, the Pace 500 packs a lot of punch with both power and style. If you're seeking a comfortable e-bike for cruising the boardwalk, RVing, or riding on bike paths and rail trails, you should certainly take a look at the Pace 500. For the extra $300 price over the Pace 350, the 500 has more power, better range, better brakes, and a wider gear range. Adding any one of these features could cost close to $300 on their own, getting them together should be more than enough reason to buy the Pace 500.
This doesn't mean we totally write off the lower-priced Pace. If the $1,400 cost for a Pace 350 ends up being at the upper limit of your budget, it does receive the same frame styling updates, tidy downtube battery placement, and nicer LCD head unit as the 500, it just doesn’t go the extra mile (both figuratively and literally).
While the Pace models are designed for around town they are not purpose-built commuter models. Aventon does offer model-specific racks and fenders for the Pace, but the bike's upright geometry and comfort features are better suited for cruising or riding at a more leisurely pace. For an excellent commuter model, check out the Level model we previously reviewed.
Pros
- Peppy 500 watt hub motor
- Hydraulic disc brakes & 8-speed drivetrain
- Integrated lights
Cons
- Be mindful of the torque in low gears
Aventon Pace 500 2022 Gallery
As Deputy Editor, Tara Seplavy leads Bicycling’s product test team; after having previously led product development and sourcing for multiple bike brands, run World Championship winning mountain bike teams, wrenched at renowned bicycle shops in Brooklyn, raced everything from criteriums to downhill, and ridden bikes on six different continents (landing herself in hospital emergency rooms in four countries and counting). Based in Easton, Pennsylvania, Tara spends tons of time on the road and trail testing products. A familiar face at cyclocross races, crits, and bike parks in the Mid Atlantic and New England, on weekends she can often be found racing for the New York City-based CRCA/KruisCX team. When not riding a bike, or talking about them, Tara listens to a lot of ska, punk, and emo music, and consumes too much social media.
