Today, we’re comparing the Aventon Soltera vs. Rad Power RadMission 1, two of the most popular budget e-bikes on the market. We all know that while biking is a fun and green-friendly way to get around town, it’s not always the most practical. Sometimes you need to move quicker and faster than you can with a traditional bike, but not bad enough to drive a car.
Hence the appeal of the e-bike: a faster and more practical solution than a standard bicycle, and a far better solution than even an electric car as far as actual carbon cost is concerned.
On that note, let’s take a look at a couple of the rising stars of electric bicycles. At the end, we’ll go over each of the comparisons made between the two, either the Aventon Soltera or the Rad Power RadMission 1, and determine which is the superior machine.
Aventon Soltera vs. Rad Power RadMission 1: Side-By-Side Comparison
| Feature | Aventon Soltera | Rad Power RadMission 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Max Speed | 20 mph | 20 mph |
| Wheel Diameter | 27.5 inches | 27.5 inches |
| Brake Type | Tektro Mechanical Disc Brakes, 160mm Rotors | Tektro Aries caliper (MD-M300): mechanical disk brakes |
| Motor Strength | 350 Watts | 500 Watts |
| Number of Speeds | Single and 7-Speed options | Single speed, so avoid steep routes if at all possible |
| Battery Strength | 360 Watt-hours | 504 Watt-hours |
| Time to Charge Battery | 3-5 hours | 4-7 hours. |
| Range on a Full Charge | 30 to 40 miles | 35 to 45 miles |
| Cargo Capacity | None, though one could attach a small rack and saddlebag set-up for one to haul whatever you need with you. | Space for a rear-mounted rack (pro-tip: zip tie an old milk crate to it for a decent “trunk” for getting groceries and such) |
| “Bells and Whistles” | Inset rear lights; full LCD display; quiet and stealthy design; lighter frame | Mid-step and high-step frames available; lights come included; Lots of spots for attaching other parts, so it’s highly customizable; simple display and controls; quiet “no rattle” design |
| Cost Brand New | $1,199 | $1,199 |
Aventon Soltera vs. Rad Power RadMission 1: What’s the Difference?
At first glance, you’ll notice some similarities and some marked differences. Functionally, they’re the same, being city e-bikes for the most part. But even the smallest point can have ripple effects that may seriously affect rider experience. Let’s look at each factor in more detail to see who wins the Aventon Soltera vs. Rad Power RadMission 1 battle.
Max Speed
Both the Aventon Soltera and the Rad Power RadMission1 clock in at 20 miles an hour maximum, despite the wide disparity between motor strength. Conventional thinking would say something with one-third more power, even if a few pounds heavier, would have a higher top speed with a motor that uses less power.
The only downside here is that the Aventon uses juice quite a bit faster at top speed due to the smaller battery. So, despite having the same top speed, you’ll go further on the RadMission.
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Wheel Diameter
At 27.5 inches in wheel diameter, both bikes share the same specifications. However, the tires on the Rad Power are marginally wider (despite the RadMission 1’s tires being considered rather slim), which would give it more stability in gravel or other debris.
It’s easy to break a bone at 20 miles an hour, and that little extra grip and surface area may make the difference between getting home safe and sound or getting a trip to the hospital.
The white walls and thin tires on the Aventon make it more of a sleek commuting bike. It feels at home on the pavement. In contrast, the RadMission’s tires are slightly more terrain friendly and feel at home on the street or on a gravel path.
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Brake Type
Don’t you hate it when you slam on the brakes and go flying over the handlebars? The Rad Power RadMission1 is equipped with mechanical disc braking, which is shown time and time again to reduce thrown riders.
These brakes distribute the drag applied to the wheels by the brakes more evenly for a smooth, controlled stop. The Aventon Soltera also has disc brakes that work surprisingly well. All in all, both bikes have similar stopping power, so we really can’t fault either one in this category,
Motor Strength
The Rad Power RadMission1 Has a 500W motor, so it accelerates faster than the Aventon Soltera, which only packs a 350W. A bit of time with a calculator and an IQ in the double-digits revealed to us that it’s a full 30% weaker than the Rad Power, which is going to affect its ability to speed up to pass anybody or keep up the time and maintain a safe moving speed.
With its extra power, the sluggishness going over hills should be less pronounced and smoother. We find again the Rad Power RadMission1 to have the better parts on this front.
Time to Charge the Battery
The Aventon sneaks ahead a little bit in this category. Given its lower battery capacity, it only makes sense that it charges a little faster. Most buyers report the Aventon Soltera taking between 3 and 5 hours to charge fully. As the owner of a Soltera myself, I can back up this claim.
On the other hand, the RadMission1 doesn’t need too much longer to reach a full charge. The manufacturer says to expect between 3 and 7 hours to charge it up. Most buyers’ reviews stand behind this claim, with the majority citing at least 4 hours or more of charging time.
The good news is that both e-bikes come with a fast charger, so you have everything you need to charge up your bike right away.
Range on Full Charge
Both have rather short ranges compared to more distance-focused e-bikes or all-terrain e-bikes. The Aventon Soltera will give you between 20 and 40 miles, depending on how much pedal assistance you use.
If you’re sticking to level 1 or 2 assistance, then you’ll be able to knock out the higher end of the range. If you use full-throttle at all times, you’re more likely to max out around 20 miles.
The RadMission1 gets a bit further under most tests. With lower pedal assistance, you can expect up to 45 miles, primarily thanks to the larger battery. With maximum throttle, you get cut down to around 25 miles.
Cargo Capacity
Neither has much capacity for cargo, but back racks could be mounted to either one. A crate strapped to one of those makes for a decent space to carry things like groceries. Another possibility is to affix some saddlebags to them and store everything on the sides.
You’ll want to distribute the weight of the contents of the bags. Otherwise, it may cause the bike to lean to one side and lose stability entirely. Folks, wear a helmet, at least. You’re definitely going to eat it eventually, so go ahead and pick one up next time you’re out for a relaxing roll down the boulevard.
Cost Brand New
Both are listed at $1,199, with the only distinction being that Aventon covers the cost of shipping, so that’s another point in their favor, leading to a tie between the two competitors.
Were we in the advice-giving business, we’d probably point you toward the Aventon Soltera. It performed well in tied rounds, and the marginal differences seem to weigh ever so slightly in its favor. It has a less “rugged” appearance and doesn’t really stick out as an electric bicycle until you get up to it kind of close.
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Aventon Soltera vs. Rad Power RadMission 1: 5 Must-Know Facts
- Motor Strength: The Rad Power RadMission1 has a more powerful motor at 500 Watts, compared to the Aventon Soltera’s 350 Watts.
- Battery Strength and Range: The RadMission1 has a larger battery capacity (504 Wh) and a slightly longer range (up to 45 miles) than the Soltera (360 Wh, up to 40 miles).
- Charging Time: Both bikes have similar charging times, ranging from 3 to 7 hours, with the Soltera generally charging slightly faster.
- Cargo Capacity: Neither bike has built-in cargo capacity, but rear-mounted racks can be attached to both for additional storage.
- Cost: Both the Aventon Soltera and the Rad Power RadMission1 have the same price of $1,199, with Aventon covering the cost of shipping.
Aventon Soltera vs. Rad Power RadMission1: Which One Is Better? Which One Should You Choose?
After analyzing both the Aventon Soltera and the Rad Power RadMission1, it’s clear that both e-bikes offer excellent value for the price. They each come with their own unique features and strengths, catering to different preferences and riding styles.
The Aventon Soltera boasts a sleeker design, a lighter frame, and a more advanced LCD display. On the other hand, the Rad Power RadMission1 has a more powerful motor, a slightly longer range, and a highly customizable design.
So, which one should you choose? Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and your specific needs. If you prioritize a lightweight and stealthy design with advanced features, the Aventon Soltera may be the right choice for you.
However, if you’re looking for a more powerful motor with better customization options, the Rad Power RadMission1 could be the better fit.
Both e-bikes are highly capable and offer an eco-friendly, practical solution for urban commuting or leisurely rides. No matter which one you choose, you’ll be making a great investment in an e-bike that enhances your biking experience while reducing your carbon footprint. Happy riding!
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Flystock/Shutterstock.com.
