Aventon has reached their fourth iteration of the Pace 500, blending their signature high-end design elements with new tech while keeping pricing competitive. This latest version integrates security updates similar to features found on other recent Aventon models like the Abound cargo ebikes and the Level 3 through the inclusion of the ACU, which offers remote tracking and control of security features. It also features Ride Tune, providing highly customizable performance adjustments via the Aventon app. Additionally, it features unique design updates like new BMX-style handlebars and other small touches. Our Aventon Pace 4 review explores its security, performance tuning, components, and ride experience. Let’s see how these advancements stack up to its $1,799 price point.
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Aventon Pace 4 Video Review: See It in Action
Check out our comprehensive video review! We walk through the Pace 4’s new smart features and security updates, take a close look at the components, test its performance on the road and hills, demonstrate the security features in action, and share our final thoughts with pros and cons.
Key Updates: Smarter & More Secure
The Pace 4 isn’t just an incremental update. It’s packed with new technology aimed at enhancing security and tailoring the ride to your preferences.
Aventon Communication Unit (ACU) and 4G Connectivity
This is the heart of the Pace 4’s smart features. Leveraging 4G connectivity (free for the first year, $20/year after), the ACU enables several key functions:
- GPS Location Tracking: See your electric bike’s location in real-time via the Aventon app.
- Geofencing: Set virtual boundaries on a map within the app. If the ebike crosses these lines (either entering a restricted zone or leaving an allowed one), the motor system can be immobilized, preventing unauthorized use.
- Unusual Movement Alerts: Receive notifications on your phone if the bike is tampered with or moved unexpectedly. You can adjust the sensitivity of this feature.
- Remote Locking/Unlocking: Secure the rear wheel lock and battery remotely through the app.
- Alarm: Trigger an audible alarm via the app or automatically with unusual movement. (Note: the alarm itself is relatively quiet).
Ride Tune via Aventon App
Gone are the days of fixed pedal assist modes. With Ride Tune through Aventon’s app, you can independently adjust the maximum torque, level of assistance, and pedal response sensitivity for each of the three assist modes (Eco, Sport, Turbo). This gives you control of the power, allowing you to perfectly balance performance, range, and ride feel. You can set it up whether you want a gentle cruise, a robust workout, or maximum hill-climbing power.
Integrated Rear Wheel Lock
Aventon’s electronic rear wheel lock makes ride-away theft much more difficult. It can be engaged or disengaged through the handlebar display or the Aventon app. You can even set it to lock automatically whenever the bike is powered off for an added layer of piece of mind.
Keyless Battery Operation
Using a physical key for the battery is history. The battery is now bottom-mounted, and its lock is controlled electronically via the display. You can also set a passcode to prevent unauthorized access to the display controls.
What if the battery dies? Aventon addressed this: The system retains reserve power for unlocking even when the main battery is depleted. You can also charge the battery while it’s installed on the bike. And as a last resort, there’s a manual removal process (though more complex) as a final backup, designed to deter theft.
BMX Style Handlebars
The Pace 4 swaps the previous generation’s swept-back handlebars for a BMX-style bar. This provides a cleaner look and significantly more space for mounting accessories like phone holders. You can also tilt them to fine-tune rider comfort. This replaces the need for an adjustable stem, which was paired with the previous swept-back bars.
Suspension Seat Post
Enhancing ride comfort further, particularly on a bike with a rigid front fork, the Pace 4 now includes a suspension seatpost (from Zoom). This component adds noticeable cushion, effectively absorbing smaller bumps and vibrations. It also includes a preload adjustment on the bottom of the seatpost for customizing the response.
Frame and Fit
The Aventon Pace 4 continues its accessibility-focused design. It is now offered exclusively in a step-through frame style that makes mounting and dismounting easy for nearly everyone. The frame itself uses gravity casting and has an IPX5 water-resistance rating. It also features Aventon’s signature smooth welds and premium paint finishes.
Color options for the Pace 4 are Flint (black), Mica (grayish-white), and Blue Steel. To ensure a comfortable fit for a variety of people, it comes in two frame sizes: small/medium and large/extra-large. See the frame and sizing table below for specifics.
Aventon Pace 4 Specs: Every Detail for Ebike Enthusiasts
(48T Chainring | 12-32T Cassette)
The Pace 4 is equipped with components aimed at delivering a reliable and comfortable cruiser experience. For those who like all the details, below is a summary of the key specifications.
Performance on the Road: Aventon Pace 4 Review
Overall, the Pace 4 delivers a refined and capable riding experience. Ride Tune played a role in the outcome of our performance tests, with the torque, assistance, and response maxed out for riding mode “Turbo”. Below are the details of our riding experience with the throttle and pedal assist on flat terrain and hills.
Throttle Acceleration (0-20 mph)
On flat terrain, using the thumb throttle provides smooth, controlled acceleration up to the default 20 mph limit. It’s not jarring, making it easy to manage. It also holds the top throttle speed steadily even against moderate wind.
Pedal Assist (PAS)
The torque sensor provides an intuitive feel, delivering power proportional to your pedaling effort. Even in Eco mode, reaching and maintaining speeds around 15-17 mph is easy with minimal effort. Shifting through Sport and Turbo modes provides noticeably quicker acceleration. With Ride Tune maxed out in Turbo mode (max torque, assistance, and response), accelerating to the Class 3 speed limit of 28 mph is achievable. The bike feels responsive and powerful without being overwhelming. The ability to fine-tune these modes means you can set the bike up for relaxed cruising, efficient commuting, or spirited riding.
Hill Climbing
The Pace 4 proved itself a capable climber. On a throttle-only test up a significant incline, it maintained a minimum speed of around 11 mph for a 200lb rider. This speed is respectable for its 500W motor.
Using pedal assist, the bike conquered the hill comfortably in all modes. Even in Eco, moderate effort kept a steady pace. Sport mode allowed for climbing in higher gears at around 14 mph. Turbo mode (with Ride Tune maxed) made easy work of the hill, maintaining 16-17 mph with moderate rider input.
Recommended Accessories
The Pace 4 prioritizes a cleaner look and lighter weight by omitting standard commuter items like fenders and a rear rack. If those features, plus a front suspension fork and a more powerful 750W motor, are essential out of the box, consider Aventon’s Level 3, which costs $100 more at $1,899. However, if you plan on riding strictly on pavement and bike weight is a priority, you can easily add accessories to boost its utility.
Aventon Accessories for the Pace 4
Aventon sells fenders and a rear rack designed specifically to fit the Pace 4. These allow you to add weather protection and cargo capacity as needed. They also have accessories like the front basket, trunk bags, and more on their accessory page.
High-Quality Accessories from Ebike Escape
Enhance your ride further with quality accessories from shop.ebikeescape.com. The Pace 4’s BMX bars are ideal for secure phone mounts. You can also add utility with various bags, locks, or other upgrades available in our shop. Thank you for the support!
This universal phone holder securely fits all phones, even with thick cases. It easily mounts without tools to handlebars ranging from 22-33mm. Constructed from durable machined aluminum, the holder allows you to adjust the viewing angle and rotate between landscape or portrait modes.
Safety and protection are our top priorities, which is why our battery bag is meticulously crafted with a waterproof and flame-resistant inner liner. It has successfully passed the FMVSS 302 Flame Test, providing you with the assurance that your battery is shielded from potential hazards.
We like to call this the best water bottle cage ever invented. Fits bottles 2 1/4 to 4 3/4” wide. Whether you prefer standard water bottles or larger sports bottles, our cage can accommodate them all. The easy-turn dial ensures a snug fit.
Comparison with Velotric Breeze 1
A close competitor to the Pace 4, particularly around the same price point ($1,799 MSRP), is the Velotric Breeze 1. While the Pace 4 focuses heavily on integrated tech and security, the Breeze 1 prioritizes lightweight design and accessibility. Weighing in at just 48 lbs, the Breeze 1 is a bit lighter than the Pace 4. This makes it easier to lift and maneuver. This can be a key factor for many riders new to electric bikes or those needing to transport their bike frequently. It also boasts impressive IP ratings (IPX6 for the bike, IPX7 for the battery) for water resistance.
The Breeze 1 offers unique flexibility with its ability to swap between a torque sensor and a cadence sensor on the fly via the display, catering to different riding preferences. It also allows riders to adjust the maximum speed limit (for both pedal assist and throttle) down to 12 mph or up to 28 mph directly through the display. While it lacks the Pace 4’s advanced GPS tracking and geofencing, it does include Apple Find My integration for iPhone users. It also features comfortable swept-back handlebars with an adjustable stem. Velotric’s 3.5″ display is easy-to-read and center-mounted and lets you customize all the performance settings apart from their app. However, it lacks a suspension seatpost and also requires fenders/rack to be purchased separately.
If you want to learn about Velotric’s lineup, check out our full reviews here.
The Aventon Buying Experience
Aventon has established a strong presence in the US market. Key aspects of the ownership experience include:
- Dealership Network: With over 1,800 partner bike shops, finding a local dealer for test rides, professional assembly, service, and advice is often possible. This offers a significant advantage over purely direct-to-consumer brands. Check out their dealership network here.
- Customer Support: You can get support through your local Aventon dealer, which is ideal for hands-on help and warranty processing. Direct support from Aventon is also available via phone (1-866-300-3311) and email during business hours (Pacific Time). Additionally, Aventon offers helpful online resources like FAQs and guides through their website and app help center.
- Online Community: The Aventon app includes a ‘Discover’ feature, fostering a community where riders can share experiences and rides. Aventon has an owner’s Facebook group that also serves as a valuable resource for sharing tips, asking questions, and connecting with fellow riders.
- Assembly: The Pace 4 arrives mostly assembled if shipped directly but requires some final setup. Aventon includes the basic tools needed for assembly, though a torque wrench (not included) is recommended for tightening components to spec. Home assembly involves unpacking, installing the handlebars (including connecting cables and managing them with the provided wrap), mounting the front wheel, attaching the pedals, and the headlight. Alternatively, professional assembly is typically included when buying from a local dealer.
Pros And Cons
Below are all the things we enjoyed about the Pace 4 and what we think you should consider before buying:
Excellent
Conclusion: Who is the Aventon Pace 4 For?
The Aventon Pace 4 marks a big step forward for the popular cruiser line. It packs impressive technology into a stylish and accessible package. The integration of the ACU brings a level of security and connectivity previously unseen at this price point, while Ride Tune offers tailored control over the riding experience. The Pace 4 delivers a smooth, capable, and highly adaptable ride suitable for commuting, leisure, and tackling moderate hills.
We would recommend the Aventon Pace 4 to riders who:
- Prioritize security features like GPS tracking and remote locking.
- Value the ability to deeply customize their electric bike’s performance.
- Appreciate a clean, integrated design and premium finish.
- Want a comfortable, stable cruiser for riding on paved routes.
- Are comfortable using a smartphone app to access advanced features.
- Seek an ebike under the $2,000 mark that offers cutting-edge tech.
While the added cost of optional accessories and the ongoing subscription for full ACU functionality are factors to consider, the Pace 4 offers a compelling blend of innovation, performance, and peace of mind. It solidifies its place as a standout option in the current cruiser electric bike market.
Do you like these features but not sure the Pace 4 is right for you? We have reviewed most of Aventon’s lineup and you can learn about them here.
Thinking about a model from Aventon? Using our affiliate link when you make your purchase helps us create more in-depth reviews. And if you purchase through a local dealer, send us an email (ryan@ebikeescape.com), we can still get credit! Thank you so much for your support.
