Specialized Turbo Vado 3.0 E-Bike Review

Images from manufacturer's website

60 mi

RANGE

28 mph

TOP SPEED

5 hrs

CHARGE TIME

54.4 lbs

WEIGHT

Mid-drive

MOTOR TYPE

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Specialized Turbo Vado 3.0 Review: Takeaway

With its smooth drivetrain, stylish color palette, and sleek appearance, the Specialized Turbo Vado 3.0 is designed for those who want a convenient and reliable commuter that looks great.

At around $3,250, the model is a mid-tier electric bike with features that rival many of its competitors. The Specialized 1.2 E motor has been optimized with the brand’s Custom Rx Street Tune, which prioritizes greater efficiency and quieter operation. This makes it great for zipping about the city or going for casual rides on the weekend.

The Vado 3.0 is also one of the lighter fully equipped commuters, weighing just 54.4 pounds. This makes it easier to maneuver than heavier e-bike models — helpful for those who need to carry their e-bike upstairs to their home or office.

Ideal for...

Comfort

Commuting

Urban Biking

Style and sophistication

E-Bike Overview

The Turbo Vado 3.0’s E5 Aluminum frame is durable, strong, and naturally weather-resistant. Internal cable routing and an integrated battery also help the model maintain its stylish and streamlined appearance.

The Turbo Connect Display comes equipped with Specialized’s Mission Control software, which efficiently regulates power so you don’t run out of charge before arriving at your destination. It also records ride history, provides diagnostic assistance, and offers assist tuning to ensure you have the smoothest journey from A to B. This display is also removable, meaning you can protect it from the elements and prevent theft.

Reasons to Buy

One of the huge advantages of any Specialized e-bike is its Mission Control app. While most e-bikes within this price range come equipped with an LCD display, this software offers the most advanced technological capabilities. Aside from viewing key information and controlling aspects of your ride, the app also lets you disable your bike’s motor and activate the motion sensor alarm. This anti-theft feature means that once locked, your e-bike’s motor can only be enabled again by you.

Specialized has also added some nice safety features to the model. The inclusion of LED front and rear lights is vital for those who commute at night, while reflective stripping on both the fenders and sidewall provides extra peace of mind.

The Turbo Vado 3.0’s availability in four different sizes also allows it to cater to a wider variety of rider heights — from 5’1” all the way to 6’4”.

Things to Consider

The model’s 460Wh battery is less than the 604Wh battery in the Turbo Vado 6.0, but riders can still get roughly 20 miles out of a single charge while riding at the maximum assist setting.

Keep in mind that the Turbo Vado 3.0 hasn’t been designed for moderate or heavy off-road use, so for those wanting something with extra power and traction, consider a model from the brand’s turbo mountain e-bike range instead.

Specs & Components

Color

Storm Grey/Black/Liquid Silver and Cast Blue/Black/Liquid Silver

Motor

Specialized 1.2 E, Custom Rx Street-tuned motor, 250W nominal

Battery

Specialized U1-460, 460Wh

Charger

Custom Specialized 42V2A Charger w/Rosenberger plug, AC power cord included

Frame

E5 Aluminum with fully integrated and lockable downtube batter and internal cable routing

Tires

Trigger Sport Reflect, 700x47c

Brakes

Tektro HD-T275, hydraulic disc, 160-180mm

Display

Turbo Connect Display (TCD-w) with Mission Control

Accessories/Extras

DRYTECH Fenders, LED front and rear lights, rear HD rack

The specs above come from the manufacturer and may vary from what you’ve experienced. Notice something that needs correcting? Let us know.

Ratings

Power

 4/5

Offering up to 50 Newton meters of torque, the 250W Specialized 2.0E motor gives a reasonable amount of power when you pedal. Tuned for street use, it’ll handle all but the steepest of hills, though there are electric road bikes with more powerful motors if you live somewhere like San Francisco.

Supporting the motor is a Shimano Alvio, 9-speed pedal drivetrain. Offering a decent range of ratios, it’ll allow for economical riding should distance be a concern.

The tires and wheels are optimized for road use, and with minimal rolling resistance, they’ll allow much of the drivetrain’s power to be transmitted into speed on the road.

Range

 4/5

During typical, mixed-terrain, riding you should be able to get 35-40 miles of range if you move between power settings during the ride. That’s good for a mid-range, mid-drive electric bike, and more than enough for longer-distance cycle commuting or utility riding.

Weight can impact range, as can other factors like weather conditions and how hilly your route is. Ultimately, a heavier rider carrying a larger load on a hilly route in crosswinds will get fewer miles than someone carrying a lighter load on a flatter route.

Comfort

 4.5/5

4.5

The Specialized Turbo Vado 3.0 is ideal for longer rides, as it keeps you in a classic/trekking position. The 700c wheels and tires are ideal for road use. Unlike many other touring e-bikes, this isn’t suited to off-road use. That said, the 80mm travel Suntour forks are good for uneven road surfaces. And the handlebars feature a Specialized Body Geometry Contour grip that should keep your hands steady.

You may wish to switch out the supplied Rivo Sport saddle for a more comfortable one, though if you choose the right-sized machine for your height, you should be comfortable enough due to the geometry.

Durability

 4.5/5

4.5

Specialized offers a lifetime warranty on its frames and welded attachments and a two-year warranty on its batteries, forks, and wheels. This is typical for many of the larger electric bike manufacturers.

As with all mid-drive motor electric bikes, the Turbo Vado 3.0 will require regular, routine maintenance to keep it in good condition. The KMC e9T chain will need replacing roughly every 700 miles, and you should keep an eye on the Shimano CS-HG400 cassette around this distance, too. Brake pads will need replacing as well.

Style

 4.5/5

4.5

The design of this e-bike is very much of the current vogue for electric road/touring bikes with its clean lines and muted color schemes. It stands out from the crowd by blending in with it! We like the fenders, panniers, and size of tires that make for a very neat-looking, quality electric road bike.

Our Research Methodology

We personally research and test every e-bike featured in our reviews and guides to provide accurate, data-driven recommendations. Learn how we review.

About Our Editorial Team

Written by Robb Dorr

Co-founder

Robb is a massive cycling enthusiast who has more than 20 years of non-motorized cycling experience. He started eBikes.org to lower the barrier of entry to cycling and reduce the intimidation people can experience when getting into the cycling world.

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