Specialized Electric Bikes: Brand Guide & Model Comparison

Written by: Rémy Rossi | August 16, 2025 | Time to read 8 min

• 1989: Introduction of the Specialized Epic, the company’s first carbon-fiber frame bicycle. This bike came out the same year as its competing equivalent, the Trek 5000. Molded carbon fiber frames are now an industry standard for many bicycles due to their low weight and durability. Many high-end Specialized e-Bikes utilize carbon fiber, such as the Turbo Levo Comp Carbon.

• 1993: Specialized produces its first suspension bicycle, the S-Works Stumpjumper FSR. The technologies used in this bike laid the groundwork for all subsequent Specialized full-suspension models. Current Specialized e-Bikes with full suspension include the Turbo Levo, Turbo Levo SL, and Turbo Kenevo.

• Early 2000s: Specialized expanded globally and diversified its product line. The company introduced the Enduro line of competition mountain bikes and the Tarmac family of racing-inspired performance road bikes.

• 2009: The first Specialized e-Bike family, the Turbo line, hit the market. It became the precursor to all Specialized electric bikes. Today, the “Turbo” name now indicates an electric model in the company’s catalog. It has been streamlined into numerous product lines, including the Turbo Vado, Turbo Tero, Turbo Como, Turbo Levo, Turbo Creo, Turbo Kenevo, and more

With nearly 50 years of experience in bicycle making and over a decade of making electric bikes, Specialized is a popular choice in the United States and abroad. The company produces some of the most popular e-Bikes on the market, with a rich catalog of models for all applications and rider levels. Upway carries Specialized e-Bikes from all current product families, from easy-riding city e-Bikes like the Turbo Creo to electric mountain bikes like the Turbo Tero.

The Turbo Tero is a rugged electric mountain bike (e-MTB) designed for maximum versatility. It incorporates features intended to improve the everyday comfort and practicality of traditional e-MTBs— some people may refer to the do-it-all setup as an adventure bike. Its frame geometry, aluminum construction, seat position, and RockShox suspension fork system are designed to give you maximum comfort and confidence on all surfaces, from asphalt to rugged mountain trails. Most models are hardtails, though the Turbo Tero X version features full suspension.

The Specialized Turbo Tero is an Upway best-seller, and there are several generations with slightly different components. Riders won’t need to worry about range, distance, or hill-climbing capability with the Turbo Tero. Its integrated battery pack powers the custom-tuned Specialized 250W electric motor. The Turbo Tero is a Class 3 e-Bike, providing pedal assistance up to 28 mph. 

Are you a rider looking for a laid-back electric bike with a clean design, a comfortable riding position, and plenty of torque for zipping through city streets? The Specialized Turbo Como was made for you. The Turbo Como series is a family of electric city bikes meant for the work commute, weekend fun, and any other riding adventure around town. The Turbo Como is an approachable and easy-to-use e-Bike, available in standard and step-through frame options. The step-through version makes it almost effortless to climb on and off, regardless of your attire or level of experience. 

The Turbo Como is comfortable and does not compromise on performance. The custom-built Specialized 250W mid-drive motor produces up to 70 Nm of torque, putting it on par with hill-climbing e-MTB motors. It provides you with snappy acceleration and will bring you up to its top pedal assist speed of 28 mph in an instant, keeping daily rides fast and exciting. 

This model can also double as an excellent grocery hauler thanks to its standard, rear-mounted metal rack capable of transporting two side panniers and a top basket. But there are even more model possibilities, including options for a belt-drive, front rack or basket, and lightweight frame. 

The Turbo Vado is a family of premium city and commuter e-Bikes intended to be the fastest, most comfortable, and most enjoyable daily riding electric bike possible. Turbo Vado e-Bikes accomplish this objective by offering a complete range of features, from high-capacity battery packs to front suspension forks and unique accessories.

The Turbo Vado 5.0 is the latest iteration of this product family. One of the most unique features exclusive to this model is the integrated Garmin radar, a safety system mounted to the e-Bike’s rear. The Garmin radar scans for approaching objects behind the e-Bike, feeding information to the integrated screen and indicating the object’s distance to the rider. It can detect approaching cars and estimate their distance, encouraging riders to check behind them and stay safe while riding in traffic.

In addition to the radar system, the Turbo Vado 5.0 features a battery pack that gives the e-Bike a satisfyingly long range for a city rider. It offers a capacity of 604 watt-hours and an estimated maximum range of 75 miles in Eco mode. If you need a quick speed boost, the Turbo Vado 5.0’s electric assist system will remain active until you hit 28 mph, making it a zippy and convenient Class 3 e-Bike. 

The Turbo Levo Comp Carbon is part of Specialized’s Turbo Levo line of high-performance electric mountain bikes. Described by the manufacturer as its pinnacle of electric mountain biking, e-Bikes in this product family are designed to offer maximum trail and off-road performance. The Turbo Levo Comp Carbon is a competition-oriented version of the Turbo Levo that features a full-carbon frame, maximizing weight reduction compared to an aluminum-frame model. The complete e-Bike weighs no more than 53 lbs. with a battery inserted, making it lightweight and agile around tight corners.

One of the most unique features of the Turbo Levo Comp Carbon is its tire selection. While both tires are designed and manufactured by Specialized, they are different models at the front and rear. The front tire is a Specialized Butcher Gridtrail T9, whereas the rear is a Specialized Eliminator Gridtrail T7. While they seem similar at first glance, they have distinctive profiles and treads, chosen specifically to emphasize the Turbo Levo Comp Carbon’s performance. 

Front tire: The Butcher front tire features aggressive, forward-angled square treads designed to cut through dirt, mud, gravel, and other difficult terrain. It is designed to maximize road feel even when riding in the dirt, maximizing grip and keeping you in control.

Rear tire: Rather than use another Butcher, Specialized opted for an Eliminator in the rear. These feature slightly softer, rear-angled tread knobs that are more closely spaced than the Butcher’s. The result is an off-road tire that can roll as quickly as a racing tire for the asphalt, letting you easily reach high speeds and providing maximum stability.

Like most other Specialized e-Bikes, the Turbo Levo Comp Carbon features a powerful electric motor and a high-capacity, long-distance battery pack for day-long trail trips. With 700 Wh of battery capacity powering a 90 Nm motor, the Turbo Levo Comp Carbon gives you access to lightning-quick acceleration whenever you desire it, all day long.