Specialized Turbo Vado SL – Safety Recall for Chain Guard?

[Yamanovichson]

Hey everyone,


I haven’t used the Specialized app for a while (I mostly use BLEvo, which I think is great). Today, I decided to check the app, and it gave me a recall warning.


When I checked the details, it mentioned a safety recall for the chain guard, saying that it needs to be replaced.


Has anyone else encountered this?


My bike:
Specialized Turbo Vado SL 4.0 EQ Electric Hybrid Bike 2023 – Smoke Black, Size L


I’d appreciate any insights!

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Much ado about nothing if you ask me.
Now, Specialized is getting paranoid because of some demand to install a chainguard on e-bikes. I have been riding my Vado SL 4.0 not only without the chainguard but also without the chainring guard, no adverse effect ever.

 

[Base]

March 26 2025 Safety Notices

From seasoned pros and weekend warriors to kids and commuters, if you ride, we’re here for you. We believe that bikes have the power to change lives, and this simple truth drives us to be and do better.

www.specialized.com

REASON FOR RECALL:

Loose clothing may get entrapped in the drivetrain, posing a fall hazard.

so when you are not wearing a long summer dress you should be fine

 

[Stefan Mikes]

so when you are not wearing a long summer dress you should be fine

Yes I always wear a robe to ride a fitness e-bike
I've read about of a similar recall of Como. The world becomes weirder and weirder...

 

[Base]

Or in some cases apparently a superhero cape

 

[Mr. Coffee]

Problem solved (unless you are wearing a robe):

Jogalite Wide Leg Band 1.5 Inches | REI Co-op

Increase your visibility when walking, cycling, skating or jogging at night with a Jogalite Wide Leg Band. The 1.5-inch-wide reflective fabric will help you catch a driver's eye so you can stay safer.

www.rei.com

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

March 26 2025 Safety Notices

From seasoned pros and weekend warriors to kids and commuters, if you ride, we’re here for you. We believe that bikes have the power to change lives, and this simple truth drives us to be and do better.

www.specialized.com

REASON FOR RECALL:

Loose clothing may get entrapped in the drivetrain, posing a fall hazard.

so when you are not wearing a long summer dress you should be fine

Interestingly, I can't find any Vado SL on the official list of affected models linked there. Yet the OP got a notice in the app for a Vado SL 4.0. Which to believe?

 

[mschwett]

Interestingly, I can't find any Vado SL on the official list of affected models linked there. Yet the OP got a notice in the app for a Vado SL 4.0. Which to believe?

must be a glitch in the app. the recall pretty clearly describes only being applicable to IGH models, not bikes with a derailleur.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

Or in some cases apparently a superhero cape

View attachment 191084

Better add long neck scarves to the list.

In 1927, famed dancer Isadora Duncan died when her signature long neck scarf got caught in the open wheel of her new Bugatti Type 37 during a driving lesson. Hence the medical term "Isadora Duncan syndrome" for the resulting combination of laryngeal, carotid, and vertebral injuries. Nearly always fatal.

Bicycle-involved cases have been reported.

 

[Yamanovichson]

 

[Stefan Mikes]

famed dancer Isadora Duncan died when her signature long neck scarf got caught in the open wheel of her new Bugatti Type 37 during a driving lesson.

In 1988, famous German singer Nico, a Velvet Underground vocalist died after she fell off a bicycle in Ibiza.

I can bet she wore no helmet. (Indeed. She wore a scarf on her head).

She was on a ride to buy marijuana.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

The clear takeaway from Isadora's and Nico's tragic deaths: When you're young and famous and beautiful — as both were — stay away from things on wheels when you're just trying to have some fun.

Luckily, I'm neither young nor famous, so I don't have worry about being beautiful.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

The clear takeaway from Isadora's and Nico's tragic deaths: When you're famous and beautiful — as both were —and just trying to have some fun, stay away from things on wheels.

This also pertains to a British celeb (can't recollect his name). He got carried away by a kind of "Surron" and broke his spine. He has survived though.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

This also pertains to a British celeb (can't recollect his name). He got carried away by a kind of "Surron" and broke his spine. He has survived though.

That was Simon Cowell on a Surron. Did a 180° wheelie onto his back early on. Don't know if he intended a wheelie. Claims that no one warned him about what all that torque can do on a small motorcycle.

Just another reason why everyone should have to take Physics 101. If you need more convincing, see @Yamanovichson 's video above.

 

[Yamanovichson]

Darwin Awards: Evolutionary Action

Darwin Awards: Vote for the Award Nominees! The Darwin Awards commemorate the (remains of) individuals who contribute to the improvement of our gene pool by removing themselves from it. Enter this portal for stories from the Darwin Awards.

darwinawards.com

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

The main reason I leash my dog is to keep her from blundering into harm in our modern world. Wonder how long it will take our robot masters to do the same with us?

 

[Mr. Breeze]

In regard to the original post - I've been wanting to buy a Como IGH for my wife but more than one of my LBS has told me there is a stop sale on the IGH models and are waiting on Specialized for a remedy - it apparently is regarding chain guard (belt guard in the case of IGH models). They didn't know specifics. Not sure why a Vado SL would be included in the stop sale.

 

[Watana Bob]

The world becomes weirder and weirder...

Unfortunately the world is run by lawsuit happy attorneys.

 

[Mr. Breeze]

Unfortunately the world is run by lawsuit happy attorneys.

True. The U.S. is overly litigious - too much money to be made by personal injury attorneys - I've had others in non-USA countries indicate these are available to sell.