Specialized unveiled the Turbo e-Bike in March 2012 for the European market. It’s good looks made us want it here, but it’s 45km/h (about 28mph) top end speed proved to be it’s speed bump to getting into the US.
Now, finally, it’s coming stateside. Specialized’s PR man Sean Estes told us it wasn’t necessarily the top speed that kept it out of the US, just navigating our country’s regulations to verify compliance and have it considered “a bicycle” took considerable time and effort. Bringing it into the US is only the first step. Meeting federal guidelines doesn’t mean it’s legal for use in every state or municipality…local dealers or Specialized’s sales reps will need to figure that out. We’ve heard from Kreidler’s US rep, Kenny Roberts, that the blanket rule is they’re considered off-road vehicles, leaving it up to local authorities or lawmakers to decide how and where they can be used on city streets, paths or bike lanes. (Kreidler’s e-bike uses a different drivetrain layout but also tops out at about 28mph)
Regardless, we’re pretty stoked to see the e-bike market get a major brand involved here, it can only lead to good things. Hit the link above for the tech rundown.
