Aventon vs Rad Power: Comparing Aventon Soltera to the Rad Power RadMission 1
July 14, 2023
With the release of the Soltera and Soltera Step-Through we are rediscovering our roots in the single speed world. With the release of these four ebikes (four because both models are available as either single speed or 7-speed ebikes) we are challenging the norms of the single speed world whilst ensuring that we are building ebikes that the single speed enthusiast and urbanite of today will both fall in love with! (Be sure to check with local dealers for availability on Soltera single speeds and 7-speed).
Choosing an ebike is no easy task, whether it be your first or your fifth, and there are many manufactures out there competing for your attention and, more specifically, your hard earned cash. Because we received such good feedback regarding the value that our previous comparison posts we decided it would be beneficial to continue this trend to produce this piece comparing our new Soltera to some of the more popular single speed style ebikes on the market. In this piece we’re comparing the Soltera to the RadMission 1 made by Rad Power Bikes.
For a more in-depth comparison of models, take a close look at how Aventon stacks up against Rad Power.
Stats - An Overview
Soltera | RadMission 1 | |
Motor |
350W |
500W |
Battery |
10Ah (350Wh) made w/ LG cells |
10.5Ah (504Wh) |
Pedal Assist |
5 Levels |
4 Levels |
Throttle |
Yes - Thumb Lever |
Yes - Twist Grip |
Top Speed |
20 MPH |
20 MPH |
Range |
41 Miles Average |
25 - 45+ Miles |
Size |
2 |
1 |
Step-Through Model |
Yes |
Yes |
Weight |
41 lb. Single Speed |
48 lb. |
Carrying Capacity |
300 lb Total |
275 lb Total |
Gears |
Single Speed or 7 Speed |
Single Speed |
Lights |
Integrated lights both |
Non-integrated front light and integrated |
Display |
Full Color Display w/ app sync capabilities |
LED Control Panel |
Price |
$1,099 |
$1,199 |
Soltera | RadMission 1 | |
Motor |
350W |
500W |
Battery |
10Ah (350Wh) |
10.5Ah (504Wh) |
Pedal Assist |
5 Levels |
4 Levels |
Throttle |
Yes - |
Yes - Twist Grip |
Top Speed |
20 MPH |
20 MPH |
Range |
41 Miles Average |
25 - 45+ Miles |
Size |
2 |
1 |
Step-Through Model |
Yes |
Yes |
Weight |
41 lb. Single Speed |
48 lb. |
Carrying Capacity |
300 lb Total |
275 lb Total |
Gears |
Single Speed or |
Single Speed |
Lights |
Integrated lights both Brake light functionality |
Non-integrated front light and integrated rear light Brake light functionality |
Display |
Colored LCD with |
LED Control Panel |
Price |
$1,199 - $1,299 |
$1,199 |
When viewed just through the lens of their main statistics these ebikes are very similar. Readers with a focus on power will note that the RadMission 1 has a motor with more power and a slightly larger battery, whilst savvy readers might notice this but at the same time note that this has little to effect on the comparative range of the ebike and that the top speed is exactly the same.
Those who are hoping that their hard earned money is spent on a product that fits them perfectly will notice the two different sizes of Soltera, in both the regular and step-through models, and the fact that the Soltera is 5-7 pounds lighter than the competition.
It seems, then, that there is very little between these ebikes and someone with no brand loyalty might be willing to choose one based on appearance (we know we’d choose the one with the sleek, integrated battery). But if you’re spending $1,099 on anything then you’re going to want to know more about what lies underneath the proverbial hood.
Electrical
These are, after-all, ebikes and the electrical element is why you will be looking at this website over any other. So how do these two ebikes line up on the grid when we focus in on their electrical components?
Soltera | RadMission 1 | Comments | ||
Battery |
10Ah (350Wh) made with LG cells. |
10.5Ah (504Wh) |
|
|
Motor |
350 W |
500W |
|
|
Pedal Assist |
5 levels of PAS |
4 levels of PAS |
|
|
Charger |
36V 2 Amp |
48V 2 Amp |
|
|
Display |
Full Color Display with mobile app integration |
LED Control Panel |
|
|
Lights |
Integrated lights both front and rear Brake light functionality |
Non-integrated front light and integrated rear light Brake light functionality |
Simply, integrated lights are lower profile and have their wiring stored away in the body of the ebike, meaning fewer wire waving untidily around. An integrated front light also means that it is easier to mount after-market carriers for transporting |
|
USB Charger |
Yes |
No |
|
Soltera | RadMission 1 | Comments | ||
Battery |
10Ah |
10.5Ah |
|
|
Motor |
350 W |
500W |
|
|
Pedal Assist |
5 levels of PAS |
4 levels of PAS |
|
|
Charger |
36V 2 Amp |
48V 2 Amp |
|
|
Display |
Colored LCD with mobile app integration |
LED Control Panel |
|
|
Lights |
Integrated lights both front and rear Brake light functionality |
Non-integrated front light and integrated rear light Brake light functionality |
Simply, integrated lights are lower profile and have their wiring stored away in the body of the ebike, meaning fewer wire waving untidily around. An integrated front light also means that it is easier to mount after-market carriers for transporting |
|
USB Charger |
Yes |
No |
|
Mechanical
Whilst they’re electric these ebikes are based on one of the greatest, simplest, yet still complex machines that man has ever designed for travel. So how do the ancestral elements of these ebikes compare to each other?
Soltera | RadMission 1 | Comments | ||
Brakes |
Single Speed: Mechanical Rim Seven Speed: Mechanical Disc |
Mechanical Disc |
|
|
Gearing |
Single or Seven Speed |
Single Speed |
|
Soltera | RadMission 1 | Comments | ||
Brakes |
Single Speed: Mechanical Rim Seven Speed: Mechanical Disc |
Mechanical Disc |
|
|
Gearing |
Single or Seven Speed |
Single Speed |
|
Physical
The final element of this comparison is to look at the physical aspects of these ebikes side-by-side. Not only can many of these things affect the riding experience but some can also affect how you look when you’re zipping and cruising around; and who doesn’t want to feel the part as much as they ride the part?
Soltera | RadMission 1 | Comments | ||||
Frames |
Standard and Step-Through |
Standard and |
|
|||
Sizes |
4 Total |
2 Total |
|
|||
Colors |
6 Colors (3 standard Frame, 3 Step-Through Frame) |
6 Colors (3 Standard Frame, 3 Mid-step Frame) |
|
|||
Weight |
Standard: 41lbs |
Both Frames: |
|
|||
Integrated Battery |
Yes |
No |
|
|||
Kickstand |
Rear Mounted |
Sold Separately |
|
|||
Handlebars |
|
|
|
|||
Tires |
700C |
|
|
|||
Throttle |
Yes - |
Yes - |
|
|||
Fenders |
No |
Sold Separately |
|
|||
Rack |
|
Yes (front only) |
|
Soltera | RadMission 1 | Comments | ||||
Frames |
Standard and Step-Through |
Standard and |
Both the Soltera and the RadMission 1 are available in a standard and increasingly popular step-through, a.k.a mid-step, frame. One question you should always ask when looking at step-through models is how low do they actually go? Both sizes of the Soltera Step-Through top out with a 25.5 inch standover height, whilst the RadMission 1 Mid-Step has a standover height of 28 inches, |
|||
Sizes |
4 Total |
2 Total |
When you're choosing to spend over $1,000 on an ebike it should fit you. Having size options available is key to mkaing sure that each individual gets an ebike that fits them as perfectly as possible. |
|||
Colors |
|
6 Colors (3 Standard Frame, 3 Mid-step Frame) |
|
|||
Weight |
Standard: 41lbs |
Both Frames: |
|
|||
Integrated Battery |
Yes |
No |
Not only does an integrated battery make for a much sleeker looking ebike, but it can also trick bystanders into think that you're riding that fast under your own power! It can also disguise the fact that you're riding what is now considered to be an item of high value. |
|||
Kickstand |
Rear Mounted |
Sold Separately |
|
|||
Handlebars |
|
|
|
|||
Tires |
700C |
|
|
|||
Throttle |
Yes - |
Yes - |
|
|||
Fenders |
No |
Sold Separately |
|
|||
Rack |
|
Yes (front only) |
|
Reasons To Love Aventon
In an ever-growing market, it’s difficult to find a brand that will continue to roll with quality and rider assistance, one that values longevity and persists in its efforts to make the riding experience last longer than the ride. Here’s how Aventon promises to change the way you experience the world on two wheels:
- 1,000+ authorized dealers that offer quality service & test rides
- 2-year warranty that protects you and your ebike for the long road ahead
- TUV Certified Safety Standards to ensure your ebike and its components are efficient and safe
- Innovative Aventon App that features in-depth riding metrics, plus interaction with fellow Aventon riders to share rides, photos and much more!
- Group Rides around the country that promotes connectivity and a good time
- Eco-Friendly Sustainable Packaging on all-new Aventon ebike models
- FREE fast shipping on all ebike orders
Aventon vs rad power: the bottom line
Both of these ebikes, and their step-through counterparts, come close to each other on many of the points raised in this article. However, what makes the Soltera stand out from the pack, and specifically the RadMission 1, is the attention to detail applied to each element of this ebike to make the Soltera suit the person and the terrain they will be riding on to produce the best riding experience possible for each individual.
This attention to the detail in tailoring our ebikes to the individuals that will be riding them and the terrain they will be riding them on is one of the pillars supporting the high standards that we hold here at Aventon. We are exceptionally proud of the Soltera as we come almost full circle, connecting our ebike present with our fixe and performance cycling past. Not to mention the 2-year warranty that keeps you protected for the long road ahead.
Finally, we just want to ask, which of these ebikes do you like the look of the best? We know which one we’d prefer to be seeing each morning!
Great article, I own an Aventure and looked very closely at both brands prior to buying. Aventon won out for me, especially on the customer service side which is another large benefit which you only really see once you buy.
Good review, covered every detail. I cannot emphasize enough the 2 biggest differences (beyond beauty!) is offering the 7 speed and the significant weight advantage. My wife and I love our Solteras for those two reasons most of all. As for power and range, of course 500W is the stronger motor, but that means it contributes to Rad’s greater weight and will consume the battery faster. The 350W motor devours hills just fine. I have a couple nits to pick with the PHYSICAL section. I think you’ve jumbled the sections on tires and weight. 700C x 35 is the smaller tire and Soltera’s 2lb weight difference is between single and 7 speed not step over and step through.