Aventon put regenerative braking on a cruiser, and it rides in on one of the comfiest step-through frames the brand has made.
Aventon built its name on the original Pace, so a new flagship Pace has a lot to live up to. The Pace 5 REC leans back into that comfort-first cruiser feel, then piles on a bigger motor, regenerative braking, and the connected security features you usually see on Aventon’s pricier bikes. We got our first ride on it. Here is what stands out before we run it through our full test loop.
Aventon Pace 5 REC specifications at a glance
Everything below is manufacturer-claimed unless we say otherwise. We have not put this bike on our scale or through our range loop yet.
| Specification | Aventon Pace 5 REC (claimed) |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $1,799 USD |
| Motor | 750W rear hub (1,440W peak) |
| Battery | 36V 20Ah, 733Wh (LG cells) |
| Claimed Range | Up to 75 miles (Eco) |
| Top Speed | Up to 28 mph (Class 2/3) |
| Brakes | Hydraulic disc with regenerative braking |
| Frame | Step-through cruiser |
| Weight | About 62 lb |
| Security | 4G GPS, e-lock, unusual-activity alerts, Apple Watch |
| Lighting | Integrated lights and turn signals |
Price and value
At $1,799, the Pace 5 REC sits $200 above the Pace 4 and drops right into the middle of the cruiser market. For that money you get a 750W motor, regen braking, integrated turn signals, and a 4G GPS security system that plenty of pricier bikes still skip. On paper it is a lot of bike for the money. That is the same value story that made the earlier Pace models sell.
First ride: motor and feel
Power is the headline. The 750W motor peaks at 1,440W, and Aventon tunes it to feel smooth instead of jumpy across the three assist levels. On our first ride it felt peppy and quick to respond, without the abrupt on-off surge you get on cheaper hub-drive bikes. The step-through frame, swept-back bars, and adjustable stem sit you upright and relaxed, the kind of setup you can hand to a first-time or returning rider. It is quick enough to be fun and calm enough to trust.
Range
The Pace 5 REC and the Pace 4 share the same 733Wh battery. The difference is regen braking, which claws a little charge back when you slow down. Aventon claims up to 75 miles in Eco. Early hands-on reviews from other outlets have landed closer to 50 miles in the top assist mode, which is a normal gap between a max Eco claim and hard Turbo riding. We will post our own tested range once we get a unit on our standard loop.
Weight and handling
Here is the trade-off. Aventon lists the Pace 5 REC at around 62 pounds, against 53 pounds for the lighter Pace 4. The bigger motor and regen hardware add the weight, so this is not a bike you want to haul up three flights of stairs. On the road, that weight plus the 750W motor is exactly what makes it feel planted and sure of itself at cruising speed.
Regen braking and security
Regen braking is the marquee feature and the reason this bike exists. It stays uncommon at this price, and it earns its keep two ways. It puts a little range back, and it takes load off the hydraulic disc brakes on long descents. Past that, the Pace 5 REC runs Aventon’s full smart stack: 4G GPS tracking, unusual-activity alerts, a keyless battery, an integrated e-lock, cruise control, boost mode, and Apple Watch support. Integrated turn signals and lighting finish it off, which is a real plus if you ride in traffic.
Aventon Pace 5 REC vs Pace 4
Cross-shopping the two is simple. The Pace 4 is lighter, cheaper, and a Class 2 bike built around a 500W torque-sensor motor. The Pace 5 REC costs $200 more and carries more weight, but it brings a stronger 750W motor, higher Class 3 speed, and regen braking the Pace 4 does not have. Pick the Pace 4 for the lightest, cheapest cruiser. Pick the Pace 5 REC for more power and the newer tech.
| Model | Motor | Top speed | Claimed range | Weight | Regen | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aventon Pace 5 REC | 750W (1,440W peak) | Up to 28 mph (Class 3) | Up to 75 mi | ~62 lb | Yes | $1,799 |
| Aventon Pace 4 | 500W (864W peak) | 20 mph (Class 2) | Up to 70 mi | 53 lb | No | $1,599 |
Who should buy it
What We Like
- Comfort-first step-through geometry
- Punchy 750W motor, 1,440W peak
- Regen braking that stays rare at this price
- Full 4G GPS security stack
- Integrated turn signals and lights
- Strong value at $1,799
What To Watch
- Around 62 lb is heavy to carry
- The 75-mile range claim is optimistic
- We have not fully tested it yet
- Not a lightweight or throttle-first moped
First-ride verdict
On first ride, the Pace 5 REC looks like one of the more complete cruisers Aventon has built. It keeps the comfort-first formula that made the Pace line popular, adds real power, and layers on regen braking and security that usually cost a lot more. Weight is the obvious catch, and we still want to put our own numbers to the range and hill claims. But if you want a comfortable, connected cruiser with modern power for $1,799, this one belongs on your shortlist. We will update this review with full tested figures once we get a unit in.
Aventon Pace 5 REC FAQ
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Aventon Pace 5 REC vs Pace 4: which should I buy?
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