As closures ease and commuters seek to avoid public transportation on their way back to the office, the best electric road bikes and the best commuter bikes are growing in popularity and selling out quickly.

Specialized seems to have anticipated this surge in future commuter cycling with its new Turbo Vado SL. Featuring the brand's latest e-bike battery and hub motor technology, Specialized believes the Vado SL is the right product solution for urban riders and commuters.

Years of experience in the e-bike game have allowed Specialized to thoroughly test and advance pedal assist technology. Much of the company's R&D resources are devoted to developing e-bikes that are not overly burdened by the weight of batteries and motors.

The aluminum frame of the Vado SL weighs only 14.9 kg, meaning less weight means less wear on brakes and chain components. It also allows for a more agile ride and makes going up and down stairs in urban areas, such as offices and apartment complexes, much easier.

The Vado SL combines many diverse features from Specialized's broad product portfolio. Providing the pedal assist is a 1.95 kg electric motor designed by Specialized's e-bike development center in Cham, Switzerland.

The Vado SL's battery pack has an energy density of 320 Wh and can provide up to 130 km of assistance. Riders who wish to increase the range can simply add one additional Specialized battery (rated at 160 Wh) to increase the usable range by 65 km.

The SL 1.1 motor is tuned for a 1:2 ratio of pedal input to assist, providing seamless assistance in three assist modes (Eco, Sport, Turbo) and up to 240W depending on cadence. On downhill and coasting sections of daily routes and commutes, the motor does not suffer any drag. The motor uncouples when not triggered and stops assisting when speeds exceed 45 km/h.

Both models are equipped with integrated front and rear lights for the urban commuting environment. Specialized has borrowed technology from others to make the Vado SL more comfortable, as a typical commute route is rarely a completely paved road.

The Specialized Future Shock 1.5 is located between the head tube and stem and provides 20 mm of bump absorption, but is only available on the Vado SL 5.0 model. In addition to Future Shocks, the Vado SL is equipped with high-capacity tires for improved ride comfort and traction. The frame has enough clearance for 700c tires up to 42 mm wide or 650b tires up to 47 mm wide.

Available in four sizes (small, medium, large, and extra-large), the Vado SL is sold in 4.0 or 5.0 trim, priced at £2,499 and £3,299 respectively.