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The Velotric GoMad and the Aventon Abound SR are two of the most talked-about compact cargo e-bikes, and they look similar at a glance: 20-inch wheels, a long rear rack, a 750W hub motor and a price around $2,000. Look closer at the spec sheets, though, and they’re built for different riders. The GoMad leans toward heavy loads and rough ground. The Abound SR leans toward carrying a passenger around town with as much security tech as possible.
This comparison is research-based. We haven’t ridden either bike, and we won’t pretend we have. Every spec and price below comes from the manufacturers’ own product pages, linked in the table and in the sources list, checked on October 30, 2026. Prices and bundles change often, so confirm everything at checkout. Our full process is on the How We Review page.
Quick answer
- Choose the Velotric GoMad if you’re a heavier rider, you haul a lot, or your routes include gravel, grass or broken pavement. It has the higher rack rating (176 lb vs 143 lb), a clearly defined 500 lb total limit, 4-inch fat tires, a 100 mm hydraulic fork, a bigger 801.6Wh battery and Class 1/2/3 settings up to 28 mph.
- Choose the Aventon Abound SR if your main job is carrying one passenger on paved streets. It ships with rear wheel mesh guards, a step-through frame and a suspension seatpost, adds GPS and geofencing features, and was $200 cheaper on the day we checked ($1,799 on sale versus $1,999). It’s sold as Class 2 only, so it tops out at 20 mph.
Velotric GoMad vs Aventon Abound SR: specs compared
All figures are as published on each manufacturer’s product page on October 30, 2026. Where a spec isn’t listed, we say so instead of guessing. For what “max load,” “total weight limit” and “rack rating” actually include, see our guide to e-bike weight limits and payload capacity.
| Spec | Velotric GoMad | Aventon Abound SR |
|---|---|---|
| Price (Oct 30, 2026) | $1,999 (bike only); passenger-kit bundles listed at $2,124.99 and $2,198.49 but sold out | $1,799 on sale (listed regular price $1,899) |
| Total weight limit | 500 lb max bike load; Velotric says this includes the bike, rider, cargo and any passenger | 440 lb total weight limit; the product page doesn’t say whether it includes the bike |
| Rear rack rating | 176 lb (MIK HD compatible, integrated with frame) | 143 lb |
| Passenger rating | Velotric sells Passenger and Young Passenger kits; no passenger count listed in the specs | “Carry a single passenger” |
| Bike weight | 77 lb | 80 lb |
| Rider height | 5’0″ to 6’3″ | 4’11” to 6’3″ |
| Motor | 48V 750W hub (1,300W peak), 85 Nm | Shengyi 36V 750W hub (1,188W peak), 80 Nm |
| Sensor | Torque and cadence (switchable) | Bottom bracket torque sensor, with Aventon’s Sensor Switch for torque or cadence feel |
| Battery | 48V 16.7Ah, 801.6Wh, IPX7, UL 2271 | 36V 20Ah, 733Wh, LG 21700 cells, UL 2271 |
| Claimed range | Up to 75 miles pedal assist, 50 miles throttle (187-lb rider, Eco mode, flat roads) | Up to 60 miles |
| Class and top speed | Class 1/2/3; 20 mph default, adjustable 12 to 28 mph | Class 2 (20 mph) |
| Tires | Kenda 20 x 4.0″ puncture resistant | 20 x 3.0″ urban with reflective sidewalls |
| Front suspension | RST hydraulic fork, 100 mm travel, lockout | 50 mm travel fork, adjustable lockout |
| Seatpost | Rigid aluminum (Velotric sells suspension seatposts separately) | Suspension seatpost, 50 mm travel |
| Brakes | Tektro hydraulic disc, 203 mm front and 180 mm rear rotors | Tektro HD-E3520 hydraulic disc, 203 mm and 180 mm rotors |
| Gearing | Shimano 8-speed, 11-34T | Shimano Altus 8-speed, 12-32T |
| Frame | Triple-butted aluminum, one size | 6061 aluminum step-through, one size |
| Safety certification | UL 2849 and UL 2271, ISO 4210 | UL 2849 (bike), UL 2271 (battery), TUV |
| Water resistance | IPX7 battery, IPX6 frame | IPX5 bike, IPX6 components |
| Included extras | Rear rack bag, full fenders, turn-signal rear light, 500-lumen headlight | Rear rack, rear wheel mesh guards, kickstand e-lock |
| Warranty | 2-year limited | Not listed on the product page |
A note on availability: when we checked, both of Velotric’s passenger-kit bundles for the GoMad were marked sold out, while the bike-only version was available in all three colors. All three Abound SR colors were listed as available.
Payload: which bike carries more?
This is closer than the headline numbers suggest, because the two brands don’t define their totals the same way.
Velotric lists a 500 lb total payload for the GoMad and states that it “includes the combined weight of the bike, rider, cargo, and any passenger.” With the bike at 77 lb, that leaves about 423 lb for you, a passenger and your cargo. Aventon lists a 440 lb total weight limit for the Abound SR but, on the product page we checked, doesn’t say whether the bike’s 80 lb is part of it. If it isn’t, the Abound SR’s usable limit (440 lb) is slightly higher than the GoMad’s (about 423 lb). If it is, the Abound SR leaves about 360 lb. Check Aventon’s manual or ask its support team before you rely on the higher figure.
The rack ratings are a cleaner comparison. The GoMad’s rear rack is rated for 176 lb and the Abound SR’s for 143 lb, a 33 lb difference. Whatever sits on the rack, whether it’s a child, a cooler or a pair of loaded panniers, has to stay under that rating even when you’re well under the total. Here’s a quick way to run the numbers for the GoMad, using Velotric’s definition:
- A 200 lb rider has about 223 lb left for a passenger and cargo (500 – 77 – 200).
- A 250 lb rider has about 173 lb left.
- A 300 lb rider has about 123 lb left.
For the Abound SR, subtract your weight from 440 lb, and then subtract another 80 lb if Aventon confirms the limit includes the bike. If you’re a bigger rider and plan to load the rack heavily, the GoMad’s higher rack rating and clearly defined total are the safer bet. Our roundup of e-bikes for heavy riders covers more high-capacity options if neither fits.
Motor, battery and hills
Both bikes use a 750W rear hub motor, but the GoMad’s runs on a 48V system with a higher listed peak (1,300W) and torque (85 Nm). The Abound SR runs at 36V with an 80 Nm, 1,188W peak motor. Aventon adds a Boost Mode that it says gives up to 120% of specced torque and peak power for up to 30 seconds, which is useful for a short, steep climb with a passenger.
The GoMad also has the bigger battery: 801.6Wh against 733Wh. Velotric’s 75-mile pedal-assist range claim is based on a 187-lb rider in Eco mode on flat roads, so expect less with a heavy load, a passenger or hills. Aventon lists “up to 60 miles” for the Abound SR. Treat both as best-case figures, not what you’ll see with a kid on the back.
One thing that matters for battery safety: both brands list UL 2271 certification for the battery and UL 2849 for the electrical system. If you’re not sure what those mean, our UL 2849 explainer walks through it.
Tires, suspension and comfort
This is the biggest difference between the two. The GoMad rolls on 4-inch fat tires with a 100 mm hydraulic fork. That combination makes sense for gravel, dirt paths, grass and rough city streets, and wide tires at lower pressure add cushioning under heavy loads. The trade-off is that fat tires are heavier and roll with more resistance on smooth pavement. Our fat tire vs regular e-bike comparison and our fat tire pros, cons and tire pressure guide go deeper on that.
The Abound SR uses 3-inch urban tires with reflective sidewalls and a 50 mm fork, so it’s set up for pavement. It makes up some comfort with a 50 mm suspension seatpost, which the GoMad doesn’t include as standard.
Carrying kids and passengers
If a child will ride on the back, the Abound SR is more ready to go out of the box. Aventon rates it for a single passenger and includes rear wheel mesh guards that help keep feet out of the spokes, plus a step-through frame that’s easier to mount with a loaded rack. Its kickstand lock keeps the bike from rolling while you load up.
The GoMad’s higher rack rating gives it more capacity for a passenger, but Velotric sells the passenger setup as a separate kit or bundle, and those bundles were sold out on October 30, 2026. Whichever bike you choose, follow the manufacturer’s manual for passenger age and weight guidance and check your local laws on carrying children. Our guide to the best cargo e-bikes for families compares two more family options, the Lectric XPedition2 and Himiway C3.
Security and tech
Aventon leans hard into security on the Abound SR. Its spec sheet lists an ECU with GPS positioning, Bluetooth and cellular connectivity, and the page describes geofencing, a startup password, cruise control, Hold Mode on hills and over-the-air updates. Aventon marks the GPS, geofencing and some theft-deterrent features with a footnote, so check the fine print for anything that needs the app or a plan.
The GoMad isn’t bare, either. Velotric lists Apple Find My and Android Find Hub support, NFC card unlock, a 3.5-inch color display with Bluetooth, app updates, a USB-C charging port and a rear light with turn signals and a brake indicator.
Pros and cons
Velotric GoMad
Pros
- Higher rack rating (176 lb) and a clearly defined 500 lb total that includes the bike
- 4-inch fat tires and a 100 mm hydraulic fork for rougher routes
- Larger 801.6Wh, 48V battery and 85 Nm motor
- Class 1/2/3 settings, adjustable up to 28 mph
- Rear rack bag, fenders and turn signals included; 2-year warranty listed
Cons
- $200 more than the Abound SR on the day we checked
- Passenger kits cost extra, and both bundles were sold out
- No suspension seatpost as standard
- Fat tires add rolling resistance on smooth pavement
Aventon Abound SR
Pros
- Rated to carry a single passenger, with rear wheel guards included
- Step-through frame and suspension seatpost
- GPS, geofencing and other anti-theft features
- Lower price at $1,799 on sale
- Battery works across several other Aventon models
Cons
- Lower rack rating (143 lb), and the product page doesn’t say whether the 440 lb total includes the bike
- Class 2 only, 20 mph top assisted speed
- 50 mm fork and 3-inch tires are better suited to pavement
- Warranty length isn’t shown on the product page
How to choose between them
- Do the payload math first. Add your weight, any passenger and your usual cargo. Compare it with about 423 lb on the GoMad (500 lb minus the 77 lb bike) and with the Abound SR’s 440 lb limit, after confirming with Aventon whether that includes the bike. If your rack load gets close to 143 lb, the GoMad’s 176 lb rack is the safer choice.
- Look at your routes. Mostly pavement and bike lanes favor the Abound SR’s lighter-rolling tires. Gravel, trails, grass or potholed streets favor the GoMad’s fat tires and longer-travel fork.
- Decide how you’ll carry kids. If you want a passenger-ready bike on day one, the Abound SR includes wheel guards and is rated for one passenger. With the GoMad, budget for a passenger kit and check whether it’s in stock.
- Check your local e-bike rules. The GoMad’s Class 3 setting (up to 28 mph) isn’t allowed on every bike path. If you only ever ride where Class 2 is the limit, the Abound SR’s cap won’t hold you back.
- Think about storage and theft. Both bikes weigh close to 80 lb, so plan for ground-floor storage. If the bike will be parked outside often, Aventon’s GPS and geofencing features may be worth more to you.
FAQ
Which carries more weight, the Velotric GoMad or the Aventon Abound SR?
On the rear rack, the GoMad: 176 lb versus 143 lb. The totals are closer than they look. Velotric’s 500 lb GoMad limit includes the 77 lb bike, which leaves about 423 lb for rider, passenger and cargo. Aventon lists 440 lb for the Abound SR but doesn’t say on the product page whether that includes the bike, so confirm with Aventon before comparing the two.
Is the Velotric GoMad good for heavy riders?
Its published numbers are among the higher ones for a compact cargo bike, and Velotric is unusually clear about what they include. Because the 500 lb total includes the 77 lb bike, a 300 lb rider would have about 123 lb left for cargo or a passenger, with the rack load kept under 176 lb. Always check the manual for any separate rider limit.
Can the Aventon Abound SR carry a child?
Aventon says the Abound SR can carry a single passenger, and it includes rear wheel mesh guards. Follow Aventon’s manual for passenger age and weight guidance, use the right seating and footrests, and check local laws.
Which is faster?
The GoMad can be set up to 28 mph as a Class 3 e-bike. The Abound SR is sold as Class 2, which limits assisted speed to 20 mph.
Which has more range?
Velotric claims up to 75 miles on pedal assist for the GoMad, based on a 187-lb rider in Eco mode on flat roads. Aventon claims up to 60 miles for the Abound SR. The GoMad also has the bigger battery (801.6Wh vs 733Wh). Real range will be lower with heavy loads, passengers or hills.
Are both bikes UL certified?
Yes. Velotric lists UL 2849 and UL 2271 for the GoMad. Aventon lists UL 2849 for the Abound SR and UL 2271 for its battery.
Sources
- Velotric GoMad product page and spec sheet: velotricbike.com/products/velotric-gomad-utility-ebike (checked October 30, 2026)
- Aventon Abound SR product page and specs: aventon.com/products/abound-sr-ebike (checked October 30, 2026)