The Aventon Soltera has always been a go-to for riders wanting a lightweight, sleek ebike that rides like a classic bicycle. Now, with the launch of the Aventon Soltera 3 ADV, the brand is upping the game by adding its first-ever belt drive system. Priced at $1,499, it remains one of Aventon’s most budget-friendly option in their lineup while enhancing its city-ready appeal with a clean, single-speed belt drive built for thousands of miles of smooth, hassle-free riding.
We spent time testing the Soltera 3 ADV to determine if the move to a single-speed Gates Carbon Drive and a non-removable battery enhances the commuting experience or limits its versatility. Does the weight savings justify the changes? Here is our full review.
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Soltera 3 ADV YouTube Review | See It In Action!
Curious if a single-speed belt drive can actually handle steep city hills without a throttle? In our full video review, we put the Soltera 3 ADV to the test. We verify the new lightweight frame on our own scale, test Aventon’s claim of a natural single-speed ride feel up to top speed, and break down exactly what you gain and lose compared to the Soltera 2.5. Watch below to see if the trade-offs of a non-removable battery are worth the upgrade.
Key Features
Gates Carbon Belt Drive
Leading the feature list is the Gates Carbon Belt Drive. Replacing the traditional chain, this system is virtually silent, grease-free, and requires almost no maintenance. This means no more rusty chains or grease marks on your pant legs.
Lightweight Design
Weight reduction was clearly a priority for this generation. Coming in at an advertised 37 lbs, the Soltera 3 ADV is about 9 lbs lighter than its predecessor. The lightweight build makes it easy to carry up apartment stairs, lift onto a bus rack, or maneuver through tight hallway spaces.
Sleek, Integrated Design
Aventon nails the stealth aesthetic with the Soltera 3 ADV. By fully hiding the battery in the downtube, they’ve crafted a frame that mimics a traditional bike silhouette. Internal cable routing, blacked-out light covers, and signature smooth welds keep the lines incredibly clean. It looks premium and cohesive, though achieving this slim, rigid structure requires the trade-off of a non-removable battery.
Frame and Sizing
Colors Riders can choose from three distinct colorways:
Sizing Aventon has expanded the fit options for this generation. The Soltera 3 ADV is available in four sizes: Small, Medium, Large, and X-Large. The addition of the X-Large size is a welcome change, addressing a gap in previous generations where taller riders (over 6’1″) often felt cramped.
Specs
Here is the complete list of technical specifications and component details for the Soltera 3 ADV:
Performance
In our testing, the Soltera 3 ADV provided a distinctly different ride experience compared to previous Soltera models. While the silence of the belt drive is certainly a benefit, the single-speed gearing and lighter weight are the primary factors that set it apart.
Pedal Assist Experience
The Soltera 3 ADV features four distinct pedal assist levels, each offering a unique ride feel tailored to the single-speed gearing:
- Eco: This mode is subtle and purely functional. It essentially cancels out the weight of the bike and motor, making the Soltera 3 ADV feel like a lightweight, traditional bicycle. It is perfect for navigating crowded multi-use paths where you want to keep speeds low and manageable.
- Tour: We found this to be the sweet spot for general commuting. It provides a noticeable “tailwind” effect that makes maintaining 12–15 mph effortless without feeling overpowering. The torque sensor shines here, matching your cadence smoothly.
- Sport: This is where the bike starts to feel zippy. The motor responds instantly to pedal pressure, making it ideal for accelerating away from stop signs or keeping up with city traffic. You will find yourself reaching the 20 mph top speed relatively quickly in this mode.
- Turbo: Turbo delivers the full peak 500W of power immediately. While fun, the single-speed drivetrain means you will reach top speed very fast, and at 20 mph, your legs will be spinning quite rapidly (high cadence). It is great for short bursts or steep hills, but you likely won’t stay in this mode for long flat stretches due to the gearing limit.
Speed Test
As a Class 2 ebike, the Soltera 3 ADV offers a top speed of 20 mph. Because the bike is so light, the 250W motor (peaking at 500W) feels punchier than the numbers suggest. It gets up to speed quickly, and the transition from motor power to coasting is seamless. The single-speed gear ratio is well-balanced; you won’t feel like you are spinning your legs frantically at 20 mph, though you will spin out if you try to pedal hard beyond the motor’s cutoff on a downhill.
Hill Climb Test
The 40 Nm of torque combined with the torque sensor did an excellent job of detecting pedal input and delivering power instantly to help maintain momentum. On moderate city inclines, the motor provides enough shove to keep you comfortable. However, on steep grades, you are locked into that single gear, meaning you will have to stand up and put in human effort. It handles hills better than a non-electric single speed, but it won’t carry you up steep hills effortlessly.
Range Test
Aventon claims a range of up to 70 miles. Because the lightweight build requires less energy to move, the battery lasts longer than you might expect for its size. While 70 miles is potentially achievable in the lowest assist mode on flat ground, most riders should expect a realistic range of 30–50 miles.
Ride Quality
Silence is the defining characteristic of this bike. The Gates belt drive eliminates the metallic rattle of a chain, allowing you to enjoy a peaceful ride. The rigid aluminum fork and road tires mean you will feel vibrations from rough pavement, but the bike feels agile and responsive. It handles more like a traditional road bike than a heavy ebike, inspiring confidence in corners and traffic.
Comparison: Soltera 3 ADV vs. Soltera 2.5
The Soltera 3 ADV is an evolution, but it takes a different path than the Soltera 2.5.
Most immediately noticeable is the shift in drivetrain. The Soltera 3 ADV utilizes a single-speed Gates Carbon Belt Drive, offering a quieter and cleaner experience compared to the traditional chain and derailleur found on the Soltera 2.5. While the belt drive reduces maintenance, it does sacrifice the gear range versatility that the 7-speed Soltera 2.5 offers. Aventon focused heavily on weight savings for the new model. The Soltera 3 ADV weighs in at just 37 lbs, a significant reduction from the 46 lbs of the Soltera 2.5. This makes the new model much easier to live with for riders who need to physically lift their bike frequently.
The battery design has shifted from convenience to stealth. The Soltera 2.5 features a bottom mounted, removable battery, which is essential for riders who park outside and charge indoors. In contrast, the Soltera 3 ADV uses a fully integrated, non-removable battery to achieve a slimmer frame profile, meaning the entire bike must be near an outlet to charge. Taller riders get a specific benefit with the introduction of a fourth size option, X-Large, which was not available for the Soltera 2.5. This makes the new model a better option for those who previously found the Large frame slightly too compact.
For a detailed look at the previous model’s specs, you can check out our Aventon Soltera 2.5 Review.
Aventon Dealer Network & Support
One of the biggest advantages of choosing Aventon over other online-only brands is their massive dealer network. With over 1,800 authorized dealers across the country, Aventon operates as a true omnichannel brand, bridging the gap between direct-to-consumer convenience and bike shop reliability.
This network allows you to visit a local shop and test ride the Soltera 3 ADV before you commit, ensuring the geometry and single-speed gearing are right for you. It also offers the option to buy the bike professionally assembled and tuned by a mechanic, saving you the hassle of building it out of a box. Long-term, having a local touchpoint for maintenance, tune-ups, and warranty support provides a level of peace of mind that strict direct-to-consumer competitors simply cannot match.
Pros and Cons | Aventon Soltera 3 ADV Review
Final Thoughts | Who is the Soltera 3 ADV For?
The Aventon Soltera 3 ADV is a purpose-built machine that prioritizes simplicity. It offers a distinct experience that is well-suited for some riders but may not be the right fit for others.
Who It Is For This bike is a strong candidate for urban commuters, students, or former cyclists looking for an agile, lightweight ride without the maintenance requirements of a chain. If you need to carry your bike up stairs, value a silent, grease-free experience, and want the support of a large dealer network, this model effectively addresses those needs.
Who It Is Not For However, you should look elsewhere if you require a throttle or gears to tackle very steep hills comfortably. The Soltera 3 ADV is also not a practical choice if you cannot bring the entire bike indoors for charging and storage, as the non-removable battery requires a climate-controlled environment during colder months.
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