Super73 S2 Review, 2024

The Super73 S2’s motor is powered by a 48V, 960 watt-hour (Wh) battery. To determine how many miles the bike could travel with a single charge of this battery, we pedaled the bike in PAS 1 and PAS 4 until it expired. The bookend values we measured were 29.5 and 50.4 miles; most riders who choose to pedal the S2 should expect their range to be somewhere between these two figures.

Compared to similar moped-style e-bikes we’ve reviewed previously, the Super73 S2’s performance in both range tests was relatively average. Its results in PAS 1 fell short of the brand’s advertised claim of 75+ miles, though they were closer to our expectations based on its motor and battery specs as well as the results of its Speed Test.

In PAS 4, the bike covered fewer miles when compared to other similar e-bikes we’ve reviewed, though it still reached slightly beyond our expectations. When using its 750W motor and 960 Wh battery to estimate its performance in this portion of the test, we anticipated that the bike would travel roughly 25 miles over the course of an hour and a 15 minutes. With just under 2 hours on the bike and nearly 30 miles, we measured a 53% improvement in time and an 18% improvement in distance.

These results suggest that, while the S2’s motor is somewhat less efficient than those of many of its peers, the bike still uses a relatively efficient system.

Furthermore, our observed range of 29.5 to 50.4 miles should cover a long commute or a number of shorter rides. It is important to note, however, that riders using only the throttle should expect less mileage – especially in Off-Road Mode. We measured roughly 49% less range than advertised using the bike’s PAS, so by the same principle, we would anticipate the bike’s throttle-only range to be approximately 19.5 miles (49% less than the advertised 40 miles).

In PAS 4, our first attempt failed; we found that a relatively rapid cadence was required for effective climbing. The bike fared markedly better after a second attempt; with assistance from our test rider Justin, the bike’s time was reduced to 1 minute and 28 seconds and its speed climbed to 12.3 miles per hour.

The S2 was ultimately successful in both tests, though in comparison to previous moped-style e-bikes we’ve tested, it performed slower than expected. Its pedal test results were notably behind the majority of those similar bikes even after the second attempt, and its throttle-only performance was the slowest we’ve measured from a bike in this category. This was surprising considering the brand’s reputation (Super73 = speed), but perhaps more so when considering the bike’s specs; 750W rear-hub motors usually perform very well in this test.

While Super73 does not provide clear data on the S2’s peak motor output in terms of torque or wattage (its nominal output in Off-Road Mode is 1,200W), we expect that these figures are relatively low in comparison to other moped-style e-bikes with 750W rear-hub motors. With a weight of 75 lbs, the S2 is relatively lightweight for an e-bike of its type, and with wider-than-average street tires, we would expect better traction and uphill performance.

Regardless, the S2’s motor seems to have some low-end power that allowed it to keep moving despite its difficulty. The bike managed to conquer Hell Hole, which many other e-bikes with similar specs have found too daunting a task. Based on our testing, we expect the bike to be able to climb nearly any hill its rider may encounter, albeit relatively slowly.

In contrast to the Super73 S2’s Hill Test results, the bike’s performance in our Brake Test was notably better than average. Using the process described above, we tested the stopping capability of the S2’s Tektro E350 hydraulic brake system.

We have a great deal of experience with this system, as it is specifically rated for use with e-bikes, and appears on a large percentage of the bikes we have tested. The performance of this system has varied widely from model to model, but we hoped for good results and were not disappointed.

With three sets of data, we calculated the S2’s average stopping distance to be 19’-4”. Our current average for all of the moped-style e-bikes we’ve tested is 20’-11”, so in general, the S2 came to a stop 19” faster than those other similar bikes.

We attribute this largely to two factors: weight and tire width. At 75 lbs, the S2 has less inertia and is more easily slowed than other moped-style e-bikes we ‘ve tested, which have weighed between 80 and 95 lbs. Most of those similar bikes also use 4”-wide tires which have less grip than the 4.5” and 5”-wide tires on the Super73 model.

Based on this test, we deem the S2 to be appropriately specced with safe and effective brakes.

As with most of the moped-style e-bikes we have reviewed, the S2’s saddle is a long, padded seat with a stationary position, so its height of 31” is fixed. We liked that the saddle was narrower toward the front, which made the riding position feel natural. The 680mm riser bars include straight, aggressively textured rubber grips. These were easy to hold on to, and placed our hands at a comfortable and ergonomic angle.

As a hardtail e-bike, bumps and dips were noticeable but not uncomfortable. We’d have preferred a slightly thicker saddle, but we appreciated the damping effects of the squishy air suspension fork with its substantial 140mm of travel.

The S2 comes in a single size which Super73 advertises as appropriate for riders from 5’-1” to 6’-8”. Our testers, who are generally around 6’ tall, were comfortable, but we could imagine that the bike would feel more cramped for those on the taller end of the advertised range.

Overall, the bike handled well due to its short wheelbase, which gave it a playful, spirited feel. With a dual-crown suspension fork, the bike’s handlebars were limited in their ability to turn, which resulted in a relatively wide turning radius, though this was helped by the maneuverability of the small 20” Super73-branded BDGR moped tires.

The S2’s 750W motor was engaged quickly by its cadence sensor; pedal assistance was activated with between a ⅛- to ¼-turn of the cranks, with gradually-building power and speed. The bike’s throttle power was similar – we appreciated that it wasn’t too punchy. Riders seeking more immediate power should be satisfied with the feel of PAS 4.

While we expected the S2 to have a stronger finish in our Hill Test, it generally performed well in its Speed, Brake, and Range Tests. It may not have set any new records, but its results were occasionally better than average, and in most cases, well within the range of our expectations.

We suggest that Super73 offer more options for the throttle’s speed limit by linking the throttle to the pedal assist system. Additionally, for those who choose to pedal, we think the bike would benefit from simultaneous Class 2 and Class 3 settings with a 20 mph speed limit on the throttle and a 28 mph limit on the PAS.

Otherwise, we understand the appeal of the S2; we think it’s completely appropriate for those commuting to work or school, and also well-suited for seekers of fun and thrills in their off time.

Happy Riding! Make sure to let us know if you have any questions or if you think we left anything out in this review of the Super73 S2 down in our comments section.