If you haven’t noticed, electric transportation is the future of commuting. I see people riding electric bikes and electric scooters everywhere. I’m actually shocked at how quickly people embraced these new methods of transportation. As a result, manufacturers are coming up with new designs and models to meet the needs of consumers. Today, I’m, testing out a new electric bike that is a little different. It’s modular. So if you need to carry cargo or people, you’re in for a treat.
I’m reviewing the Aventon Abound cargo electric bike. This is a large, powerful e-bike with a large rear cargo rack with footboards to carry extra passengers. Whether you’re a parent with small kids or a delivery driver—this e-bike does it all.
Aventon Abound notable specs
- Powerful 750W motor, top speed 32km/h
- Suitable for riders up to 200kg
- 64km riding distance on a single charge
- The rear rack offers a 143lb weight capacity
- Integrated front and rear lights and built-in turn signals
Design of the Aventon Abound
The Aventon Abound features a long aluminum alloy frame accommodating the large rear cargo rack. It measures approximately 5’10” x 3’ x 2’ (WHD). Surprisingly, it doesn’t feel large when you’re riding around. It is, however, extremely heavy, weighing almost 81lbs. A big portion of that weight is the removable battery that molds into the frame. This allows riders to charge the bike, or take the battery to another location to charge. The Aventon Abound is powered by a large 750W brushless rear hub motor.
This e-bike is designed to handle weight. This includes the rider, passengers, or cargo. The total weight limit is 440 lbs with a rear rack weight limit of 143 lbs. On the front, it features suspension forks, an LCD display on the handlebars, and a built-in storage bag embedded into the middle of the frame. This is perfect for carrying personal items like sunglasses, smartphones, and powerbanks.
The cockpit layout of the handlebars is intuitive and comfortable. The throttle and control panel are mounted on the left, and the RevoShift 7-gear twist shifter on the right. For storage and transportation, the front handlebars collapse down to the top making it more compact.
Safety design elements
There are several safety design elements worth noting on the e-bike as well. First, it has a front LED light for road visibility at night. This also alerts others of your presence. Second, it features a taillight with turn signals. This is a fantastic addition, especially since riders will share the road with motor vehicles. The third safety feature is the back footboards. This ensures passengers have a place to rest their legs. The back tire itself is also covered by a plastic wall. This prevents passengers’ feet from touching the back tire.
My favourite new safety feature is the center stand. This is similar to the stand you see on motorcycles where you push the bike onto the stand. It is much sturdier than a traditional kickstand and is very secure. It’s both easy and safe to mount cargo or even kids onto the back.
Accessories for the Aventon Abound cargo e-bike
There are a host of rear rack accessories for the Aventon Abound. Users can purchase an Aventon Abound Seat Pad or a Rear Rack Basket. I really like this modular design. It can be whatever you need it to be. For example, you can use it to pick up groceries or drop your young child off to school. All you have to do is change between a seat pad or basket. The Aventon website also sells a lot of additional accessories such as a front bag kit and handrails. Urban delivery drivers will love the wide selection of storage options on the front and the back.
Using the Aventon Abound cargo e-bike
For this review, I only had the bike itself. Thus, I was unable to place cargo or an additional person on the bike. Still, I had a lot of opportunities to ride it along bike lanes in my neighborhood. The first thing I noticed was the power. Using the throttle, the Aventon Abound accelerates very quickly. This makes it extremely fun to ride, even though the top speed caps at 32 km/h. With the acceleration, it feels like it’s going much faster.
There are tour pedal assist levels: eco, tour, sport, and turbo. First I started off with no pedal assist. It functions well as a standalone bike, but I didn’t have any cargo. I’m sure pedalling would have been harder with an extra person on the back. I think most people will find eco or tour pedal assist sufficient. With sport and turbo, you’re basically peddling to keep the motor running. There’s really no effort required. During my rides, I couldn’t help but use the throttle all the time. With so much power under your fingertips, it’s hard to resist. This is very enjoyable to ride. It’s comfortable, functional, and powerful. Even though it’s a large bike, it doesn’t feel like it.
Who is the Aventon Abound cargo bike for?
The Aventon Abound appeals to a lot of people. Parents will love it because they can go on bike rides with their young kids. Couriers will use it to deliver large items on a bike. People who don’t have a vehicle will use it to go to the grocery store. In fact, if I had the rear basket, I would have done my weekly grocery shopping with it. However, there is one thing I should note again. The Aventon Abound is very heavy. It weighs approximately 80lbs. Because it has a long frame, I would have a hard time picking this up and putting it into the bed of a pickup truck. If you’re not strong, you will struggle to pick this bike up. It’s heavy, large, and awkward to hold. My advice is to plan where to store it ahead of time. You don’t want to be picking this up every day.
Final thoughts
I’m amazed at how many new electric bikes are hitting the market. People of all ages and demographics are embracing electric transportation. It was only a matter of time before someone came out with an electric cargo bike. If you need a modular bike to move stuff or people, then I highly recommend you check out the Aventon Abound cargo e-bike.
