Aventon are far from an unknown name. Anyone who keeps an eye on North American bike culture will know that the brand, founded in 2013, has long since earned big-player status over there. Having made their name in the fixie and urban bike scene, the Californians from Ontario, who we have already paid a visit to, have now set their sights on a new goal: breaking into the performance eMTB segment and launching in Europe. The new Aventon Current is the Americans’ first eMTB and, according to Aventon, it’s designed to take the riding experience to the next level and challenge the standard in this category. Their mission is to finally turn the “adventure for all” concept into reality.
On paper, the new Aventon Current EXP looks like a serious contender in the mid-range segment for the price-conscious buyer. Retailing at € 5,499, the top-spec model we tested comes with a carbon main frame, aluminium swingarm, 150/140 mm of travel, and Aventon’s in-house Ultro X mid-drive motor churning out 110 Nm, or up to 120 Nm and 850 W peak power in Boost mode. You also get a removable 800 Wh battery, touch display, app connectivity, GPS features and smart extras such as wheel lift control and jump tracking. At 24 kg in size L, the Current EXP is no lightweightbut, given the price, it’s still a very competitive option.
This is where things get interesting. Aventon don’t come from the high-end performance segment of the eMTB world, but from a background where range, accessibility, everyday usability and an attractive price often matter more than outright “ripping-capability”. The Current EXP is meant to bring both worlds together: plenty of power, plenty of tech and plenty of bike for your money. It’s a bold claim. But does the Californian manufacturer’s first full-suspension eMTB really deliver on the trail what it promises on paper, or does the American dream turn into more of a gentle reality check once you hit the dirt?
What detail solutions does the new Aventon Current EXP have to offer?
In purely visual terms, the Aventon Current EXP takes a minimalist approach rather than relying on loud design gimmicks, opting instead for a subtle, organic design language. In our black paint finish, the bike looks clean and discrete, while still boasting well-balanced proportions. Only the comparatively bulky bottom bracket area, which gives the Ultro X motor the installation space it needs, stands out a little more.
To protect the carbon main frame and aluminium rear triangle, Aventon employ solid plastic elements that do their job reliably. The chainstay protector effectively dampens chain slap, preventing unpleasant noise. On the downtube, a bonded protector flows into the motor cover, which shields the drive unit from impacts. A small rubber guard prevents dirt build-up between the main frame and the swingarm.
The cables are neatly routed internally and disappear into the frame through cable ports, only to reappear shortly before the components where they’re needed, ensuring a tidy, uncluttered look.
The new Aventon Ultro X motor of the new Aventon Current EXP
When it comes to the drive system, Aventon are taking a surprisingly ambitious approach for such a young eMTB contender. The new Aventon Ultro X motor was developed in close collaboration with Gobao. While their partner supplies the hardware, Aventon keep control of the software, system tuning and controls. That’s interesting because Aventon aren’t simply fitting an off-the-shelf system, but aiming to build their own ecosystem. On paper, the figures are certainly confident: the mid-drive motor delivers 110 Nm of maximum torque, while Boost mode briefly unlocks as much as 120 Nm and up to 850 W peak power. At 2.85 kg, however, the Ultro X is no lightweight, and in terms of size it sits more on the level of a Shimano EP801 motor.
The drive unit draws its power from an 800 Wh battery, which can be removed from the downtube after undoing three bolts and taking off the battery cover. It’s not a solution for the impatient, and certainly not the most elegant system on the market, but in day-to-day use it’s rather practical. Take a couple of minutes and you can remove the battery without any trouble using a standard multitool. As standard, charging is handled by a 4 A charger with 168 W output, so fast-charging is not an option for the time being. However, a 12 A charger is set to follow. The charging port sits above the motor and is protected by a plastic cover, which performed solidly and without fuss in our test.
When it comes to operation and connectivity, Aventon show that they are aiming for more than just brute motor power. The touch display integrated into the top tube responds quickly and accurately, giving it a modern feel. Visually, it strongly resembles the Avinox interface. It doesn’t quite match that system’s display quality yet, but overall the solution is impressive and definitely noteworthy at this price point. Combined with the wireless two-button remote, it lets you swipe intuitively through the menus and select the three assistance levels, Auto mode and the 30-second Boost mode. The remote does fall short in terms of ergonomics and tactile feel, however, and is less convincing.
Using the Aventon app, you can fine-tune the assistance modes even further, adjusting settings such as maximum torque, support ratio and pedal responsiveness. You can also activate additional functions such as wheel lift control, a form of traction control, motor overrun and jump tracking. The latter is more of a nice gimmick than a genuine feature, and it brings to mind features such as Specialized’s old Jump Stats. Even so, it shows clearly the direction Aventon are taking: the system is not just meant to deliver powerful support, but also a digital riding experience.
On top of that, there’s GPS tracking, ride recording and an alarm when the bike is electronically locked. The anti-theft functions worked reliably in our test, even if the alarm is not especially loud and switches off again fairly quickly. More useful is the 4G and Bluetooth connectivity, which allows updates to be installed conveniently over the air. All in all, Aventon deliver a surprisingly refined system package here: the app is impressive, the display works well, and in terms of operation and connectivity, the Ultro X system comes surprisingly close to far more prominent players such as Avinox. Only the 4 A charger and the remote still leave clear room for improvement.
What’s the spec of the new Aventon Current EXP like?
When it comes to the spec, Aventon rely on solid components overall, though the build is clearly aimed at entry-level riders. Up front, there’s a RockShox Lyrik Select fork with Charger damper, while a RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ shock controls 140 mm of travel at the rear. On the fork, you can adjust the low-speed compression and rebound damping, which will be enough for many riders, especially beginners, and allows for a straightforward setup.
For shifting, Aventon rely on a SRAM S1000 Transmission drivetrain, which marks the entry point into SRAM’s electronic Transmission range. The system works reliably and delivers the manufacturer’s familiar, robust shifting performance. One practical detail is that the drivetrain draws power directly from the bike’s main battery, so there’s no need for a separate battery on the rear derailleur. Aventon also spec SRAM MAVEN Base brakes, paired with 200 mm rotors front and rear. That’s a sensible setup for an eMTB and ensures powerful, reliable deceleration.
Less convincing, however, is the Fusion Manic LT dropper post, which in frame sizes L and XL offers only 170 mm of travel. The matching lever isn’t much better either, feeling far from premium and lacking good ergonomics. We are even more critical of the tire setup. The Current rolls on 29” no-name alloy wheels, fitted with a MAXXIS Minion DHF up front and a MAXXIS Minion DHR II at the rear. However, both tires come in the lightweight EXO casing and basic Dual Compound. For an eMTB, that’s simply too flimsy and makes punctures more likely. At the very least, Aventon should have gone for tires with an EXO+ casing. As it stands, upgrading the tires should be on your to-do list before the first proper ride.
Tuning tip: fit tires with a more robust casing.
The new Aventon Current EXP in the geometry check
The Aventon Current is available in four sizes, S to XL, and features a modern but fairly understated geometry. In size L, the 475.3 mm reach is rather average, while the 445 mm chainstays are neither especially short nor particularly long.
With a stack height of 634 mm, the front end is slightly on the lower side, while the 64.6° head angle is on the steeper side for a capable eMTB with 150/140 mm of travel. It’s also worth noting that Aventon use the same chainstay length across all sizes.
| Size | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top tube | 571.3 mm | 598.5 mm | 626.6 mm | 654.9 mm |
| Seat tube | 380 mm | 410 mm | 440 mm | 470 mm |
| Head tube | 100 mm | 110 mm | 125 mm | 140 mm |
| Head tube | 64.6° | 64.6° | 64.6° | 64.6° |
| Seat angle | 76.6° | 76.6° | 76.6° | 76.6° |
| Chainstay | 445 mm | 445 mm | 445 mm | 445 mm |
| BB Drop | -26.6 mm | -26.6 mm | -26.6 mm | -26.6 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,196.2 mm | 1,225.4 mm | 1,256.8 mm | 1,288.1 mm |
| Reach | 425.5 mm | 450.4 mm | 475.3 mm | 500.2 mm |
| Stack | 611 mm | 620.3 mm | 634 mm | 647.8 mm |
Other spec variants of the Aventon Current
Alongside the Current EXP flagship model we tested, Aventon also offer the bike in two other spec variants: ADV and REC. While the EXP is aimed at sporty trail use, the two more affordable models are designed with different priorities in mind, opening up the Current for a wider range of use cases.
The Aventon Current ADV entry-level model retails at € 4,499, and uses a frame made entirely of aluminium, which also brings with it a slightly revised geometry with a somewhat longer seat tube. When it comes to the motor, Aventon stick with the powerful Ultro X drive system, but instead costs on the rest of the components. As a result, the ADV comes with the even more basic RockShox Psylo Gold fork, a mechanical SRAM Eagle 70 Transmission drivetrain, which still impresses with robust and reliable performance, as well as solid SRAM DB8 Stealth brakes. According to the manufacturer, the Current ADV weighs 25.5 kg in size L.
With the Current REC, Aventon take the bike in a slightly different direction. This model is designed to bridge the gap to a daily driver and a more practical everyday e-bike, which explains why it comes as standard with mudguards, integrated lights and a kickstand. Suspension travel is 140 mm front and rear. The REC is powered by the Aventon Ultro S+ motor, which delivers up to 100 Nm of torque and 750 W peak power, though without a Boost mode. That makes it less powerful than the other two spec variants, but on paper it is still more than adequately motorised. For the build, Aventon spec a Shimano CUES 10-speed drivetrain, MAGURA Louise brakes and an X-Fusion suspension setup.
How does the new Aventon Current EXP ride on the trail?
We had the chance to ride the Aventon Current EXP not only as part of our big 2026 e-mountainbike group test on the trails around Tremp in Spain, but also in advance at the press camp in sunny Phoenix, Arizona.
What is the uphill performance of the new Aventon Current EXP like?
On easy forest tracks and flowing climbs, the Current quickly makes one thing clear: its strength lies in the motor. The new Ultro X delivers serious punch, responds eagerly and drives the bike forward with plenty of power, yet in a way that initially feels pleasantly manageable. The drive unit accelerates the bike with strong, confident thrust, and when needed, Boost mode adds an extra hit of punch. At the same time, the motor runs pleasingly quietly, giving the bike a composed and enjoyable feel, especially on more relaxed climbs. The riding position is comfortable too and generally well suited to long ascents.
However, as soon as the ground gets loose, steep and technical, the Current starts to struggle far more. This is where it becomes clear that the brute motor power doesn’t always translate to the trail as neatly as you would hope. The rear wheel spins out of control relatively easily, and the rear suspension doesn’t generate the level of traction this powerful eMTB requires in this kind of terrain. As a result, the Current can be a handful to ride, especially in rocky terrain and tight, technical climbs. While the front end is usually still willing to hold its line, the rear doesn’t follow particularly well, tending instead to lurch a little sluggishly over edges and steps rather than tracking neatly behind.
On top of that, you don’t feel particularly integrated into the bike. Instead, you sit more on top of it, with a comparatively low front end. Because the fork rides deeper in its travel, the already fairly steep head angle becomes even steeper. While this helps the front end hold its line on technical climbs, the bike lacks overall composure and balance. The centre of gravity feels rather high, making the handling a little nervous.
However, the motor response can’t always match the strong performance it shows on easier climbs once the terrain gets more demanding. In tight uphill sections, when you accelerate, briefly ease off and then ask for power again, the motor takes a moment before delivering power again.
What does help, however, is the adjustable overrun, which can be set as a percentage in the app. It makes a huge difference on bigger steps in particular, helping you climb up ledges, and the carry-over support gives the bike a light-footed feel on the way uphill.
How does the new Aventon Current EXP perform on the descents?
On the way down, the Aventon Current EXP shows a clear, easy-going character that’s likely to appeal above all to less aggressive riders. On easy tracks and flowing trails, the bike doesn’t demand a relentlessly active riding style. That fits the bike’s overall concept perfectly: not radically hardcore, but accessible and easy to control.
As soon as the speed picks up or the terrain gets rougher, however, the Current starts to reach its limits. Even though we did not choose an overly soft setup in the test, the suspension lacks support and reserves, especially in more demanding terrain. The suspension bottoms out repeatedly front and rear, which noticeably knocks your confidence. The Current uses its travel very eagerly, but without ever feeling particularly planted or composed on the trail. As soon as you ride faster and more actively, taking on edges and pumping through berms, the suspension quickly feels overwhelmed. Instead of delivering control and support, it sinks deep into its travel, burning through its reserves early and leaving you feeling more like a passenger than the rider.
Making matters worse is the high noise level. The motor rattles noticeably on descents, and the internally routed cables do much the same. That constant unrest isn’t just wearing on your ears, it also adds to the already unsettled ride feel on rough trails.
Even so, the Current needs to be judged fairly. Not every buyer, and certainly not most of this bike’s likely riders, will want to smash through rough trails at full pelt. If you mainly ride easy, flowing trails and keep a moderate pace, you get a predictable bike that’s well suited to less demanding terrain. Less experienced riders in particular are likely to get on well with its accessible, non-radical character, not least because the Current doesn’t come with an extreme, highly demanding riding position. It is only once the speed rises significantly, the terrain turns rough or you start trying to ride the trail more actively that the clear limits of the suspension and the overall package begin to show.
Who should take a closer look at the new Aventon Current EXP?
Aventon themselves see the Current EXP as a tool for the “everyday rider” who wants to clear their head in nature, and for returning riders looking to overcome technical challenges with the help of powerful electric assistance. That makes it particularly interesting for riders who place a high value on a strong motor, modern system integration and an attractive price, but aren’t expecting a high-end trail machine in terms of ride performance. If you mainly stick to forest tracks, flowing trails, moderate tours and generally easier terrain, you get an eMTB with plenty of electric support, a well-executed display and strong app connectivity. Beginners in particular are likely to appreciate the powerful motor, which remains easy to control in simpler terrain, as well as the bike’s overall non-radical character.
That said, the Current is less well suited to ambitious trail riders who want maximum precision on technical climbs and really like to let it rip at speed on descents. That’s where the bike reveals its limits in terms of suspension, tire choice and handling. If you regularly have fast, rough descents on your agenda, you’ll find more capable overall packages, albeit only occasionally at this price point.
Conclusions about the new Aventon Current EXP
With the Current EXP, Aventon deliver a strong debut in the full-suspension segment, at least when it comes to the drive system, display and connectivity. The Ultro X drive impresses with plenty of power, quiet operation, a well-executed display and strong app connectivity. As a complete package, however, the bike falls short of that strong first impression. The suspension, tires, traction and nervous handling in technical, fast terrain all noticeably cost it performance, both uphill and downhill. As such, the Current is primarily interesting for beginners and price-conscious touring riders looking for plenty of motor power and lots of tech for the money.
Tops
- Powerful motor
- Lively and full of drive on easier climbs
- Well-executed display with strong app connectivity
- Accessible and straightforward on easy trails
Flops
- Suspension lacks reserves and support on rough trails
- Loud on descents
- Nervous handling on rough trails
For more information, visit Aventon’s website.
Words: Benedikt Schmidt Photos: Kevin Homeister, Ale Di Lullo, Benedikt Schmidt
About the Author
Benedikt Schmidt
Benedikt is an expert in the eMTB segment at 41 Publishing, leading our large-scale comparison tests. After starting his career with a focus on urban mobility, he now oversees the planning and execution of the world’s most extensive test series for E-MOUNTAINBIKE magazine. His focus is on profound technical deep-dives, precisely analysing drive systems, geometries, and component innovations. As a responsible project leader, he provides well-founded, data-driven buyer’s advice for the premium market.
