Aventon Soltera 2.5 vs Velotric Fold 1
Two commuter e-bikes at a similar price, compared on the same normalized specs. Both scored by us, both reviewed in full.
The verdict
The Fold 1 is the stronger machine on power, battery, and payload, but the Soltera 2.5 is cheaper and lighter, so pick based on whether you actually need that extra muscle and capacity or just want a simpler commuter for less.
Buy the Aventon Soltera 2.5
Buy the Soltera 2.5 if you want a lighter, more traditional-riding bike for less money, and you're not hauling heavy loads or grinding up steep hills.
Buy the Velotric Fold 1
Buy the Fold 1 if you need more torque and battery for hills or cargo, more payload capacity, or want a fat-tire folder you can stash in a smaller space, and the extra $100 and 17 lb don't bother you.
The differences that matter
- Aventon Soltera 2.5 costs $100 less.
- Velotric Fold 1 pulls harder from a stop and on hills, by 25 Nm of torque.
- Velotric Fold 1 carries 262 Wh more battery, which is the main thing that sets how far you get.
- Velotric Fold 1 runs a 400W bigger motor on continuous power.
- Aventon Soltera 2.5 is 17 lb lighter, which you notice lifting it or carrying it up steps.
- Velotric Fold 1 claims 9 more miles of range, though both figures are the manufacturer's optimistic "up to" number.
Who each one is for
Aventon Soltera 2.5
City riders who want a light, affordable e-bike for short, mostly flat commutes and errands, with throttle power on tap when they don't feel like pedaling.
Velotric Fold 1
A daily commuter who wants a compact, foldable bike that can climb, carry a load, and cruise on throttle power when your legs are done.
Spec by spec
| Spec | Aventon Soltera 2.5 | Velotric Fold 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,199 | $1,299 |
| Motor (nominal) | 350W | 750W |
| Torque | 45 Nm | 70 Nm |
| Battery | 345.6 Wh | 608 Wh |
| Claimed range | 46 mi | 55 mi |
| Weight | 46 lb | 63 lb |
| Max payload | 300 lb | 440 lb |
| Motor type | hub | hub |
| E-bike class | Class 2 | Class 3 |
| Brakes | Tektro HD-T280 Hydraulic disc brake w/o e-cutoff | 180mm Hydraulic Disc Brake |
| Drivetrain | Shimano Tourney 7 speed | SHIMANO 7-speed, 11-28T |
| Tire size | Kenda K1085 700x38C | 20x3.0" |
Highlighted values are the better of the two where both brands publish the number. Where a spec isn't published we leave it blank rather than guess.
The short version on each
Aventon Soltera 2.5
What's good
- At 46 pounds, it's far lighter than most e-bikes, which makes storing it and moving it around much less of a hassle
- A throttle means you can cruise without pedaling up to 20 mph, nice for hills and starting from a stop
- Strong value for the money, one of the better price-to-capability picks in its class
What to know
- The small 345.6Wh battery is modest for the class, so realistic range trails the 46-mile claim, especially with steady throttle use
- With 45 Nm of torque and a 350W motor, it gets moving fine on flats but works hard on steep climbs
Velotric Fold 1
What's good
- A throttle lets you ride without pedaling, and you can set the top assisted speed anywhere from 12 to 28 mph
- 70 Nm of torque from the 750W motor gives you enough power for hills, not just flat streets
- Handles a 440-pound payload, one of the higher limits you'll find on a folder this size
What to know
- 20-inch wheels roll over bumps and potholes with less smoothness than a full-size commuter
Full Aventon Soltera 2.5 review → Full Velotric Fold 1 review →