Aventon vs. Rad Power Bikes: Comparing Aventon Level.2 to Rad Power RadCity 5 Plus
July 11, 2023
Introducing Level.2! Aventon’s first electric bicycle equipped with a genuine torque sensor. Stacking Level.2 up to the RadCity 5 Plus by Rad Power Bikes, we’re going to review every spec of both electric bikes, comparing both the interior and exterior features.
First, we’ll give you a quick snapshot of both bikes. The ‘total package’ if you will. Then, we’ll dive into their anatomy and physiology, examining their electrical, mechanical, and physical components in precise detail.
Let’s get started!
An Overview of stats
| Level.2 | RadCity 5 Plus | ||
| Motor | 500W (750W peak) | 750W* | |
| Battery | 48V 14Ah (672Wh) made with LG cells | 580 - 672 Wh | |
| Pedal Assist | 5 Levels | 5 Levels | |
| Throttle | Yes - Thumb Lever | Yes - Twist Lever | |
| Top Speed | 20 MPH | 20 MPH | |
| Range | Up to 60 Miles | 28 - 50 Per Charge | |
| Size | 4 (Regular, Large and S/M and M/L) | 1 | |
| Step-Through Model | Yes: in S/M and M/L Sizes | Yes | |
| Weight | ST: 53 lbs Traditional: 54 lbs | ST: 64 lbs Traditional: 65 lbs | |
| Total Carry Capacity | 300 lbs | 275 lbs | |
| Gears | 8 | 7 | |
| Lights | Front headlight front and integrated rear lights (including fender) Brake light functionality with app compatibility |
| |
| Display | Full Color Display w/ app integration | Backlit LCD | |
| Price | $1,999 | $1,999 |
| Level.2 | RadCity 5 Plus | ||
| Motor | 500W (750W peak) | 750W* | |
| Battery | 48V 14Ah (672Wh) | 580 - 672 Wh | |
| Pedal Assist | 5 Levels | 5 Levels | |
| Throttle | Yes - Thumb Lever | Yes - Twist Lever | |
| Top Speed | 28 MPH | 20 MPH | |
| Range | Up to 60 Miles | 28 - 50 Per Charge | |
| Size | 4 (Regular, Large and S/M and M/L) | 1 | |
| Step-Through Model | Yes: in S/M and M/L Sizes | Yes | |
| Weight | ST: 53 lbs Traditional: 54 lbs | ST: 64 lbs Traditional: 65 lbs | |
| Total Carry Capacity | 300 lbs | 275 lbs | |
| Gears | 8 | 7 | |
| Lights | Front headlight front and integrated rear lights (including fender) Brake light functionality with app compatibility |
| |
| Display | Colored LCD with app integration | Backlit LCD | |
| Price | $1,949 | $1,999 |
Level.2 in both Step-through and traditional frames are lighter in weight than RadCity 5 Plus, with a higher carry capacity, more color options, and more sizes! While both bikes have five levels of pedal assist, Level.2 takes home the win with a higher top speed, more advanced tech features, and a greater riding range.
One thing you might notice is that the RadCity 5 Plus has a larger motor, but after reading the side note, “*”, as we’ll also discuss in more detail, you’ll learn that the actual output is quite lower than this stated amount. For compliance reasons, the true output is intentionally withheld. Given that Rad Power Bikes also provided a battery range size for the RadCity 5 Plus, we believe that both bikes have the same size battery, with RadCity possibly being smaller.
Electrical Differences
Some of the most important features shoppers look for in ebikes nowadays is the e component. Let’s analyze how the electrical components of Level.2 compare to those of RadCity 5 Plus!
| Level.2 | RadCity 5 Plus | Comments | ||
| Motor | 500W Rear Hub Motor (750W peak) | 750W* Brushless Geared Hub Motor | RadCity 5 Plus has a larger motor, however, this ebike’s web page features a disclaimer that reads: “Stated wattage is the manufacturer’s rated power capacity. Actual power-to-ground wattage is under 750W to ensure ebike regulatory compliance and may vary depending on riding conditions.” So while we don’t actually know RadCity 5 Plus’ true output, Level.2, on the other hand, openly provides this info. With a peak output of 750W and a sustained output of 500W, Level.2 riders can go as hard or light as they want, knowing their ebike is going to meet them wherever they’re at. | |
| Battery | 48V 14Ah (672Wh) made with LG cells | 580 - 672 Wh |
| |
| Sensor | Torque | Cadence |
| |
| Pedal Assisst | 5 Levels | 5 Levels | Both models have the same top speed with five levels of pedal assist, which gives riders a versatile riding experience. Level.2 can be modified anywhere from a Class I to Class III ebike, allowing riders to truly fine-tune their ride depending on their riding style, preferences, and local regulations. | |
| Charger | 48V 3 Amp | 48V 2 Amp | When it comes to charging, you want to look for higher amperage (Amp), not voltage. Level.2’s fast charger means you’ll be ready to get back to your joy riding, with a full battery, sooner than with Rad Power’s charger. | |
| Display | Full Color Display with app integration | Backlit LCD | Level.2’s full color, backlit LCD display shows you all the metrics you need, from battery life left, distance traveled, speed, and pedal assist level. Compatible with the Aventon mobile app, you can even sync your phone to view additional riding data, achievements history, and connect with the Aventon community! RadCity 5 Plus, on the other hand, simply has a row of 5 LEDs that show your pedal assist level and level of battery charge left. | |
| Lights | Front headlight front and integrated rear lights (including fender) Brake light functionality with app compatibility | LED headlight with integrated taillight w/ brake light | Integrated front and rear lights simply mean you never have to worry about not being seen, or your lights giving out on you mid-ride. Both electric bikes have a front headlight as well as rear taillights that activate when the brake levers are pulled.
Only Level.2 has a fourth total integrated light, seamlessly placed on the rear fender. Amounting to three total rear lights. Additionally, Level.2’s lights can be turned on via the Aventon mobile app, by tapping on the light button on the handlebar controls, or pulling the brake levers for taillights! | |
| USB Charger | Yes | Optional - Sold Separately | Never worry about your phone running out of battery. With a concealed, built-in USB slot on Level.2’s Color Display, plug your device in wherever and whenever! |
| Level.2 | RadCity 5 Plus | Comments | ||
| Motor | 500W Rear Hub Motor (750W peak) | 750W* Brushless Geared Hub Motor | RadCity 5 Plus has a larger motor, however, this ebike’s web page features a disclaimer that reads: “Stated wattage is the manufacturer’s rated power capacity. Actual power-to-ground wattage is under 750W to ensure ebike regulatory compliance and may vary depending on riding conditions.” So while we don’t actually know RadCity 5 Plus’ true output, Level.2, on the other hand, openly provides this info. With a peak output of 750W and a sustained output of 500W, Level.2 riders can go as hard or light as they want, knowing their ebike is going to meet them wherever they’re at. | |
| Battery | 48V 14Ah (672Wh) | 580 - 672 Wh |
| |
| Sensor | Torque | Cadence |
| |
| Pedal Assisst | 5 Levels | 5 Levels | Both models have the same top speed with five levels of pedal assist, which gives riders a versatile riding experience. Level.2 can be modified anywhere from a Class I to Class III ebike, allowing riders to truly fine-tune their ride depending on their riding style, preferences, and local regulations. | |
| Charger | 48V 3 Amp | 48V 2 Amp | When it comes to charging, you want to look for higher amperage (Amp), not voltage. Level.2’s fast charger means you’ll be ready to get back to your joy riding, with a full battery, sooner than with Rad Power’s charger. | |
| Display | Colored LCD with app integration | Backlit LCD | Level.2’s full color, backlit LCD display shows you all the metrics you need, from battery life left, distance traveled, speed, and pedal assist level. Compatible with the Aventon mobile app, you can even sync your phone to view additional riding data, achievements history, and connect with the Aventon community! RadCity 5 Plus, on the other hand, simply has a row of 5 LEDs that show your pedal assist level and level of battery charge left. | |
| Lights | Front headlight front and integrated rear lights (including fender) Brake light functionality with app compatibility | LED headlight with integrated taillight w/ brake light | Integrated front and rear lights simply mean you never have to worry about not being seen, or your lights giving out on you mid-ride. Both electric bikes have a front headlight as well as rear taillights that activate when the brake levers are pulled. Only Level.2 has a fourth total integrated light, seamlessly placed on the rear fender. Amounting to three total rear lights. Additionally, Level.2’s lights can be turned on via the Aventon mobile app, by tapping on the light button on the handlebar controls, or pulling the brake levers for taillights! | |
| USB Charger | Yes | Optional - Sold Separately | Never worry about your phone running out of battery. With a concealed, built-in USB slot on Level.2’s Color Display, plug your device in wherever and whenever! |
To sum up, especially considering Rad Power doesn’t conceal this model’s true motor power, our vote is that Level.2 is still the leading horse in the category. With a torque sensor, four total integrated lights, our updated color display with app sync capabilities, a concealed USB charger, a fast charger and a powerhouse duo of a motor and battery, we think it absolutely crushes its competition.
Mechanical Differences
Now, let’s take a look at some of the more ‘traditional’ components of these ebikes. In other words, their bicycle mechanics!
| Level.2 | RadCity 5 Plus | Comments | |
| Brakes | Hydraulic Disc | Hydraulic Disc |
Hydraulic disc brakes have a quick and smooth stopping power, an important feature to consider when in the market to purchase an ebike, especially one that accelerates quickly and reaches top speeds of 20 MPH. Considering both ebikes are equipped with hydraulic disc brakes, nothing to dissect here! |
| Gearing | 8 | 7 | An extra gear gives riders extra flexibility when riding, whether that’s tailoring speed to what’s comfortable for them or being able to shift between gears more smoothly. With Level.2, you get a little extra room to personalize your ride! |
| Suspension Fork | Spring Coil Fork 50mm of travel with lockout | Spring Fork 50mm of travel with lockout | Both ebikes feature a front suspension fork with lockout functions which allows riders to fine-tune their fork depending on the terrain they’re riding in. This makes riding on bumpy roads or flat surfaces more enjoyable. Although mechanically, both feature a suspension fork, it’s worth noting that Level.2 has 26% more travel than RadCity 5 Plus, giving riders more travel room to absorb bumps! |
| Level.2 | RadCity 5 Plus | Comments | |
| Brakes | Hydraulic Disc | Hydraulic Disc | Hydraulic disc brakes have a quick and smooth stopping power, an important feature to consider when in the market to purchase an ebike, especially one that accelerates quickly and reaches top speeds of 28 MPH. Considering both ebikes are equipped with hydraulic disc brakes, nothing to dissect here! |
| Gearing | 8 | 7 | An extra gear gives riders extra flexibility when riding, whether that’s tailoring speed to what’s comfortable for them or being able to shift between gears more smoothly. With Level.2, you get a little extra room to personalize your ride! |
| Suspension Fork | Spring Coil Fork 50mm of travel with lockout | Spring Fork 50mm of travel with lockout | Both ebikes feature a front suspension fork with lockout functions which allows riders to fine-tune their fork depending on the terrain they’re riding in. This makes riding on bumpy roads or flat surfaces more enjoyable. Although mechanically, both feature a suspension fork, it’s worth noting that Level.2 has 26% more travel than RadCity 5 Plus, giving riders more travel room to absorb bumps! |
Mechanically, both electric bikes are fairly similar. They contain hydraulic brakes which provide the utmost braking power when riding at top speeds, meanwhile, Level.2’s extra gear gives riders a slight advantage in being flexible with their speed. With about 25% more travel in its front suspension fork, Level.2 outranks as the more comfortable and mechanically balanced choice!
Physical Differences
Now it’s time to review more of the fun stuff! Looking at both bikes physically, the features we’ll cover will not only impact your riding experience but how you look and feel (confidence matters!) when you’re out and about.
| Level.2 | RadCity 5 Plus | Comments | |
| Frames | Standard and Step-Through | High-Step and Step-Through | Both electric bikes offer a standard step over bike frame as well as a step-through frame to ensure there’s an ebike that fits a wider range of physical abilities. |
| Sizes | 4 Standard Frame: Regular and Large Step-Through Frame: S/M and M/L | 1 | When you’re investing in an ebike, it should fit and feel right, almost as if it was built for you! That’s why Level.2 comes in 4 total sizes: 2 in step over and 2 in Step-through. Having more size, and frame options, available means that a wider range of people can discover their (almost!) perfect fit. |
| Colors | 4 Colors Total (2 in standard frame, 2 Step-Through frame) | 1 | Color options are equally as important because who is going to ride an ebike they’re not in love with visually? Available in Clay, Glacier, Polar, and Himalayan, there’s a color for different preferences! |
| Weight | Standard: 54 lbs Step-Through: 53 lbs | High-Step: 65 lbs Step-Through: 64 lbs | Weight is an important factor when shopping around for an ebike. Level.2 is up to 13 lbs lighter than RadCity 5 Plus, making traveling, RVing, and biking with zero power easier. |
| Integrated Battery | Yes | Semi-Integrated | Integrated batteries are slowly becoming an industry standard. Not only does an integrated battery have a sleeker look, but it can also disguise the fact that you’re riding (or locking!) an item of high value, possibly making theft more difficult. |
| Weight Capacity | 300 lbs | 275 lbs | A higher maximum carry capacity simply means Level.2 can carry more, whether you’re transporting work materials, furry friends, or kids in a trailer! |
| Tires | 27.5” x 2.1” | 27.5” x 2.0” | Both ebikes have relatively similar tire specs, with Level.2 having .1” thicker tires. Both ebikes will hold their own biking through city streets, gravel, or other hard, compact terrains! |
| Fenders | Included | Included | What’s a commuting ebike without fenders? Both electric bicycles arrive with fenders, with Level.2’s arriving partially pre-installed! |
| Racks | Rear | Rear | Both electric bikes also arrive with a rear rack, to make commuting and cargo carrying a breeze! |
| Level.2 | RadCity 5 Plus | Comments | |
| Frames | Standard and Step-Through | High-Step and Step-Through | Both electric bikes offer a standard step over bike frame as well as a step-through frame to ensure there’s an ebike that fits a wider range of physical abilities. |
| Sizes | 4 Standard Frame: Regular and Large Step-Through Frame: S/M and M/L | 1 | When you’re investing in an ebike, it should fit and feel right, almost as if it was built for you! That’s why Level.2 comes in 4 total sizes: 2 in step over and 2 in Step-through. Having more size, and frame options, available means that a wider range of people can discover their (almost!) perfect fit. |
| Colors | 4 Colors Total (2 in standard frame, 2 Step-Through frame) | 1 | Color options are equally as important because who is going to ride an ebike they’re not in love with visually? Available in Clay, Glacier, Polar, and Himalayan, there’s a color for different preferences! |
| Weight | Standard: 54 lbs Step-Through: 53 lbs | High-Step: 65 lbs Step-Through: 64 lbs | Weight is an important factor when shopping around for an ebike. Level.2 is up to 13 lbs lighter than RadCity 5 Plus, making traveling, RVing, and biking with zero power easier. |
| Integrated Battery | Yes | Semi-Integrated | Integrated batteries are slowly becoming an industry standard. Not only does an integrated battery have a sleeker look, but it can also disguise the fact that you’re riding (or locking!) an item of high value, possibly making theft more difficult. |
| Weight Capacity | 300 lbs | 275 lbs | A higher maximum carry capacity simply means Level.2 can carry more, whether you’re transporting work materials, furry friends, or kids in a trailer! |
| Tires | 27.5” x 2.1” | 27.5” x 2.0” | Both ebikes have relatively similar tire specs, with Level.2 having .1” thicker tires. Both ebikes will hold their own biking through city streets, gravel, or other hard, compact terrains! |
| Fenders | Included | Included | What’s a commuting ebike without fenders? Both electric bicycles arrive with fenders, with Level.2’s arriving partially pre-installed! |
| Racks | Rear | Rear | Both electric bikes also arrive with a rear rack, to make commuting and cargo carrying a breeze! |
Reasons To Love Aventon
In an ever-growing market, it’s difficult to find a brand that will continue to roll with quality and rider assistance, one that values longevity and persists in its efforts to make the riding experience last longer than the ride. Here’s how Aventon promises to change the way you experience the world on two wheels:
- 1,000+ authorized dealers that offer quality service & test rides
- 2-year warranty that protects you and your ebike for the long road ahead
- TUV Certified Safety Standards to ensure your ebike and its components are efficient and safe
- Innovative Aventon App that features in-depth riding metrics, plus interaction with fellow Aventon riders to share rides, photos and much more!
- Group Rides around the country that promotes connectivity and a good time
- Eco-Friendly Sustainable Packaging on all-new Aventon ebike models
- FREE fast shipping on all ebike orders
Aventon vs. Rad Power Bikes: Wrapping Up
After careful review, we feel it’s safe to say that Level.2 and Level.2 Step-through come in as the leading horse against RadCity 5 Plus. Despite the points raised throughout this comparison, some riders might still be influenced by which is perceived to be more “powerful,” without considering the true specifications or the real-world performance the bike will provide. Whereas other riders will see past specifications on paper and realize that the feature Level.2 arrives with far surpass those of RadCity 5 Plus.
Whether you’re looking for a clean ebike design, innovative tech features, more intuitive components like the torque sensor, a 2-year warranty, or just more versatility in size, color, and frame options, Level.2 has something for everyone.
I love my step through Level 2. My regular ride is a 36 mile loop with 1 monster hill (500 ft altitude gain in 1 mile). I have never used more than 16% battery (84% remaining) on my loop. Coming up that last monster hill, I usually ride in 8th gear and level 5 assist. I average 19 mph going up the hill.
To put that in perspective, I cannot make it up the hill on my regular Giant road bike. I always end up walking the last 1/4 mile.
Aventon took care of a warranty issue promptly. Having this issue handled by my local bike shop whom I trusted made it even better.
This 87 year old has been riding his Aventon level-step through for a year and a half. I purchased a service contract when new thus my only expenses were for tires and tubes. Not bad for 10,464 miles of pleasurable peddling!
My wife and I did considerable research on E-bikes. We fell in love with the Aventon Level 2, especially the torque sensor, We love these bikes.