Specialised has introduced a voluntary recall for a number of of its fashionable Turbo e-bike fashions after figuring out a security subject with the chain guard that would pose a fall threat 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 geared up with inside gear hubs (IGH), bought between 2021 and 2024. Based on Specialised, sure chain guards on these bikes might enable loose-fitting clothes to turn out to be entrapped within the drivetrain, probably inflicting crashes or falls.
The recall consists of each belt-drive and chain-drive fashions. Fashions geared up with conventional rear derailleurs are usually not a part of the recall and stay unaffected.
The problem isn’t widespread when it comes to accidents — fortunately, as there have been no studies of significant hurt. However as Specialised continues to develop its e-bike lineup, particularly within the city and commuter section, 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 might be put in for gratis, and Specialised is footing the invoice for each components and labor.
You’ll be able to verify in case your mannequin is affected by visiting Specialised’s official recall discover web page, or by contacting their Rider Care crew.
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 highway 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 shopper.
And let’s be trustworthy: for riders who favor flowing pants, lengthy jackets, or another lengthy garment, these sorts of issues can occur. My spouse realized that the laborious means when she misplaced a bit of her kimono final 12 months when she switched to using her bike to work on daily basis. Securing lengthy, flowing clothes is simply a part of the security process for using bike. It’s good that Specialised is being proactive right here, however I feel nearly any bike may see lengthy clothes getting sucked into a series if circumstances are proper – or improper.
I reviewed one among these e-bikes just a few years in the past and it was an unbelievable journey. I managed to flee with my pants intact, and I’d nonetheless journey one any day. If I owned one although, I’d most likely 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 instantly throughout a recall, is a giant plus in my ebook.
