Specialised has introduced a voluntary recall for a number of of its common Turbo e-bike fashions after figuring out a security subject with the chain guard that would pose a fall danger to riders. The wrongdoer? A clothing-eating drivetrain setup which may be a bit too hungry for its personal good.
The recall impacts Turbo Como IGH, Turbo Como SL IGH, and Turbo Vado IGH fashions outfitted with inner gear hubs (IGH), offered between 2021 and 2024. Based on Specialised, sure chain guards on these bikes could permit loose-fitting clothes to change into entrapped within the drivetrain, probably inflicting crashes or falls.
The recall contains each belt-drive and chain-drive fashions. Fashions outfitted with conventional rear derailleurs should not a part of the recall and stay unaffected.
The difficulty isn’t widespread when it comes to accidents — fortunately, as there have been no experiences of significant hurt. However as Specialised continues to develop its e-bike lineup, particularly within the city and commuter phase, it’s clear they’re taking proactive steps to make sure rider security and confidence.
Riders of affected bikes are being suggested to cease utilizing their e-bikes instantly and schedule a free chain guard substitute with their native Specialised retailer. The repair shall be put in without charge, and Specialised is footing the invoice for each components and labor.
You possibly can verify in case your mannequin is affected by visiting Specialised’s official recall discover web page, or by contacting their Rider Care staff.
This recall lands in a rising class of micromobility security updates and remembers, as extra riders flip to e-bikes and scooters for every day transportation. From battery-related remembers to structural flaws, the elevated adoption of electrical two-wheelers has put new stress on producers to catch potential points early.
Whereas the overwhelming majority of all e-bikes and e-scooters won’t ever see a recall, the rising variety of fashions on the street has seen an uptick in such occurrences over the previous couple of years.
Electrek’s Take
Whereas it’s at all times disappointing to see a defect, it’s encouraging to see manufacturers like Specialised transfer rapidly, transparently, and with out passing prices to the client.
And let’s be trustworthy: for riders who favor flowing pants, lengthy jackets, or some other lengthy garment, these sorts of issues can occur. My spouse discovered that the arduous means when she misplaced a piece of her kimono final 12 months when she switched to using her bike to work every single day. Securing lengthy, flowing clothes is simply a part of the protection process for using bike. It’s good that Specialised is being proactive right here, however I feel nearly any bike might see lengthy clothes getting sucked into a sequence if circumstances are proper – or unsuitable.
I reviewed considered one of these e-bikes a number of years in the past and it was an unbelievable trip. I managed to flee with my pants intact, and I’d nonetheless trip one any day. If I owned one although, I’d in all probability take it in for that free chain-guard swap, although – which is simply one other instance of a profit of shopping for a motorcycle store e-bike versus a direct-to-consumer model. I like my D2C e-bikes, however having a motorcycle store assist with these items, and even attain out to you straight throughout a recall, is an enormous plus in my e book.
