Mokwheel Basalt ST 2.0 vs Aventon Aventure 3 ST: More Battery and More Payload for the Money
Only $199.01 separates these two step-through fat-tire e-bikes, but that small price gap hides a much bigger difference in what you get for the money. At $1,799.99, Mokwheel gives you a 940Wh battery and 450 lb payload capacity, while the $1,999 Aventure 3 ST puts more emphasis on connected security and seatpost comfort. For longer rides, heavier loads, and mixed outdoor use, the Basalt ST 2.0 puts more of its value into the bike itself. Aventon takes a different route with app-based features and added saddle cushioning. At this price gap, those priorities matter more than the sticker price alone.
How the Basalt ST 2.0 and Aventure 3 ST Compare
The clearest differences show up in battery capacity, fork travel, payload, and how each brand handles smart features. Their core fat-tire hardware is relatively close, with 750W hub motors, Shimano 8-speed drivetrains, and 26 × 4.0-inch tires on both models. The comparison below puts the most important differences side by side.
| Specification | Mokwheel Basalt ST 2.0 | Aventon Aventure 3 ST |
|---|---|---|
| Current price | $1,799.99 | $1,999.00 |
| Frame | Step-through, 6061 aluminum | Step-through, 6061 aluminum |
| Battery | 48V 19.6Ah, 940Wh | 36V 20Ah, 733Wh |
| Motor | Rear hub, 750W rated (1100W peak) | 36V 750W hub (1440W under Boost Mode) |
| Torque | 90Nm+ | 80Nm |
| Range | 60–80 miles | Up to 65 miles |
| Sensor | Torque + cadence | Double-sided bottom-bracket torque sensor |
| Drivetrain | Shimano 8-speed, 52T chainring | Shimano Altus 8-speed, 48T chainring |
| Front suspension | 110mm adjustable fork | 80mm fork with lockout |
| Seatpost | Standard rigid seatpost | Suspension seatpost, 50mm travel |
| Tires | 26 × 4.0-inch, puncture-resistant | 26 × 4.0-inch, puncture-resistant |
| Brakes | TEKTRO TKD171 hydraulic disc | Tektro HD-E3520 hydraulic disc, 180mm rotors |
| Bike weight | 80 lb | 77 lb |
| Included equipment | Fenders, rear rack, kickstand, built-in turn signals | Fenders, rear rack, kickstand, integrated lights |
| Optional equipment | Inverter and solar setup | ACU 4G/GPS connection |
Quick Decision Guide
Choose the Basalt ST 2.0 if you:
- Take longer rides between charging stops: the 940Wh battery gives you about 28% more onboard energy than the Aventure 3 ST's 733Wh pack, leaving more capacity for longer routes and days when charging is less convenient.
- Regularly ride with more gear: the 450 lb payload rating gives you 50 lb more total carrying headroom for the rider, bags, camping equipment, or other cargo.
- Spend more time on rough gravel and uneven trails: the 110mm adjustable fork gives the front wheel more travel to absorb larger bumps and broken surfaces than the Aventure 3 ST's 80mm fork.
- Want the battery to do more than move the bike: Mokwheel's optional inverter and solar setup lets the same battery support compatible devices and off-grid charging around camp or away from an outlet.
- Want more riding capacity at the lower price: at $1,799.99, the Basalt ST 2.0 combines the larger battery, higher payload rating, and longer-travel fork while costing $199.01 less.
The Aventure 3 ST may be worth the extra cost if you:
- Use GPS tracking and app-based security regularly: the ACU system adds connected location tracking, theft-deterrence features, and Ride Tune controls.
- Want more cushioning at the saddle: the 50mm suspension seatpost adds another layer of comfort over repeated pavement and gravel vibration, alongside the 80mm front fork.
- Need a slightly lighter bike: at 77 lb, it is about three pounds lighter than the 80 lb Basalt ST 2.0, which can make repositioning or loading the bike a little easier.
- Prioritize a shorter full-charge time: Aventon lists about five hours for its 733Wh battery, compared with roughly six hours for the Basalt ST 2.0's larger 940Wh pack.
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Want short bursts of extra output: Boost Mode can raise output to 1440W for up to 30 seconds when a brief steep section calls for more assistance.
Basalt ST 2.0 vs Aventure 3 ST: How Power Delivery Differs
Both bikes use 750W rated rear hub motors, but their power systems are set up differently. The Basalt ST 2.0 is rated at 90Nm+ of torque with 1100W peak power, while the Aventure 3 ST is rated at 80Nm and can temporarily raise output to 1440W in Boost Mode for up to 30 seconds. That gives the Basalt the higher stated torque rating for regular riding, while Aventon adds a short-duration power boost for brief steep sections.
Pedal assist is another point of difference. The Basalt ST 2.0 uses a Torque + Cadence sensor system, so assist can respond to pedaling input while still supporting cadence-based control. Aventon uses a double-sided bottom-bracket torque sensor and Sensor Switch, allowing the rider to choose between torque- and cadence-based assist. That makes the difference less about one bike simply having a “better” sensor and more about how much control you want over the way assistance responds.
The drivetrains are both Shimano 8-speed setups, but the gearing is not identical. The Basalt ST 2.0 uses a 52T chainring, while the Aventure 3 ST pairs a 48T chainring with a 12–32T cassette. The larger 52T chainring gives the Basalt more pedaling resistance as speed rises, while the smaller 48T chainring favors easier pedaling at lower speeds. Aventon’s short Boost Mode adds another option when a brief climb calls for more motor output, but it does not change the fact that both bikes remain 750W-rated hub-drive e-bikes
What the 940Wh vs 733Wh Battery Gap Means
The battery labels look close if you only compare amp-hours: 19.6Ah on the Basalt ST 2.0 versus 20Ah on the Aventure 3 ST. But the Basalt runs a 48V system while the Aventure uses 36V, so the actual battery capacities are 940Wh and 733Wh. That leaves the Basalt with 207Wh more energy, about a 28% difference.
The Basalt ST 2.0 pairs that 940Wh battery with a 60–80-mile range, compared with the Aventure 3 ST’s 733Wh battery and up to 65 miles of range. The extra capacity gives the Basalt more room for longer rides, hillier routes, higher assist levels, or days when you are carrying more gear.
That difference matters most when charging during the day is inconvenient. Short neighborhood rides may never use much of either battery, but longer mixed-terrain trips can make the extra capacity more useful. With 940Wh available from the start, the Basalt ST 2.0 gives you more flexibility to extend the route or keep riding without planning the day as closely around the next charge
Detachable Controls vs. Connected Security
The Basalt ST 2.0 uses a straightforward hardware-based approach to security. Its HD display lifts off when you park, and removing it activates an automatic power cutoff. You can take the display with you instead of leaving the bike’s main control unit behind, and this feature does not depend on a cellular connection or paid data service.
The Aventure 3 ST adds a connected layer through its ACU system. GPS location updates, motion alerts, geofencing, remote shutdown, and its integrated rear-wheel lock give you more ways to check or secure the bike through the Aventon app or display. These functions are most useful when the bike is regularly parked away from home, although the 4G-dependent services require a paid subscription after the included first year.
The difference comes down to how you want to manage security. The Basalt keeps it physical and simple: remove the display and take the controls with you. The Aventure adds remote tracking and app-based tools for riders who expect to use connected security regularly.
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Once the road gets rougher or the bike carries more weight, the differences between these two setups become easier to feel. Both use and hydraulic disc brakes, but they approach suspension, braking hardware, and load capacity differently.
Suspension and Comfort
- Mokwheel Basalt ST 2.0: The 110mm adjustable front fork gives the wheel more travel to absorb washboard gravel, potholes, ruts, and rougher trail sections. Its 4-inch tires add another layer of cushioning and grip, while the rigid seatpost keeps the rear of the bike relatively simple.
- Aventon Aventure 3 ST: The 80mm front fork has less travel, but the 50mm suspension seatpost adds cushioning directly beneath the rider. That setup can take the edge off repeated smaller bumps on pavement and gravel.
The practical difference is where the extra cushioning comes from. The Basalt puts more suspension travel at the front wheel, which is useful as surfaces get rougher, while the Aventure adds more comfort at the saddle.
Braking and Control
- Mokwheel Basalt ST 2.0: TEKTRO TKD171 hydraulic disc brakes provide consistent braking for pavement, gravel, and trail riding. Rear turn signals are integrated into the frame as well, making your direction clearer to riders and drivers behind you.
- Aventon Aventure 3 ST: Tektro HD-E3520 hydraulic disc brakes use 180mm rotors front and rear, along with brake levers that cut motor power when braking.
Both bikes already start with hydraulic braking, so this is not a simple case of one having a basic system and the other having an upgraded one. Aventon publishes more detail around its rotor and motor-cutoff hardware, while the Basalt adds integrated turn signals that are useful when rides include streets, bike lanes, or shared roads.
Load Capacity
- Mokwheel Basalt ST 2.0: The 450 lb payload capacity leaves more room for the rider plus bags, camping equipment, or other cargo carried on the included rear rack.
- Aventon Aventure 3 ST: The 400 lb total weight limit still covers substantial everyday loads, and a rear rack is included as standard equipment.
A 50 lb difference may not matter much on a lightly loaded ride. It becomes more useful once rider weight and cargo start adding up, especially for longer outdoor trips or regular rack use. Both bikes can carry gear, but the Basalt gives you more room before reaching the bike’s stated load limit.
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View Fat-Tire E-BikesFAQ
Q1: Does the 48V vs. 36V difference matter?
The difference becomes more relevant when the bike is working harder, such as on climbs or with a heavier load. The Basalt ST 2.0 uses a 48V system and is rated at 90Nm+ of torque, while the Aventure 3 ST uses 36V and is rated at 80Nm. At the same 750W rated power, the higher-voltage system can deliver that power with less current, giving the Basalt a little more headroom when demand increases. On easier, flatter rides, that difference may be much less noticeable.
Q2: Which bike fits shorter or taller riders?
Mokwheel offers the Basalt ST 2.0 in two sizes: Standard for riders from 5'2" to 6'4", and Large for 5'6" to 6'8". Aventon’s Regular size covers 4'11"–5'7", while its Large covers 5'7"–6'1". Size charts help narrow the choice, but a test ride at a local dealer is still the best way to confirm reach, riding position, and how comfortable the step-through frame feels before buying.
Q3: Do both bikes have a throttle?
A throttle is included on both bikes, so either one can provide motor assistance without continuous pedaling. The Basalt ST 2.0 uses a thumb throttle, while the Aventure 3 ST places its throttle on the left side of the handlebar. In practical use, the basic purpose is very similar, so throttle operation is unlikely to be a major deciding factor between these two models.
Q4: Do I need a paid subscription to ride either bike?
Normal riding on the Basalt ST 2.0 does not depend on a subscription or connected-data plan. The Aventure 3 ST also works without a subscription, although continued access to its 4G-dependent connected features requires a paid plan after the included first year.
Q5: Can both bikes reach 28 mph?
Pedal assist can reach 28 mph on either model, while throttle-only speed is limited to 20 mph. The Basalt ST 2.0 starts at 20 mph and lets you adjust the assisted speed from 15 to 28 mph in Custom Mode. The Aventure 3 ST also starts in its 20 mph Class 2 setup and can reach 28 mph through pedal assist. Just keep in mind that the higher-speed setting should only be used where 28 mph e-bike operation is allowed.
Q6: Can the batteries be removed for charging?
The Basalt ST 2.0 uses a detachable 48V 19.6Ah battery, so you can remove it and charge it indoors without moving the entire 80 lb bike. The Aventure 3 ST also uses a removable internal battery. That makes either bike easier to live with when the bike itself is stored in a garage, shed, or another place that is less convenient for charging.
Final Thoughts
At $1,799.99, the Basalt ST 2.0 puts more of its value into the things that matter as rides get longer, loads get heavier, and surfaces get rougher, including battery capacity, payload headroom, and front suspension travel. The Aventure 3 ST takes a different route with connected security and extra cushioning at the seatpost. With only $199.01 between them, the decision is less about the price itself and more about which features you will actually use. Riders who care more about longer rides, carrying gear, and mixed-terrain use may find the Basalt ST 2.0 gives them more of what they need without paying extra for connected features they may rarely use.
Mokwheel Basalt 2.0 vs Aventon Aventure 3: More Battery for Less Money
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