Aventon introduced a brand new electrical cargo bike, the Abound, which the California-based firm describes as “an environment friendly various to driving a automobile round city.” With a 750-watt motor, quite a lot of equipment, and a complete weight ranking of 440 lbs, the Abound is designed to be a flexible, protected, and reasonably priced mobility possibility for anybody seeking to do much less driving of their life.
Aventon is usually recognized for its fat-tired, adventure-themed highway bikes, so a cargo bike was by no means a assured addition to the corporate’s lineup. That mentioned, Aventon introduced plenty of the identical consideration to element to the Abound because it did with earlier fashions, which ought to assist give the bike a little bit of a leg-up in comparison with different low-cost fashions.
Aventon says the counsel worth for the Abound is $2,199
How low value as we speaking? Aventon says the counsel worth for the Abound is $2,199, placing on par (if not barely dearer) with competitor cargo bikes like Rad Energy Bikes’ RadWagon and Lectric’s newly launched Xpedition. That ought to assist spark curiosity amongst customers who need to supplant automobile journeys with a extra sustainable mode of transportation, however don’t need to take out a second mortgage on the home within the course of.
The Abound could also be low priced in comparison with a lot of cargo bikes from legacy producers, nevertheless it doesn’t skimp on options. A strong 750W, rear-hub motor will propel the bike to a max velocity of 20 mph (32km/h). There are 4 help ranges — Eco, Tour, Sport, and Turbo — and torque sensors ship energy practically as quickly as you begin pedaling. And whenever you’re caught at a useless cease with additional cargo weighing you down, there’s a thumb throttle to assist get you began transferring.
The detachable 720Wh battery (48V / 15Ah) is rated as much as 50 miles of vary, however that can rely on how a lot help you’re utilizing. Like cruising round within the prime Turbo mode? It’s best to count on to get much less vary out of the Abound’s battery if that’s the case.
One of many options that makes Aventon bikes stand out from the remainder of the pack is the inclusion of coloration shows, the place you may see essential data like velocity, mileage, and battery percentages. Most finances e-bikes skimp on this space by providing solely probably the most primary shows, however Aventon likes to splurge on the colour LCD, and it’s arduous to fault them for it when the value is so good. Aventon additionally has its personal smartphone app which will be linked to the bike by way of Bluetooth, for a extra thorough breakdown of your bike’s efficiency.
One other shocking characteristic you’ll discover on this bike are working flip indicators within the built-in rear tail mild. That definitely turns out to be useful when speaking your intentions to largely clueless automobile drivers who usually chafe at sharing the highway with cyclists.
The truth is, there are a bunch of top-shelf options to be discovered on this bike, which once more, and I can’t stress this sufficient, is fairly uncommon on a motorbike on this worth section. These embrace adjustable entrance suspension, a pleasant dropper seat, hydraulic disc brakes of additional stopping energy, and a 7-speed transmission.
After all, all these options add up — actually. The Abound is a heavy bike, weighing in at 81 lbs with none equipment. Add a childseat, or rear rack railings, and people kilos will add up. The entrance handlebar folds down, for additional storage flexibility, however finally this isn’t a motorbike you need to be caught carrying up (or down) any stairs in case you can keep away from it.
Most finances e-bikes skimp on this space by providing solely probably the most primary shows, however Aventon likes to splurge on the colour LCD
Talking of equipment, Aventon affords so much that will help you configure your experience to your particular wants. There’s a entrance and rear baskets, a rear seat pad for youths or grownup passengers, pannier baggage, a middle compartment for additional storage, and choices for a trailer. After all, including any of issues to your bike will trigger that steered retail worth to go up, so preserve all that in thoughts when purchasing.
However in fact, a totally kitted cargo e-bike shouldn’t be in comparison with conventional bikes, and even different e-bikes, however fairly to the automobile that you just’re in all probability hoping to interchange. E-bikes are at all times a greater worth proposition, along with being higher for the setting and throughout extra enjoyable to experience. Don’t take my phrase on it: simply ask any child who’s had the pleasure of driving with a mother or father or caregiver, and so they’ll inform you simply how a lot better it’s seeing the world from the again of a motorbike than from a automobile.