ALL Electric 
“Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you.” Proverbs 4:25 (ESV)
Should you buy one?
If you commute on roads, sidewalks or paved paths and want a light, clean-looking entry-level e-bike, the original Aventon Soltera is a fantastic pick. I rode it for several weeks, and it’s probably my favorite Aventon design I’ve tested so far. It’s light and easy to ride, the battery hides in the frame, and the headlight and brake lights are built right in.
If you ride gravel, dirt trails or bumpy roads, this bike will not work for you. The tires are super thin and there’s no suspension anywhere.
Buying note: this review covers the first-generation Soltera from early 2022. Aventon no longer lists it on its site as of Oct 22, 2026. When I reviewed it, the single speed was $1,199 and the 7-speed was $1,299. The current version is the Soltera.2.5, which Aventon lists at $1,199. If you find a first-gen Soltera, check the condition and the battery.
Check the Soltera lineup at Aventon (affiliate link)
Quick specs
| Aventon’s manual | My test | |
|---|---|---|
| Motor (W) | 350 | 350 |
| Battery (V) | 36 | Not listed |
| Battery (Ah) | 10 | Not listed |
| Battery (Wh) | 365 | Not listed |
| Average range (mi) | 41 | Not listed |
| Top speed (mph) | 20 | Not listed |
| Pedal assist levels | 5 | 5 |
| Gears, single speed model | 1 | 1 |
| Gears, 7-speed model | 7 | 7 |
| Tire size (mm) | 700 x 35 | Not listed |
| Max load (lbs) | 300 | Not listed |
| Weight (lbs) | 41 | Not listed |
| Charger (A) | 2 | Not listed |
| Charge time (hours) | 5 | Not listed |
| Price, single speed, USD (Feb 2022) | Not listed | 1,199 |
| Price, 7-speed, USD (Feb 2022) | Not listed | 1,299 |
Source note: the first column is from Aventon’s Soltera owner’s manual (Dec 2021 edition). The second column is what I said in my February 2022 video. Aventon no longer has a product page for this bike, so there is no current official price.
Where the numbers are shaky:
- Range. The manual gives a 41 mile average. I didn’t measure range in my test. Battery age matters a lot on a used bike from 2022.
- Prices. The $1,199 and $1,299 prices are from February 2022. A first-gen Soltera you find today could be priced very differently.
- Weight. I called the bike “so light”. The manual says 41 lbs, which is light for an e-bike, but it’s still heavier than a regular bike.
Pros and cons
Pros
- My favorite Aventon design I’ve tested so far
- Light and easy to ride
- Color display with 5 pedal assist levels
- Throttle that works from zero
- Integrated battery that removes and locks with a key
- Integrated headlight and two integrated brake lights
- Single speed works fine, even on hills
- Comfortable hand grips and riding position
- Integrated kickstand
- Step-through version available
- Bright color options
Cons
- Rim brakes, not disc brakes
- No front fork and no shock absorbers
- Super thin tires, so road only
- Pretty bumpy ride over rough pavement
- No longer sold new by Aventon
Design
The first thing I noticed is how light and easy this bike is. A lot of that has to do with the super thin tires. The frame has a seamless design that I just love. The battery is integrated into the frame, so you don’t see a big battery bolted on.
My test bike was the regular frame in blue, and I absolutely love the blue. Aventon also offered a step-through version.
There were three color options: a very boring black, the blue and a bright yellow. I love bright designs, because that increases rider safety.
Display and controls
The Soltera has Aventon’s color display, which was the most advanced Aventon display at the time. It has five pedal assist levels, and you can control them easily with your left hand.
It also has a throttle that works from zero, thanks to a software update Aventon rolled out to its bikes. Aventon’s manual agrees that the throttle works from a stop in pedal assist levels 1 through 5.
On the left side you have a bell and the front brake. On the right side you have the rear brake. The hand grips are really nice and make the bike more comfortable to ride.
Brakes
This is a baseline e-bike, at just over a thousand bucks when I reviewed it. One of the places Aventon saved money is the brakes. You don’t get disc brakes. Instead you get regular compression rim brakes, like the ones I had on my bike in middle school.
They’re a little different, though. Rather than mounting right on the frame, there’s a track for the brake to sit in, which keeps the clean look.
No suspension
There’s no front fork and no shock absorbers, so with these thin tires you feel every bump. In my video it gets pretty bumpy over a couple of them. That’s why I call this a road-only e-bike.
Battery
The battery is integrated into the frame. It can be removed and locked with a key, so you can take it inside to charge and keep it secure.
Aventon’s manual lists a 36V 10Ah battery at 365Wh, with a 41 mile average range. It comes with a 36V 2A charger, and a full charge takes about 5 hours.
Lights
I’d been waiting for a baseline Aventon with integrated lights. You get a headlight and two brake lights built into the frame. Well done.
Motor and gears
A 350W motor drives the bike. Aventon sold it as a single speed for $1,199 or a 7-speed for $1,299.
I think the single speed is perfectly fine on an e-bike, even if you live in an area with a ton of hills. The pedal assist can easily get you up the hill, no problem at all. The manual lists a 20 mph top speed.
Fit and comfort
I’m about 6’1”, and I rode the larger frame. The riding position and handlebar height felt very comfortable to me. It also comes with an integrated kickstand.
Where it fits
This is definitely designed as an urban commuter e-bike, and I think Aventon did a really good job pulling that off. It’s a fantastic entry-level e-bike for commuting or a trip to the grocery store, as long as you’re mostly on solid surfaces like roads, sidewalks or paved paths.
If you have a bumpy road or a dirt trail on your route, you need something with beefier tires.
First-gen or Soltera 2? This review is the original 2022 bike, which you’ll only find used. My Aventon Soltera 2 review covers the newer generation, and my Soltera 3 ADV review covers the belt-drive model.
How it compares
| Soltera (1st gen) | Soltera.2.5 | EAHORA XC100 | Ziprs F1 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor (W) | 350 | 350 | 350 | 350 |
| Battery (Wh) | 365 | 345.6 | Not listed | 345 |
| Battery (V) | 36 | 36 | 48 | Not listed |
| Weight (lbs) | 41 | 46 | 47.8 | Not listed |
| Rated range (mi) | 41 | Not listed | Not listed | 45 |
| Price, USD (Oct 22, 2026) | Not listed | 1,199 | Not listed | Not listed |
Source note: first-gen Soltera figures are from Aventon’s owner’s manual. Soltera.2.5 figures are from Aventon’s product page, checked Oct 22, 2026. EAHORA XC100 and Ziprs F1 figures are from my EAHORA XC100 review and Ziprs F1 review. Range figures are each brand’s rated number.
The first-gen Soltera is the lightest bike in this table. Aventon lists the Soltera.2.5 at the same $1,199 the original single speed cost in 2022. My Soltera 2 review covers the newer version.
Who it’s for
- Commuters riding roads, sidewalks and paved paths
- Anyone who wants a light, clean-looking first e-bike
- Riders who want integrated lights and a lockable, removable battery
- Grocery runs and errands around town
Who should look elsewhere
- Anyone riding gravel, dirt trails or bumpy roads
- Riders who want suspension
- Anyone who wants disc brakes
- Shoppers who want a new bike with a current price. Look at the Soltera.2.5 or my e-bikes under $2,000 list.
FAQ
Does the Soltera throttle work from zero?
Yes. It works from zero thanks to a software update. Aventon’s manual says the throttle works from a stop in pedal assist levels 1 through 5.
Is a single speed e-bike OK on hills?
I think so. The pedal assist can easily get you up a hill, even with the single speed.
Is the battery removable?
Yes. It’s integrated into the frame, and it can be removed and locked with a key.
Can I ride it on gravel?
I wouldn’t. The tires are super thin and there’s no suspension. This is a road-only e-bike.
Does it have disc brakes?
No. It uses rim brakes that sit in a track on the frame.
Is the first-gen Soltera still sold?
Aventon doesn’t list it on its site as of Oct 22, 2026. The current version is the Soltera.2.5.
Price
As of Oct 22, 2026, Aventon doesn’t list a price for the first-gen Soltera. When I reviewed it in February 2022, it was $1,199 for the single speed and $1,299 for the 7-speed. The Soltera.2.5 is listed at $1,199.
Check the Soltera lineup at Aventon (affiliate link)
