The Showdown: Aventon Abound vs Velotric Packer 1 - Which Cargo Bike Reigns Supreme?

Aventon Abound: alnk.to/gzTb2Ky
Velotric Packer 1: alnk.to/8tOFiJC
Save $60 by using SCOTT60 during checkout!
In this video I compare the Aventon Abound to the Velotric Packer 1. I go over the specs, then we add 100+lbs to them and do a road trip where we drag race them, climb a hill, brake them and see how far they will go before the battery dies.
0:00 Intro
0:56 Specs
6:19 Getting Familiar
7:06 Drag Race
8:26 Observations
9:00 Hill Climb
10:08 Brake Test
12:17 Mileage Update
13:23 Mileage Update
15:04 Mileage Update
16:18 First Battery Dies
16:32 Observations
19:19 Final Thoughts
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[@colleenwright-kakkar6384]

Thank you for this video. I really enjoyed the side to side test and comparisons. And that you put weight on them, most (if not all) other you tubers who review never put weight on the cargos.

[@scotthardesty]

Thank you! I review these bikes in a way that I also want to know the answers. How can you review a cargo bike without putting weight on it to see how it would ride? Which bike impressed you the most?

[@NRP1991]

One heck of a good video there good comparison!! Lectric still calling for ya to come through !! 🚲 😊

[@scotthardesty]

@lectric Come one guys!

[@MARKO2465]

Scott as always great video very good information .... thanks.

[@scotthardesty]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for watching!

[@Max-md6yk]

I’m looking to buy a cargo e-bike to carry my kid and other stuff and came across your channel. I lived in Chicago for 8 years but moved to the suburbs a few years ago. This video brings me back to riding along beautiful Lakeshore drive, which looks like a blast on this style of bike!

[@scotthardesty]

Glad you found me! They have so many improvements by adding bike lanes in this city and they continue to do so!

[@mrpogi23]

i love the quality of your videos, you deserve 100k more subscribers tbh compare to other channels.

[@scotthardesty]

Thank you! I will get there.

[@Benjamin_Jehne]

Another super nice review.

[@scotthardesty]

Thank you Benjamin!

[@scotthillman7393]

Great Job! Velotric for the Win! Especially if you unlock it to 25mph. That extra 5 mph does make a big difference

[@scotthardesty]

Since the Abound is only a class 2 bike, I didn't feel it was fair to unlock the Packer.

[@alejandrodelavega1063]

@@scotthardesty Something to note: Unlocking the Packer wouldn't make it accelerate faster though, just take up up to a faster speed on a assist.

[@scotthardesty]

@@alejandrodelavega1063 When it came to the drag race using PAS, I might have been able to beat the Abound as it went up to 23mph and I was limited at 20mph.

[@miguelangel492008]

Great review Scott. I am also located in Chicago and looking to get a cargo bike in the near future.The more research I do, the more cargo bikes I discovered. These two are on top of my list and it looking like Velotric Packer 1 might be it. My purpose is to use it both to haul kids to school (8 & 12) and grocery shopping. My distance is less that 5 miles so this should work plus on occasion the wifey wants a life so having that capacity to carry an adult is a plus.

[@scotthardesty]

Hit me up on DM... I can have you ride them both. I live in Logan Square.

[@stephenstetler3324]

Velotric coming out swinging against Aventon, and this round I gotta give it to them. Excellent head to head.

[@scotthardesty]

Thanks Stephen. Although, the Abound beat the Packer 1 in speed, hill climbing and distance. I guess it comes down to the riding experience.

[@stephenstetler3324]

@@scotthardesty the more I ride, the less I prioritize speed

[@alejandrodelavega1063]

@@stephenstetler3324 Saddle is the easiest fix ever, so really the only differences is handling due to the larger wheel, something you'd probably get used to pretty quickly The smaller wheel also has the advantage of easier transport / storage.

[@EvanBlairM]

Fantastic job on this review Scott. Very well done. I appreciate the effort you put into quality content. I’ve ridden e-bikes that left me with out enough torque to get up hills with a 2 year old on the back so my highest priority is torque and power up hills. Looks like it’s the Abound for me. One thing I haven’t been able to find yet is a great bike rack that can fit the longer cargo bikes and weight. Any recommendations?

[@scotthardesty]

Thanks for the comment. I have hauled the abound around on my Hollywood Bike Rack: amzn.to/3BBEnPM with no problems.

[@gregkisinger4183]

Today (Labor Day) I went to Denver's local ebike USA where I test rode both of these bikes as suggested by the guy, Chris, that I was working with in the shop. From the two ebikes I chose the Abound in the beautiful SAGE color. I thought that the torque sensor gave me a smoother ride and the Velotric was somewhat a spasmodic/choppier ride-not that it was bad but it could be that I never have been on an ebike before and just wasn't used to the cadence sensor on that bike. My test rides didn't include any load but just myself [height 69in/weight 158lbs]. I just felt the Abound accelerated quicker and just was smoother and I didn't ride enough to comment on the seat's comfort level but I'm sure I could always change to another seat if it was an issue. (I doubt it will be as I have bikes with narrower anatomically correct seats so if I can handle those seats I'm sure the wider seat on the Abound won't be an issue for me.) The Abound has a lower mounted headlight, to give light more towards the path instead of people's eyes, it has a tail/brake light and I liked the left/right blinkers on the rear as well. The retail price of the Abound was $2399 and for the Velotric it was $2199. Fortunately ebike USA had a Labor Day sale going on and I also had a rebate voucher ($1400) that I could put towards the bike. I guess I figured that the higher price ebike might have better parts/components, so that maybe played into my decision somewhat as well but I don't know this to be true without looking at each of the specs again. I must say, that unlocking the Velotric's speed to go higher might sound or even be nice but the 20mph that Abound is locked into is generally fast enough, especially if hauling cargo I would presume. Our multipurpose bike lanes here around Denver, generally have speed limits of 15mph, so 20mph for the Abound is quite sufficient. Now if I rode on the street a lot then that might be a different story but I generally ride on trails and bike lanes on a few roads and am happy enough with the 20mph. Chris, at the store, told me that for intermittent riding (perhaps a few times/week) that the battery could possibly last 5-7 years-I guess it all depends on if one never pedals and uses the throttle most of the time or if one uses "eco" mode more often. Anyway, there may be newer and more efficient batteries by the time I might need another battery in the future. The current replacement battery for the Abound, from what I was told, is about $500. I think the best thing for those that want an ebike is to go to the store and test ride them. One may suit you more than the other so definitely the rider's preference and not that one bike is necessarily "better" than the other may be the factor to buy a certain brand/model of ebike. I was in a hurry to make a decision today as this was the last day for the sale ($700 off) and ebikes were quickly being sold out online-so I basically arrived early at the store ready to test ride and buy. Thanks for the comparison. It's nice to get a look at various ebikes even if it was after the fact for me :)

[@scotthardesty]

Hi Greg. Thanks for your input. You are right on all accounts. Enjoy your ride!

[@jeannepaul85]

I am interested in buying a packer, so I'm really interested in this comparison. But you look like you probably weigh quite a bit more than your friend ... of course, it's all muscle!! 😊 But could you possibly redo the speed and hill tests with your friend on your velotrec and you on the aventon? Even if you just test that and reply to my comment, I'd greatly appreciate it!! Thanks so much for all you do!

[@scotthardesty]

Unfortunately, it won't be anytime soon as he is currently not in the country. So that won't be able to be accomplished anytime soon.

[@jeannepaul85]

@scotthardesty Okay, well thank you so much anyway, and enjoy your trip!

[@katsims2563]

I was thinking the same; that would make a big difference. You had the same weight each on cargo, but definitely not the same on riders. Former bodybuilder here and cyclist with lots of experience carrying heavy cargo on a manual steel mountain bike for years.

[@VictorYepello]

Winner is Aventon! Thanks for the great review Scott. Disclaimer : I own the Abound and a Aventure.2.

[@scotthardesty]

It basically beat the Packer 1 in everything but braking, comfort and Stability.

[@sociopathmercenary]

I just took advantage of the Black Friday sale to buy two of the Packer 1s. $3200 all in. It's a little chilly for writing here in Ohio but looking forward to getting these out on the road.

[@scotthardesty]

That sounds like a win. Hopefully, you used my discount code as well. I think it gets you $60 off per bike.

[@deansmits006]

Looks like the larger front wheel helps the Velotric with stability. But if your riding involves tight, slow turns, the Aventon is likely more nimble. And obviously great for shorter riders

[@scotthardesty]

Agreed. You can't really lose with either one of these bikes.

[@katsims2563]

I have a Lectric XP Premium now, and I ride up a longer, steeper hill than I’ve seen in any YT hill test for E-bikes. It looks and feels like a small motorcycle, but I ride it as a bike. I use the motor only when I’m going uphill, need speed, or I’m too tired to pedal far. My handle bars seriously shake side to side (especially if I put ANYTHING in the front basket or duck my head under a low hanging tree branch), only while going down steep hills. It really feels like it’s trying to pull me into traffic, particularly if vehicles drive fast, right by me, all of a sudden, like they are drafting me into them, if I’m not riding the brakes all the way down the long, steep hills. That’s another thing nobody demonstrates in these YT videos, is going Down the steep hill, not Up it. I met someone who lived in Asia for years, with folding bikes, and he said the folding bikes do that. That’s why I’m not liking the Abound, even without testing it. I’ve been riding a bike, as my car, since 2003, (most of those years on a steel mountain bike, all pedal powered!) hauling lots of cargo, for many miles. I’ve never been terrified of my bike before. I love it, on flats, but I can’t avoid hills here. I’m in North Florida, which has hills. I also love that the Velotric has a UL tested battery and motor. Everything about that bike seems safer. I loved your first video on the Velotric Packer, and you are so informative and thorough, testing it. The solid stem, and your testing, gave me high hopes for hill riding with that bike. Thank you for your great work!! I subscribed to your Channel, and I agree you should have many more subscribers!!! (I also love the braking tail light with turn signal lights on the Abound!)

[@scotthardesty]

When it comes to brakes, the Packer 1 has those 4 piston brakes. That would have to help to help with that long downhill ride. I don't have any hills like that here in Chicago.

[@katsims2563]

@@scotthardesty Thank you. 🙌

[@boerliu3668]

Wonderful review! Wondering which one fits better for shorter people?

[@scotthardesty]

I talk about it in the video. 1:35 minutes in. 4'11" for the Abound and 5'3" for the Packer. You can learn more about the Aventon Abound here: Aventon Abound: alnk.to/gzTb2Ky

[@gores95]

Great review. Scott have you ever ridden the Specialized Globe Haul ST cargo bike? If not, you should! :)

[@scotthardesty]

Not yet. I don't think I am big enough for them to send me one. I'm not on their radar yet... YET.

[@gores95]

Well we have to change that! 😂

[@katsims2563]

You could strap something on those floorboards, like really stiff foam, cut to size and covered to keep it from disintegrating, to help support your pannier bags. With them strapped on, you can remove them when you don’t need them. The weight in the bags should also keep them from sliding out, just in case the vibrations from the ride might make them slide.

[@scotthardesty]

That is a great suggestion! Thank you!

[@katsims2563]

@@scotthardesty You’re welcome. 🙌

[@EK-ej3ll]

Great video. One thing nobody covers is how it is pedaling when the battery dies. Impossible or a single mile?

[@scotthardesty]

Depends on whether you have weight on the back. Either bike will not be pleasant with 100lbs on the back.

[@digameSP]

Scott - IS it possible to adjust the Abound's speed limit up to Class 3 (28 mph)? I've seen multiple videos of other Aventon models where it IS possible, but nothing as yet with respect to the Abound (my cargo eBike of choice)... Anticipating Minnesota's new eBike rebate program in a couple of weeks, that will award me $1500 toward my acquisition! Thanks again for your great videos! Steve

[@scotthardesty]

It is not. They have it locked to class 2 speeds.

[@butchie2752]

Interesting vid. One thing not completely addressed. If you want an ebike for basic tooling around but are thinking of a cargo bike in case of emergencies (like no gas) would that affect the review? I’m leaning toward the abound for the torque sensor and the smaller wheels. I also like the free extra battery under the current sale.

[@scotthardesty]

Either one of these bikes can totally be ridden for just tooling around. I just wanted to put them under load to see how they would do. You can't go wrong with either bike but that free battery is hard to pass up!

[@butchie2752]

@@scotthardesty Real hard to pass up. Plus, it’s not hard to envision a time when your transportation choices might be Solar ebike, horse, or walking. Hope not, but you never know.

[@hupo]

Whelp I bought the Aventon bags for my packer 1. Was hoping you can explain what you did to make them fit?

[@scotthardesty]

That's a great question. I guess I need to a video on how to do it. Hit me up on social media so I can send you an image of how they look on the bike so you can see how the clamps are on there.

[@hupo]

@@scotthardesty Sending you an add now. Thanks!

[@hoodhero3266]

Aventon Abound was unlocked to go up to 28mph. But unfortunately, they locked it at 20mph because a woman (Karen) had some type of accident while riding it

[@scotthardesty]

I don't remember that. The bike did go up to 23mph during this review, maybe they made some sort of adjustment.

[@hoodhero3266]

@scotthardesty when I went into my local bicycle shop, the sales lady advised me of that before I purchased two Abounds. The bike definitely feels like it could go faster than 20mph. Awesome Review BTW!

[@scotthardesty]

@@hoodhero3266 I believe it could also go faster than 20 mph as well. I don't think I would want to go faster then that when I have 100lbs of weight on the back. So the 20mph limit doesn't bother me much. I ride the Packer 1 as well and I keep it locked as a class 2.

[@michaeldyer63]

I bought the Abound and have enjoyed the cadence sensor. The power is smooth but quickly reaches the 20 mph limit. I really wish Aventon would unlock the Abound for Class 3 for those times I ride alone. Ride safe. Sorry tourque sensor!

[@hoodhero3266]

@michaeldyer63 you as well brother!

[@sethplockelman560]

Great review! Can i confirm you felt the Velotric seemed a better fit for a taller person?

[@scotthardesty]

I'm only 5'9" but I do believe it is rated for someone taller. The Packer goes upt to 6'6" while the Abound goes up to 6'3." I believe that the bigger front wheel would make it more stable for someone taller. Here's my link if interested. velotricbike.info/4417lmT

[@sethplockelman560]

Thank you!

[@scheppa2000]

Any thoughts on the cadence sensor vs the torque on these two?

[@scotthardesty]

It's all personal preference. I found that when having a lot of weight on the back, a cadence sensor makes it easier to pull the load. Although we had no issues with the load on either bike during this test. I find myself using my Packer 1 way more in my daily life when I know I am picking up a lot of stuff and heavy weight. I hope that helps.

[@scotthardesty]

Aventon Abound: alnk.to/gzTb2Ky Velotric Packer 1: velotricebike.pxf.io/LXLmMM Save $60 by using SCOTT60 during checkout!

[@jeremiahkuehne2400]

Wait a minute...the Aventure batteries DO work with the Abound? Aventon always insists they don't even though they're the same spec and shape. Is the only difference that you need to turn the battery on before use?

[@scotthardesty]

Yes, Sir, you are correct in your assumption. The only difference is you have to turn the battery on from Aventure.

[@jeremiahkuehne2400]

@@scotthardesty awesome! I already have the Aventure.2 and am considering getting an Abound for hauling multiple kids and stuff. I was really hoping the batteries would work across the bikes

[@scotthardesty]

@@jeremiahkuehne2400 Yes Sir. It is confirmed!

[@purevinegar]

What were the issues with attaching the aventon panniers to the packer?

[@scotthardesty]

Hard to explain. Has to do with the clamps the panniers have attached to them. But you will be able to get them to work. I had to push them "under." It will make sense if you get them.

[@purevinegar]

Can the tops of the bags be folded down inside the bag? I have a Thule seat for the rear and the foot rests would need to go inside the bags.

[@scotthardesty]

@@purevinegar Hmmmmmm... It doesn't seem that either bike would be able to have the foot rests inside the bags. So I am going to have to say No.

[@714mattman]

I am pretty sure the Lectric XL panniers do fold flat against the side of the bike when not in use. You might try checking into those.

[@Jhubble515]

Aventon's torque sensor wins me every time.

[@scotthardesty]

It is one of the best torque sensors out there. I love it on my Aventure 2.