When comparing Watseka XP Cargo Electric Bicycle vs Specialized Turbo Vado 5.0, the Slant community recommends Specialized Turbo Vado 5.0 for most people. In the question“What are the best electric bikes?” Specialized Turbo Vado 5.0 is ranked 12th while Watseka XP Cargo Electric Bicycle is ranked 18th. The most important reason people chose Specialized Turbo Vado 5.0 is:
This e-bike has three different levels of assistance: Eco, Sport and Turbo. The Eco level only helps you to maintain speed, whilst Turbo will kick in almost immediately and will push you forward with great effort. The exact amount of assistance levels for each mode can be fine-tuned in the smartphone app so you can personalize the bike to your needs. The battery capacity should be enough for most everyday commuters, as it can go as far as 50 miles in Eco mode or 25 miles in Turbo mode.
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Pros
Pro Comes with accessories
The Watseka XP Cargo comes with a number of different accessories, such as a front light, rear light, horn, bell, front basket and a rear cargo rack.
Pro Budget-friendly
Out of all the electrical bikes available in the Western market, the Watseka XP Cargo is one of most inexpensive options.
Pro Doesn't feel cheap
The bike itself is sturdy and overall well constructed. The frame is completely made of steel and doesn't feel cheap. In short, build quality is great.
Pro Easily assembled
Watseka includes a User Guide and assembly instruction, and also provides customers with online assembly videos.
Pro Battery is easily removable
The included battery of the Watseka XP can be removed with an ignition key, allowing you to easily switch battery packs between rides.
Pro Great customer support
The bike is provided with a 90 Day manufacturer warranty by Watseka, and the customer support that is provided by them is great. When the bike itself or a part (such as the battery) is faulty or suffers from a dead-on-arrival, a pick-up and replace process can be started - no need to pay for shipping costs.
Pro Variable assistance, according to the needs
This e-bike has three different levels of assistance: Eco, Sport and Turbo. The Eco level only helps you to maintain speed, whilst Turbo will kick in almost immediately and will push you forward with great effort. The exact amount of assistance levels for each mode can be fine-tuned in the smartphone app so you can personalize the bike to your needs. The battery capacity should be enough for most everyday commuters, as it can go as far as 50 miles in Eco mode or 25 miles in Turbo mode.
Pro Can be monitored and customized via a smartphone app
You can download the Specialized E-Bike Mission Control app that offers a wide range of features and allows to customize your bike. You can check all the previous stats of your rides, the current status of the battery, plan routes accordingly to the battery level and diagnose potential problems with the bike. You can also fine tune the characteristics and response of the motor and change the behavior of each travel mode.
Pro Won't attract unwanted attention
The bike is designed in a way that from a distance, it’s hard to tell that it has a battery and a motor. The battery is seamlessly integrated in the down tube while the motor sits hidden in the bottom bracket. It does have a built in headlight, a display mounted on the handlebar and a taillight that works as a brake light, but the rest looks like an ordinary bike so it’s less likely to attract thieves and will blend in the traffic with the rest of the bikes.
Cons
Con Heavy to transport
The total weight of the Watseka XP bicycle weighs in at 72.5 pounds (a little over 32 kgs), which is significantly higher than some other electrical bikes such as the 51 lbs X-Treme Trailmaker. This is mainly due to the heavy battery, which weighs 22 lbs on its own.
Con Battery quality is questionable
Watseka has opted for lead acid non-lithium batteries, which are cheaper to produce but also less efficient and heavier. Lithium batteries also last longer, which results in a somewhat limited range of 18 miles (29 km) for the Watseka XP.
Con Difficult replacement of rear wheel
Replacing the rear wheel of the Watseka XP tends to be an issue, as special tools are required to take the sprocket off the rear wheel. This is a task that is better suited for specialized repair shops.
Con Doesn't support a high passenger and cargo weight
The maximum weight on the Watseka XP for the passenger and the cargo is 250 pounds (113 kilograms). Not only is the 250W motor too weak for higher weights, but according to the manufacturer, the seat is also not suited for larger riders. For comparison: other bicycles such as the X-Treme Trail Maker allow weights up to 350 pounds.
Con Expensive
Costing more than $4000, it’s a serious investment so you have to definitely think if you really need all these features.
Con Can be too heavy to use without motor assistance
Because the bike is heavy, it’s almost impossible to pedal up a steep hill without the motor’s help.
