Aventon Pace 500.3 Review: Class 3 Comfort Cruiser, Torque Sensor, 500W Motor

Aventon Pace 500.3 at a glance: who it fit

The Aventon Pace 500.3 is discontinued. Aventon no longer sells it, and this page is kept as a technical reference for owners and for riders comparing used or older-stock bikes; it is not a purchase page. Our record lists a $1,799 price when it was sold. The Pace 500.3 was a Class 2 (20 mph) comfort cruiser that could be unlocked to Class 3 (28 mph) in the Aventon app, with a 500 W rear hub motor, a torque sensor (new for this generation), a 614 Wh battery and integrated turn signals. Reviewers liked the smooth torque-sensor feel and the range, and noted the missing fenders and rack.

It suited casual and daily riders who wanted an upright Dutch-style posture, a light-for-class frame and built-in signals. It did not suit riders who wanted included fenders and a rack, front suspension, or a bike for unpaved surfaces.

Key specifications, in plain English

• Motor and sensor: 500 W rear hub motor, 50 Nm. Our record lists an 864 W peak, while another field on our page lists 750 W; treat 500 W sustained as the dependable figure. The torque sensor scales assistance to how hard you pedal, an upgrade from the cadence sensor on earlier Paces.
• Assist and class: four levels (Eco, Tour, Sport, Turbo). Ships as Class 2 (20 mph on pedal assist and left-hand thumb throttle); the Aventon app unlocks Class 3 pedal assist to 28 mph, per reviewers.
• Battery: 48 V, 12.8 Ah, 614 Wh, removable, with LG cells. Aventon claimed up to 60 miles at low assist; our record lists 30–43.5 miles at higher assist and about 4–5 hours to charge with the 3-amp charger.
• Drivetrain: Shimano Altus 8-speed with a trigger shifter, 12–32T cassette and a 48T crankset.
• Brakes: Tektro dual-piston hydraulic discs, 180 mm rotors, with motor cut-off. Rear seatstay LED lights act as brake lights and turn signals via a handlebar switch.
• Frame and tires: 6061 aluminium in step-through and step-over versions, two sizes (Regular and Large), swept-back bars and an adjustable stem; 27.5 × 2.1-inch puncture-resistant tires. Reviewers describe a rigid ride (see the note below).
• Weight and load: 52 lb listed; 300 lb payload.
• Certification and water resistance: our record lists UL 2849 (system) certification and an IPX4 rating.
• Warranty: our record lists a 2-year manufacturer warranty.

What independent reviewers found

We do not repeat other publishers’ test data as our own. Here is what the published reviews we read reported, attributed to each source, so you can go to the original for the full method.

Torque sensor and ride feel

Electric Bike Report’s Forrest Woolman called the new torque sensor the best-feeling Pace 500 yet and described a casual, enjoyable pedalling experience with meaningful assistance at every level. Electric Bike Review’s Mike East also credited the sensor with smoother assistance than cadence-based systems.

Range

Both Electric Bike Report and Electric Bike Review reported roughly 68 miles in Eco mode and about 35 miles in Turbo mode, beating or matching the 60-mile claim at low assist. Turbo-mode range is little more than half of that, so assist level matters a lot.

Hills and braking

Electric Bike Report timed a steep test hill at about 2:05–2:09 on throttle only and 1:28 in Turbo with pedalling. In the same coverage, the brakes stopped the bike in an average of 19’11", which Electric Bike Report called excellent, though John Bozick observed the rear wheel could lock and slide under hard braking on the low-tread tires.

Where reviewers found problems

• No fenders or rack included: commuters must add them (Electric Bike Report).
• Rigid ride: the frame transmits road imperfections (Electric Bike Report).
• Display: hard to read in direct sunlight (Electric Bike Report, Electric Bike Review); Electric Bike Review also wanted better wire management.
• Tire tread: low-tread tires can skid under hard braking.

Where sources disagree

• Weight: Our record lists 52 lb, and Electric Bike Report’s 52 lb figure appears to be the listed specification rather than a measurement. Electric Bike Review measured 54 lb on the step-through.
• Peak power: 864 W in one field of our record versus 750 W in another; Aventon’s exact peak rating could not be confirmed now that the model is discontinued.
• Fork: our record and most reviewers describe a rigid fork and ride, but one review names the fork as a suspension component. We could not resolve this; the reviewers who rode it described the ride as rigid.
• Price: $1,799 (our record and Electric Bike Review) versus a $1,699–$1,999 range in Electric Bike Report.
• Range: 35 to 68 miles across assist levels, versus a 30–43.5 mile high-assist estimate in our record and a 60-mile claim.

Who it suited and who should skip it

• Suited: riders wanting a lighter cruiser with a torque sensor, signals and a comfortable upright fit.
• Skip: anyone who needs a currently supported, warrantied new bike; see the current Pace models on Aventon’s site and our Aventon brand page.
• Skip: riders who want front suspension or included fenders and rack; consider the Velotric Discover 2.

Aventon Pace 500.3 legality: which class is it?

It ships as a Class 2 bike (throttle and 20 mph pedal assist) and can be unlocked to Class 3 in the app. Rules for classes, age and helmets differ by state and city; check yours in our 50-state e-bike law guide. Our record lists UL 2849 system certification; the UL 2849 and UL 2271 explainer shows what those marks do and do not cover. If you own a Pace 500.3, keep to the battery and charger the maker supplied.

Price and availability

The bike was priced at $1,799 when sold. It is no longer listed as a current Pace model, so we show no purchase link and cannot give a current price. Any used unit should be inspected with the same care as any used e-bike battery product.

Aventon Pace 500.3 vs. current alternatives

• Velotric Discover 2 ($1,699): a Class 3 torque-sensor commuter with an 80 mm fork, turn signals and a 440 lb payload rating. See the Velotric Discover 2 page.
• Lectric ONE ($2,199): a compact belt-and-gearbox commuter. See the Lectric ONE page.
• Gazelle Medeo T9 ($2,899): a Class 1 Bosch mid-drive commuter with lights, fenders and rack included. See the Gazelle Medeo T9 page.
• More: browse cruiser and comfort e-bikes and urban commuters, use the comparison tool, or read the buyer’s guide.

Checklist if you already own or are considering a used unit

1. Confirm the battery is the original and undamaged, and that the charger matches.
2. Check whether fenders or a rear rack are included; they were not sold with the standard bike.
3. Check your state’s class rules before unlocking Class 3.
4. Ask about remaining warranty coverage; do not assume it transfers.
5. Read how shipping and returns work on our site for context on our role (we do not sell bikes).

Frequently asked questions

Is the Aventon Pace 500.3 still sold?

No. Aventon no longer sells it, and we checked on 17 September 2026 that only newer Pace models are listed by the maker.

How fast does the Pace 500.3 go?

It ships as Class 2 at 20 mph on pedal assist and throttle. Reviewers report the Aventon app can unlock Class 3 pedal assist to 28 mph.

Does the Pace 500.3 have turn signals?

Yes, integrated into the rear seatstays and controlled from the handlebar, per reviewers and our record.

How far did it go on a charge?

Reviewers reported about 68 miles in Eco and about 35 miles in Turbo. Aventon claimed up to 60 miles at low assist.

How much does it weigh?

52 lb is listed; Electric Bike Review measured 54 lb on the step-through model.

Is it UL certified?

Our record lists UL 2849 system certification.

Sources and further reading

• Electric Bike Report – Aventon Pace 500.3 review (John S. Bozick)
• Electric Bike Report – Pace 500.3 Step-Through review (Forrest Woolman)
• Electric Bike Review – Pace 500.3 ST review (Mike East)