Aventon Aventure M Review: A Powerful Mid-Drive Upgrade to a Flagship Fat Tire E-Bike

Aventon hasn’t reinvented the wheel, but it got close, redesigning its most popular all-terrain electric bike from the ground up. The Aventon Aventure M swaps out a rear hub motor for the latest Aventon a100 mid-drive motor, along with electric shifting and more savvy tech for a whole new ride. I recently tested the Aventon Aventure M, and there’s a lot to write home about— read the full review below.

All-Terrain Mid-Drive Electric Bike

The standard Aventure model is Aventon’s flagship fat tire electric bike, now in its third generation. The Aventure M edition continues the lineage with an all-terrain design, 4” fat tires, and rugged components, but the family resemblance stops there. The biggest difference is the new mid-drive motor that replaces the typical rear hub motor, providing more natural pedal assist that combines with the mechanical advantage of gears. It’s a major upgrade that’s already featured on the Aventon Ramblas e-MTB model, while the Aventure M embraces a more recreational design for paved and off-road cruising.

Aventure M Specs

The Aventure M is available in three beautiful colorways: Camouflage, Pacific Blue, and Basalt. Choose between Regular (5’3” – 5’10”) and Large (5’10” – 6’4”) frame sizes. The entire bike with the battery weighs 73 lbs. That’s decently hefty, but the Aventure M felt lighter and much more maneuverable than similar all-terrain electric bikes I’ve tested. It was also easy to put onto a car rack during transport.

Aventure M Mid-Drive Motor

The Aventure M is powered by Aventon’s own a100 mid-drive motor instead of a rear hub motor, which is typical of most of its fleet. The mid-drive unit is rated at 250W (peak 750W) and pushes out a maximum 100 Nm of torque, which, combined with the 10-speed gearing, offers hill-climbing performance that’s head and shoulders above rear hub-drive bikes.

During testing, the Aventure M reached 20 mph easily, and it can be unlocked to faster Class 3 speeds of 28 mph. Aventon also mentions that an aftermarket throttle option is also available— but do check your local e-bike regulations. The Turbo Mode was tons of fun and really helped in snowy conditions. The mid-drive unit is neatly integrated into the aluminum frame, and the torque sensor delivers a natural-feeling boost with plenty of oomph. There’s a 733 Wh battery neatly tucked inside the downtube, with a keyless locking function.

Electronic Shifting and AutoMode

Highlights of the Aventure M include its electronic shifting and automatic pedal assist levels. The e-bike is equipped with a Shimano Cues 10-speed drivetrain— already a noticeable upgrade to previous Aventure models— that’s controlled by an electronic shifter on the handlebars. This allows for precise indexed shifting and autoshifting if you choose that option.

You can also ride in AutoMode, which toggles between pedal assist levels based on rider input, so you can simply enjoy the ride and cruise without worrying about shifting. It’s an interesting added feature that makes sense for a mid-drive bike, since the motor’s rpms combine with the drivetrain for optimal efficiency. Experienced riders probably won’t want this feature, but newer riders could enjoy the flatter learning curve on their first electric bike.

Suspension, Brakes, and Tires for Adventure

The Aventure M is built tough enough to take on a wide range of terrains, including an 80mm suspension fork with lockout and high-quality hydraulic brakes. The disc brake rotors are larger than most, coming in at 200mm up front and 180mm at the rear for increased stopping power.

The Inova 26×4” fat tires offer plenty of grip and cushion, and work great in wintery conditions, even in 2-3” of snow. Such versatility makes the Aventure M a great option for a year-round electric bike with a more premium feel compared to rear hub motor models. The Shimano 10-speed gearing offers a wide range of gears and prevents any ghost pedaling, even when traveling at faster speeds.

Plenty of Updated Tech

Aventon seems to always be at the front of sleek e-bike technology, and the Aventon M comes with a handful of tech-savvy touches. In addition to the electronic shifting and automatic pedal-assist mode, there is built-in theft deterrence. The bike has an integrated wheel lock, an optional startup password, geo-fencing, and GPS tracking to increase security.

As always, the Aventon app is super user-friendly and offers an impressive amount of customizability in terms of e-bike settings. There are turn signals, rear running lights, and an included headlight.

Who is the Aventon Aventure M For?

The Aventon Aventure M is designed for riders who want an enhanced all-terrain e-bike experience without jumping into full-blown electric mountain bike territory. Its mid-drive motor, electronic shifting, and upgraded components make it a great choice for:

• Recreational riders who want a smooth, natural-feeling pedal assist on pavement, bike paths, and light off-road trails, and a higher-end feel compared to hub-motor bikes.
• Commuters who need dependable power, excellent brakes, and integrated security features for daily riding.
• Adventure seekers who want a capable, year-round bike with fat tires for snow, sand, gravel, and rougher terrain.
• Newer riders who will appreciate AutoMode and autoshifting for a simple, intuitive riding experience.

Aventon M Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Powerful and smooth mid-drive performance
• Electronic shifting with optional autoshift
• Strong all-terrain capability with great brakes and suspension
• Integrated security and tech features

Cons:

• Heavier than many other mid-drive bikes
• AutoMode may feel unnecessary for experienced riders

Overall Impression

The Aventon Aventure M ($2799.99) is a significant step forward for Aventon’s all-terrain lineup. By switching to a mid-drive motor and adding electronic shifting, AutoMode, and a suite of modern tech features, Aventon has transformed the Aventure series from a powerful fat-tire cruiser into a more refined, efficient, and capable adventure machine. It maintains the rugged versatility people love— fat tires, strong brakes, solid suspension making it one of the best e-bikes we have ridden in some time —  delivering a noticeably more premium riding experience.

Related All Terrain E-Bikes We Have Tested in the Tetons

1. Heybike ALPHA E-Bike
2. VTUVIA SN100 Got Upgraded
3. Puckipuppy Labrador Pro Full Suspension E-Bike