Aventon Abound SR First Impressions Review | Stable & Secure

The Abound SR’s design, construction, electrical system, and torque sensor go a long way in setting it apart from the myriad of similar e-bikes in the utility e-bike category. Its included technology, however, gives it a few additional leaps and bounds for good measure.

At the heart of the Abound SR is a smart module called the Aventon Control Unit or ACU. This component connects to and controls many of the bike’s features, allows for OTA firmware updates, and includes a 4G chip for GPS tracking and security.

The latter element, which links to nationwide cellular networks, is free for the first year. After that point, it requires a subscription of $2 monthly or $20 annually—one of the most reasonable rates we’ve seen.

Why would anyone want or need this feature? I’m glad you asked.

The Abound SR includes a robust package of security features, including theft detection, an alarm system, and the ability to set up geofencing to create boundaries for allowed or prohibited areas (a feature parents will likely appreciate) monitored along with the bike’s location.

But that’s not all. The bike can be set up to require a passcode prior to use, and the ACU can even be used to lock the kickstand and battery (or eject the power source from its sealed home in the Abound’s down tube when needed). Additionally, the ACU can allow for remote shutdown and locking of the bike in the event of theft. It even keeps a log of unusual events!

While it is connected to the main battery, the ACU has a separate power reserve that allows it to remain active for up to two weeks if the main battery expires or is removed. Additionally, the bike’s kickstand and battery can be unlocked through the display in case the rider’s phone dies while on a ride.

I tested most of the ACU’s features briefly in preparation for this initial review, and all seemed to work well. I intend to spend more time with them in the near future for our regular “deep dive” into the bike.

The Aventon app is an equally essential component of the SR’s user experience. In addition to tuning motor output and pedal sensitivity, the app can track and be set up to sync ride data with Strava and Apple Health automatically. It can also connect Aventon owners with each other through an exclusive social media-like community feature.

Aventon shared that the Abound SR’s features aren’t set in stone; with OTA updates, the ACU has “room for new functionalities in the future.” We’re not sure what those may be, but we’re excited to find out more! At face value, the bike’s $2k+ price tag may seem steep, but we feel it is justified, as the SR includes a host of features not typically found on bikes in its price range.