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Californian design combined with technology developed in Switzerland: Specialized goes its own way with its e-bikes in the Vado series. In the case of our test bike, the Vado SL 4.0 EQ, this results in an elegant, impressively lightweight pedelec commuter. 15 kilos is a very good weight for an e-bike fully equipped with lights, pannier rack and mudguards. In the lightweight e-bike test in MYBIKE 6/20, no fully equipped bike was as light and slim - with its tidy and elegant appearance, the Vado is not recognisable as a pedelec at first glance. All cables run through the frame tubes, while the battery and small motor blend discreetly into the silhouette.
Of course, Specialized can't do magic either. There are good reasons for the comparatively low weight. In addition to the lightweight equipment and the absence of a suspension fork, the drive technology is also trimmed for low weight: At 320 Wh, the battery is quite small, but sufficiently sized for the intended use. It is inconspicuously concealed in the frame (where it must also remain for charging). The Specialized SL 1.1 motor is also designed to be slim. The manufacturer specifies the peak output as 240 watts, with the strongest support level at 180 per cent.
The Specialised E-Commuter Turbo Vado in detail
Price: 3499 Euro
Light, lively and agile
Compared to top dogs like the popular Bosch CX, this is significantly less power - but obviously practical for this type of bike: the Vado impressed during the test ride. The Specialized SL 1.1 motor has little trouble with the lightweight, it kicks in smoothly after about a quarter of a pedal stroke and pushes the bike and rider forwards powerfully but sensitively and predictably - it feels like it delivers more power than on paper. 25 kilometres per hour are quickly reached. If you continue to accelerate with pure muscle power, you won't feel any additional resistance from the drive unit.
The motor responds promptly to pedal pressure and stops immediately when you stop pedalling. Wide handlebars and a short stem ensure direct handling and good control. The pedelec can be precisely manoeuvred around the tightest corners and the stiff front end keeps the bike precisely on track. The narrow tyres support the lively and agile handling, and on asphalt they impress with good grip. And because the riding position is not extremely sporty, there is little weight on the wrists.
The Turbo Vado SL 4.0 EQ is a sporty commuter for daily journeys to work or for short trips and shorter excursions. The sensitive and smooth drive, low weight and lively handling are particularly impressive. The price is also perfectly acceptable in view of the technology, design and driving performance.
