Super73-ZX in practical test: power cruiser

A cool pedelec that is fun for commuters, off-road fans and even young families on all routes – this is how the US manufacturer Super73 advertises its latest model, the Super73-ZX. 2,699 euros isn’t asking too much, is it? Unfortunately, it does, because even as a gift, the cruiser bike doesn’t bring enough of the promised fun.

Visually, the part comes across as pretty cool and comfortable. The comfortable seat offers space for two people – but the two together must not weigh more than 140 kilograms, and there are no footrests for the passenger. So the Super73-ZX is nothing for young families. The battery with 615 watt hours is located under the seat on a diamond-shaped aluminum frame, which, according to the manufacturer, enables a range of up to 40 kilometers. As is usual with eBikes, a control element on the handlebar reveals the remaining range and charge level. Optionally, it also provides information about speed, support level and mileage. The design with the extremely fat slippers does not meet every taste. The 51×11.5 cm monster tires with their high self-damping at least make you forget the lack of any suspension. However, they are far too wide for off-road fun; also because of the low seating position, the part is definitely not for off-road lovers.

The casual cruiser look is more for “Easy Rider” fans. Once they have sat down on the 79 centimeter high bike, they can activate the flow of electricity on the battery, put on their sunglasses and get started. However, the start is a bit cumbersome. The pedal support does not take effect immediately, the first pedal revolutions are due to the calf muscles. Once the Super73-ZX gets going, it’s great fun. After a few kicks, the control panel reports the top speed of the first drive mode, 25 kilometers per hour (km/h). With its wide tires, the bike rolls over every bump and feels safe even at high speeds.

Although the manufacturer sells the model in Germany as a pedelec, a look at the motor’s performance values ​​raises doubts. Because the Super73-ZX only meets the legal requirements for a pedelec in riding mode 1, which is set at the factory: 250 watts of motor power are not exceeded, and the bike stops pedal support at speeds of 25 km/h. A motor output of up to 1,350 watts and speeds of over 45 km/h are just a few clicks away via the Super73 app. Three more riding modes can be activated there, and that actually makes the Super73-ZX an S-Pedelec. Such vehicles may only be used with a class AM or higher driving license. S-Pedelecs are also subject to registration and insurance. But the Ami bike does not have the required operating permit.

When asked, the manufacturer affirms that the Super73 bike can be used as a pedelec without further ado, after all, when activating the higher speed levels, the customer is informed that their use is only permitted on private property. Roland Huhn, Legal Secretary of the Ageneral DGermans fbicycleClubs (ADFC) considers this to be just window dressing: “It is clear that the maximum speed exceeds the limits set for pedelecs. This also applies if the app is not used. It is not the achieved but the achievable maximum speed that counts.” This limits the use of the Super73-ZX on private property – and it is much too expensive for that.

With a clear conscience, the Super73-ZX cannot be recommended, because using it on public roads is at least legally problematic. So this is more of a pure fun bike that has a steep price of 2,699 euros – an official S-Pedelec is a much better choice. In the practical test, the US bike therefore performs poorly, even if cruising on a straight stretch is definitely enjoyable.