BIKE’s verdict on the Aventon Ultro X
The Gobao P120, as fitted to the Aventon Ultro X, is a highly capable and well-developed e-MTB motor with numerous strengths. Admittedly, it cannot quite hold its own against Bosch and Avinox. For a debut model, however, the motor is impressive. Only the noticeable rattling when riding downhill is annoying. - Adrian Kaether, Test & Technology Editor
Who makes the best e-bike motor on the market? With the X1P gear motor, Gobao has already made a big splash at Eurobike 2026, apparently even putting Avinox under pressure. The new eCVT Super motor isn’t available yet. However, it’s reason enough for us to include Gobao’s classic P120 mid-mounted motor in our motor comparison test instead. Especially as Gobao already has an up-and-coming cycling partner on board in the form of Aventon. Unlike many other exciting motor suppliers on the market – Brose/Qore, Mahle, Panasonic, Maxon – one can certainly say here: Market relevance? Check!
In the laboratory: 763 watts peak power at the rear wheel
For our comprehensive motor comparison, we spared no expense or effort and also measured the motors in the laboratory and on the test bench at PT Labs. Alongside Gobao/Aventon, the comparison included the widely used Bosch CX and the new Avinox M2 and M2S motors.
The Aventon Ultro X with the Gobao P120 performs well in terms of power. On the roller dynamometer, we recorded up to 763 watts of power at the rear wheel and a maximum torque of 103 Newton-metres. This puts the Gobao slightly below the manufacturer’s specifications of 120 Nm and 850 watts – but this is typical for a roller dynamometer and entirely normal. The Ultro X also offers measurably more power than a Bosch CX with the Power Update (683 watts – BIKE measurement), though it naturally doesn’t reach the well over 1,000 watts of an Avinox. With an assistance level of over 600 per cent, the Ultro X delivers substantial motor power even with a light pedal stroke. The pedalling resistance of 13.4 watts is not a record figure. However, in a historical comparison, the Aventon still ranks in the good mid-range and can also be ridden easily without assistance from time to time.
The Gobao/Aventon’s Achilles’ heel: from a cadence of 140 onwards, the assistance drops off significantly and even cuts out completely as you approach a cadence of 150. This is usually not a problem in everyday use. However, it can be noticeable on the trail before key sections. And Aventon’s drive system is by no means a lightweight. At 2.86 kilograms, the motor itself is slightly heavier than a Bosch CX, and the battery is also relatively heavy at 4.15 kilograms. Most modern 800-series batteries weigh under 4 kilogrammes. On the other hand, the Aventon motor barely heated up during our laboratory test cycle. This suggests good derating reserves. Even on long, steep climbs at full throttle, the motor should be able to maintain its peak power for a long time.
Aventon Ultro X: Key specifications at a glance
| Outstanding performance | 763 watts (BIKE measurement) / 850 watts (manufacturer’s specification) |
| Maximum torque | 103 Nm (BIKE measurement) / 120 Nm (manufacturer’s specification) |
| Engine weight | 2.86 kg (BIKE measurement) |
| Battery | 800 Wh |
| Battery weight | 4.15 kg (BIKE measurement) |
| Range Extender | - |
| Charger | 4 A, 12 A (from October 2026) |
| Distinctive feature | 8 years of GPS tracking with 4G connectivity |
GPS tracking at no extra cost
When it comes to everyday use, the Gobao – in the form of the Aventon Ultro X – certainly has an ace up its sleeve. A full eight years of GPS tracking is included, via its own 4G mobile connection. This means that our Aventon Current test bike transmit its position to the owner continuously and independently of other devices. Other providers, such as Bosch, require accessories such as the Connect module for this. Tracking is also only available via a paid subscription.
By contrast, the rest of the Aventon’s ecosystem does not yet seem fully developed. The touchscreen is a definite plus, as its menu allows you to configure functions and assistance levels in detail. A range extender is currently missing. However, in October 2026, Aventon added a 12-amp fast charger to its range, priced at 249 euros. This demonstrates just how quickly the newcomer can respond to customer requests. Hardware partner Gobao itself has already unveiled various batteries for the new X1P gear motor, as well as a fast charger with a capacity of up to 30 amps. This, too, could be adopted by Aventon in the future.
On the trail: What it’s like to ride the Aventon Ultro X
The controls are a bit basic, but they’re functional and perfectly adequate. At full power, the Aventon Ultro X is clearly audible but not excessively loud. The Avinox motors – and especially genuinely quiet drives such as the TQ HPR 60 – are significantly quieter, but the Aventon’s drive noise is quite tolerable when cycling uphill.
We found the powerful Turbo and Boost assistance modes less convincing. In a direct comparison with the competition, they seem a bit clunky. Whilst they can be extensively customised via the app, we didn’t manage to find a setup that felt quite right. The good news is that we much preferred the automatic mode. It handles all everyday situations with ease, from cruising and commuting to challenging uphill trails, and is only less suitable for those looking to consistently maximise their range.
Good adjustability but noticeable engine rattling
As mentioned above, Gobao also scores highly when it comes to customisation options. The app allows for extensive adjustment of the motor’s characteristics. From the assistance levels right through to the duration of the motor’s coasting phase. In this respect, the newcomer is on a par with the best established manufacturers such as Bosch and Avinox. You can even adjust many settings easily on the fly directly on the touchscreen itself, without needing the app. Brilliant!
Whilst there is still some room for improvement when it comes to details such as the push assist and hill starts, the Gobao is already performing well in this respect – better than long-established motor models such as the Shimano EP8. The Gobao’s biggest weakness in practice is the noise level, particularly when riding downhill. The motor rattles loudly from the gearbox. The drop in power at high cadences can also be a source of frustration for sporty uphill mountain bikers.
The Gobao P120/Aventon Ultro X at a glance
Strengths:
- Plenty of power and torque
- Adjustability, app and touchscreen
- GPS tracking with 4G, often including 8 years’ service
- Rapid expansion of the ecosystem, e.g. with a fast charger
- Value for money in the Aventon system
Weaknesses:
- Engine knocking
- Strong U-steps, slightly uneven
- Heavy motor and battery
Adrian Kaether
Editor