It depends on your priorities. The Pace offers more features for less money, including a throttle and turn signals. The Como is a more refined, better-equipped bike with a higher-quality motor and longer expected lifespan.
Aventon Pace 500 vs Specialized Turbo Como: E-Bike Comparison
Written by: Tom Fortune | June 10, 2026 | Time to read 5 min
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Tom is a Brit living in the French Alps. When he's not creating written and video content for various brands, he's either pedalling or snowboarding around his local mountains. E-Bikes have unlocked the potential for Tom to explore Alpine terrain and get away from the crowded bike parks. He is only too keen to share his knowledge and experience with other riders.
The Aventon Pace 500 and the Specialized Turbo Como are compared constantly, and at a glance, it’s easy to see why. Both have step-through frames, both suit everyday riders who want a relaxed upright ride, and both show up in searches when someone is deciding between value and prestige.
However, when you look more into the details, these bikes are quite different. The Pace 500 wins people over with its user-friendliness, modern design, useful tech, and reasonable price. But the Como is the one you might still be riding ten years from now. Here’s how to figure out which one is actually right for you.
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The Lineup
Aventon Pace 500.3
There are three Pace 500.3 variants, and they share the same 500W rear hub motor, 614Wh battery, and core spec. The differences are in the frame shape and bar style: step-over, step-through, or the swept-back Cruiser. All are Class 2 e-Bikes but can be unlocked to 28 mph via the Aventon app.
| Model | Motor | Battery | Class | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pace 500.3 (Standard) | 500W rear hub | 614Wh | Class 2 (unlockable to Class 3) | Step-over frame |
| Pace 500.3 Step-Through | 500W rear hub | 614Wh | Class 2 (unlockable to Class 3) | Low step-through frame |
| Pace 500.3 Cruiser | 500W rear hub | 614Wh | Class 2 (unlockable to Class 3) | Swept-back cruiser bars |
Specialized Turbo Como
The Como family runs from the entry-level 3.0 up to the 4.0, and into the SL range. All full-power models include fenders, lights, a rear rack, and an 80mm suspension fork as standard.
| Model | Motor | Battery | Class | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Como 3.0 | Specialized 2.0E, 50Nm | 530Wh | Class 1 (up to 20 mph) | Entry-level, derailleur gearing, no suspension seatpost |
| Como 3.0 IGH | Specialized 2.0E, 50Nm | 530Wh | Class 1 | Enviolo hub, Gates belt drive, suspension seatpost |
| Como 4.0 | Specialized Full Power 2.0, 70Nm | 710Wh | Class 3 (up to 28 mph) | More power, bigger battery, suspension seatpost |
| Como 4.0 IGH | Specialized Full Power 2.0, 70Nm | 710Wh | Class 3 | Enviolo hub, belt drive, ultra-low maintenance |
| Como SL 4.0 ⚠️ Recall | Specialized SL 1.1 | 320Wh | Class 1 | Fork recall active — CPSC March 2026 |
| Como SL 5.0 ⚠️ Recall | Specialized SL 1.1 | 320Wh | Class 1 | Fork recall active — CPSC March 2026 |
Head-to-Head: How They Compare
| Feature | Aventon Pace 500.3 | Specialized Turbo Como 3.0 | Specialized Turbo Como 4.0 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motor type | 500W rear hub | 250W mid-drive (50Nm) | Full Power mid-drive (70Nm) |
| Battery | 614Wh | 530Wh | 710Wh |
| Pedal assist | Torque sensor | Torque sensor | Torque sensor |
| Top speed (assist) | 28 mph (unlocked via app) | 20 mph | 28 mph |
| Suspension fork | None (rigid) | SR Suntour, 80mm | SR Suntour, 80mm |
| Suspension seatpost | No (optional) | IGH variant only | Yes (standard) |
| Brakes | Tektro hydraulic disc | Shimano BR-MT200 hydraulic disc | SRAM hydraulic disc |
| Drivetrain | Shimano 8-speed | Shimano Alivio 9-speed | SRAM NX 11-speed |
| Turn signals | Yes | No | No |
| Throttle | Yes | No | No |
| Fenders / Rack / Lights | Optional extras | All included | All included |
| Weight | ~52 lbs | ~63 lbs | ~64 lbs |
How They Ride
The Pace 500.3 is light, fun, and easy to live with. The torque sensor added in this generation makes the motor feel natural and proportional, and the upright position is easy on the back. The main trade-off is the rigid fork. On smooth roads, it's fine, but you’ll feel the bumps on rough surfaces.
The Como is quite different. The mid-drive motor runs through the drivetrain, delivering power more quietly and more refinedly than a hub motor. Combined with the 80mm suspension fork and a suspension seatpost on the 4.0, it absorbs road imperfections better than the Pace can. The big caveat is weight. At around 63 lbs, the Como is heavy enough that a few owners have had to upgrade their car racks to handle it.
One thing you need to be aware of is that the Como's motor is more efficient on hills and over longer distances. The real-world range for the Pace is between 35 and 50 miles. The Como 3.0 matches that despite a smaller battery, and the 4.0's 710Wh pushes well past 60 miles.
Motor, Battery, and Range
The 750W hub motor uses a torque sensor, so power adjusts with how hard you pedal. Under normal conditions, this makes the assistance feel natural, and under load, it gives you enough grunt for uphill sections that would be unpleasant with a lighter motor. However, you start to see its limits on long, steep climbs with a passenger.
Electra says the range is up to 60 miles with the 650Wh battery, but in mixed conditions at moderate assist, it is likely closer to 40-50 miles, and with two riders, expect less. Charge time is around 7 hours from flat to full, or about 3 hours to 50%. The battery can be removed for indoor charging, which is a great feature if you can't get your bike close to a plug socket.
What You Need To Know
Aventon Pace 500.3
The LCD display can be hard to read in bright sunlight, even at maximum brightness. It's a common gripe from owners, and it's worth knowing if you commute in sunny conditions. The rear wheel also tends to lock up under hard braking, so get used to braking progressively rather than grabbing the lever. Neither issue is a dealbreaker, but both are worth knowing upfront.
There are no fenders, rear rack, or integrated lights included as standard. The headlight and rear turn signals are built in, but full fenders and a rack are optional extras. Factor that into your budget if you plan to use this as a daily commuter.
Specialized Turbo Como
The Como SL 4.0 and SL 5.0 are currently under an active CPSC stop-ride recall, issued in March 2026, due to a fork steerer tube that can develop a fatigue crack and fail. This is serious. Do not buy or ride an SL model until the free repair has been completed at an authorized Specialized dealer.
The standard Como 3.0 and 4.0 with rear derailleur are not affected by this recall and are clear to buy. The IGH (internal gear hub) variants of the 3.0 and 4.0 are subject to a separate earlier recall covering the chain guard. Check the Specialized safety notices page before purchasing any used IGH model.
One other thing worth knowing is that the handlebars and stem on all Como models are a custom-integrated unit. You cannot swap them out easily if you want a different fit, which has frustrated some riders with back or shoulder issues.
Which One Would I Choose?
I would choose the Pace 500.3 if I were on a sub-$2,000 budget, wanted a throttle, rode mostly on good pavement, or if integrated turn signals were a priority. It's also the only option here if Class 3 speed is important without paying more for the Como 4.0.
I would not choose the Pace 500.3 if my route consisted of rough roads or if long-term build quality is the priority. I’d want a fully kitted commuter out of the box. The Pace is excellent for the price, but it's not in the same bracket as Specialized.
I would choose the Como 4.0 if I'm buying a bike to keep for years. I want a fully equipped commuter with no accessories to add, or a natural, refined pedal-assist feel is more important to me than power. The 3.0 is the right call if Class 1 speeds are fine and the price difference is the deciding factor.
I would not choose the Pace 500.3 if my route consisted of rough roads or if long-term build quality is the priority. I’d want a fully kitted commuter out of the box. The Pace is excellent for the price, but it's not in the same bracket as Specialized.
I would choose the Como 4.0 if I'm buying a bike to keep for years. I want a fully equipped commuter with no accessories to add, or a natural, refined pedal-assist feel is more important to me than power. The 3.0 is the right call if Class 1 speeds are fine and the price difference is the deciding factor.
I would not choose the Como if I want something easy to lift, or if I'm looking at a used SL or IGH model without a confirmed recall repair status.
Find on Upway
Both bikes show up regularly on Upway, and the pre-owned angle makes a lot of sense for either. The Como, especially, is a bike with great ride quality that should last for years, and the gap between new and certified pre-owned is significant. Every e-Bike on Upway goes through a 50-point mechanical inspection, and any battery below 80% capacity is replaced before sale. So the main worry with buying used is already taken care of.
The Pace depreciates quickly from retail, turning it into an easy win when buying on Upway, too. Both come with a one-year warranty, and delivery arrives mostly assembled.
Browse the Aventon collection, the Specialized collection, or the commuter e-Bike listings to compare them side by side. For a deeper look at the motor type question, the hub vs mid-drive comparison is worth a read. And if you're still browsing options, the best e-Bikes for commuting guide covers a wide range of budgets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Aventon Pace 500 better than the Specialized Turbo Como?
Does the Specialized Turbo Como have a throttle?
No, none of the Como models include one. If throttle capability is important, the Aventon Pace 500.3 is the better fit.
Is the Turbo Como SL safe to buy right now?
No. As of March 2026, all Como SL 4.0 and 5.0 models are under a CPSC stop-ride recall due to a fork steerer tube defect. Wait until the free repair is confirmed before buying or riding one.
Key Takeaways
- The Pace 500.3 has more features for less money, including a throttle, turn signals, and Class 3 capability, making it the stronger pick for budget-minded riders on well-paved roads.
- The Turbo Como costs more but offers a quieter mid-drive motor, suspension, a fully equipped spec, and build quality that holds up over years of daily use.
- Check recall status before buying any used Como IGH or SL model, and stick to the standard 3.0 or 4.0 derailleur if you want a straightforward purchase.
