There’s nothing quite like hitting up that perfect trail with your young grom, but sometimes the trail is simply too long or the climb is a bit too much to bring them along. That all changes with the Specialized Turbo Levo SL Kids. This eMTB offers a helpful boost from its motor, making previously unreachable trails accessible for young riders.
Built with the Specialized 1.2 SL motor and a SRAM NX drivetrain, the Turbo Levo SL Kids is powerful enough to tackle long ascents and technically capable enough to eat through the chunk on the downhill.
The Specialized Turbo Levo SL Kids (referred to as the “Levo SL Kids”) is impressive, but is it the right bike for your young rider? Over three months, our testers clocked over 200 miles on this eMTB, riding through deserts, mountains, and neighborhoods to provide a comprehensive review. From sizing to gearing and weight, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Specialized’s eMTB for kids.
Specialized Turbo Levo SL Kids Overview
RATING: Exceptional
MSRP: $3,000
BEST FOR: Aggressive MTB groms ready to tackle more mileage and higher elevations
SPECIFICATIONS
SEAT HEIGHT: 26.5” – 31.25” (29.5” minimum if using full 80mm dropper)
DROPPER: TranzX Dropper, 80mm travel, comes standard
WEIGHT: 36.8 lb. (on our scale)
GEARING: 11 speeds with SRAM NX trigger shifter and derailleur, 11-42t cassette
BRAKES: SRAM Level T Hydraulic Disc Brakes w/ 160mm rotors
TIRES: 24” x 2.35″ Specialized Ground Control
RIMS: Specialized Alloy, Tubeless Ready
BATTERY: Specialized SL1-320, fully integrated, 320Wh
MOTOR: Specialized 1.2 SL , 320W, 50Nm torque
What We Love About the Turbo Levo SL Kids
- Extended Ride Time: The motor allows for longer rides and extended climbs without excessive fatigue.
- Tackling Elevation: Makes quick work of trails with extended elevation gains (500 ft. +).
- Customizable Speed Assist: Each of the three pedal assist levels are easily customizable via the Specialized App (no computers or wires needed).
- Handlebar Remote: Pedal assist level changes are at the rider’s fingertips with on-bar remote (woom UP eMTB only changes via headunit on bike’s top tube).
- Top Speed Limiting: The top speed can be limited to 10 mph at your local Specialized dealer, compared to the standard 15.5 mph (not an option on the woom UP).
- Mastermind Computer Unit: The headtube-mounted unit displays battery life, speed, and mileage, and is fully customizable.
- Walk Assist Feature: Helps push the bike uphill, and while not intended for this use, it can assist in starting from a standstill.
- Local Bike Shop Support: From service to tuning, help is readily accessible at any Specialized dealer.
What You Should Know About the Levo SL Kids Before You Purchase
- Aggressive Positioning: Its low positioned handlebars create an aggressive geometry that is ideal for confident MTB riders, but can be uncomfortable for beginning riders.
- No Free Rides: The rider must be pedaling and applying pressure to the pedals before the motor will engage. The bike is designed not to enable kids to be “lazy”, but rather to minimize the sting of extended climbs or long rides.
- Dropper Post Limitations: The included dropper post is really only useable for taller kids. The bike’s minimum seat height is 26.5” without the dropper, but 29.5” with. For many riders, it’s likely best to have the dropper removed by a bike shop and replaced with a standard seat post (more info below).
- Non-removable Battery: The battery must be charged while on the bike and should be stored inside during extreme temperatures for optimal performance.
- Heavier Weight: The 36.8 lb. Levo SL Kids is very heavy for a kids bike! It is also slightly heavier than the 34.8 lb. woom UP 5 eMTB.
Who is the Levo SL Kids best for?
Based on our experience with several young riders of varying skill levels, the Levo SL Kids is best suited for:
(1) Experienced Single Track MTB Riders: Kids who still need to learn the basics of MTB should start on a lightweight hardtail bike. Bike handling skills and maneuverability are MUCH harder on a heavy ebike (this is true for ALL eMTBS for kids, not just ths Levo SL Kids). Even our very capable riders weren’t as nimble or technically proficient on the Levo SL Kids as they are on their regular bikes.
(2) Riding with other eMTBs or Fast Family Members: The Levo SL Kids is perfect for young riders who need a little extra help keeping up with family members on eMTBs or speedy analog bike riders, especially on rides with significant elevation gains (500ft+) or longer distances.
(3) Riders Lacking Stamina for Long Rides: The Turbo SL Kids makes covering longer distances more manageable, but due to the heavier weight of eMTBs, they are not ideal for kids on extended technical rides. The weight of the bike can make navigating long stretches of technical terrain very challenging and frustrating for young riders.
Who is the Levo SL Kids not ideal for?
The Levo SL Kids may not be the best choice for:
(1) More Timid Riders: With its low stack height, the bike positions the rider more aggressively, which can be intimidating for those who are more cautious or nervous. The heavier weight of the Levo SL Kids, like any ebike, might also be daunting for timid riders.
(2) Campers or Remote Riders: Not surprisingly, charging the Levo SL Kids while off the grid is challenging. During a camping trip, one of our testers’ family needed to run a generator for hours to recharge the bike. Additionally, the Levo SL Kids is not compatible with the Turbo Levo’s range extender from their adult line.
(3) Riders Not Willing to Put in Effort: Your rider will get tired while riding the Levo SL Kids. It is NOT like an electric scooter that you simply “ride”, it is designed to multiply or increase the output of their efforts. If no effort is put into pedaling, the motor won’t engage.
What Age Child Will Fit on the Levo SL Kids?
Seat Height Range: The seat height ranges from 26.5 inches (with the dropper down) to 31.25 inches (with the dropper up). For kids who plan on using the dropper post, the minimum effective seat height is 29.5 inches. For most riders, the Turbo Levo SL will be easier and safer to use with the included dropper removed.
Our main 9-year-old tester was 55” tall with a 25” inseam and was on the taller end of the ideal fit range of the bike. He rode with the seat height max set to 28” (measurement with dropper up).
On the short end, our 49” tall 8-year-old tester with an 21.75” inseam was slightly too small for the bike. While she could ride the bike (and loved it), the seat didn’t go quite low enough for her to comfortably stand over the bike, which made it hard to handle the heavy bike when getting on and off.
For basic trails with minimal technical aspects, we felt comfortable with her riding the bike, but until she grows taller, the bike proved a bit too much for intermediate trails that require more precise maneuvering.
Specialized Turbo Levo SL Kids – Results of our Test Rides
All of our testers quickly fell in love with the Levo SL Kids. Beyond the coolness factor, the bike was genuinely fun to ride. Climbing previously dreaded hills on familiar trails became enjoyable, and keeping up with parents, older siblings, or faster riders on longer rides was now achievable.
While the Levo SL Kids certainly doesn’t replace the need for true bike handling skills (especially braking and shifting), with our testers, it absolutley opened the doors to what’s possible. Tackle THAT steep rock? Sure! Climb to the top of THAT trail? I’ll lead the way!
The added confidence and reduced leg fatigue led to more frequent and longer rides, making biking a more regular and enjoyable activity. It felt like having a cheat code for the trails!
Climbing on the Turbo Levo SL Kids
Over the course of 200 miles, and well over 5,000 ft. elevation gain, the Levo SL Kids tackled plenty of hills during our testing period. Learning to climb on this bike, however, did have a bit of a learning curve.
While controlling the motor is super easy and intuitive via the handlebar remote, remembering to shift was a common problem from the get-go. With the added power of the motor and the added confidence it provided, our testers mistakenly believed that the bike would propel them up any hill while in any gear, but they were quickly corrected by a stopped bike.
Since the motor only engages when the rider is pedaling, if the bike is in too hard of a gear to pedal, the motor cannot engage and won’t be of help – regardless of the power assist level they are in. There were several times, in fact, that our experienced 9 -year-old rider couldn’t get the Levo up a technical hill that he could easily make up on his regular analog bike – all because he forgot to shift.
Over time, our tester improved at shifting gears, especially after experiencing the challenge of pushing the heavier bike uphill. This learning process was a bit frustrating for both parent and rider, but got better with time.
On smoother trails with more gradual inclines, climbing was significantly easier and while still important, shifting was a little more forgiving. With less technical elements to navigate through, our enthusiastic 9-year-old tester was thrilled to be able to keep up with varsity riders on our local NICA high school team race course with mostly smooth trails.
Having ridden on both technical and smooth trails, we believe it’s fair to say the chunkier the terrain you are riding, the more problematic the weight of the bike will be on the climbs.
Descending on the Levo SL Kids
When pointed downhill, the weight of the Levo SL Kids is noticeable, especially in technical sections. The bike is less maneuverable than an analog bike, and in particularly challenging parts, it can reinforce improper bike handling techniques as riders might try to muscle through obstacles. While certainly not terrible, navigating chunky technical terrain requires extra strength, coordination, and precise line picking.
The bike’s 155mm crank arms are long for a 24” frame – with only 4.75 inches of clearance at the bottom of the pedal stroke (compared to the woom UP 5’s 5.75”). This contributed to pedal strikes, and could make rock gardens more challenging to navigate. Emphasizing the importance of level pedals is crucial, and more advanced riders may benefit from learning to ratchet through such sections.
On the positive side, the slack 66º head tube angle (compared to the 67º angle on the Specialized 24” Expert hardtail) helps keep the bike stable and planted during steep descents.
The Levo SL Kids excels on smoother downhill trails, especially where precise line choice wasn’t as critical. Without the added fatigue building up from riding the uphill (like on their analog bikes), our testers also had less hesitation standing up during long downhill stretches.
Jumping the Levo SL Kids
You don’t buy an ebike to do jumps, but we tested the Levo SL Kids on some drops just for fun. The 100mm RockShox fork and slacker head tube angles provided for a stable landing, but the extra weight was noticeable when trying to get airborne. Not surprisingly, our 9-year-old tester preferred his analog bike for jumps, finding it easier to get the tires off the ground.
All in all, it’s fine to take the Levo SL Kids on easier drops, but don’t expect the same performance as on an analog bike. If your child isn’t accustomed to drops and jumps, it’s best to avoid them with this bike and focus on mastering these skills on a lighter, analog bike first.
How Much Does the Levo SL Kids Weigh?
Specialized lists the Levo SL Kids at 35 lb., 11.4 oz (35.7 lb.). On our bike scale, the bike with pedals weighed 36.8 lb. While light for an ebike, it’s pretty heavy for a 24” bike. For comparison, Specialized’s analog (non-ebike) 24″ Riprock Expert weighs 26.4 lb.
The added weight (compared to an analog) is noticeable, especially when maneuvering the bike on both ascents and descents. The lack of nimbleness is why we hesitate recommending the Levo SL Kids (or ANY kids eMTB) for kids who are just learning to mountain bike. They would be better off starting with a lighter, analog bike.
The woom 5 UP kids’ eMTB is slightly lighter at 34.8 lb., but the difference is minimal.
Motor Specs and Customization Options
The Turbo Levo SL Kids features the same Specialized 1.2 Motor found in the adult Turbo Levo models. The motor provides up to 320W of power and 50Nm of torque, which is a killer amount for young riders who weigh a lot less than adults riding with the same motor.
While the woom UP 5 offers slightly more power with 350W (peak) and 58Nm of torque, the Specialized makes that power more accessible. Considering most riders only temporarily switch to the highest pedal assist level when tackling a particularly steep incline, being able to safely and quickly switch the pedal assist level via the bike’s handlebar remote is a huge benefit of the Levo SL Kids.
In contrast, the woom UP requires riders to briefly ride one-handed to adjust the power assist levels via the head unit on the bike’s top tube, which can be less safe and more cumbersome.
While the Specialized’s Levo SL motor isn’t specifically tuned for kids, Specialized does provide two different customization options to ensure the best experience for young riders: max speed settings and adjustable pedal assist levels.
Max Speed Options
The max speed of an ebike is the speed at which the motor stops providing power to the drivetrain – a feature standard in all Class I eMTBs to enhance rider safety. In order to ride faster than the max speed, the rider must solely rely on their own pedal power.
The Levo SL Kids has a default max speed of 15.5 mph (same as the woom), but this can be lowered to 10 mph by your local Specialized dealer upon request (woom’s cannot). This lower setting essentially acts as a governor by limiting the bike’s top speed and making it a great option for new or beginning riders.
While this adjustability is useful, it would be even better if parents could switch between the two settings on the fly via the Specialized app, rather than visiting a dealer. For our testing, we kept the bike at the standard 15.5 mph setting, as it was primarily used by more advanced riders and we didn’t have time to frequently visit the dealer.
Eco, Trail, and Turbo Power Assist Modes
The Levo SL Kids offers three power assist modes—Eco, Trail, and Turbo—each providing different levels of motor assistance. Riders can easily switch between these modes using the (+) and (-) buttons on the handlebar remote.
The head unit on the bike’s top tube displays the current mode, current speed, and battery life. When pushed, the F1 button on the remote switches the screen on the head unit to show additional stats of the bike, including mileage and elevation.
All three assist levels can be customized via the Specialized App. By connecting the bike via Bluetooth, users can adjust the “Motor Power” and “Ease” settings using a drag-and-drop grid:
Motor Power (y axis): Controls how much power the motor delivers to the drivetrain. A higher setting provides more assistance.
Ease (x axis): Determines how quickly the motor engages. A lower Ease setting means faster engagement, while a higher setting results in a delayed response.
Specialized’s motor has a unique algorithm that takes the rider’s cadence (speed of legs), the amount of torque on the crank (how much pressure the rider is putting on the pedals), as well as the speed of the bike in order to determine the proper motor output defined by the “Ease” setting.
In terms of noise, the Specialized 1.2 motor is relatively quiet and is certainly quieter than our eMTB with a Shimano EP8 Motor.
Walk-Assist Mode
The Turbo Levo SL Kids includes a “walk-assist mode” to help when a rider gets stuck on a hill and needs to push the bike up. By pressing and holding the F2 button on the remote, the motor propels the bike at 3.7 mph.
While useful when used correctly, we found that young riders sometimes use walk mode as a makeshift throttle, which isn’t ideal. The mode’s speed is limited to 3.7 mph, so it doesn’t replace the need for pedaling.
Battery Life
The Levo SL Kids is equipped with an integrated 320W battery, providing 3 to 5 hours of ride time, depending on riding style, terrain, and power assist levels. On more aggressive trails with steep ascents, the battery tends to drain faster compared to milder, flowy trails.
Because the battery is not removable, you’ll need to make sure you have an easily accessible plug in your garage (or house). Also keep in mind that Specialized’s Turbo Levo range extender is not compatible with the Levo SL Kids. If you are planning on taking the Levo SL Kids camping or on an extended bike packing trip, you’re going to have to get creative on how you charge the battery at night. Our tester’s family, for instance, had to use a generator to charge the bike during a camping trip.
Components of the Turbo Levo SL Kids
As a true trail eMTB, the Levo SL Kids comes built with capable and robust components for hitting up the toughest of trails. Due to the heavy weight of the bike, however, we highly recommend regularly reminding your rider to slowly lower the bike down “chain side up” to prevent any damage to the derailleur or scratches on the frame.
Dropper Post
The bike comes standard with a 80mm seat post (about 3.1”). The dropper works great for lightweight kids, but it does affect the sizing of the bike and can also be a safety hazard for shorter riders.
The main problem with the dropper is that not all kids who technically fit on the Turbo Levo “fit” on the dropper. For children with inseams shorter than about 24″, the dropper post is too tall to use safely. With the dropper fully extended, kids with shorter inseams won’t be able to touch the ground while sitting on the bike.
As a result, we recommend removing the dropper post for kids with inseams shorter than 24” and having your local shop replace it with a standard post. In addition to being safer for small riders, a non-dropper post is likely to lower the minimum seat height of the bike even more.
If you plan on removing the dropper completely, you can go ahead and skip these next dropper seat height sections as your replacement seat post will create different minimums and maximums.
Using the Levo SL Kids with the Dropper Compressed
If you don’t want to swap out the dropper post (it can be a challenge – we don’t recommend doing it yourself), you do have the option of having your child ride the bike with the dropper compressed. While this does lower the minimum seat height, you do run the risk of the child accidentally pushing the lever and raising the seat to an unsafe height while they are riding.
With the included dropper post fully compressed, the seat height on the Turbo Levo SL Kids can range from 26.5″ to 28.5″. The lower end of this range, 26.5″, is achieved when the dropper post is completely compressed and inserted as far as possible into the seat tube.
The upper end of 28.5” is with the dropper still compressed, but with the post pulled out of the seat tube to its minimum insertion point. As a result, with the dropper post fully compressed, the bike has an ideal fit range for inseams between approximately 22.5″ and 24.5″.
Using the Turbo Levo SL with the Dropper
For taller riders ready to use the dropper, the seat height with the dropper extended ranges from 29.5″ to 31.25″, suitable for inseams from about 25″ to 27″.
Note that the due to the steep seat tube angle, the 80mm dropper posts only provides about 1.75” of travel. As a result, for taller kids who plan on using the dropper, the ideal fit range of the Turbo Levo SL Kids is pretty short.
Gap in Seat Height Range
In case you didn’t notice, the maximum seat height without the dropper is 28.5 inches, while the minimum seat height with the dropper engaged is 29.5 inches, creating a gap in the seat height range. To bridge this gap, you can manually set the seat height by pushing down the saddle to the desired height while compressing the release lever. Once set, just make sure the rider doesn’t push the lever and have the seat unexpectedly shoot up on them!
SRAM Drivetrain
The Levo SL Kids features a SRAM NX drivetrain with an 11-speed, 11-42t cassette. With a gain ratio range of 1.5 to 5.7, it offers plenty of climbing power. As long as our testers were shifting properly (and not trying to shift while the chain was under a lot of tension), the drivetrain kept shifting smoothly and reliably.
SRAM Level T Hydraulic Disc Brakes
Equipped with single-piston SRAM Level T hydraulic disc brakes and 160mm rotors front and rear, the bike’s braking system is well-suited to handle its weight. The levers were easy to pull and are adjustable, providing good stopping power.
Our testers had no issues with the brakes over the course of 200+ miles, although the stock grips did show signs of wear.
Chainstay Protector
A rubberized chainstay protector safeguards the frame during rough rides. This feature was appreciated, especially during more aggressive trail sessions.
Levo SL Kids vs. woom UP 5
While there are a handful of 24” eMTB’s on the market, the most common competitor in the US is the woom UP 5. Having tested both extensively, we can honestly say that they are both amazing bikes, but cater to different types of riders.
The Levo SL Kids is designed for a more advanced rider as it features a more aggressive geo, a dropper post, and 100mm RockShox air fork.
The woom 5 UP is better suited for beginner or intermediate riders as it has a more conservative geo, no dropper post, and a 80mm F1RST air fork.
In the comparison image below, you can see how much lower the handlebars are positioned on the Levo SL Kids than on the woom UP 5. The woom also has a flip flop stem that allows you to raise the handlebars as the child gets taller. The Specialized also has a pretty steep seat tube angle that can shorten the lifespan of the bike compared to the woom.
On the technical end, the bikes feature the same 11-speed SRAM NX drivetrain. The Levo SL Kids has slightly better SRAM Level T hydraulic brakes versus woom’s Promax hydraulic. In terms of power, the woom UP 5 provides a bit more, but lacks the convenient handlebar remote found on the Levo SL Kids to allow riders to easily put the power into use. Additionally, the Levo SL Kids boasts a larger battery, enhancing its range and ride time.
| Levo SL Kids | woom UP 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $3,000 | $3,799 |
| Weight | 36.8 lb. | 34.8 lb. |
| Seat Height | 26.5” – 31.25” | 28″-34″ |
| Head Tube Angle | 66º | 66º |
| Seat Tube Angle | 67º | 75º |
| Handlebar Remote | Yes | No |
| Max Motor Output | 320W | 350W |
| Max Torque | 50Nm | 58Nm |
| Battery | 320W | 252W |
Specialized Turbo Levo SL Kids Bottom Line
The Specialized Turbo Levo SL Kids is an amazing eMTB that empowers young, confident riders to tackle longer and more challenging trails. Its aggressive geo, customizable settings, and robust components make it an excellent choice for kids who are already comfortable on mountain bikes and eager to expand their capabilities.
Compared to the woom UP, the Levo SL Kids’s 100mm RockSox fork, dropper post, and aggressive geo make is better suited for more advanced riders.
FTC Disclosure: Affiliate links are included in this review. No monetary compensation was provided for this review, however, a loaner bike was supplied by the manufacturer or distributor to help facilitate this review. All opinions and images are that of Two Wheeling Tots LLC. All content and images are copyrighted and should not be used or replicated in any way. View our Terms of Use.
