Electric bikes with fat tires have surged in popularity for their versatility and rugged capability. Among the top contenders in this category are the Aventon Adventure 3 and the Velotric Nomad 2 — two powerful 26-inch fat tire eBikes both equipped with 750W motors. This detailed comparison breaks down their specifications, ride performance, battery life, braking, security features, and overall value to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re an urban commuter or an off-road explorer, this head-to-head review has you covered.

Overview of the Aventon Adventure 3 and Velotric Nomad 2

Both bikes are designed to excel in rough terrains and city streets alike, equipped with fat 26×4 inch tires for stability and traction. Priced similarly at $1999, these two eBikes offer a competitive package that appeals to riders of different heights and preferences.

• Aventon Adventure 3: Class 2 eBike by default, upgradeable to class 3 speeds. Weight: 77 lbs. Max payload: 400 lbs. Warranty: 2 years.
• Velotric Nomad 2: Class 2 eBike with the ability to remove throttle for class 1 compliance. Weight: 75 lbs. Max payload: 505 lbs. Warranty: 2 years.

Motor Power and Performance

• Adventure 3: 36V battery system with a 750W motor delivering a peak power of 1,188 watts and 80 Nm torque.
• Nomad 2: 48V battery system with a 750W motor, peak power of 1,300W and higher torque at 90 Nm.

Despite the Nomad 2 boasting a slightly stronger peak power and torque, both bikes feature 8-speed drivetrains with trigger shifters and thumb shifters on the left handlebar, enabling smooth, versatile riding.

Pedal Assist Levels

• Adventure 3: Offers three main pedal assist modes — Eco, Sport, and Turbo.
• Nomad 2: More granular with 15 levels across Eco, Trail, and Boost settings, allowing riders to fine-tune assistance.

Both models use torque sensors, but the Adventure 3 can also be switched to cadence sensor mode.

Drag Race Test

Two riders switched bikes to test acceleration using throttle only:

• The Velotric Nomad 2 showed a slight edge in throttle-only sprinting due to higher peak power and torque.
• Switching to pedal assist, results were tighter, with the Adventure 3 often catching up and sometimes outpacing the Nomad 2, especially with stronger pedaling input.

Hill Climbing Ability

On a challenging hill with an 18-20% grade:

• Both bikes performed admirably using throttle only—with the Adventure 3 showing strong stamina near the top.
• Pedal assist mode further improved climbing, with the Adventure 3 having a slight edge in leg-powered assistance due to its torque-sensing pedal assist system and bike setup.

Battery Life and Range

• Adventure 3: Uses a larger 36V, 20 Ah battery (733 Wh), which translates to longer mileage. In real-world testing, it achieved around 32 miles on a full charge.
• Nomad 2: Equipped with a 48V, 14.7 Ah battery (705 Wh) and yielded about 28 miles under similar conditions.

Although the Nomad 2 has a higher voltage battery, the Adventure’s larger amp-hour capacity contributes to better range performance.

Safety and Braking Systems

Both eBikes sport two-piston hydraulic disc brakes offering consistent and strong stopping power:

• Nomad 2: Features a larger 203 mm rotor up front and a 180 mm rotor in back.
• Adventure 3: Employs 180 mm rotors on both wheels.

Stopping distances were comparable:

• Approximately 18 feet from 20 mph for both.
• Slight variance at higher speeds, with the Nomad 2 stopping in 29 feet and the Adventure 3 at 30 feet.

Both bikes come equipped with turn signals. The Velre’s signals remain on until manually turned off, whereas the Aventon’s signals automatically turn off after 15 clicks.

Frame and Size Options

Both models offer standard step-over and step-through frame designs.

• Aventon Adventure 3: Fits riders from 5’3” to 6’4”.
• Velotric Nomad 2: Wider range from 4’11” to 6’5”.

Suspension and Seating

• Nomad 2: Comes with a wider and more cushioned saddle paired with a robust suspension seat post.
• Adventure 3: Has a smaller seat with a single-rod suspension seat post, effective but less cushy.

Water Resistance

• Nomad 2: Battery is IPX7 waterproof rated; the entire bike is rated to withstand high-pressure water jets.
• Adventure 3: Has an IPX4 rating, capable of handling splashing water from any direction but less resistant than the Nomad 2.

Connectivity and Apps

Both bikes include companion apps that help control various bike settings and monitor performance.

Advanced Security with the Aventon ACU Unit

The Adventure 3 stands out with its patented Aventon Control Unit (ACU) security system:

• No key required for battery removal; unlocking can be done via app or display.
• Optional password protection prevents unauthorized use.
• A hub lock immobilizes the rear wheel physically, deterring theft.
• Geo-fencing allows the bike to function only within designated geographic areas.
• Real-time notifications alert owners if the bike moves unexpectedly.

The Velotric Nomad 2, while secure, lacks some of these premium anti-theft features.

Customization and Ride Experience

The Aventon Adventure 3 offers greater flexibility with adjustment settings:

• Ability to adjust speed limits through the app, unlocking speed up to 28 mph.
• Multiple pedal assist configurations with up to 15 levels per sensor mode (cadence or torque).
• Adjustable rear lights with different flashing modes tied to safety settings.
• Cruise control feature for steady long-distance riding.

The Velotric Nomad 2 is simpler in these respects but provides robust performance and ease of use.

Final Thoughts: Which eBike Reigns Supreme?

Choosing between the Aventon Adventure 3 and Velotric Nomad 2 largely depends on your priorities:

• Opt for the Velotric Nomad 2 if you want higher torque, stronger water resistance, and flexibility to remove throttles for class 1 compliance. Its wider saddle and slightly lighter frame make it attractive for riders needing big payload capacity (up to 505 lbs).
• Pick the Aventon Adventure 3 if extended range, advanced security features, customization options, and a higher peak motor wattage appeal to you. Its robust app controls and unique anti-theft system make it ideal for urban environments prone to bike theft.

Both deliver excellent braking, durable construction, and the fat tire versatility needed for city streets and trails alike. In this fat tire eBike showdown, you truly can’t go wrong with either model — it’s about what features matter most for your riding style.