What are some of the oldest Specialized Turbo e-bikes still in use?

[GuruUno]

Out of curiosity, I was wondering how many Specialized Turbo e-bikes are still in use, what kind of history there has been with maintenance, parts availability, batteries, and the general overall length of time they have been in use, and if still in use.
My research shows that 2013 was one of the first models. Review here: https://www.electricbike.com/specialized_turbo/
However, I did find a reference article that said 2009 (So, when we developed our first electric bike in 2009, we knew it had to ride and feel like a great bike first—something we'd really love to ride ourselves).
Just curious, was 2013 the first to be mass-produced, and how many are still riding today?

 

[Asduu]

I ride my Turbo S regularly. I believe it is a 2015. I've had a terrible experience with maintenance since there just aren't very many people who know much about the bike. I paid several hundred dollars to fix an electrical problem that in retrospect was probably caused by some not hugely serious corrosion. One less experience shop managed, I think, to destroy one of my batteries and the main charger. Luckily, I had an extra. On the positive side, the bike just isn't that complicated. Once i had the bike repaired at a shop that specializes in Specialized ebikes, everything has been fine. The battery is slow dropping in capacity. I can only manage about 38 miles now on more or less flat terrain using a 60% eco setting. I can't find any new batteries for less than $900 or so. I really enjoy the bike. It is very heavy (50 lbs.) so you won't be toting it around much in the back of your car. But so are most of the new ones. I intend to hold on to this bike when I get around to buying a Creo or Aria since my wife really likes the bike as well.

 

[GuruUno]

Last year, while on vacation in Florida, I almost bought a 2015 Turbo from a seller in Boca Raton. It had only a few hundred miles, and I was concerned about parts availability.
It took Specialized Rider Care several weeks to reply to my inquiry for an answer about spare parts, etc., but given it was a hub drive motor, and that old, I hesitated and did not consider buying it.
It was a gorgeous bike and I figured it might be good for only the times I was there in Florida, but for the $1400 he was willing to take I knew it might be an expensive hobby.
Technology changes every few years and the bike industry shows it with the technology improving each generation, but to invest in an older bike is a coin toss.....so as a side note, I wonder what really happens to the older e-bikes like a 2015 bike as parts become harder to get. I know in the automotive world there is a mandate here in the US that parts have to be available for 10 years.
Exciting technology, bikes getting lighter, going farther, etc. Makes you want to upgrade every 2-3 years.

 

[MRE]

Out of curiosity, I was wondering how many Specialized Turbo e-bikes are still in use, what kind of history there has been with maintenance, parts availability, batteries, and the general overall length of time they have been in use, and if still in use.
My research shows that 2013 was one of the first models. Review here: https://www.electricbike.com/specialized_turbo/
However, I did find a reference article that said 2009 (So, when we developed our first electric bike in 2009, we knew it had to ride and feel like a great bike first—something we'd really love to ride ourselves).
Just curious, was 2013 the first to be mass-produced, and how many are still riding today?

I have two 2015 models and though I had to replace 2 motors on one of them they are still doing fine. Knock on wood!

 

[Allan47.7339]

My Turbo S was purchased in November 2014. It's been dormant for about five years but I've recently added an Abus cafe lock and started using it again as an local errand and shopping bike.

 

[Ike582]

I have a 2017 Turbo Vado 6, with over 3,500 miles on it. I'm embarrassed to say it's never been serviced, but the bike has been flawless from day 1. I snapped a piece of the rear rack, but it was totally my fault by strapping a bunch of heavy gear on it.

As soon as Winter arrives, I'm bringing it to the shop for a tune up and a new set of tires. Love the bike.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I have a 2017 Turbo Vado 6, with over 3,500 miles on it. I'm embarrassed to say it's never been serviced, but the bike has been flawless from day 1. I snapped a piece of the rear rack, but it was totally my fault by strapping a bunch of heavy gear on it.

As soon as Winter arrives, I'm bringing it to the shop for a tune up and a new set of tires. Love the bike.

I have owned a 2017 Vado 5.0 45 km/h that was later totally rebuilt by Specialized into a 2020 Vado 6.0 based on several warranty claims. The only original parts remaining on my Vado are the shifter, the derailleur and the front brake assembly

The total mileage is over 29,000 km.

Vado 6.0 is a 2018-2020 e-bike. Does yours still have BLOKS electronics?

 

[Ike582]

I have owned a 2017 Vado 5.0 45 km/h that was later totally rebuilt by Specialized into a 2020 Vado 6.0 based on several warranty claims. The only original parts remaining on my Vado are the shifter, the derailleur and the front brake assembly

The total mileage is over 29,000 km.

Vado 6.0 is a 2018-2020 e-bike. Does yours still have BLOKS electronics?

Mine has the original electronics display, which has never been able to connect to my phone. I was told that "an app was coming" when I bought it, but that never happened.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Mine has the original electronics display, which has never been able to connect to my phone. I was told that "an app was coming" when I bought it, but that never happened.

Specialized had a warranty action to convert the BLOKS Vados to TCD-w free of charge in early 2020. After that, older Vados became Mission Control (now, Specialized App) compatible. A pity you have missed that.

 

[Ike582]

Specialized had a warranty action to convert the BLOKS Vados to TCD-w free of charge in early 2020. After that, older Vados became Mission Control (now, Specialized App) compatible. A pity you have missed that.

I heard that when I brought it in a year ago for help with a handlebar adjustment. The service tech told me that it's no longer available at all, is that right? Were you also saying that my bike can still connect to the Specialized App, even without the upgrade? Thanks

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I heard that when I brought it in a year ago for help with a handlebar adjustment. The service tech told me that it's no longer available at all, is that right?

Well, the conversion was available over 5 years ago...

Were you also saying that my bike can still connect to the Specialized App, even without the upgrade? Thanks

I doubt it but you might try the old Vado and Como Tune app. It is the Mission Control for BLOKS (Android only) that was never fully completed.

 

[Ike582]

Well, the conversion was available over 5 years ago...

I doubt it but you might try the old Vado and Como Tune app. It is the Mission Control for BLOKS (Android only) that was never fully completed.

Thanks Stefan