Last Updated on June 7, 2023 by Igor Karni
Every time there’s a new Aventon release, you can bet your bottom dollar that it will be much talked about by the general e-bike riding public. There’s more than one good reason to talk about the Soltera, though. Slated for release on January 4, 2022, let’s just say that the Soltera is nothing short of trend-setting.
Table of Contents
A call back to the past
If you’re an Aventon enthusiast or e-bike owner, you’ll probably notice the fact that Soltera’s design calls to mind their sportier offerings. While the Soltera belongs more to the city category than most performance-focused models, this aggressive design combined with the generally casual-oriented theme of the e-bike instantly makes it tick the versatility checkbox.
After all, the extra punch from the rear hub motor allows the rider to accelerate quickly and negotiate inclines with relative ease. All the while, you can smoothly shift to a more casual, cruiser- or commuter-style of riding whenever you want to or feel it necessary.
Read also: How to select the best commuter e-bike (with examples)? – also in this article. And, how much does a commuter e-bike cost?
Speaking of the motor, it’s definitely clear proof that the e-bike is more about urban riding before anything else. It strikes a balance between being sporty and casual by being slightly more powerful with its 350W capacity while guaranteeing the natural bonus to the traction that these motors provide (detailed specs: 36V, 350W (nominal) brushless rear hub motor). The Soltera’s top speed is 20 mph (32 km/h).
With a total weight of 41 pounds (18.6 kg), the Soltera certainly lives up to being marketed as a lightweight e-bike. The double-butted aluminum, step-thru frame is a classic as far as Aventon as a whole is concerned, and it contributes to keeping the weight down. The absence of extra gears, due to the e-bike being a single-speed, only lightens the load further.
The freedom to ride however you want
If you’re not already aware of it, one of the best perks that single-speed e-bikes provide is that they tend to be easier to get the hang of. This makes the Soltera especially suitable for those transitioning from a standard bike to an e-bike.
It makes for a more intuitive ride as it spares you from the hassle of deciding when to shift gears. You can choose to rigger the motor support once you feel you need more support accelerating or riding in general.
Read also: Best city e-bikes for women, reviewed and compared. And, Best folding e-bikes for women, reviewed and compared.
The motor comes with both a throttle and pedal assist, which to us, is the best setup for single-speed rides as it gives you all the options you need without adding components that only add to the weight and the price. That’s what contributes to the freedom to choose how you want to ride the Soltera, and as far as most e-bikes are designed, such a choice is rarely afforded to riders unless they have this combination of qualities and features.
That being said, do take note that the Soltera doesn’t only come as a single-speed model. You can choose a 7-speed version of it, which increases the price by $100. Do expect that version to be heavier than the original, though.
Other features of the Soltera
The Soltera comes with an LCD display that features app connectivity and a backlight. Aventon still hasn’t released more details regarding the parameters that the display will show, but expect the ones included on previous models to be in this e-bike as well.
The brakes are manufactured by Tertro (detailed specs: Soltera single-speed – Tektro Caliper Brakes (700C), Soltera 7-speed – Tektro Mechanical Disc Brakes, 160mm rotors). The brand is known for manufacturing high-quality hydraulic disc brakes that fit well with urban riding.
It also uses a 170mm drivetrain with a 48-tooth chainring. That number of teeth is still well within the average, so don’t expect to struggle too much when pushing its gear into action. Lastly, it incorporates 700c*35c Kendra tires.
Aventon Soltera e-bike specs
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Motor Power | 350W |
| Battery Capacity | 36V 10Ah (360Wh) |
| Announced Range | 20-41 miles (32-66 km) |
| Net Weight | 41 lbs (18.5 kg) |
| Max Load Capacity | 300 lbs (136 kg) |
| Type of Brakes | Mechanical disc brakes (7-speed) or caliper rim brakes (single-speed) |
| Suspension | None |
| Pedal Assist Modes | 5 |
| Applicable Rider Height | 5’3″ – 6’4″ (160 – 193 cm) |
| Charging Time | 5 hours |
| Connectivity | None |
| Lighting systems | Front and rear lights, integrated taillights that act just like a brake light |
| Throttle | Yes |
A few words in conclusion
This brief preview of the Soltera already gives us a relatively good picture of what kind of ride you can expect from it. It’s definitely unconventional, especially if we’re talking about its single-speed version and when compared to how traditional e-bikes are designed.
Will this move by Aventon be met with generally positive feedback from most e-bike riders? We think so. Already, it has created significant buzz and excitement among riders in online forums. This may well turn out to be another achievement added under Aventon’s already impressive belt.
Read also: Is Aventon a good e-bike brand to buy? Brand and models review.
Igor is a sustainable mobility and green energy advocate. His mission for Easy E-biking is to help make electric cycling simple, practical, and fun. Follow him on Facebook and LinkedIn.
