Velotric Discover 1 vs. Aventon Soltera: Which One Wins?

Today we’re comparing the Velotric Discover 1 vs. Aventon Soltera: two e-bikes vying for your attention in an ever-growing market of new technology.

Electric bicycles have experienced a surge in popularity and demand by providing riders with an enjoyable and environmentally friendly motorized cycling experience. These bikes are now widely used for both commuting as well as leisure. As the e-bike market continues to grow, buyers have an ever-increasingly diverse range of options available to them when it comes to purchasing their first electric bike.  

We’ve put together this comparison article to help you compare these two e-bikes, and we hope to help you figure out which one is better for your needs and level of experience. We will be taking a look at both e-bikes regarding their designs, range, performance, and more, all while providing an in-depth analysis of both bikes. Let’s get into it!

Velotric Discover 1 vs. Aventon Soltera: Side by Side Comparison

Velotric Discover 1 vs. Aventon Soltera: What’s the Difference?

Hailing from the San Francisco Bay Area in Northern California, Velotric has been around since 2001. Their electric bikes feature stylish designs and high-performing hardware in a safe and affordable package.

The Velotric Discover 1 is one of Velotric’s flagship models and is designed for both commuting and adventurous off-road riding. The Discover 1 features a lightweight aluminum frame, a powerful high-end 500W motor, and a long-lasting battery that can provide an average of up to 60 miles of range on a single charge. 

Aventon is another electric bike company from California. They launched in 2012 in the Los Angeles Metro Area of Southern California. Since starting, they have built a reputation for producing high-quality and reliable e-bikes.

The Soltera is a flagship of Aventon’s lineup for commuters and everyday bike riders. It comes with a lightweight aluminum frame, a 350W motor, and a long-lasting battery that provides an average range of 41 miles on a single charge. Let’s peek into the features of these bikes a little closer.

Frame Design

Looking at the design for both e-bikes, we found the Velotric Discover 1 to feature a design that reminded us heavily of beach cruiser-style bicycles. In contrast, the Aventon Soltera features a design more akin to standard city commuting bikes.

The Discover 1 features a heavy frame, with the bike weighing 65 lb. With such a hefty frame, there’s improved balance on the e-bike, and riders can comfortably sit in their favored sitting position and enjoy a comfortable ride. In addition, a wide range of frame color options is available when buying a Discover 1, giving the bike a wide range of aesthetic customization.

Looking at the Aventon Soltera, the most noticeable difference in the frame design is the top tube. This makes it a little more difficult to mount for shorter riders. You’ll need to swing your leg over the frame to get on the bike. But this frame design has the advantage of being more rigid and aerodynamic. Not to mention it just looks sleeker and faster.

Comfort

As mentioned above, the Discover 1 features a cruiser-style design that allows you to sit comfortably and ergonomically in an upright position when riding. We found almost every aspect of the Discover 1 to be comfortable. From the fact that the LCD screen is adjustable to the leather gripping on the handlebars, it’s a smooth ride.

The Discover 1’s seat is wide and adjustable to fit your ideal comfortable seating angle. The seat post is also adjustable and suitable for all heights, and the bike frame can support a weight capacity of up to 440 lbs, giving riders of all sizes access to the Discover 1. 

Additionally, we’ve found the handling to be great on Discover 1. The suspension fork and seat post provide a smooth ride, even on the rockiest terrain. This means you can maintain easier bike control, even when biking on uneven roadways.

Moving over to the Aventon Soltera, riders will need to adopt a sitting position that is more commonly associated with racing bicycles to achieve a comfortable and seamless ride. Although you do not necessarily have to tilt your body entirely, you will need a certain level of core strength to maintain a comfortable and effective posture for the Soltera. 

Aventon ensures that the saddle of the Soltera provides riders with maximum relaxation, especially because the bike boasts such an impressive range of 41 miles. Given the absence of any suspension on the Soltera, it isn’t as comfortable as the Velotric. Even still, Aventon has provided a comfortable and breathable seat for the Soltera. 

Performance and Speed

The Velotric Discover 1 has been designed with performance in mind. Its powerful 500W motor provides ample power for city riding but also for off-road adventuring as well. This motor allows you to reach speeds up to a maximum of 20 mph. This makes it a great option for those who need to cover long distances quickly or are navigating hilly terrain.

An 8-speed drivetrain powering the e-bike allows smooth and reliable gear shifting for multiple situations. However, the gear train does add some weight, but you’ll be dealing with this on any bike with multiple gears.

The Velotric Discover’s 65 lb. weight is hefty compared to the Soltera, which comes in at just over 40 lbs. Still, this does not impact performance very much.

Interestingly enough, the single-speed and 7-speed versions of the Aventon Soltera both weigh roughly the same.

With the Aventon Soltera, we see a high-performance electric bike designed with casual and avid riders in mind. This bike has impressed the community with its impressive performance in its powerful 350W motor, long-lasting battery, and comfortable riding experience. 

The 350W motor isn’t as powerful as the Discover 1’s 500W motor. But it provides ample power for easily climbing hills and accelerating quickly. The motor propels the Soltera to speeds up to 20 mph, making it an excellent option for daily commuters. Plus, no one is stopping you from pedaling harder and getting the bike to move even faster.

Range and Charging

The range is one of the most important factors to consider when shopping around for an e-bike. Both the Discover 1’ and the Soltera offer a decent range, but you’ll definitely get farther with the Velotric. Its 48V battery provides a range of up to 50 miles on a single charge, making the Discover 1 a great option for commuters or anyone who wants more freedom to explore. 

In comparison, the Aventon Soltera’s 360Wh provides enough charge to last for a long commute. With a claimed total of 41 miles in range, this is nothing to sneeze at. This allows Soltera riders to explore further for extended periods without worrying about running out of power, a problem common with older e-bikes.

Before getting your hopes up, you should know that the range is noticeably impacted by how much throttle or pedal assistance you use. If you use the maximum assistance levels or go full-throttle for your whole ride, your range will be closer to the low end.

The same can be said for riding over hills. Neither one of these bikes is going to get you as far as advertised if you have a commute full of steep hills since the motor needs to work much harder to move the bike.

Fortunately, both e-bikes include fast chargers, which will get you up to a full charge in just a few hours. The Aventon Soltera will charge up a little faster than the Velotric Discover, getting you to 100% battery in around three hours. In comparison, you’ll be waiting slightly longer to charge the Discover.

Technology

The Velotric Discover 1 features a range of helpful tech features to keep your ride safe and comfortable. A front and rear light is powered by the battery and controlled by a button on the LCD display. The lights are integrated into the frame and automatically turn on and off when you turn the bike on and off. The front light provides ample illumination for riding in low-light conditions, and the rear light is brought enough to keep you visible. 

The Discover 1’s display is mounted between the handlebars and provides a wealth of information, including speed, distance traveled, battery level, and speed assistance level. The display is easy to read and provides all of the information you need to stay informed about your ride. There’s also a USB port available to charge your phone or another device while riding.

The Aventon Soltera also features several fantastic pieces of integrated tech features, including a red LED tail light built into the aluminum frame, providing you with a seamless and safe riding experience. The bike also has a dedicated USB port for charging mobile devices on the go. 

The Soltera also includes an LCD screen that’s also located on the handlebars and provides you with a wealth of information related to current speed, distance traveled, battery level, and throttle level. The screen is bright and easy to read, with clear text, even in direct sunlight. The LCD syncs with the Aventon app, which allows you to track their rides and view more detailed tech information about their Soltera’s performance.  

Brakes

The Soltera single-speed model comes with rim brakes, which concerned us at first. But we’ve noted them to be plenty powerful in large part thanks to the lightweight frame of the Soltera. And, if you want disc brakes, you can get them in the seven-speed version of the Soltera. The Tektro brakes provide plenty of stopping power either way. Plus, brake levers are adjustable on the Soltera so that you can fine-tune the feel of the brakes to their liking. 

Conversely, the Discover 1 provides you with Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, a reliable and powerful option for any e-bike. The brakes offer smooth and consistent stopping power in all varieties of riding conditions and are easy to control for locking in at a precise speed.

The hydraulic disc brakes come with 180mm rotors. These provide a high surface area for the brake pads to grip onto. You’re going to need it with the heavier weight of the Velotric.

Overall, we prefer the braking system of the Velotric Discover 1 when compared with the Aventon Soltera. The Discover 1’s hydraulic disc brakes are a standout feature, providing you with reliable and responsive stopping power. They are great for the bike’s heavier frame and weight.

Velotric Discover 1 vs. Aventon Soltera: 6 Must-Know Facts

• Both the Velotric Discover 1 and Aventon Soltera go the same speed, so neither would win in a race, but the Soltera’s lighter weight may help.
• The Velotric Discover 1 is the company’s flagship e-bike, designed as a versatile and practical e-bike suitable for a wide range of riding styles and conditions. 
• Velotric e-bikes, including the Discover 1, are equipped with a range of features that enhance the riding experience, including high-wattage motors, long-lasting batteries, and high-quality components such as Tektro hydraulic disc brakes and Shimano gearing for the drive train.
• Aventon offers a wide range of e-bikes, including city and commuter bikes like the Aventon Solera and mountain bikes. 
• Aventon e-bikes are known for their high-performance components, such as powerful motors and long-lasting batteries, while maintaining the aesthetic of city bikes.
• Aventon includes a comprehensive manufacturer warranty for their e-bikes, covering defects in materials for up to two years from the date of purchase. 

Velotric Discover 1 vs. Aventon Soltera: Which is Better? Which Should You Choose?

When it comes to deciding which e-bike is better between the Velotric Discover 1 and the Aventon Soltera, it truly comes down to your own intended use and personal preferences.

The Velotric Discover 1, with its powerful 500W motor, extended battery life, and higher speed capabilities, is a versatile option for city commuting and off-road adventuring. It’s also well-equipped for heavier riders or those needing to haul additional cargo, with a weight capacity of up to 440 lbs. The Discover 1 also stands out for its hydraulic disc brakes, which provide superior stopping power and control in various conditions.

On the other hand, the Aventon Soltera, with its more lightweight design, lower power output, and city bike aesthetic, seems more tailored towards daily commuting or leisurely urban rides. It’s a great option for those wanting an e-bike for shorter trips or for riders who value the lightweight, sleek design that it offers. The Soltera’s racing bike-like sitting position might require some initial adjustment. But it provides a unique riding experience that many riders enjoy.