Specialized Turbo Vado SL EQ

The Specialized Turbo Vado SL 5.0 EQ perfectly fulfills its mission as a light and dynamic electric bike. This top-of-the-range model comes well-equipped for those looking for an e-bike for commuting. Be careful, however, the battery cannot be removed from the frame to be recharged…

The steering head regularly touches the cables when the steering is turned sharply… This could possibly damage them over time. Otherwise, this light e-bike from Specialized presents itself as being of high quality, well thought-out and fun to ride. The model is ideal as a practical pedelec for the city, excursions to the surrounding area and, as a commuter e-bike.

We note that the engine works almost silently, that it responds very clearly and directly to the force you apply to the pedals, and that the engine power is phased out completely imperceptibly around 27 km/h. Just the way you want it.

The Specialized Turbo Vado SL closes the gap between bio and e-bikes. The handling is outstanding, the suitability for everyday use thanks to the low weight is great. There is a deduction for the permanently installed battery.

The Specialized Turbo Vado SL 5.0 EQ is a near-perfect commuter bike. Light, agile, sporty, fast. This turns everyday routes into fun tours.

To be honest, it’s hard to fault this Vado SL electric bike from Specialized. So why a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars? Well, because we can’t have the butter and the money for the butter…

The Specialized Turbo Vado SL 4.0 EQ is one of the best e-bikes I’ve ever reviewed. Internal battery offers modest capacity but weighs under 4lbs and provides impressive range. The bike is satisfying to pedal, even without assist from the motor.

You have the assistance from the motor to make hills and headwinds much easier… for running errands, commuting, going to work, go-to mudguards, the racks… just get on and ride. Yes, it’s an expensive bike, it’s a big investment, but it’s cheaper than a car and it’s cheaper than a season ticket for a tube or railway.

I am not new to the electric bike market, but what I am new to is actual bike riding. It’s been such a long time since I actually rode a real bike as opposed to an electric bike with a throttle. It’s crazy because my legs hurt so I feel like I really got a workout just coming down to Santa Monica here.

It is pedal assist (obviously), so you have to do a lot of work (for me anyway), going uphill.

It’s worth noting that while other super commuters include similar accessories as standard, the added extras on this steed are of excellent quality. Refined, rugged and designed to last as long as the bike will rather than just being slapped on as an afterthought, this truly is a ride that needs nothing more than a rider perched on its saddle.

If you have to carry your bike up stairs, or want more of a workout, get the Vado SL. If you want more power and easier speed, get the regular Vado. Overall, the Specialized Vado bikes are a rock-solid choice for commuters.

The Specialized Turbo Vado SL 5.0 EQ checks a lot of boxes if you want to ride sportily and on the flats. Both the modular battery concept, good vibration damping and successful motor integration all know how to impress. However, for hilly terrain and a completely sweat-free ride, the motor support of the SL 1.1 motor is too little…

Certainly, there’s no e-bike I know of that looks so much like a regular bike, is from a reputable company with dealer support, has up to 120 mile range, provides assist to 28mph, comes with a buttery-smooth mid-drive motor, offers good components, packs actually-useful front suspension, and weighs in at just 35 pounds.

The Specialized Turbo Vado SL 5.0 EQ is a progressive urban e-bike, making for a convincing package thanks to its digital features, high level of integration, low weight and refined looks. But if you prefer to be carried up steep inclines and put a lot of emphasis on comfort, then the Specialized Turbo Vado SL isn’t for you.

Editor’s Choice. You can certainly find a similar style of e-bike for less money, but I’m confident when I say if you decide to spend the extra you get a better bike and riding experience.

An attractive alternative to the regular Vado. The SL is noticeably lighter… Good build quality, good components… it is always ready for urban everyday life… sensitive response and an extremely smooth freewheel above 25 km/h. The bike appeals in particular to sporty riders who like to cycle even without an e-drive… The relatively loud motor noise under load must be accepted.

The Turbo Vado SL is nimble, well mannered, and inspired me to get out of the saddle and charge up hills which no e-bike has done before. The ride feels harsh and unrefined.

After three weeks of very, very intensive use, this bike can only be praised. The price? To many it will seem very high, but for someone who is going to use it 365 days a year, who wants to enjoy every meter covered in very different terrains and who wants to use an unbeatable bike almost non-stop, it will seem reasonable.

This is the best bike I have ever tested. It is very versatile. It is ideally suited to being a city bike; nice for commuting, to do some shopping, but at the same time it is also light enough to lift.

I have rarely taken so much pleasure in pedaling, as with this Specialized, in addition to its ride comfort.

The bike is fully equipped – right down to the particularly low fenders! – and therefore very suitable for all job commuters. The Future Shock system is also installed in the Vado. It brings comfort and safety on bumps.

It’s light, efficient and stylish. It’s a city e-bike that also allows you to do some cardio… Downhill, braking and cornering it is stable and safe …there are no annoying vibrations.

It is a well-thought-out, high-quality product, of which I highlight the comfort (position, handling and future shock), adaptability to pedaling with casual clothes (mudguards and chain protection) and the low weight that proves to be important when handling the bike.

The brakes are hydraulic and give great, great, great, security. They are very powerful.

I think the minimalist theme is special and I like it a lot.

It should be noted that I rode 800km on this bike and I did not have any mechanical problems, not even a puncture.

About a month after purchase my wrists and buttocks hurt from vibration. I usually use it for commuting. Round trip about 10km. You don’t sweat, even in the summer. The battery is built in, so it may not be suitable for people living in apartments.

The tuned motor can provide continuous and strong assist in a wide range of cadence, and has a very natural pedaling feeling.

Overall, the smooth power output of the Turbo Vado SL creates a light and comfortable riding experience, especially suitable for daily commuting, comfortable outings and other urban riding… If you want to go very fast, you have to rely entirely on your own leg strength…

Are the Specialized Turbo Vado SL 4.0 EQ’s small motor and battery a step back or a step forward? The support and range are more than sufficient under normal circumstances. And then of course there’s the bike itself, with its sleek aluminum frame, well thought-out equipment and efficient yet comfortable riding position. In short: highly recommended.

On the flat and in slightly hilly terrain, weak or medium support is enough to quickly bring the light trekking bike to the 25 km/h limit. Even beyond that, the engine can still be pedaled well. Decoupling occurs harmonically and the additional resistance is low.

The Specialized Turbo Vado SL appeals, above all, to riders who do not value maximum motor support, but are looking for a pedelec with a harmonious drive and a natural riding experience that is close to that of a classic bike. A mix of Shimano’s SLX and XT group – shifts crisply, and the Tektro disc brakes also work reliably.

This SL 1.1 motor lacks a bit of progressiveness. Depending on the effort you provide, it may happen that you are right in the “zone” of motor triggering, which then causes unpleasant jerks in the most powerful modes. Finer management with a progressive ramp start would be welcome.

After testing the bike, the standard battery is enough to keep you riding around town or neighborhood all day.