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Velotric Discover 2 vs Aventon Level.2 Ebike Comparison

Overview

When you're shopping for the ultimate commuter e-bike, what do you look for? Certainly it should be class 3 (28 mph) capable, and be able to carry you and everything you need for work. It needs to have good power and range to get you to-and-from work, and ideally can also help you explore the world on weekends. And an e-bike priced reasonably and also built solidly.

There are some solid choices on the market, so how do you decide? You need to have the features and options that best suit you, and a bike that's powerful enough to get you where you need to go. The new Velotric Discover 2 has the best power in class, the lowest step-through height at 15 inches, the most comfort and the most safety of anything in this class.

Two bikes that go directly head-to head are our Velotric Discover 2 and Aventon's Level.2 e-bikes. Both come in at the same price point, $1699. Both can be a class 3 e-bike, providing pedal-assist at up to 28 mph and throttle up to 20 mph. But there are a number of differences that separate the two bikes.

Motor
Battery
Pedal Assist
Sensor
E-bike Class
Throttle
Top Speed
Range Throttle
Pedal assist
Drivetrain
Step-Through
Carrying capacity
Size and Fit
Riding Position
Stem
Fork
Tire Dimensions
Puncture-resistant
Weight
UL Certification
IP Rating
Frame
Brakes
Front hub
Apple Find My™
Colors
Rear Rack
Front-basket compatible
App
Trailer Compatible
Discover 2
Level.2
750W (1100W peak), 75Nm torque 500W (750W peak), 60Nm torque
705.6Wh with LG cells 672Wh with LG cells
3 modes / 5 levels 4 levels
Torque Torque
1,2 or 3, user selectable through menu or app 1,2 or 3, user selectable
Trigger throttle Thumb throttle
28 mph 28 mph
60 miles
75 miles
Unknown
60 miles
Shimano Altus, 8-speed Shimano Acera, 8-speed
440 lbs 300 lbs
Regular: 4'11"-5'9", Large: 5'6"-6'4" Regular: 4'11"-5'7", Large: 5'7"-6'1"
Upright Forward
Adjustable Fixed
Hydraulic suspension, 80mm travel with lockout Coil spring, 65mm travel with lockout
27.5x2.4"
27.5x2.1"
63 lbs 62 lbs
UL 2849 TUV, UL 2849
IPX6 (bike) IPX7 (Battery) IPX4 (bike & battery)
Triple-butted aluminum alloy, front basket-compatible, step-through Double-butted alumiinum alloy, step-through or step-over
Tektro hydraulic disc brakes Tektro hydraulic disc brakes
Thru-axle Thru-axle
×
4 2 (High-step)+ 2(Step-over)
Included Included
X
iOS, Android iOS, Android
More Power, More Range, More Fun

The Aventon Level.2 has a 500W rear hub motor that has a peak output of 750W and 60Nm of torque. It has five levels of assistance and a torque sensor, and that is important. Why?

Most e-bikes in this price range have a cadence sensor. That is, it can tell when you're pedaling, even if you're just rotating the cranks with no real effort. It will take up to a full rotation of the cranks before the motor kicks in, but when it does, it will take you immediately and abruptly to the full speed of whatever power mode you are in.

With a torque sensor, the motor knows when you're putting in effort, and will match that effort. The harder you pedal, the more power it gives you. It feels very natural, more like you had superhuman leg power. It also starts immediately when you start pedaling.

The Discover 2 is our first bike with a torque sensor. It also has a 750W rear hub motor that peaks at 1100W and offers a powerful 75Nm of torque. Talk about flattening hills! That's plenty of power to get you moving and keep you moving. You'll also have 15 more miles of range than with the Level.2.

Both have a full-color display, but the Level.2 has a 2.8" display and our Discover 2 has a big 3.5" display to see your speed, mode level, battery percentage and more.

The Level.2 has five different power-assist modes, where the Discover 2 has 3 modes, Eco, Trail and Boost, but five levels within each offering the rider three times the number of choices for the perfect amount of assistance in any situation.

Key Points:
  • Discover 2 has 50% more power and 25% more range.
  • With 25% more torque you can conquer steeper hills with ease.
  • A bigger display is easier to see.
Motor
Battery
Pedal Assist
Sensor
E-bike Class
Throttle
Top Speed
Range Throttle
Pedal assist
Drivetrain
USB Charger
Carrying capacity
Discover 2
Level.2
Notes
750W (1100W peak), 75Nm torque 500W (750W peak), 60Nm torque Our motor has 50% more power and more torque to get you moving further, longer and tackling hills with ease.
705.6Wh with LG cells 672Wh with LG cells The Discover 2's higher-capacity battery offers more range than the Level 2. Get up to 15 more miles from the Discover 2.
3 modes / 5 levels 4 levels With 3 riding modes: Eco, Trail and Boost, and a total of 15 power settings, the Discover 2 offers a high level of customization - you can select how you want to ride, and how much power you want/need.
Torque Torque A torque sensor measures how much effort you're putting in, and gives you more assistance the harder you pedal. This is compared to a cadence sensor that delivers consistent power regardless of how much you are pedaling. The Discover 2's torque sensor feels both natural and smooth to ride. most natural-feeling.
1,2 or 3, user selectable through menu or app 1,2 or 3, user selectable Class 1 - has only pedal assistance up to 20mph. Class 2 - has pedal assistance up to 20mph + throttle assistance up to 20mph. Class 3 - has pedal assistance up to 28mph + may or may not have throttle assistance up to 20mph.
Trigger throttle Thumb Throttle The throttle gives you an instant boost of power, which is great if you're at a traffic stop and need to acelerate quickly or, if you simply don't want to pedal - for example if your legs are tired.
28 mph 28 mph The Discover 2 ship as class 2, but can be configured as a class 3 via the menus or the app.
60 miles
75 miles
Unknown
60 miles
The Discover 2 ships as a Class 2, but can be configured as a Class 3 via the display menu or the app. You can also limit the top speed according to your preference via the menu or app.
Shimano Altus, 8-speed Shimano Acera, 8-speed Acera and Altus are both regarded as good quality deraileurs by Shimano that also have good longevity.
"An integrated USB charger helps you charge your phone while you ride which is useful for GPS, music, etc. The Discover 2's USB-C port offers compatibility with the latest cell models."
440 lbs 300 lbs The Discover 2 offers a 46% heavier payload capacity compared to the Level 2, meaning it can carry heavier riders and cargo.
Designed for Comfort and Convenience for Maximum Fun

There are a number of differences between the two bikes when it comes to comfort. The Discover 2 has a more upright riding position, with an adjustable stem so you can maximize your comfort. It has a nice sweep to the handlebar and ergonomic grips, along with a generously padded seat. The fork has hydraulic suspension with 80mm of travel to tame the bumps in the road, and voluminous 27.5x2.4" tires that also smooth the ride. The bike itself can hold up to 440 lbs of rider plus cargo.

The Level.2 has a fixed stem and a more forward riding position. The handlebar is flatter, with simple round grips, and a less-padded saddle. The fork uses a coil spring and only offers 65mm of travel. It comes with less-voluminous 27.5x2.1" tires. Total capacity of rider plus cargo is 300 lbs.

  • An upright seating position with an adjustable stem assures maximum comfort, even on long rides.
  • Discover 2's payload capacity of 440 lbs is perfect for riders of all sizes and shapes, and whatever they wan to fit onto their carrying racks and is 46% more than Level.2
  • Handlebar has a nice sweep back, grips have wide palm support and elastic cusions, allowing otherwise typically high-tension areas from cycling such as your arms, shoulders, neck, back and waist to fully relax.
  • It's equipped with a superior suspension system with 80mm of travel that keeps the ride smooth and your tush cushioned even in less-than-ideal road conditions. In case you want to feel the road more, you can also use the lockout to adjust the experience.
  • 27.5x2.4" tires have enough volume to make for a smoother experience over bumps.
  • A thru-axle on the front keeps the wheel sturdily in place but still allows for simple removal to make the Discover 2 easier to fit into your vehicle.
Size and Fit
Riding Position
Stem
Fork
Tires Dimensions
Puncture-resistant
Weight
Discover 2
Level.2
Notes
Regular: 4'11"-5'9", Large: 5'6"-6'4" Regular: 4'11"-5'7", Large: 5'7"-6'1" Discover 2 fits a wider range of rider heights, and has a lower step-through frame.
Upright Forward The upright position is the most comfortable riding posture for most, so it's perfect for all-day rides!
Adjustable Fixed An adjustable stem allows riders to make the handlebar lower or higher to offer the most comfortable riding position.
Hydraulic suspension, 80mm travel with lockout Coil spring, 65mm travel with lockout The suspension system helps reduce vibration and improves the handling experience on complex road surfaces, enhancing comfort and safety. Hydraulic suspensions typically offer the best quality and experience. Lockout allows you to change the length of travel of the suspension for different road conditions.
27.5x2.4"
27.5x2.1"
27.5" wheels allow for a smoother ride over bumps, and the 2.4" wide tire offers more damping than the 2.1" because of the air volume. Puncture resistance helps because getting a flat while riding is never fun.
63 lbs 62 lbs At 63lbs the Discover 2 falls within the normal range for the weight of an ebike. The bike has great build quality, and the portable battery can be removed to make it lighter.
Industry-Leading Safety for Peace of Mind

Because safety is paramount, we go out of our way to ensure you have the safest ride possible.

Discover 2 has the lowest step-through frame in its class, at a mere 15", making it incredibly easy to mount. This is convenient for everyone, but especially people who carry kids on the back (the included rack can have a child seat attached) or those with hip or leg issues.

The battery on the Level.2 is certified by TUV, whereas the Discover 2 has a UL 2849 and UL 2271 certification. The difference is that UL certifications focus not only on safety and reliability, but also sustainability, both in manufacturing and in efficiency.

Discover 2 ships as a class 2 e-bike, meaning pedal assist or throttle can take you up to 20 mph. Depending on your preferences and/or local laws, you can set up the bike as class 1, 2 or 3 through the menus or the connected app. Class 1 allows pedal assistance up to 20 mph. Class 2 allows pedal or throttle assistance up to 20 mph. Class 3 allows pedal assistance up to 28 mph and throttle assistance up to 20 mph.

Level.2 is only available as a class 2 or 3 e-bike (rider-selectable).

Both have Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors for fast stopping and great modulation.

Discover 2 has the brightest headlight, at 130 lux, both for seeing at night and being seen during the day. The rear light at the back also serves as a brake light, and you can program it to be steady or to flash. There are also turn signals.

Apple Find My technology is baked into the bike, so you'll always know where your bike is, and you can find it if it is ever stolen. There's no AirTag to remove, so thieves won't be able to disable it.

  • 15" step-through height, the lowest in the class
  • UL 2849and UL 2271 certifications through UL Solutions
  • The Discover 2 comes as a Class 2 ebike, and can be adjusted to a Class 3 via the bike display menu or the app.
  • Tektro dual-piston hydraulic brakes with 180mm rotors
  • Brighter headlight
  • Apple Find My technology built-in
UL Listed
IP Rating
Frame
Brakes
Front hub
Apple Find My™
Discover 2
Level.2
Notes
UL 2849 TUV, UL 2849 UL Certification is very important for safety. Velotric's UL 2849 certification was done by UL here in the U.S., whereas Aventon's is done in Europe by TUV.
IPX6 (bike) IPX7 (Battery) IPX4 (bike) The IP (ingress protection) rating is important to show how water-resistant the bike and motor system are. An IPX4 rating means it can splash through some water, however an IPX6 rating means it can withstand powerful jets for at least 3 minutes, so you can wash your bike or ride it in the rain. IPX7 rating for the battery sets a very high bar. Under IPX7 the battery can be fully submerged in water at 1m depth for 30 minutes.
Triple-butted aluminum alloy, front basket-compatible, step-through Double-butted alumiinum alloy, step-through or step-over Between the better-engineered frame and bosses on the head tube for a front basket, Discover 2 is the clear winner here.
Tektro hydraulic disc brakes Tektro hydraulic disc brakes Hydraulic disc brakes provide excellent braking performance, better brake control, higher durability and reduced maintenance requirements. They're the preferred choice for e-bikes.
Thru-axle Thru-axle A thru-axle has a quick release structure allows front wheels to be removed easily making it more convenient to store the bike when needed. It also won't come loose on its own.
× Discover 2 has Apple Find My tech built right in - you'll be able to track your bike whether lost or stolen.
A Bike Made For You

The Discover 2 is a bike made for you and your needs.You can truly make it your own, with your choice of four stunning colors and a great array of accessories. There's a front basket, a rear basket to sit atop the included rear rack, a dog/kid trailer, a mirror and more! We also sell you an ABUS lock, a Lumos helmet, a HOTO Electric air pump and more, right here .

Colors
Rear Rack
Front basket compatible
App
Tralier compatible
Discover 2
Level.2
Notes
4 2 Discover 2 offers 4 colorful options, including Cherry Crimson, Stone Grey, Pine Green and Mint.
Included Included Having a sturdy rear rack included adds a ton of utility to the bike. You can add side bags, a basket, a child seat and more!
× The option of a front basket lets you carry even more stuff. Who needs a car to run errands with so much cargo capability?
iOS, Android iOS, Android Compatible apps offer plenty of ways to customize settings on your bike, download and install OTA updates, track your rides, even connect to fitness apps.
Being able to attach a trailer means being able to carry your kids, your dogs, or more stuff.
Conclusion

If you look at all the differences, you see a true advantage in chosing the Discover 2. The build quality, the range, the power, the cargo capacity are all better on the Discover 2. It's not just looking at specs, the ride quality is truly better and just more fun on the Discover 2. If you don't believe me, try a test ride on both.


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