[DigitalToday reporter Jinju Hong (홍진주)] U.S. bicycle manufacturer Specialized has unveiled its new urban e-bikes, the Vado 3 and Vado 3 EVO, sharply boosting the performance of its commuter e-bike line-up. The key is a high-output motor system that brings mountain-bike technology to an urban model.

Electric vehicle outlet Electrek reported on April 7 local time that the new models are equipped with the Specialized 3.1 motor. It is based on platform technology from the Levo eMTB line-up and delivers up to 810W peak power and 105Nm of torque. The exterior is similar to the existing Vado series, but the drivetrain is assessed as effectively a generational change.

Perceived performance in city riding was highlighted. Specialized said acceleration from 0 to 25 km per hour takes about 3 seconds, and explained it provides quick responsiveness in environments with repeated stops and starts at traffic lights.

Both models use an 840Wh battery. Depending on conditions, they can run for up to 5 hours, and range can be extended by adding a 280Wh range extender. Another feature is the ability to finely adjust power output and consumption through MicroTune and Smart Control functions.

The trim strategy also stands out. Specialized applied the same motor and battery across all Vado 3 and Vado 3 EVO models, allowing customers to choose based on riding style rather than performance. It is a differentiated approach from existing strategies that encourage purchases of higher trims.

The two models differ in intended use. The Vado 3 is configured for urban commuting, with 90mm front suspension, 29-inch front and 27.5-inch rear wheels, and 2.3-inch touring tires. The Vado 3 EVO, by contrast, adopts a 120mm suspension fork, 2.6-inch all-terrain tires and 27.5-inch wheels front and rear, considering light off-road riding such as rough roads or gravel paths.

Convenience and security features were also strengthened. A 2.2-inch MasterMind C4 touch display allows riders to check riding information and connect via Bluetooth, and it also supports a Quad Lock mount and wireless smartphone charging. Along with integrated lighting of up to 805 lumens, a digital keyless wheel lock developed in collaboration with security solutions firm ABUS automatically locks when the power is turned off. It also supports Apple's Find My function, enabling theft tracking.

Prices start at $4,500 for the Vado 3 EVO 4.0, rising to around $7,000 for higher-spec trims. The outlet assessed that Specialized has chosen a strategy of extending high-performance technology to everyday bicycles, but analyzed that prices remain in the premium range.