The authorized dealer in town informs me that the replacement battery for this model is not available in California, but is available in other states. The dealer, so far, has not shared information about what out-of-state dealer I should contact or other options available. The bike is in great condition and rides fine. I would appreciate anyone with information about a replacement battery to update this post. Thanks very much.
2020 turbo vado 3 battery not available through specialized california dealer
- Thread starter Rick B
- Start date
barakthecat
Member
I just came here to ask what people are doing about their worn out Gen 1 Turbo batteries. Mine is at 475 cycles, and even though the app says it’s at 90%, it’s clearly failing. Once it drops to 75% I start getting motor cut outs under load, and by 25% it’s done altogether. I’m not going to pay $1000 for a new battery assuming I can even find one.
Stefan Mikes
Gravel e-biker
- Region
- Europe
- City
- Mazovia, PL
Do you intend to pay several thousand dollar for a new e-bike instead?
I had owned as many as three Gen 1 batteries. The original one failed, and ended up at the Dangerous Material Collection Point (we have something as PSZoK in Poland). I spent the full price for a new Gen 1 battery. My Vado 6.0 is as unique as no newer model could replace it!
barakthecat
Member
Sadly yes, I can’t justify sinking that much into this bike. It’s on its third motor and Specialized charged me $500 for this one after being talked down from $1000 (not including the $250 the LBS charged to install it). The first motor died at 3000 miles and the second one at 4300. I’m at 3500 now and can’t help think that there’s another motor replacement looming in the next 6 months.
And that’s assuming I can even find another Gen1 battery.
I’m looking at the Gazelle Ultimate or Eclipse C380+, the Bosch system has way more availability here
dollarbin
Active Member
I had nearly the same trajectory with my 2019 Vado 5. In 6000 miles I had 3 motor repairs and 1 battery replacement when a piece of metal briefly contacted the charging port plus a rear wheel replacement. I spent over $3000 in repairs, over and above the $5000 I laid out for the initial purchase. I desperately loved that bike but it just didn't stand up to the rigors of my commute. It now lives a quiet lifestyle as my brother's beach bike.
I replaced it with a Gazelle Ultimate T10+ which as of this month has about the same number of total miles with a minimum of trouble, 3 broken spokes plus annual tune-ups and a new chain every 3K miles. I still prefer riding the Vado, the Brose motor was more intuitive and more powerful than the Bosch on the Gazelle but the Vado was too much of a Diva to handle.
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