While a bike’s overall feel and comfort level are highly subjective, we can use our experience testing hundreds of e-bikes of various styles to evaluate the Soltera 3 ADV’s ride quality in comparison to its peers. Overall, the bike felt solid, sporty, and responsive, with only a couple of downsides that are more points to be aware of instead of problem areas.
In our experience, it is relatively uncommon for brands to offer a wide range of frame sizes, but Aventon sells four Soltera 3 options for riders between 5’1” and 6’4”. We tested the Large frame size, which is advertised to fit folks between 5’9” and 6’1”, so our team of roughly 6’-tall riders was well accommodated.
With roughly 6.5” of adjustable seatpost length, I was able to set the saddle height for both comfort and proper pedal efficiency. I found the bike’s sport-style saddle to be slim but well-padded and generally comfortable. The reach was relatively short, resulting in an uncommonly upright riding position, so the Soltera felt more relaxed than many similar models I’ve tested.
As expected for a city e-bike, its handling felt crisp and agile; the combination of a lightweight frame and rigid fork gave the Soltera 3 precise steering, quick cornering, and a high degree of maneuverability. With relatively narrow 700c x 38mm road tires and no suspension, bumps were noticeable, but acceleration was fast and smooth.
I touched on the feel of the Soltera’s pedal assist system previously, but I feel it important to reiterate that its active, natural feel pairs perfectly with its style. For exercise enthusiasts or traditional cyclists wanting a boost to reduce strain or increase speed, the Soltera 3 ADV is likely to provide an ideal feel and just the right amount of power.
With a Gates Carbon belt at the heart of its single-speed drivetrain, the Soltera 3 is remarkably low-maintenance. Gates rates its belts to hold up for least twice the lifespan of a traditional chain, and with no need for lubrication, the long-lasting system is also incredibly clean.
Another of the bike’s greatest highlights is its simplicity and ease of use. The single-speed drivetrain requires no shifting, while most riders should find it easy to find the right amount of power with the bike’s three assist levels. The bike’s control panel is intuitive, with only the turn signal buttons being the most likely to be operated regularly while moving.
Considering that the Soltera 3 has integrated lights and turn signals—which we’re always pleased to encounter on urban e-bikes—we’d have liked to see functioning brake lights. Recent Aventon models have initially omitted this feature but added it later, so there is a chance that potential buyers will get it down the road. Fingers crossed!
Another unexpected omission was the Aventon Control Unit (ACU) present on all of the brand’s other models (at least at the time of writing). This smart module enables location tracking, battery and wheel/kickstand locks, an alarm system, etc.
Without this element, the Soltera 3 ADV is notably simpler and likely lighter, showing that Aventon prioritized maneuverability, portability, and an easy user experience. An ACU-equipped Soltera would be exciting, but buyers seeking more robust security features should consider the Aventon Level 3 commuter e-bike.
When paired with the Aventon app, the Soltera 3 ADV does not have as many customization options and features as other Aventon models, but it can still receive over-the-air (OTA) updates and allows riders to customize motor output.
Additionally, the app can manually and automatically track ride data, it provides access to a private social media platform with Aventon e-bike owners, it can set up maintenance reminders, and it can sync with Apple Health and Strava.
While the Soltera 3 ADV’s ride experience is approachable for both new and experienced cyclists, the bike’s integrated light system and Bluetooth connectivity combine to create an uncommonly robust yet simple city e-bike.
