Is your crawl space insulated? The Specialized Vado SL primary battery is inside the frame, there is a removeable range extender optional second battery, but I don’t know if it will run just off that. Only a problem if you need to store it outdoors or in uninsulated storage. I live in Arlington and keep my bike in the shed but take off my battery to store it indoors in summer heat or winter cold conditions.
Re: servicing concerns. On my DIY ebike Papillon Cycles in Arlington help me with the bicycle parts, and I troubleshoot electrical issues with a multimeter & controller error codes, I rely on the California shop I bought the motor from to supply parts and they’ve been helpful, I imagine DTC companies like Evelo and Biktrix will try their best to help their customers, Bicycle parts in general are getting harder for bike shops to order but a good retailer should keep a stock to support in-warranty orders. Some area bike shops like Daily Rider don’t work on DIY or DTC ebikes. Pedego Alexandria do tour rentals so they can offer a loaner ebike while yours is in for service if you bought from them which is helpful if you’re commuting. REI is a good place to get an ebike because they have in-store servicing and the 10% member rebate, I like their Co-op cycles CTY e2.2 that has a good Shimano e6100 motor and with the member discount should cost two grand, it sold out quickly but REI say they are expecting new stock in February.
