Aventon Current EXP Review

With the Current EXP, Aventon—previously best known for urban mobility—steps into the highly contested full-suspension e-MTB segment for the first time. On paper, the spec sheet promises an impressive build for 5.499 Euro, featuring a carbon main frame, SRAM Transmission, and a punchy 800 Wh system. But can those promising numbers translate on real trails and under our in-house testing, or does this newcomer fall victim to the classic compromises of its price bracket?

A more nuanced picture emerges with the tires. The combo of a Maxxis DHF up front and a DHR II out back delivers a killer tread pattern for a wide range of trail surfaces. However, the lighter EXO casing is used here, which trims overall weight but comes at the expense of puncture protection. The brand is clearly chasing weight optimization—something that could make a tire upgrade necessary if you ride more aggressively in rough, chunky terrain.

At 24 kg in size L, the Current EXP posts an outstanding number for a full-power e-bike with an 800 Wh removable battery. A YT Decoy costs significantly more at a comparable weight, while other competitors often come in up to 1 kg heavier. Part of the secret is a well-executed mixed-frame construction: the main frame is carbon, while the rear end relies on durable aluminum.

What’s especially noteworthy here is the development story: the chassis was created in cooperation with the French design lab Kairn. That shows in an excellent frame stiffness that, on our lab test rig, matches the level of pricier premium bikes. The battery can be removed via a compact opening at the bottom bracket, so the down tube’s structural integrity isn’t compromised by massive cut-outs.

The suspension kinematics of the 140 mm rear end are deliberately kept moderate, with around 22% progression. On flowy trails this delivers an insanely comfortable ride feel and tons of traction, but it offers less bottom-out support when you’re slamming into hard compressions. More aggressive riders should consider whether they want to increase the progression via additional volume spacers in the Super Deluxe shock. The Current is an outstanding trail bike, but not a purebred bikepark machine.

Up front, a RockShox Lyrik Select with 150 mm of travel does its job reliably. The 35 mm stanchions deliver plenty of stiffness for trail duty, even if they don’t offer the burly margins of a full-on enduro fork. A definite plus: the frame comes with an official manufacturer approval for 160 mm forks, keeping the door open for a future suspension upgrade.

The technical standout in this price bracket is the electronic SRAM S1000 T-Type drivetrain, which conveniently pulls its power straight from the main battery. At the heart of the bike is the Ultro X motor made by Gobao, putting out over 800 watts and 120 newton-meters in Boost mode. The power delivery and high-resolution sensor suite are convincing across the board, although on descents you can hear a mechanical gear rattle.

Another unique selling point at this price point is the bike’s digital integration. The touch display recessed into the top tube offers 23 configurable data fields. Thanks to an integrated 4G module (including 8 years of eSIM service), the bike comes with GPS tracking and an anti-theft alarm function.