StoreDeal.ai store
Shop
  • Deals
  • Deal checker
  • Black Friday
  • Buying guides
  • Brands
  • Stores
Travel
  • Flight deals
  • Hotel deals
Company
  • Research
  • Press
  • deal.ai apps
Black Friday 2026
  • Walmart
  • Best Buy
  • Target
  • TVs
  • Laptops
  • Headphones
  • Apple
  • Gaming
  • Vacuums
  • Kitchen
  • Toys
  • Smartwatches
  • Tablets
  • Furniture
  • Mattresses
© Deal.ai Inc.
TermsPrivacy
Deal.ai › Compare

Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus vs Specialized Vado 3.0

The Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus is the more complete city e-bike: a Bosch Performance Line Speed motor with 85 Nm, a 500Wh in-tube battery, a Gates belt drive and an Enviolo stepless hub. The Specialized Vado 6.0 is the sportier, more powerful alternative, with a 250W Specialized motor peaking near 565W and 90 Nm, a 710Wh battery and a 12-speed drivetrain. Owners praise the Gazelle's quiet belt, low step-through and stable feel; Vado riders like the extra range and punch but report a heavier bike and more drivetrain upkeep.

  • Choose the Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus if you want a low-maintenance, quiet commuter with a belt drive, stepless shifting and a low step-through frame.
  • Choose the Specialized Vado 6.0 if you want more torque, a bigger battery, a sportier ride and a conventional derailleur drivetrain.

Prices

  • Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus: $2,499.95 at Mike's Bikes (checked today)
  • Specialized Vado 3.0: $7,999.99 at SPECIALIZED (checked today)
  • Difference: the Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus is $5,500.04 cheaper than the Specialized Vado 3.0 today
Gazelle
Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus E-Bike

Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus

Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus E-Bike

$2,499.95at Mike's BikesChecked 9 min ago
See all prices and details
Visit Mike's Bikes

Store links may earn us a commission. Price via Klarna.

Pros
  • Whisper-quiet Gates belt drive with no chain lube
  • Stepless Enviolo hub shifts under load and at a stop
  • Low step-through frame is easy to mount
  • Bosch motor and battery are widely serviceable
  • Stable, low center of gravity from the in-tube battery
Cons
  • 500Wh battery gives less range than the Vado's 710Wh
  • Single-speed hub limits cadence choice on steep climbs
  • Purion display is basic, with no color screen or app
  • Heavier than a non-electric city bike
Specialized
Specialized Vado X 3 6.0 Bike

Specialized Vado 3.0

Specialized Vado X 3 6.0 Bike

$7,999.99at SPECIALIZEDChecked 9 min ago
See all prices and details
Visit SPECIALIZED

Store links may earn us a commission. Price via Klarna.

Pros
  • 90 Nm and higher peak power for quick acceleration
  • 710Wh battery for longer rides between charges
  • 12-speed drivetrain handles steep hills well
  • MasterMind display with app and ride tracking
  • Sportier handling for riders who want to push
Cons
  • Chain and derailleur need regular cleaning and tuning
  • Heavier bike to lift and store
  • Step-over frame is harder to mount for some riders
  • Motor and battery service depends on Specialized dealers

What separates them

Gazelle Ultimate C380 PlusSpecialized Vado 3.0
MotorBosch Performance Line Speed mid-drive, 85 Nm, Class 3 assist to 28 mphSpecialized 250W mid-drive peaking around 565W, 90 Nm, Class 3 assist to 28 mph
BatteryBosch PowerTube 500Wh, integrated in the downtube, removable710Wh integrated battery, removable
DrivetrainEnviolo 380 stepless internal hub with Gates CDX belt, single speed12-speed derailleur with chain
MaintenanceBelt drive needs no lubrication and the sealed hub needs little serviceChain and derailleur need cleaning, lube and periodic adjustment
FrameAluminum low step-through, front suspension forkAluminum step-over frame, front suspension fork
WeightLighter, around 55 lb depending on frame sizeHeavier, roughly 60 lb or more
DisplayBosch Purion minimalist display with five assist modesSpecialized MasterMind display with color screen and app connectivity
Ride feelUpright, stable, quiet belt and stepless shiftingSportier geometry, more punch off the line, more gear choice on hills

Price history

$7,999.99$2,499.95
Nov 9Nov 11
  • Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus: lowest $2,499.95 on Nov 9 at Mike's Bikes; $2,499.95 on Nov 11.
  • Specialized Vado 3.0: lowest $7,999.99 on Nov 9 at SPECIALIZED; $7,999.99 on Nov 11.

Prices at every store

Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus

  • Mike's BikesNew

    In stock

    $2,499.95+ $15.00 shippingChecked 9 min ago
    Visit Mike's Bikes
  • Mike's BikesNew

    In stock

    $2,499.95+ $15.00 shippingChecked 10 h ago
    Visit Mike's Bikes
  • The eBike StoreNew

    In stock

    $3,499.00Free shippingChecked 10 h ago
    Visit The eBike Store
  • Sun & Ski SportsNew

    Availability unknown

    $2,999.84Checked 10 h ago
    Visit Sun & Ski Sports

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 14 stores and price history →

Specialized Vado 3.0

  • SPECIALIZEDNew

    In stock

    $7,999.99Checked 9 min ago
    Visit SPECIALIZED

Store links may earn us a commission. Price via Klarna.

Prices and history →

Specs compared

SpecGazelle Ultimate C380 PlusSpecialized Vado 3.0
ColorGrayRed
Battery TechnologyLi-Ion—
Wheel Size28"—
Motor PositionCentered—
Frame MaterialAluminum—
GenderFemale—
Suspension TypeFront Suspension—
ElectricYes—
Age GroupAdult—
With Hydraulic BrakeYes—
Number Of Speeds1 speed—
Release Year—2024
Show all 13 specsShow fewer specs
SpecGazelle Ultimate C380 PlusSpecialized Vado 3.0
Frame Size—XL

What reviewers say

Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus

Owners and reviewers treat the Ultimate C380 Plus as a refined, low-maintenance city e-bike. They praise the quiet belt drive, the natural Bosch assist and the comfortable upright ride. The main complaints are weight and the slight drag and slow shifting of the Enviolo hub.

What people mention
  • Belt drivePraisedRiders like that the belt stays clean and needs little adjustment compared with a chain.
  • Motor assistPraisedThe Bosch mid-drive is described as smooth and natural, with enough power for hills.
  • WeightCriticisedOwners find the bike heavy to carry up stairs or load onto a rack.
  • Enviolo hubMixedShifting is stepless and easy, but some riders notice drag and slow changes under load.

Specialized Vado 3.0

Owners describe the Vado 3.0 as a dependable, quiet commuter that feels natural to ride and comes ready for daily use. Most praise the included lights, fenders and rack, while some note the hub motor struggles on long, steep climbs and the bike is heavy to lift.

What people mention
  • Motor assistPraisedRiders say the hub motor is quiet and feels natural, especially in city traffic.
  • ClimbingCriticisedOwners report the motor feels underpowered on long or steep climbs compared with mid-drive bikes.
  • WeightMixedThe bike is stable on the road but heavy to lift onto racks or carry upstairs.
  • EquipmentPraisedLights, fenders and a rear rack come included, so it is ready to commute out of the box.

Questions and answers

Which is better for a hilly commute?
The Specialized Vado 6.0. Its 90 Nm motor and 12-speed drivetrain let you keep cadence on steep grades, while the Gazelle's single-speed hub relies on the motor and stepless ratio alone.
Which needs less maintenance?
The Gazelle. The Gates belt does not need lube and the Enviolo hub is sealed, while the Vado's chain and derailleur need cleaning and adjustment.
Which has longer range?
The Specialized Vado 6.0, mainly because of its 710Wh battery against the Gazelle's 500Wh. Real range depends on assist level, terrain and rider weight.
Is the Vado worth stepping up to?
If you want more power, more range and a sportier ride, yes. If you value quiet, low-maintenance city riding and an easy step-through, the Gazelle is the better fit.
Which is easier to mount and ride in a skirt or dress?
The Gazelle, with its low step-through frame. The Vado 6.0 uses a step-over frame that requires swinging a leg over the top tube.
Do both assist to 28 mph?
Yes. Both are Class 3 e-bikes with pedal assist up to 28 mph, so check your local rules on where Class 3 bikes can ride.

Ask our shopping agent

It checks today's price at every store, compares the alternatives and answers in about a minute.

Enter to send, Shift+Enter for a new line

More comparisons

  • Coleman Powersports 500W Commuter XL Electric Bike vs Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus E-Bike
  • Coleman Powersports 500W Commuter XL Electric Bike vs Specialized Vado X 3 6.0 Bike

Buying guides that pick them

  • Best electric bikes for tall riders with long commutes