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Aventon vs Rad Power: Comparing Aventon Soltera to the Rad Power RadMission 1

Aventon vs Rad Power: Comparing Aventon Soltera to the Rad Power RadMission 1

July 14, 2023

With the release of the Soltera and Soltera Step-Through we are rediscovering our roots in the single speed world. With the release of these four ebikes (four because both models are available as either single speed or 7-speed ebikes) we are challenging the norms of the single speed world whilst ensuring that we are building ebikes that the single speed enthusiast and urbanite of today will both fall in love with! (Be sure to check with local dealers for availability on Soltera single speeds and 7-speed).

Choosing an ebike is no easy task, whether it be your first or your fifth, and there are many manufactures out there competing for your attention and, more specifically, your hard earned cash. Because we received such good feedback regarding the value that our previous comparison posts we decided it would be beneficial to continue this trend to produce this piece comparing our new Soltera to some of the more popular single speed style ebikes on the market. In this piece we’re comparing the Soltera to the RadMission 1 made by Rad Power Bikes. 

For a more in-depth comparison of models, take a close look at how Aventon stacks up against Rad Power.

 

Stats - An Overview

Soltera RadMission 1

Motor

350W

500W

Battery

10Ah (350Wh) made w/ LG cells

10.5Ah (504Wh)

Pedal Assist

5 Levels

4 Levels

Throttle

Yes - Thumb Lever

Yes - Twist Grip

Top Speed

20 MPH

20 MPH

Range

41 Miles Average
(Using PAS level 2)

25 - 45+ Miles

Size

1

Step-Through Model

Yes
Only 1 Size

Weight

41 lb. Single Speed
43 lb. Seven Speed

48 lb.

Carrying Capacity

300 lb Total

275 lb Total

Gears

Single Speed or 7 Speed

(Check local dealers for availability)

Single Speed

Lights

Integrated lights both
front and rear
Brake light functionality

Non-integrated front light and integrated
rear light
Brake light functionality

Display

Full Color Display w/ app sync capabilities

LED Control Panel

Price

$1,199 - $1,299
(single speed - seven speed)

$1,099

$1,199

Soltera RadMission 1

Motor

350W

500W

Battery

10Ah (350Wh)

10.5Ah (504Wh)

Pedal Assist

5 Levels

4 Levels

Throttle

Yes -
Thumb Lever

Yes - Twist Grip

Top Speed

20 MPH

20 MPH

Range

41 Miles Average
(Using PAS
level 2)

25 - 45+ Miles

Size

2
Regular and Large

1

Step-Through Model

Yes
S/M and M/L Sizes

Yes
Only 1 Size

Weight

41 lb. Single Speed
43 lb. Seven Speed

48 lb.

Carrying Capacity

300 lb Total

275 lb Total

Gears

Single Speed or
7-Speed

Single Speed

Lights

Integrated lights both
front and rear

Brake light functionality

Non-integrated front light and integrated rear light

Brake light functionality

Display

Colored LCD with
mobile app integration

LED Control Panel

Price

$1,199 - $1,299
(single speed -
7-speed)

$1,199

 

When viewed just through the lens of their main statistics these ebikes are very similar. Readers with a focus on power will note that the RadMission 1 has a motor with more power and a slightly larger battery, whilst savvy readers might notice this but at the same time note that this has little to effect on the comparative range of the ebike and that the top speed is exactly the same.

Those who are hoping that their hard earned money is spent on a product that fits them perfectly will notice the two different sizes of Soltera, in both the regular and step-through models, and the fact that the Soltera is 5-7 pounds lighter than the competition.

It seems, then, that there is very little between these ebikes and someone with no brand loyalty might be willing to choose one based on appearance (we know we’d choose the one with the sleek, integrated battery). But if you’re spending $1,099 on anything then you’re going to want to know more about what lies underneath the proverbial hood.

 

Electrical

These are, after-all, ebikes and the electrical element is why you will be looking at this website over any other. So how do these two ebikes line up on the grid when we focus in on their electrical components?

Soltera RadMission 1 Comments

Battery

10Ah (350Wh) made with LG cells.

10.5Ah (504Wh)

The battery size on these ebikes is relatively the same with the RadMission 1’s battery being only 5% bigger than that of the Soltera. This, however does not give the real-world benefits one may think, with the range these ebikes are capable of being incredibly similar.

Motor

350 W
Brushless Rear Hub Motor

500W
Geared Hub Motor

“MORE POWER!” Some people may scream, but there is a catch to this that is not overtly mentioned in the published materials. That is that, whilst the motor in the RadMission 1 is a 500W motor it power-to-ground wattage is restricted to below 500W so as to comply with regulations.

Pedal Assist

5 levels of PAS

4 levels of PAS

With the same top speed more levels of pedal assist means a more versatile riding experience that can be better fine-tuned to each individual rider. Our PAS has also been re-tuned to integrate customer feedback, resulting in a smoother and more comfortable ride!

Charger

36V 2 Amp

48V 2 Amp

When charging a battery it is the Amps that matter the most, not the voltage (the voltage of a charger needs only to suit the voltage of the system it is charging). That all said, both these chargers charge their batteries at a rate of 2 amps, meaning that they charge at the same speed. The Soltera’s battery will be full before the battery of the RadMission 1 because it has a slightly smaller capacity than the RadMission 1; meaning more time out on the road!

Display

Full Color Display with mobile app integration

LED Control Panel

The Soltera’s colored LCD display allows you to view multiple riding stats, such as: battery charge level, speed, distance traveled (overall and on this trip), and your pedal assist level; at the touch of a finger. It can also be connected to the Aventon app so you can download and share your ride with your Aventon community. The LED control panel on the RadMission 1 has buttons for changing pedal assist levels and the only data it displays is through 5 LEDs, displaying the battery and pedal assist levels. Both displays have button for toggling the ebike’s lights.

Lights

Integrated lights both front and rear

Brake light functionality

Non-integrated front light and integrated rear light

Brake light functionality

Simply, integrated lights are lower profile and have their wiring stored away in the body of the ebike, meaning fewer wire waving untidily around. An integrated front light also means that it is easier to mount after-market carriers for transporting
your life with you.
The brake light functionality is an excellent addition to these ebikes that are aimed at city dwellers and commuters.

USB Charger

Yes

No

Sometimes you run out of juice when you most need it, be that the perfect sunset photo or an emergency call. With a built-in USB slot you can plug your device into the battery of your Soltera and get the power you need when you need it.

Soltera RadMission 1 Comments

Battery

10Ah
(350Wh)

10.5Ah
(504Wh)

The battery size on these ebikes is relatively the same with the RadMission 1’s battery being only 5% bigger than that of the Soltera. This, however does not give the real-world benefits one may think, with the range these ebikes are capable of being incredibly similar.

Motor

350 W
Brushless Rear Hub Motor

500W
Geared Hub Motor

“MORE POWER!” Some people may scream, but there is a catch to this that is not overtly mentioned in the published materials. That is that, whilst the motor in the RadMission 1 is a 500W motor it power-to-ground wattage is restricted to below 500W so as to comply with regulations.

Pedal Assist

5 levels of PAS

4 levels of PAS

With the same top speed more levels of pedal assist means a more versatile riding experience that can be better fine-tuned to each individual rider. Our PAS has also been re-tuned to integrate customer feedback, resulting in a smoother and more comfortable ride!

Charger

36V 2 Amp

48V 2 Amp

When charging a battery it is the Amps that matter the most, not the voltage (the voltage of a charger needs only to suit the voltage of the system it is charging). That all said, both these chargers charge their batteries at a rate of 2 amps, meaning that they charge at the same speed. The Soltera’s battery will be full before the battery of the RadMission 1 because it has a slightly smaller capacity than the RadMission 1; meaning more time out on the road!

Display

Colored LCD with mobile app integration

LED Control Panel

The Soltera’s colored LCD display allows you to view multiple riding stats, such as: battery charge level, speed, distance traveled (overall and on this trip), and your pedal assist level; at the touch of a finger. It can also be connected to the Aventon app so you can download and share your ride with your Aventon community. The LED control panel on the RadMission 1 has buttons for changing pedal assist levels and the only data it displays is through 5 LEDs, displaying the battery and pedal assist levels. Both displays have button for toggling the ebike’s lights.

Lights

Integrated lights both front and rear

Brake light functionality

Non-integrated front light and integrated rear light

Brake light functionality

Simply, integrated lights are lower profile and have their wiring stored away in the body of the ebike, meaning fewer wire waving untidily around. An integrated front light also means that it is easier to mount after-market carriers for transporting
your life with you.
The brake light functionality is an excellent addition to these ebikes that are aimed at city dwellers and commuters.

USB Charger

Yes

No

Sometimes you run out of juice when you most need it, be that the perfect sunset photo or an emergency call. With a built-in USB slot you can plug your device into the battery of your Soltera and get the power you need when you need it.

 

Mechanical

Whilst they’re electric these ebikes are based on one of the greatest, simplest, yet still complex machines that man has ever designed for travel. So how do the ancestral elements of these ebikes compare to each other?

Soltera RadMission 1 Comments

Brakes

Single Speed: Mechanical Rim

Seven Speed: Mechanical Disc

Mechanical Disc

The Soltera single speed features high quality and responsive rim brakes from Tektro. Both the seven speed Soltera and RadMission 1 feature mechanical disc brakes, providing excellent stopping power and giving you the confidence to stop when you encounter the unexpected.

Gearing

Single Speed

Whilst thepurist will always stick with the single speed, we know that everyone’s commute is different and that people will demand different things from their ebike. Hence why the Soltera comes in single speed form and with a seven speed cog set for those that desire the flexibility.

Soltera RadMission 1 Comments

Brakes

Single Speed: Mechanical Rim

Seven Speed: Mechanical Disc

Mechanical Disc

The Soltera single speed features high quality and responsive rim brakes from Tektro. Both the seven speed Soltera and RadMission 1 feature mechanical disc brakes, providing excellent stopping power and giving you the confidence to stop when you encounter the unexpected.

Gearing

Single or Seven Speed

Single Speed

Whilst thepurist will always stick with the single speed, we know that everyone’s commute is different and that people will demand different things from their ebike. Hence why the Soltera comes in single speed form and with a seven speed cog set for those that desire the flexibility.

 

Physical

The final element of this comparison is to look at the physical aspects of these ebikes side-by-side. Not only can many of these things affect the riding experience but some can also affect how you look when you’re zipping and cruising around; and who doesn’t want to feel the part as much as they ride the part?

Soltera RadMission 1 Comments

Frames

Standard and

Step-Through

Standard and
Mid-Step

Both the Soltera and the RadMission 1 are available in a standard and increasingly popular step-through, a.k.a mid-step, frame. One question you should always ask when looking at step-through models is how low do they actually go? Both sizes of the Soltera Step-Through top out with a 25.5 inch standover height, whilst the RadMission 1 Mid-Step has a standover height of 28 inches.

Sizes

4 Total
Standard Frame: Regular and Large
Step- Through Frame: S/M and M/L

2 Total
Standard: 21.5”
Mid-Step: 18”

When you’re choosing to spend over $1000 on an ebike it should fit you. Having size options available is key to making sure that each individual gets an ebike that fits them as perfectly as is possible.

Colors

6 Colors

(3 standard Frame, 3 Step-Through Frame)

6 Colors

(3 Standard Frame, 3 Mid-step Frame)

The color you choose is the one that sings to your personal flavor. So having options in this area is critical!

Weight

Standard: 41lbs
Step-Through: 43lbs

Both Frames:
48lbs

Weight is an important factor on an ebike when you need to be fast and nimble; and every pound counts. Not only is a reduced weight better for riding but it also means that an ebike is lighter to carry up a flight of stairs to an apartment or workplace.

Integrated Battery

Yes

No

Not only does an integrated battery make for a much sleeker looking ebike, but it can also trick bystanders into thinking that you’re riding that fast under your own power! It can also disguise the fact that you’re riding what is now considered to be an item of
high value.

Kickstand

Rear Mounted

Sold Separately

Kickstands are there for those of us that are on the go and don’t want to be leaning our ebike up against the wall or laying it down on the floor. After all, you did spend over $1000 on it, and you want it to look elegant and grand stood there on its own.

Handlebars

620mm (24.4”)

660mm (26”)

When you’re travelling on a dirt trail or over technical terrain a wider grip helps to keep you stable. When you’re zipping around a town or city, slimmer handlebars help with maneuverability, meaning you can be more nimble and agile amongst the traffic and the crowds. These are generalized statements from the ebike world, and everyone’s preference is different.

Tires

700C

27.5” x 1.95”

The 700C tires on the Soltera are a common tire throughout the riding world, whilst the 27.5” x 1.95” are slightly less so and, therefore, more difficult to find replacements for. Besides that the 700C are the classic road bike tire and are known for performing exceptionally well in the urban environment. The slightly smaller 27.5” x 1.95” size tire is a little nimbler because it is smaller, and it does offer slightly better traction on gravel and dirt, as well as a larger surface area with a slightly more comfortable ride.

Throttle

Yes -
Thumb Lever

Yes -
Twist Grip

Where your throttle is placed is a decision the manufacturer makes, but this can also be a personal preference amongst riders. Some love the “motorcycle-style” feel of a twist grip, others are more confident with a thumb-lever or toggle because they can be sure that there’s very little chance they can accidentally pull on the throttle.

Fenders

No

Sold Separately

You can look great whilst you’re riding your ebike but if you have streaks of mud up and down your front and back when you get there… well you don’t look so cool. Whilst we haven’t made proprietary fenders for the Soltera there are multiple after-market options out there that will fit it perfectly.

Rack

No (baskets yes)

Yes (front only)

Both of these ebikes have the ability to connect storage containers to the front of them should the rider find the need to do so.

Soltera RadMission 1 Comments

Frames

Standard and

Step-Through

Standard and
Mid-Step

Both the Soltera and the RadMission 1 are available in a standard and increasingly popular step-through, a.k.a mid-step, frame. One question you should always ask when looking at step-through models is how low do they actually go? Both sizes of the Soltera Step-Through top out with a 25.5 inch standover height, whilst the RadMission 1 Mid-Step has a standover height of 28 inches,

Sizes

4 Total
Standard Frame: Regular and Large
Step- Through Frame:
S/M and M/L

(Check availability with local dealers)

2 Total
Standard: 21.5”
Mid-Step: 18”

When you're choosing to spend over $1,000 on an ebike it should fit you. Having size options available is key to mkaing sure that each individual gets an ebike that fits them as perfectly as possible.

Colors

6 Colors

(3 standard Frame, 3 Step-Through Frame)

(Check availability with local dealers)

6 Colors

(3 Standard Frame, 3 Mid-step Frame)

The color you choose is the one that sings to your personal flavor. So having options in this area
is critical!

Weight

Standard: 41lbs
Step-Through: 43lbs

Both Frames:
48lbs

Weight is an important factor on an ebike when you need to be fast and nimble; and every pound counts. Not only is a reduced weight better for riding but it also means that an ebike is lighter to carry up a flight of stairs to an apartment or workplace.

Integrated Battery

Yes

No

Not only does an integrated battery make for a much sleeker looking ebike, but it can also trick bystanders into think that you're riding that fast under your own power! It can also disguise the fact that you're riding what is now considered to be an item of high value.

Kickstand

Rear Mounted

Sold Separately

Kickstands are there for those of us that are on the go and don’t want to be leaning our ebike up against the wall or laying it down on the floor. After all, you did spend over $1000 on it, and you want it to look elegant and grand stood there on its own.

Handlebars

620mm (24.4”)

660mm (26”)

When you’re travelling on a dirt trail or over technical terrain a wider grip helps to keep you stable. When you’re zipping around a town or city, slimmer handlebars help with maneuverability, meaning you can be more nimble and agile amongst the traffic and the crowds. These are generalized statements from the ebike world, and everyone’s preference is different.

Tires

700C

27.5” x 1.95”

The 700C tires on the Soltera are a common tire throughout the riding world, whilst the 27.5” x 1.95” are slightly less so and, therefore, more difficult to find replacements for. Besides that the 700C are the classic road bike tire and are known for performing exceptionally well in the urban environment. The slightly smaller 27.5” x 1.95” size tire is a little nimbler because it is smaller, and it does offer slightly better traction on gravel and dirt, as well as a larger surface area with a slightly more comfortable ride.

Throttle

Yes -
Thumb Lever

Yes -
Twist Grip

Where your throttle is placed is a decision the manufacturer makes, but this can also be a personal preference amongst riders. Some love the “motorcycle-style” feel of a twist grip, others are more confident with a thumb-lever or toggle because they can be sure that there’s very little chance they can accidentally pull on the throttle.

Fenders

No

Sold Separately

You can look great whilst you’re riding your ebike but if you have streaks of mud up and down your front and back when you get there… well you don’t look so cool. Whilst we haven’t made proprietary fenders for the Soltera there are multiple after-market options out there that will fit it perfectly.

Rack

No (baskets yes)

Yes (front only)

Both of these ebikes have the ability to connect storage containers to the front of them should the rider find the need to do so.

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: the bottom line

Both of these ebikes, and their step-through counterparts, come close to each other on many of the points raised in this article. However, what makes the Soltera stand out from the pack, and specifically the RadMission 1, is the attention to detail applied to each element of this ebike to make the Soltera suit the person and the terrain they will be riding on to produce the best riding experience possible for each individual.

This attention to the detail in tailoring our ebikes to the individuals that will be riding them and the terrain they will be riding them on is one of the pillars supporting the high standards that we hold here at Aventon. We are exceptionally proud of the Soltera as we come almost full circle, connecting our ebike present with our fixe and performance cycling past. Not to mention the 2-year warranty that keeps you protected for the long road ahead.

Finally, we just want to ask, which of these ebikes do you like the look of the best? We know which one we’d prefer to be seeing each morning!

 

2 comments
Michael Lyman February 07, 2022

Great article, I own an Aventure and looked very closely at both brands prior to buying. Aventon won out for me, especially on the customer service side which is another large benefit which you only really see once you buy.

Mike Bronicki October 04, 2023

Good review, covered every detail. I cannot emphasize enough the 2 biggest differences (beyond beauty!) is offering the 7 speed and the significant weight advantage. My wife and I love our Solteras for those two reasons most of all. As for power and range, of course 500W is the stronger motor, but that means it contributes to Rad’s greater weight and will consume the battery faster. The 350W motor devours hills just fine. I have a couple nits to pick with the PHYSICAL section. I think you’ve jumbled the sections on tires and weight. 700C x 35 is the smaller tire and Soltera’s 2lb weight difference is between single and 7 speed not step over and step through.

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