Jkhaha - I purchased two Aventon Levels' in September of 2020, so that my wife and I could ride together. I did a lot of research and it came down to three manufacturers/models. The Aventon Level, The Rad Rover Fat Bike by Rad Power Bikes, and the Ride 1UP LMT'D. All three seem to be pretty good, and had good reviews. There is only so much you can know from reviews and research if you haven't owned an e-bike. Once you own a bike you will realize that most of your preconceived ideas and notions developed while researching will probably go out the window.
The most influential factors for me between the three models were looks/styling, battery charge time, top speed, range, and how fast I could get it delivered (winter was closing in). I chose the Level because they could deliver it in two weeks. It turned out to be an excellent choice, and it exceeded all of my expectations. It looks beautiful in real life and I get a lot of compliments on the paint job and styling. It is fast, easily goes 28 mph on PAS-5, and it seems virtually maintenance free. I've dealt with Aventon on a warranty issue and they were very responsive and quickly made me whole.
But... After riding for two months, I realized I longed to ride aggressively, and I wanted to peel off the paved trails and roads, and rip up and down the huge hills and grassy embankments in my area, and venture into the woods over hill and dale, off the beaten path. I wanted more freedom and adventure. Alas, my Aventon was not built for the type of riding that I wanted to do without my lovely, but docile wife in tow. In retrospect, neither is the Rad Rover (due to it's rear drive).
So in December I built my own bike. A Fat Bike powered by the Luna Cycle Bafang BBSHD 1600 Watt Hot Rod mid-drive motor. It is a very powerful bike that is programmable. I can climb a 45-50 degree wooded, grassy, or paved slope with no problem. I can traverse large creeks, mud, snow, sand, fields, woods, and where there is no trail. I can cruise at 30-40 MPH, which is way to fast and I don't do that at all. I tried it once or twice. I've adjusted the speed limit to 25mph because I do not want to die on the road. I bought some
elbow pads because I SHALL WIPE OUT now and then. Being 62 years young, I need to be able to affirmatively break my fall with my forearm..
Building my own powerful e-bike has made me very appreciate of the quality engineering of my Aventon Level. It is well thought out, has quality parts, that are easily sourced, packs a punch, and is very reliable. Also it is easily ridden by other members of my family and a few guests.
It's very cold outside. Snow and ice on the ground. All my parts have arrived. What better place to start my DIY build? Bike: Mongoose Dolomite Fat Tire Bike Motor: Mid-drive, Luna Cycle, Hot Rod Bafang BBSHD, 1600 Watt. My current ride is an Aventon Level with about 950 miles on it. My wife...
electricbikereview.com
On Speed: Yes, I purchased the Level because it could go 28MPH under PAS. I could care less now. Climbing power is what matters to me most, even in the city and on paved trails. My average ride speed is about 17mph. If you ride on the street with traffic, 28mph is an asset in my opinion, but I judge it to be too fast with out heavy duty safety gear if you consistently ride that fast on the road. Cars are your enemy, and the majority of drivers do not see you. I use the top speed to get off the main road as quickly as possible whenever I can.
On fast charging time: Insignificant to me now. Buy a
smart charger from Luna Cycle and charge your battery slowly and mostly to 80% capacity. Since money is a concern for you, it could double or triple the life of your $400 battery.
On range: Still pretty important to me, but I rarely ride in a style that utilizes the maximum range. I usually do 20 miles per day and exhaust my battery in the process. Range is good.
On looks and styling: Don't be silly
... fuggedaboutit... it's all about power, reliability, and serviceable parts.
Good luck in your search. Buy an E-bike. You will probably love it. If you love it, sooner or later you will get the bug to get a "better" bike, whatever you conceive that to be. You'll either sell your first bike, or keep it in your stable for a family member.
One last thing. On my Fat Bike Hot Rod, I wish it were a step-thru.
Tom
"
Damn things are addictive !" ~
Jangles
