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Turbo Vado SL 4.0 Step-Through EQ

4.6

14 Reviews

Meet the Vado SL. This super-light e-bike was designed to take on anything from daily…

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Turbo Vado SL Step-Through

Product Details

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Meet the Vado SL. This super-light e-bike was designed to take on anything from daily commutes through urban landscapes to clocking even faster workouts. Need to carry your bike? No sweat. Weighing 40% less than the full-power Vado, there’s no other electric bike out there with ride quality, range, and power like this. All you need to do is get on and go.

The Vado SL comes equipped with everything you need to start riding right away. First, the extra-bright, built-in lights give you higher visibility in low-light areas. Next, the MasterMind Turbo Control Unit (TCU) makes it easy to view ride info on the go. The Nimbus tires roll fast on or off the pavement with plenty of grip, and the Vado SL's featherweight status also makes it perfect for city commuting and offers far more than ride quality — it means you can hang it on a wall or car rack. And it makes public transportation a breeze.

So whether you're going fast or far or both, the Vado SL provides the confidence to do it all at a fraction of the weight.

LIGHT WEIGHT: You’ll be blown away by how easy it is to lift your bike on to a rack, carry it up stairs, or ride nimbly around town, thanks to the category-leading light-weight of the Turbo SL technology, optimised frame materials, design, and specification.

COMFORTABLE AND CONFIDENT: Body position and handling are optimized to deliver unsurpassed riding comfort, confidence, and control. Powerful hydraulic disc brakes reign in your speed, while larger tires provide maximum traction for turning and stopping.

TURBO SL: The heart of the Vado is its Turbo SL technology, the advanced and integrated electric bike system that delivers an unequaled combination of light-weight, natural feel, anti-theft functions, training tips, a full-function bike computer, ride anywhere range, and more.

The speed limit at which the motor will stop supporting may vary significantly by region and is based on local requirements. It may also affect range: a higher speed limit may result in less range.

  • Long-Range - Fully integrated Specialized 320Wh downtube battery w/optional Range Extender compatibility for up to 80 miles (130 km) or 6 hours (eco mode) or up to 120 miles (200 km) or 9 hours w/ range extender (eco mode).

  • Specialized SL 1.1 custom lightweight motor, peak 240W / 35Nm, 2x you rider amplification (180% assistance), assist up to 28mph.

  • Turbo SL mounted rear rack, Racktime-compatible for your favorite bags and panniers, and DRYTECH fenders to keep the spray away.

  • Premium lightweight E5 Aluminum frame.

  • Clean internal cable routing, fender/rack mounts, and reflective graphics.

  • Step-through frame for easier on/off and managing commuter traffic.

  • Premium hydraulic disc brakes for maximum stopping power.

  • Bright, integrated front and rear lighting to see and be seen.

  • 11-speed Sram NX shifting for reliable performance for the long haul.

  • Durable, lightweight alloy wheels paired with fast-rolling, high-grip, Nimbus II Sport Reflect 700 tires with BlackBelt flat protection and reflective accents to increase visibility.

Technical Specifications

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E-Bike

Motor

Specialized SL 1.1, custom lightweight motor

Battery

Specialized SL1-320, fully integrated, 320Wh

UI/Remote

Specialized TCU, 10-LED State of charge, 3-LED Ride Mode display, ANT+/Bluetooth®, w/Handlebar remote

Charger

Custom charger, 48V System w/ SL system charger plug

Wiring Harness

Custom Specialized wiring harness w/ chargeport

Frameset

Frame

E5 Aluminum, bottom bracket motor mount, fully integrated downtube battery, internal cable routing, fender and front rack mounts, Smooth Welds

Seat Binder

Integrated w/ frame

Suspension

Fork

Rigid full aluminum disc, Boost™ 12x110mm, front- rack-compatible

Brakes

Front Brake

Tektro HD-R290, hydraulic disc, 160mm

Rear Brake

Tektro HD-R290, hydraulic disc, 160mm

Drivetrain

Shift Levers

Sram NX, 11-speed, multi-shift

Rear Derailleur

SRAM NX, 11-speed

Cassette

SUNRACE, CSMS7, 11-42t, 11-speed

Chain

KMC X11eT, 11-speed

Crankset

Praxis, Forged alloy M30, custom offset

Chainrings

Praxis, 44T, 110BCD

Wheels & Tires

Rims

700C disc, 22mm rim depth, 21mm internal width

Front Hub

Specialized alloy front hub disc, sealed cartridge bearings, Center Lock™, 12x110mm, 24h

Rear Hub

Specialized alloy rear hub disc, sealed cartridge bearings, Center Lock™, 12x148mm, 28h

Spokes

DT Swiss Industry

Front Tire

Nimbus II Sport Reflect, 700x38mm

Rear Tire

Nimbus II Sport Reflect, 700x38mm

Inner Tubes

Standard 40mm PV 700x32-50

Cockpit

Stem

Specialized Stealth Stem, alloy, 14 deg, 31.8mm, integrated TCD mount

Handlebars

Specialized, alloy, 9-degree backsweep, 15mm rise, 31.8mm

Grips

Body Geometry Women's Contour

Tape

Specialized Body Geometry Contour, lock-on

Saddle

Bridge Sport, hollow cr-mo rails, 155mm

SeatPost

Specialized, alloy, dual-bolt, 25mm offset, 27.2mm

Accessories

Pedals

Specialized Commuter w/ grip tape & reflectors

Headlight

Lezyne Ebike Hecto STVZO E65, 210Lumens, 12V

Taillight

Lezyne Ebike Rear Fender STVZO, 11Lumens, 12V

Rack

Turbo SL Rack, Closed Platform, direct fender mount, Racktime-compatible, 15kg

Fenders

Specialized DryTech, Aluminum

Kickstand

Specialized kickstand, 40mm mount

Bell

Simple bell

* Weights based on production painted frames as pictured. Actual weights will vary based on colorway, frame size, and component variation. Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Geometry

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SMLXL
Crank Length170mm172.5mm172.5mm175mm
Handlebar Width680mm680mm680mm680mm
Stem Length60mm75mm75mm90mm
Saddle Width155mm155mm155mm155mm
Seatpost Length350mm350mm350mm350mm
Stack542mm574mm607mm643mm
Reach397mm419mm433mm442mm
Head-Tube Length130mm161.5mm194.5mm230mm
Head-Tube Angle70°70.5°71°71.5°
B-B Height291mm291mm291mm291mm
B-B Drop70mm70mm70mm70mm
Trail71mm67mm64mm61mm
Fork Length (full)390mm390mm390mm390mm
Fork Rake/Offset50mm50mm50mm50mm
Front-Center626mm655mm675mm690mm
Chain-Stay Length445mm445mm445mm445mm
Wheelbase1062mm1091mm1110mm1126mm
Top-Tube Length (horizontal)558mm587mm610mm630mm
Bike Stand-Over Height616mm631mm655mm688mm
Seat-Tube Length405mm431.5mm469.5mm510mm
Seat-Tube Angle73.5°73.5°73.5°73.5°
Geometry

Manual Downloads

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Specialized Bicycle Owner's Manual (All Languages)
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2021 VADO SL USER MANUAL (EN FR DE CZ PL SK)
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2021 VADO SL USER MANUAL (EN IT SP PT KR)
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2021 VADO SL USER MANUAL (NL DK NO SV SL HR)
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2022 Rider/Bike Weight Limits and Terrain Conditions
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Charger User Manual (SBC-C04 / SBC-C05 / SBC-C06 / SBC-C07)
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SPECIALIZED_TURBO_ACTIVE_ASSEMBLY_GUIDE_AU-NZ
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SPECIALIZED_TURBO_ACTIVE_ASSEMBLY_GUIDE_JP
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SPECIALIZED_TURBO_ACTIVE_ASSEMBLY_GUIDE_CNT
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SPECIALIZED_TURBO_ACTIVE_ASSEMBLY_GUIDE_CH
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SPECIALIZED_MOUNTAIN_ACTIVE_ASSEMBLY_GUIDE_CZ_SK
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SPECIALIZED_TURBO_ACTIVE_ASSEMBLY_GUIDE_SL
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SPECIALIZED_TURBO_ACTIVE_ASSEMBLY_GUIDE_HR
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SPECIALIZED_TURBO_ACTIVE_ASSEMBLY_GUIDE_DE
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SPECIALIZED_TURBO_ACTIVE_ASSEMBLY_GUIDE_DK
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SPECIALIZED_TURBO_ACTIVE_ASSEMBLY_GUIDE_SV
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SPECIALIZED_TURBO_ACTIVE_ASSEMBLY_GUIDE_FI
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SPECIALIZED_TURBO_ACTIVE_ASSEMBLY_GUIDE_ES
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SPECIALIZED_TURBO_ACTIVE_ASSEMBLY_GUIDE_PT
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SPECIALIZED_TURBO_ACTIVE_ASSEMBLY_GUIDE_FR
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SPECIALIZED_TURBO_ACTIVE_ASSEMBLY_GUIDE_GB
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SPECIALIZED_TURBO_ACTIVE_ASSEMBLY_GUIDE_IT
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SPECIALIZED_TURBO_ACTIVE_ASSEMBLY_GUIDE_NL
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SPECIALIZED_TURBO_ACTIVE_ASSEMBLY_GUIDE_NO
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SPECIALIZED_TURBO_ACTIVE_ASSEMBLY_GUIDE_PL
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SPECIALIZED_TURBO_ROAD_GRAVEL_ASSEMBLY_GUIDE_BR
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SPECIALIZED_TURBO_ACTIVE_ASSEMBLY_GUIDE_KOR
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SPECIALIZED_TURBO_ACTIVE_ASSEMBLY_GUIDE_CNS
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2022_VADO_SL_MASTERMIND_USER_MANUAL_EN_FR_DE_CZ_PL_SK
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2022_VADO_SL_MASTERMIND_USER_MANUAL_NL_DK_NO_SV_SL_HR_RU_FI
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Range Extender (SBC-B16) User Manual
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Mission Control App 2.0 User Guide (English)
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Mission Control App 2.0 User Guide (Chinese)
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Li Ion Battery UN38.3 Test Summary
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2024 VADO SL - USER MANUAL - ENGLISH/FRENCH UL
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EU DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY - TURBO BATTERIES
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ARTICLE 10 - TECHNICAL INFORMATION ON BATTERY PERFORMANCE & DURABILITY

Rider Reviews

4.6

14 Reviews

 

5+ Stars

Exceeded my expectations! Comfortable, long battery life, charges quickly , light weight, and has extended my ability to ride distances with others! So glad we made this purchase! The Specialized dealer was wonderful to work with!

Would Recommend?
Yes!

Name:
Cam

Helpful?

Might be a great product in a small stepthrough…

Why aren’t small sizes available??? I bet you’d get a lot of customers!

Would Recommend?
Yes!

Name:
Carol

Helpful?

LOVE it, love it

Love my Vado 40 SL step through. This bike purrs like a BMW and I’m sold on Specialized bikes! Great mechanics, easy to ride, lightweight at 32 lbs making it easy for women to lift to an overhead rack. On sale too. The light mint color is easily visible too and I got a Racktime clip on bike bag as well. Just make sure you get the correct fit. I ordered my small Racktime bag from Amazon UK as out of stock here. Sooo happy with my ebike purchase.

Would Recommend?
Yes!

Name:
Lisa

Helpful?

Very happy with it

I'm 67 and this bike has allowed me to continue riding with my usual groups as I seem to struggle more on hills than my friends who are of similar age (though a few more get ebikes each year). I was delighted to find that I could lift this bike too and put it in my car (Subaru Forester) myself as I do with my road bike (though it's not as easy) and I didn't have to spend even more to buy a rack and hitch too. I've had it for 3 months now and have ridden it several times a week and it's been working fine. Friends like the look; I have the light blue/green color. The only difficulty was finding it in my size, a small.

Would Recommend?
Yes!

Name:
Gail

Helpful?

Happy with overall quality.

Happy with overall quality.

Would Recommend?
Yes!

Verified Buyer
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Name:
Guest G.

Helpful?

My Vado SL is perfectly

My Vado SL is perfectly matched to my size and ability. Class I provides opportunities to exercise and still climb the hills. And the weight allows this 70 year old woman to handle mounting the bike on my rack independently. Love this bike

Would Recommend?
Yes!

Verified Buyer
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Name:
Guest G.

Helpful?

It has been very good

It has been very good for my current use-case of quick and short errands such as grocery shopping. It provides a good boost to your pedaling. My biggest issue is that it has a Racktime (tubus brand) rear rack that Specialized does not seem to support, nor any other US-based company. I had to order a bag and basket from a drop-shipper via an online retailer.

Would Recommend?
Yes!

Verified Buyer
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Name:
Guest G.

Helpful?

Like the weight, assistance while

Like the weight, assistance while riding

Would Recommend?
Yes!

Verified Buyer
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Name:
Guest G.

Helpful?

Outspokin Bicycle Shop gave me

Outspokin Bicycle Shop gave me the kind of personalized service I needed to get me on the bike that fit my ability! I love my Como 5.0. I get a workout and am able to go the distance I want. My first battery charge gave me 100 miles in Eco mode.

Would Recommend?
Yes!

Verified Buyer
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Name:
Jim K.

Helpful?

Great bike, like the light

Great bike, like the light weight and the ease of loading on the bike rack. It is a little shorter that the regular Vado, I would consider moving to a larger size next time.

Would Recommend?
Yes!

Verified Buyer
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Name:
Guest G.

Helpful?

Best decision I’ve made since

Best decision I’ve made since I agreed to marry my fiancé. I love my bike. Commuting to work on my bike is a fun adventure now compared to the daily drag in traffic that it used to be.

Would Recommend?
Yes!

Verified Buyer
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Name:
Guest G.

Helpful?

Roads, rail trails, hills -- it does it all

Lightweight, agile, smart looking, all the power and range I need. Well built, app works great on either of my phones (Samsung 8, OnePlus 7). My first e-bike, coming from a hybrid road bike. It rides almost as well as my hybrid! Mainly use it for exercise on 20-30 km rides in the hills. Often just use pedal power, so range is fantastic. If I decide to tour with it, I'd get the range extender. Most comfortable bike I've ever owned.

Would Recommend?
Yes!

Name:
Brian

Helpful?

Removing battery requires LBS

It is recommended that the battery be removed and stored indoors in winter. You need to have LBS mechanic remove the battery on the Turbo Vado SL because the motor has to be accessed and removed to get to the battery. This is different than other models which allow the consumer to remove the battery from the bottom of the down tube. The LBS charges for this. Otherwise, this is a great bike.

Would Recommend?
Yes!

Name:
George

Helpful?

Nice bike but there are some flows.

Bike battery and weight are great. but for this price I was expecting everything to be perfect. First of all came without bike computer and the app on the phone was supposed to be used instead. This app was crashing every time I was on a ride. Also, the front bumper comes undone on daily basis. It was a great idea to have a bell, but bell does not work how its supposed to. I had to replace it with another bell from another bike. All in all, I expected more for the $$$$ price.


Name:
Sandy

Helpful?