Specialized Vado 4.0 Step-Through│2026

When you chat with us - whether in the shop or online - we’ll usually start by asking two simple questions:

Where do you want to ride? Do you tackle a big hill, cruise a long flat commute, or a bit of both?

Do you need to carry anything? Is it cargo, a kid, or a mix of everything?

Big hills usually mean more power and stronger brakes. Long commutes might call for a high-speed option with a larger battery. Carrying kids or heavier gear might mean looking at stability and the right accessories.

It can feel overwhelming with so many models out there, but that also means there’s a perfect match for your lifestyle. We’ll help you find it - and you can take a test ride to make sure it really fits into your day-to-day.

If you want to explore yourself on our website, go to our electric bike page and use the filters to narrow down your options based on how you answered the questions above.

Non-electric bikes are fine for flat, short trips with lighter loads, or more recreational endeavors. But if you’ve got hills, longer distances, or a wriggly kid or gear on board, an electric bike will change your life. The motor takes the sting out of climbs, makes heavy loads manageable, and opens up bigger commutes sans sweat.

Worried you'll get lazy? Honestly, it doesn't happen. If anything you'll find yourself riding your bike more knowing you have that electric support - think those occasions when you need to do a small grocery shop or pop into town for a dinner. Easier to grab the bike than the car. Plus you can still push it just as hard! You'll just get places faster.

Do I always need to fully charge my e-bike?

No! If you just need a top-up to cover your ride, charging to 50% is fine. A good rule of thumb for prolonging battery life is to avoid consistently running it flat. We suggest charging before it drops below 20%.

Modern e-bike batteries are managed by a Battery Management System (BMS), which protects the cells against overcharging, deep discharge, and overheating - so you can charge with confidence.

In most cases, the battery can also be removed from the bike and charged indoors, which is convenient in winter or if you don’t have power access where you park your bike.

Yes. Most electrics bikes - especially ones for commuting - come equipped with a rear rack. Pannier bags or child seats can easily be fitted in most cases.

When riding an e-bike there is no need to be tucked down low into the wind as the motor simply pushes you through it, but if you’re an experienced rider you may find that a sporty riding position is more familiar and comfortable. If you’re new or newly returning to cycling you might prefer an upright step-thru bike, generally new riders feel safer riding upright. Perhaps you’d like a mix of both in which case a mid-step frame will typically give you that semi upright riding position. The riding position on most bikes can be customised somewhat with adjustable handlebars and seat positions. We can help you with this in-store. Use the frame style filters in our shop pages to choose your desired riding position.