Scrambler electric bikes are making waves, boldly contrasting the sleek, understated designs of typical beach cruisers and city ebikes. These bikes, drawing inspiration from the rugged motorcycles of the 1960s, aren’t trying to hide their electric nature; they want to stand out. The Super73 S2 perfectly embodies this ethos. Riding the Super73 S2 e bike evokes a feeling akin to driving a classic Jeep Wrangler. It’s agile and quick to maneuver, yet, much like a Jeep, it can feel a bit unsteady during sharp turns, especially at higher speeds. This isn’t a bike built for carving corners, but rather for delivering a robust and enjoyable ride – think of it as a fun, electric truck on two wheels.
However, my experience with the Super73 S2 wasn’t without its bumps. Recurring issues with the throttle, alongside a few other minor concerns, introduced a level of anxiety into my rides, making it difficult to wholeheartedly recommend this particular ebike without reservation.
Unleashing Super Speed with the Super73 S2
The Super73 S2 is categorized as a Class 3 ebike. This classification means it can reach speeds of up to 20 mph using just the hand throttle and offer pedal-assisted speeds up to 28 mph. This impressive performance is driven by a robust rear hub motor boasting 750 watts of continuous power and peaking at 1,200 watts. That’s a significant power advantage compared to many entry-level electric bikes on the market.
Switching the Super73 S2 into “Unlimited mode” unlocks even greater potential, boosting the motor to 1,200 watts of continuous power and 2,000 watts at its peak. This mode allows you to surpass the 28 mph mark, which, while exhilarating, might not be legal for public roads in many regions. Always check local regulations regarding ebike speed limits.
The pedal assist system relies on a cadence sensor, which detects pedal movement to engage the electric motor. However, the system isn’t the most refined. Even a slight pedal motion triggers a rapid acceleration. With four levels of electric assist to choose from, the top two settings often create a sensation where you feel more like a passenger than a cyclist actively pedaling – a sentiment echoed by my colleague in their review of the Lectric XP ebike. During my rides, exertion was minimal, even on inclines.
Being a single-speed bike with a substantial weight, the Super73 S2 heavily depends on its electric motor. This reliance can quickly drain the battery if you’re not mindful of power usage and frequently engage the throttle. I learned this firsthand when I depleted the battery on an early ride. Attempting to pedal this hefty bike without motor assistance proved to be an arduous task, reminiscent of the grueling rowing scene in Ben Hur. Ultimately, I resorted to walking. The Super73 S2 is definitely not designed to be pedaled without electric assist.
Part of my battery issue stemmed from an unconventional charging system. Upon plugging in the charger, a green light illuminates, deceptively indicating it’s not charging. To initiate charging, you must press the power button on the battery itself, at which point the LED turns red to signify active recharging. This counter-intuitive design is certainly unusual. On a positive note, the battery is detachable, allowing for convenient charging without needing to move the entire bike to a power outlet.
