The first generation Specialized Vado 1.0 has been a part of my garage since March 2019. The class 3 eBike provided me with an alternative to driving for seven-and-a-half years. During that time, I’ve used it for routine errands, like commuting and grocery shopping. I even took it bikepacking once to Lost Dutchman State Park.
It’s been a reliable commuter (until now). Last weekend, my best friend and I took our eBikes on a casual ride from Chandler to Scottsdale. Our route covered about 40 miles and included a stop at a Cars-and-Coffee event.
The Vado seemed great on that day. The miles passed uneventfully and, while my battery range was lower than our newer Vado, there were no apparent issues.
Unfortunately, things took a dramatic turn on the next day. I was biking home from the grocery store and noticed a rhythmic click coming from the bottom of the bike. I knew from my repair experience that, on a normal bike, it could be a bottom bracket issue.
Troubleshooting and Finding The Issue
I inspected the routine items first. The chain wear was within spec, the chainring bolts were torqued to spec, the seatpost clamp was torqued, the rear cassette (sprocket) was torqued, and all of the miscellaneous bolts were tightened. The clicking sound only occurred while pedaling and seemed to increase with speed. It also occurred if I was standing, which further ruled out the seatpost.
So, I began to search the old forum posts. I uncovered a few internet posts from around 2019. In those posts, owners of this generation Vado reported motor mount cracks. Their symptoms lined up with my observations.
A cracked frame is terminal for a bicycle. It can’t be fixed and it can’t be ridden. It’s one of the few unrepairable things that can occur. It’s also never happened on one of my bikes.
I went out to the garage, loaded the eBike onto the repair stand, and removed the access cover to the motor.
Sure enough, there it was. A cracked motor mount. The motor mount on the very bottom of the Vado showed a visible hairline crack.
It was the end of my road and time for a professional confirmation.
What’s Next For My eBike?
A nearby Specialized mechanic confirmed my suspicion. They agreed that the motor mount is cracked. But, they also reported play within the motor itself.
Specialized offers a lifetime warranty for the original owner, but that doesn’t cover the motor. It also doesn’t cover labor. It further complicates matters that this Vado design is out of production.
I haven’t heard back yet on the final warranty determination, but I’m not overly optimistic.
Will I Get Another eBike?
(Author’s Note: Specialized has offered to replace the entire eBike! The frame is no longer in production, so they’re replacing the entire bike. I’m absolutely astonished! The section below was written before that occurred. – 11/1/26)
Probably not right now. I bought this eBike in 2019 for a grand total of $2,764.90. This would be $3,643.97 when adjusted for inflation.
A comparable Vado now is $4,000. Specialized currently shows a Turbo Vado 2 4.0 for $4,099.99. That bike now comes with features like lights, a rear rack, and far more advanced electronics. The frame also now looks completely different from my first generation eBike.
My transportation needs have also changed. When I bought the eBike, I was commuting 10 miles each way to an office. The eBike allowed me a way to skip traffic and reduce fuel costs.
Now, I don’t have a commute. I haven’t had one for years as I work from home. I have access to two cars, as well as my analog bikes. I don’t currently have a basis to support a $4k commuter purchase,
What’s Next For My Bicycle Adventure?
I’ve been loving road biking and gravel biking. But, living in Arizona, I’m beginning to think I’m missing out on mountain biking. Sedona is two hours north of me and Tucson is two hours south of me.
Perhaps I’m just getting older, but I’m also enjoying spending time in nature, rather than cities.
If Specialized offers some type of credit for the frame, I may see if I can use it towards something like a Rockhopper. I don’t know if that’s how it works, though. If I get nothing, I may save up for something nicer. Repairability and longevity have become cornerstones for my purchases now.
Am I Anti-eBike Now?
Definitely not. I firmly believe that eBikes provide a great alternative for commuters. I believe that we should have the freedom to choose between multiple methods of transportation.
Being locked into a $50,000 purchase powered by $5 fuel isn’t freedom. My skepticism of a $4,000 purchase at this point in time doesn’t mean a vehicle which costs 12x more is a better decision.
I am anti-eMoto, though. Manufacturers and bicycling advocates need to continue to point out the difference. Electric motorcycles continue to jeopardize the rights of bicyclists and law-abiding eBicyclists. Also, consumers need to be aware of things like UL certifications.
Leave a Reply