Full-Power Touring for Everyday Riding
The Specialized Turbo Vado 3 4.0 is a full-power touring e-bike built for fast commuting, weekend exploring and practical everyday transport. It combines strong assistance and long-range capacity with a comfortable riding position and all the equipment needed for regular use.
The Specialized 3.1 motor delivers up to 810 W of peak power and 105 Nm of torque, supported by a removable 840 Wh battery with up to 150 km of claimed range. A 90 mm suspension fork, suspension seatpost and wide 2.3-inch tyres help keep the bike comfortable on broken seal, cycleways and maintained gravel.
A customisable colour display, USB-C charging port, integrated lights, full-length mudguards and a MIK HD-compatible rear rack make the Vado 3 4.0 a well-equipped entry point into the full-power Vado range.
Specialized 3.1 Full-Power Motor
The Specialized 3.1 motor provides up to 810 W of peak power and 105 Nm of torque. It has plenty of support for hills, headwinds and longer rides carrying shopping, work gear or touring equipment.
Its response is based on technology developed for the Levo 4, matching assistance to how hard you are pedalling. This helps the bike feel controlled when starting, moving through traffic or negotiating loose surfaces.
Motor behaviour and assistance levels can be adjusted through the Specialized app. You can increase support for a hilly ride or reduce assistance to conserve battery power over a longer distance.
The motor system carries an IP67 rating, providing protection for regular riding in wet conditions.
Removable 840 Wh Battery
The Specialized Turbo X2 840 Wh battery provides enough capacity for longer commutes, recreational rides and routes with plenty of climbing. Specialized claims a range of up to 150 km under suitable conditions.
Actual range depends on assistance mode, terrain, wind, temperature, rider and cargo weight, tyre pressure and riding style. Regular use of the highest assistance setting will reduce the available distance.
The battery can be removed through the side of the frame. This allows it to be charged indoors, secured separately or removed to reduce the bike’s weight when loading it onto a suitable e-bike carrier.
A removable battery is particularly useful while travelling, as some accommodation providers may not allow the complete bike inside or have a convenient power point near secure bike storage.
For longer trips, the Vado 3 is compatible with the optional Specialized 280 Wh Full Power Range Extender. When combined with the main battery, this provides up to 1,120 Wh of total capacity.
Comfort for Commuting and Touring
The SR Suntour suspension fork provides 90 mm of travel, helping reduce impacts from potholes, kerbs, broken seal and rough sections of cycle trail.
A suspension seatpost adds 40 mm of movement beneath the rider. This helps take the sting out of sharp bumps without adding the weight and complexity of a full-suspension frame.
The upright cockpit, Specialized Bridge Sport saddle and Body Geometry grips create a comfortable position with good visibility in traffic and plenty of control on longer rides.
Shimano CUES LinkGlide Gearing
The Shimano CUES 9-speed drivetrain uses LinkGlide components developed for smooth shifting and improved durability. Its 11–41T cassette provides a practical gear range for commuting, recreational riding and moderate climbs.
An optical gear indicator makes it easy to check the selected gear at a glance. The conventional mechanical system is also straightforward for a well-equipped bicycle workshop to maintain.
The 40T chainring uses chain-retention technology and is paired with a protective chain guard for practical everyday use.
Mixed Wheels for Stability and Easy Handling
The Vado 3 4.0 combines a 29-inch front wheel with a 27.5-inch rear wheel. The larger front wheel rolls smoothly over rough surfaces, while the smaller rear wheel helps maintain manageable standover and stable handling.
Specialized Infinity 2.3-inch tyres provide useful cushioning and a broad contact patch for sealed roads, cycleways and maintained gravel. Flat-resistant construction helps reduce puncture risk, while reflective sidewalls improve visibility in low light.
This is a touring and urban transport bike rather than a technical mountain bike. It can comfortably handle rough roads and firm gravel trails, but its weight and equipment package are not intended for demanding mountain-bike terrain.
Hydraulic Disc Braking
Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes use 180 mm rotors at both ends. They provide dependable stopping power with a light lever action and widely available replacement parts.
The larger rotors are a sensible match for a full-power e-bike carrying a rider, luggage and everyday equipment. Riders regularly tackling long, steep descents may prefer the four-piston brakes fitted to higher-spec Vado models.
Colour Display with USB-C Charging
The integrated colour display keeps speed, assistance level, battery status and ride information clearly visible. Display pages can be customised so riders can prioritise the information they use most often.
A USB-C port beside the display can charge a compatible phone or device while riding. This is particularly useful when using a phone for navigation on longer trips.
The Turbo Ergonomic Remote lets you adjust assistance settings without taking your hand away from the grip.
Specialized App and Built-In Security
The Specialized app can be used to customise motor support, manage display settings and record ride information. Compatible Apple Watch integration can also add heart-rate and activity data.
Turbo System Lock can disable motor assistance when activated, while the removable battery is secured with a mechanical key lock. Built-in Apple Find My compatibility can help locate the bike through Apple’s Find My network.
These features provide useful additional security but do not replace a strong external lock. We recommend securing the frame and a wheel to a fixed object whenever the bike is left unattended.
Equipped for Everyday Transport
The MIK HD-compatible rear rack carries up to 27 kg and includes integrated elastics. It can accept compatible panniers, baskets and selected child-seat systems, making the bike useful for work, shopping or family transport.
A compatible MIK front rack can also be fitted and carries up to 10 kg. The front rack is sold separately.
The integrated Lezyne headlight produces up to 500 lumens, while the rack-mounted Spanninga rear light includes a brake-light function. Full-length alloy mudguards provide wet-weather coverage, with an adjustable kickstand, pedals and bell completing the everyday setup.
Key Features
- Full-power touring e-bike for commuting and recreational riding
- Specialized 3.1 motor with up to 810 W and 105 Nm
- Removable Specialized Turbo X2 840 Wh battery
- Up to 150 km of claimed range
- Compatible with the optional 280 Wh Full Power Range Extender
- Up to 1,120 Wh of combined battery capacity
- Specialized 4 A charger included
- SR Suntour suspension fork with 90 mm travel
- Suspension seatpost with 40 mm movement
- Shimano CUES 9-speed LinkGlide drivetrain
- Shimano hydraulic disc brakes with 180 mm rotors
- Mixed 29-inch front and 27.5-inch rear wheels
- Specialized Infinity 2.3-inch flat-resistant touring tyres
- Customisable colour display
- USB-C port for on-bike device charging
- Turbo System Lock and mechanical battery lock
- Built-in Apple Find My compatibility
- MIK HD-compatible rear rack with a 27 kg maximum load
- Integrated front and rear lights
- Full-length alloy mudguards
- Kickstand, bell and pedals included
- Claimed weight: 28.55 kg in size M
Who Is It For?
- Daily commuting and practical transport
- Longer recreational and fitness rides
- Rail trails and multi-day cycle trips
- Sealed roads, cycleways and maintained gravel
- Riders wanting strong support on hills
- Carrying panniers, work gear or groceries
- Anyone wanting a removable battery for easier charging
- Riders wanting full-power Vado performance without the cost of the higher models
At 28.55 kg in size M, the Vado 3 4.0 remains a substantial e-bike. It is best stored somewhere with easy access and requires an e-bike-rated carrier if transported by vehicle.
Riders who regularly need to carry their bike upstairs or want a lighter, more conventional cycling feel may be better suited to a Vado SL.
Our Thoughts
The Vado 3 4.0 gets the important parts right. It uses the same 810 W motor and removable 840 Wh battery as the higher models, so there is no compromise in power or range.
The Shimano CUES drivetrain and MT200 brakes are straightforward rather than exotic, but both are widely supported and easy to service. For regular commuting and recreational riding, that simplicity can be an advantage.
The 5.0 models add more sophisticated gearing, braking and cockpit features, while the 6.0 brings electronic shifting and more integrated technology. If those upgrades are not essential, the 4.0 offers the core Vado experience at a more accessible price.
Why Buy from Chain Reaction?
- Official Specialized dealer
- Professionally assembled and safety checked
- Suspension adjusted for the rider
- Brakes professionally bedded before collection
- Turbo system checked and updated where required
- Complete feature and e-bike system walkthrough
- Expert bike sizing and setup advice
- Practical battery and charging advice
- Help setting up the Specialized app and Apple Find My
- Lifetime workshop support
- Finance and WorkRide options available
Technical Specifications
E-Bike System
- Motor: Specialized 3.1, up to 810 W and 105 Nm
- Battery: Specialized Turbo X2, removable 840 Wh
- Claimed range: Up to 150 km
- Range Extender compatibility: Optional Specialized 280 Wh Full Power Range Extender
- Display: Integrated customisable colour display
- Device charging: USB-C port beside the display
- Remote: Turbo Ergonomic Remote
- Charger: Specialized 4 A charger
Frameset and Suspension
- Frame: Vado 3 aluminium frame with comfort-optimised geometry and side-entry battery
- Fork: SR Suntour suspension fork with 34 mm stanchions and 15 mm thru-axle
- Fork travel: 90 mm
- Seat binder: Alloy, 38.6 mm
- Seatpost: Suspension post with 40 mm travel and 34.9 mm diameter
Drivetrain
- Shifter: Shimano CUES 9-speed with optical gear display
- Rear derailleur: Shimano CUES 9-speed
- Cassette: Shimano CUES 9-speed, 11–41T
- Chain: KMC eGlide for Shimano CUES
- Crankset: 170 mm with 55 mm chainline and chain guard
- Chainring: 40T with chain-retention technology
- Chaincase: Vado 3 custom chaincase
Brakes
- Front brake: Shimano BR-MT200 hydraulic disc
- Rear brake: Shimano BR-MT200 hydraulic disc
- Rotors: 180 mm front and rear
Wheels and Tyres
- Wheel configuration: 29-inch front and 27.5-inch rear
- Rims: Alloy, 30 mm internal width, 32H
- Front hub: Shimano, Center Lock disc
- Rear hub: Shimano freehub, Center Lock disc
- Spokes: DT Swiss Elemental
- Front tyre: Specialized Infinity Flat Resistant Touring Reflect, 29 x 2.3 inches
- Rear tyre: Specialized Infinity Flat Resistant Touring Reflect, 27.5 x 2.3 inches
- Inner tubes: Reinforced puncture-resistant with 60 mm Schrader valves
Cockpit and Contact Points
- Stem: Alloy with integrated colour display and USB-C charging port, 31.8 mm
- Handlebar: Alloy with 34.4 mm rise, 13-degree backsweep and 7.8-degree upsweep
- Grips: Specialized Body Geometry
- Saddle: Specialized Bridge Sport with steel rails, 155 mm
- Pedals: Turbo anti-slip pedals
Security and Rider Technology
- Battery security: Mechanical battery lock with key
- Motor security: Turbo System Lock
- Bike location: Built-in Apple Find My compatibility
- App connectivity: Compatible with the Specialized app
- System protection: IP67-rated motor system
Included Equipment
- Rear rack: Vado 3 MIK HD-compatible rack with integrated elastics and 27 kg maximum load
- Front-rack compatibility: MIK front rack, up to 10 kg, sold separately
- Headlight: Lezyne STVZO E500+, 500 lumens
- Rear light: Spanninga rack-integrated light with brake-light function
- Mudguards: Vado 3 custom alloy-profile mudguards
- Kickstand: Vado 3 adjustable kickstand
- Bell: Included
Sizes, Colour and Weight
- Sizes: S, M, L and XL
- Colour: Gloss Nebula Metallic
- Claimed weight: 28.55 kg in size M
Weight is based on a production-painted size M bike. Actual weight may vary with frame size, colour and component variation. Claimed range depends on assistance level, terrain, weather, rider weight, tyre pressure and carried load. Specifications may change without notice, and equivalent components may be substituted where required.
