How to Ride an Aventon Pace 4 E-Bike

A step-by-step guide to the controls on the Aventon Pace 4 e-bike: turning it on, the rear wheel lock, pedal assist, brakes, gears, throttle, lights, and turn signals. Read it once, then take a few practice laps before your first real ride.

Questions? Call our shop: (706) 405-3393

Aventon's Pace 4 owner's manual (opens in a new tab) has the full manufacturer instructions and specs.

Jump to: Before every ride | Seat | Power and wheel lock | Brakes | Gears | Pedal assist | Throttle | Lights and signals | If something goes wrong

Before every ride

Wear a helmet that fits, with the chin strap buckled. Wear closed-toe shoes and skip loose pant legs or long straps that could catch in the chain or wheels.

Then give the bike a quick check:

• Tires are inflated and have no cuts, bulges, or anything stuck in them.
• Both brake levers feel firm and stop the bike when you push it forward.
• The seat, handlebars, wheels, and battery are tight and don't wiggle.
• If anything feels loose, damaged, or wrong, don't ride it. Bring it by and we'll take a look.

Riding the Pace 4

1. Set your seat height

Set the seat so you can pedal comfortably and still start and stop with confidence. With the pedal at its lowest point and your foot in its normal spot, your knee should stay slightly bent. A slightly lower seat makes it easier to reach the ground, as long as your knees don't bend a lot while you pedal. If you can't find a height that lets you hold the bike up safely at a stop, have the fit checked before you ride.

To adjust a seat post with a quick-release lever:

1. Stop and turn the bike off.
2. Open the lever at the base of the seat post.
3. Raise or lower the seat and point it straight ahead.
4. Keep the minimum-insertion mark on the seat post hidden inside the frame.
5. Close the lever all the way. It should take firm hand pressure.
6. Try to twist the seat. If it moves, or the lever won't close tight, don't ride until it's fixed.

2. Turn it on and unlock the rear wheel

Press and hold the power button on the left handlebar control pad to turn the bike on. Hold it for 3 seconds to turn it off. If a startup PIN has been set, enter it when the display asks. Check the battery level and set pedal assist to OFF before your first practice start.

The Pace 4 has an electronic rear wheel lock that can engage when the bike is turned off. Turn the bike on before you try to roll it. If the rear wheel still won't turn, the lock can be released from the display or the Aventon app. Don't force the bike forward.

3. Brake and stop

The left lever works the front brake and the right lever works the rear brake. To stop, let go of the throttle, stop pedaling, and squeeze both levers smoothly. Don't grab them hard. Slow down before turns, and leave extra room to stop on wet pavement, gravel, or sand. Put a foot down and hold the bike steady as you come to a stop.

4. Shift gears

The shifter is on the right handlebar. Push the larger thumb lever to shift to an easier gear. Pull the smaller lever with your finger to shift to a harder gear. The display shows which gear you're in.

• Only shift while you're pedaling forward, and don't force a shift while stopped or pushing hard on the pedals.
• Ease up on the pedals and shift one gear at a time.
• Shift to an easier gear before a hill and before you stop, so starting again is easy.
• Gears change how hard you pedal. They don't change how much the motor helps.

5. Use pedal assist

Press + for more help from the motor and minus (-) for less. The levels are OFF, Eco, Sport, and Turbo. Start in Eco and move up as you get comfortable. The motor helps as you pedal, and it responds to how hard you push.

Some software versions also add Boost, cruise control, and walk mode. Learn those from the owner's manual before you use them on a ride.

6. Use the throttle

The thumb throttle is on the left handlebar. Push it gently and the motor moves the bike without pedaling, up to 20 mph. Let go and the motor stops pushing. Use the brakes to stop.

Start pedaling and get balanced before you try it. Keep your thumb off it while you get on, get off, or walk the bike. The throttle drains the battery faster than pedal assist.

7. Lights and turn signals

Hold the + button for 3 seconds to switch the headlight and taillight on or off. Check that both are lit before you ride in low light. Keeping them on during the day helps drivers see you too.

The turn signal arrows are on the left control pad. Briefly press the left or right arrow to signal. The signal turns off on its own after about 10 seconds, or press the same arrow again to cancel it. Tap the arrows instead of holding them, because long presses on some software versions run other functions. Always look behind you before you turn or move over, use hand signals when it's safe, and don't assume a driver saw your signal.

8. Battery and parking

Watch the battery level and leave enough charge for the ride home. Hills, Turbo, the throttle, and extra weight all use it faster. The battery is removable, so you can charge it off the bike indoors with the included charger.

Turn the bike off before you walk it or park it.

Switched your Pace 4 to Class 3?

In Georgia, you must be at least 15 to ride a Class 3 e-bike, and every rider must wear a helmet. Some multi-use paths don't allow Class 3 bikes, so check the posted rules. The throttle stays limited to 20 mph.

Practice first

Before you ride on roads or busy paths, spend a few minutes in a flat, open spot away from cars. Practice starting, turning, shifting, and smooth stops with the assist OFF. Then try the lowest assist level, then try the throttle gently. Ride in traffic only once you can start, steer, and stop with confidence.

Good to know

• Follow traffic signs and signals, and ride with traffic on the right.
• Slow down and give pedestrians room on shared paths. Call out "on your left" before you pass.
• No phone use while riding, and no riding after drinking.
• Skip standing water, jumps, curbs, and stunts.
• Looking for a place to ride? Our guide to bike trails near Lake Oconee lists paved, e-bike friendly trails with parking and directions.

If something goes wrong

Pull over somewhere safe if you get a flat, the brakes feel wrong, you hear a strange noise, or the display shows an error code. Don't keep riding it. Have it checked by a bike shop that works on e-bikes. We service Aventon e-bikes at our Greensboro shop.

After a crash, have the bike checked before you ride it again, even if it looks fine.

If the battery smokes, gets very hot, or smells unusual, stop, get off, and move away from the bike. If anyone is in danger, call 911.

Riding a different bike? See our guide to how to ride an Electra Townie Go!.

See all of our e-bike riding guides

This guide is believed to be accurate but is not guaranteed. Controls and features can change with model year and software updates, so check your owner's manual and ask us if anything on your bike doesn't match. This is not legal advice. Always wear a helmet, follow local traffic laws and posted trail rules, and ride within your ability.