The Aventon Soltera 3 ADV is listed at $1,499 and the Pace 5 REC at $1,799: a $300 difference at Tampa Bay eBikes as checked October 3, 2026. The extra money buys a different riding package—low step-through access, eight gears, a throttle, a larger battery and connected features—but also adds 23.48 lb. The Soltera keeps the emphasis on lower weight and a single-speed belt drive.
This buying guide compares the specifications that affect everyday ownership. Think about where you will store the bike, whether you must lift it, and whether you want to shift gears or use a throttle. Prices and availability can change; check the product pages for current options.
Technical Specifications and Component Overview
Both bikes have aluminum frames, rigid forks and Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with 180 mm rotors. Their motor systems, drivetrains and frame access differ, as the comparison below shows.
| Item | Soltera | Pace |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,499 | $1,799 |
| Bike weight | 37 lb | 60.48 lb |
| Frame | Step-over | Step-through |
| Drive | Single-speed belt | 8-speed chain |
| Throttle | None | Thumb throttle |
| Motor* | 250W | 750W |
| Torque* | 40 Nm | 80 Nm |
| Battery | 366.8Wh | 733Wh |
| Range** | Up to 70 mi | Up to 75 mi |
| Tires | 700x38C | 27.5x2.1 |
| Payload*** | 300 lb | 330 lb |
*Nominal motor power and standard torque; Pace Boost figures are explained in the motor section. **Manufacturer estimates under the conditions described in this article. ***Total rider and cargo.
The Soltera 3 ADV is built around traditional road and urban proportions with 700x38C Kenda tires and four distinct frame sizes: Small (5'1"–5'5"), Medium (5'5"–5'9"), Large (5'9"–6'1"), and Extra Large (6'1"–6'4"). In contrast, the Pace 5 REC relies on 27.5x2.1-inch tires for broader ground contact and comes in two frame configurations: Regular (5'0"–5'9") and Large (5'9"–6'3"). Physical fit should always be evaluated in person to confirm proper standover clearance and reach.
Motor Power, Throttle Controls, and Assist Behavior
The Soltera uses a 250W nominal rear hub motor with 540W peak power and 40 Nm of torque. Its torque sensor responds to pedaling effort. It is a Class 1 eBike with pedal assist up to 20 mph, no throttle and no throttle compatibility.
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The Pace has a 750W nominal rear hub motor with 1,188W standard peak power and 80 Nm of torque. Boost mode raises the maximum to 1,440W peak and 96 Nm for up to 30 seconds. A left-handlebar thumb throttle gives you another way to request motor assistance.
The Pace carries a Class 2 label. Aventon lists a maximum assisted speed of 28 mph in an appropriate configuration; ask the shop to explain the current assist setup. That maximum should not be read as a claim of 28 mph throttle operation.
Both bikes use torque sensing. The Pace also includes Sensor Switch, allowing a choice between torque- and cadence-sensing assistance. Try the available settings to decide which response you prefer; greater motor output alone does not determine which bike fits your riding style.
Belt Drive Versus Derailleur Chain Drivetrain
The Soltera uses a single-speed Gates Carbon Belt Drive without a derailleur or gear shifter. It avoids chain lubrication, making it an option for buyers who prefer a simpler drivetrain. A single gear also means you cannot shift to change the relationship between pedaling cadence and road speed.
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A belt drivetrain still needs inspection and care. Follow the manufacturer’s guidance for cleaning and tension checks, and continue regular brake, tire and fastener checks. Lower drivetrain upkeep does not make the whole bicycle maintenance-free.
The Pace has an 8-speed Shimano Altus chain drivetrain. You can choose a lower gear for starts or climbs and a higher gear as speed rises. Budget time for chain cleaning and lubrication, plus periodic checks of shifting performance.
Choose the drivetrain around the task: the Soltera offers a belt and one gear; the Pace offers a choice of eight mechanical gears. During a test ride, compare starting, settling into a comfortable cadence and pedaling into a breeze.
Frame Geometry, Weight Difference, and Storage Realities
Complete-bike weight is 37 lb for the Soltera and 60.48 lb for the Pace. The 23.48 lb difference matters when lifting or moving the bike around a home, not just while riding.
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Neither model folds. Measure your storage space, consider stairs and doorways, and check your vehicle rack’s per-bike weight rating and frame compatibility. Ask for help evaluating handling and lifting before buying.
The Pace has an upright position, swept-back handlebars, an adjustable stem and a 250 mm wide saddle. Its fork is rigid and its regular seatpost is not a suspension seatpost. The Soltera also has a rigid fork. Compare reach and road feel in person rather than assuming that either specification guarantees comfort.
The Soltera has a step-over top tube; the Pace uses a low step-through frame. Try mounting, dismounting and standing over each model in your usual riding shoes. The right size and reach depend on the rider, so published height ranges are a starting point.
Battery Capacity, Range Estimates, and Connected Tech
The Soltera has a 366.8Wh battery with an estimated 3–4 hour charge time. The Pace has a removable 733Wh battery with an estimated 5 hour charge time. Check how your storage and charging arrangements fit each design before ordering.
Soltera 3 ADV System
- Integrated 366.8Wh battery pack
- Class 1 pedal assist up to 20 mph
- Aventon BC147 compact handlebar display
- Integrated headlamp and tail turn signals
- Estimated range up to 70 miles
Pace 5 REC System
- Removable 733Wh battery pack
- 750W hub motor with Boost capability
- Aventon Control Unit with 4G and GPS features
- Regenerative braking energy recovery
- Estimated range up to 75 miles
Aventon estimates up to 70 miles for the Soltera and up to 75 miles for the Pace. Both figures use a 165 lb rider on flat paved roads in Eco mode with default Ride Tune settings. They are not Tampa Bay eBikes test results or guaranteed distances. Rider and cargo load, assistance level, wind, terrain and tire pressure affect actual range. The larger battery does not imply twice the mileage.
The Pace includes regenerative braking to recover some energy while slowing down; it does not replace plug-in charging or guarantee a fixed range increase. Aventon Control Unit connected features include 4G and GPS tracking. The first year of 4G service is included from service registration, followed by paid renewal. These functions depend on service availability and supplement a physical lock rather than replacing it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which model includes a throttle?
The Aventon Pace 5 REC includes a left-handlebar thumb throttle that provides motorized acceleration without pedaling. The Aventon Soltera 3 ADV is a Class 1 electric bicycle that does not include a throttle and is not compatible with throttle additions.
Which model is lighter or easier to store?
The Soltera 3 ADV is significantly lighter at 37 pounds, making it easier to lift and carry compared to the 60.48-pound Pace 5 REC. Neither bicycle folds, so riders should measure storage spaces and test physical lifting limits before buying.
How do the belt and chain drivetrains differ?
The Soltera 3 ADV uses a single-speed Gates Carbon Belt Drive that operates quietly without chain oil, derailleurs, or shift cables. The Pace 5 REC features an 8-speed Shimano Altus chain drivetrain, which provides multiple gear ratios for varied terrain but requires routine lubrication and mechanical adjustment.
Are the advertised range figures guaranteed?
No, the manufacturer estimates of up to 70 miles for the Soltera and 75 miles for the Pace are baseline calculations using a 165-pound rider on flat terrain in Eco mode. Real-world range varies depending on rider weight, assist levels, elevation, weather, and tire pressure.
Choosing Between the Soltera 3 ADV and Pace 5 REC
The Pace’s additional $300 brings a low step-through frame, more motor output, eight gears, a throttle, a larger battery and connected features. The tradeoff is a heavier bike with a chain drivetrain to maintain. The Soltera is the lighter belt-drive option if you are comfortable with a step-over frame, one gear and pedal-only assistance. Decide which set of tradeoffs matches your daily routine before ordering.
Contact the Tampa Bay eBikes team to check current inventory, confirm available frame sizes, and arrange an in-person test ride. Store staff can be reached by phone at 727-228-1975.
727-228-1975- Tampa Showroom: 4004 S MacDill Ave Unit 6, Tampa FL 33611
- Dunedin Showroom: 376 Patricia Ave, Dunedin FL 34698
- St. Petersburg Showroom: 4116 S 8th Ave Unit B, St Petersburg FL 33711
Please call ahead to confirm specific model, size and test-ride availability before visiting. The service center is separate from the retail showrooms. See Tampa Bay eBikes locations for current location details.
Primary specifications and manufacturer documentation can be referenced through the official Aventon Soltera 3 Product Page and the Aventon Pace 5 REC Product Page.