For those seeking a premium commuter with agility, an active and fun ride, and a myriad of high-tech features, the Specialized Turbo Vado SL 2 may be the perfect fit. This extremely lightweight carbon-fiber e-bike can do a bit of everything, including getting you to the office, carrying groceries, giving you some exercise, and even allowing for some light off-roading.
The 41-lb e-bike has a surprisingly airy and nimble feel due to its carbon fiber frame and fork. Thanks to its light construction and 250W Specialized 1.2 SL mid-drive, it can get up to speed quickly and navigate through traffic with ease. The Turbo Vado SL 2 is a Class 3 e-bike with pedal assist up to 28 mph, making it an ideal choice for a daily-use commuter.
With integrated Bluetooth technology, the Vado SL 2 syncs with the Specialized app, allowing users to tune the bike’s motor output, track ride/fitness data, receive maintenance reminders and over-the-air updates, and set up security features. In addition to a passcode lock and an alarm, it pairs directly with Apple’s Find My™ app for location tracking in the event of theft.
We tested the EQ 6.0 model, which is equipped with fenders and an MIK-HD cargo rack compatible with a massive range of standardized accessories that can lock into place. These include baskets, storage bags, pet carriers, and even a child seat, allowing the Turbo Vado SL 2 to fulfill its design intent as a car replacement.
Specialized also outfitted the bike with all-terrain tires and a stem-integrated suspension with 20mm of travel—the Future Shock 3.2—allowing it to hit smooth dirt or gravel paths that other commuters might feel out of place on.
In short, the Turbo Vado SL 2 is a sleek, stylish, feature-packed e-bike that we found extremely impressive!