This is the next generation of the Pace 500. And though it has the same general shape as the Pace 500 we know and love, much about this bike is new or updated to match some of the other features we’ve seen on Aventon e-bikes we’ve reviewed over the past year.
But let’s start with the obvious: Its new look.
The fresh frame design is fairly similar to the newly released Aventon Soltera, which employs similar ovalized tubing and a similar (very similar) fork, but has a slightly different design for the integrated but removable battery.
The Pace 500 is billed as an electric cruiser, but one of the things we love about it is that it can be used for so much more than that. Compared to the very large and slightly cumbersome classic-style cruisers, the Pace employs a more compact design that’s easier to maneuver, lighter (53 lbs) and more friendly to smaller riders or those who don’t want to muscle a big machine.
This is the step-through version of the Pace 500 and, aside from some slightly different tube shapes, perhaps the most notable change is that the battery has been fully integrated into the downtube of the frame.
This is the step-through version of the Pace 500 and, aside from some slightly different tube shapes, perhaps the most notable change is that the battery has been fully integrated into the downtube of the frame.
That battery, a 48V, 12.8Ah (614.4Wh) unit, is also larger than the 556.8Wh battery we saw on the old bike. This, according to our testing, seems to have improved the bike’s battery range, but we’ll dive more into that in the range test portion of this review.
Like the old bike, it’s built around a 500W rear hub motor, ships as a Class 2 e-bike that can be adjusted to Class 3, and sports a thumb throttle, cadence sensor and five levels of PAS.
Rounding out the componentry list on our review model of the new Pace 500 are a number of staples such as a Shimano Altus 7-speed drivetrain, Tektro hydraulic disk brakes, and last but not least, Aventon’s new full color LCD display. A display is a small thing to make a big deal over, but it’s frankly been a highlight for me on all of their new generation of e-bikes. Not only is it full color but it has a number of fun features, such as how many trees you’ve saved and KGs of carbon emissions you’ve reduced.
Last but not least, Aventon gave the new Pace 500 the very sleek inset tail lights that sit flush inside the seat tubes of the frame. It’s not a big deal, but it’s one of those small design features from Aventon that I really dig.
