The Super73 S-2 E-Bike Review
The e-bike market is booming, and with so many choices available, finding the perfect ride can be pretty overwhelming. There are a lot of different things to think about when buying an e-bike. I personally purchased a Super73 S-2 (recently updated to the Super73 S2-SE, which overall remains pretty similar). Super73 was probably the first brand to stand out and make a name for itself in the retro-styled e-bike market. The S-2 is great for riding around town and down the occasional gravel path. It combines retro aesthetics, modern performance, and unmatched versatility.
I was looking for something fun to get around my hometown of Bend, Oregon, and the occasional longer meandering adventure around town. Bend has great roads and bike paths across town, making biking an easy alternative to driving for at least three seasons of the year. I’ve also never had a bike that I get more questions or compliments about.
Here's a deep dive as to why the Super73 S-2 is one of my favorite bikes, and how it stacks up against other popular e-bikes on the market today.
Super73 S-2: Retro Style Meets Modern Engineering
One of the first things you notice about the Super73 S-2 is its custom motorcycle-inspired design. Its low-profile frame and minimalist cruiser aesthetic immediately set it apart from traditional e-bikes. Unlike the utilitarian look of the RadRunner Plus or the futuristic design of the VanMoof S5, the S-2 evokes a sense of nostalgia while still feeling fresh and modern.
The aluminum frame ensures durability, and while the S-2 is not light by any means, especially once the battery is included, it does a good job of managing its weight. The motorcycle-style seat and adjustable handlebars make for a pretty comfortable and fairly ergonomic riding experience. I’m 6’3”, and still find it very enjoyable for both short commutes and longer adventures.
From cargo racks to upgraded lighting kits, the S-2 can be tailored to meet the demands of commuters, adventurers, or anyone in between. While many popular brands offer some level of customization, the level of personalization available for Super73 bikes is impressive, making it a favorite for riders who want their e-bike to reflect their personality or lifestyle.
Super73 S-2 Performance
The Super73 S-2 comes equipped with a 750W rear hub motor, capable of reaching over 28 mph in its more powerful settings. For those who want even more power, the bike offers an off-road mode that unlocks up to 2,000W of peak power. This is where the S-2 truly shines compared to competitors. Most have power outputs in the range of 750 to 1,000W, but lack the high-speed thrills of the Super73’s off-road capabilities.
The S-2’s spring suspension fork enhances its ride quality, soaking up bumps on uneven terrain. Paired with a 20” x 4.5” fat tire in the front, and a 5” wide tire in the back, it offers excellent stability, whether you're navigating city streets, gravel paths or light trails. The stability makes it more versatile than many of its rivals.
While the S-2 does offer a lot of power for an e-bike, since it is an in-hub motor versus mid-drive, it doesn’t do as well on very steep hills. However, I’ve found it pretty good overall. If you’re approaching a steeper hill that is a block or so long, you can go at it with some speed in one of the higher class settings and still be fine.
One of the many great things about the in-hub motor, versus a mid-drive setup, is you can use the throttle independently without even needing to pedal in order to access the speedy motor. I find this consistently useful when crossing busy intersections and it’s also just a lot of fun.
Long-Lasting Battery and Range
Range anxiety is a common concern for e-bike riders, but the Super73 S-2 alleviates that with a 960-Wh removable battery. In Eco mode, Super73 claims riders can achieve up to 75 miles of range on a single charge. I’m not sure I’ve ever come close to that, but I am also a larger rider. However, I’ve done multiple 40-plus-mile rides around town in a day, up and down hills, all while never needing more range. For longer rides or adventures where charging isn’t readily available, the S-2 stands as a clear winner.
The removable battery design is another big plus, allowing for convenient indoor charging. This feature is shared by other bikes like the RadRunner Plus, but it is notably absent in models like the VanMoof S5, where the battery is integrated into the frame.
Smart Features for the Modern Rider
The Super73 S-2 is more than just a bike with a motor, it’s also a bike for the modern era. The Super73 app connects to the bike via Bluetooth, enabling riders to customize performance settings, track ride stats and even access turn-by-turn navigation. The app’s versatility sets it apart from simpler systems like LED displays on a lot of e-bikes, which generally lack app integration.
Super73 isn’t the only e-bike brand with an app, admittedly, and I realize that an app might not be important to all riders, but I have found it a nice feature of Super73 bikes. I will say though, since both my wife and I each have Super73 e-bikes, I have to manually sync my phone to hers if I ever need to ride her bike and want to change something.
When you forget your phone, or you’re riding down the road, the S-2’s LED display is really great and easy to use. It presents essential ride information like speed, battery level, and mode in a clean, easy-to-read format. This blend of smart features and user-friendly design makes the S-2 a joy to ride.
E-Bikes Comfort, Versatility, and Quality
Comfort is key when it comes to e-bikes, and the Super73 S-2 delivers. The motorcycle-style seat provides ample cushioning for extended rides, and the tall, adjustable handlebars ensure a good fit for riders of varying heights. Compared to others which generally have a more upright riding position, the S-2 feels sportier, but remains comfortable.
The fat tires and suspension fork also contribute to a smooth ride, handling potholes and uneven surfaces with ease. This makes the S-2 more versatile than city-focused models, which prioritize efficiency over off-road capability.
The Super73 S-2’s “aircraft-grade aluminum alloy frame” is both lightweight and fairly robust. The bike’s disc brakes provide reliable stopping power, even at higher speeds.
However, one thing to note is that while the use of aluminum means the S-2 is less likely to have issues with rust and corrosion, aluminum can have issues with the frame bending, especially compared to steel or other materials. But for the average rider enjoying normal rides around town or even light off-road adventures, the frame should still be plenty strong.
Super73 S-2 Competition
While the price of the Super73 S-2 has increased over time, even at an MSRP of $2,995, it offers a lot, and I think it is still a pretty competitively-priced e-bike. However, here are some other popular e-bikes and what they offer by way of comparison with the S-2.
Rad Power RadRover 6 Plus – MSRP $1,599
- Pros: Affordable, durable, and great for beginners.
- Cons: Lower speed and range compared to the S-2.
- Best For: Budget-conscious riders seeking a solid all-terrain e-bike.
VanMoof S5 – MSRP approximately $3,500
- Pros: Sleek design, advanced smart features, and smooth urban performance; lots of similarities tech wise to Super73, but in a more low-key design.
- Cons: Limited speed, range, off-road capability and hard to get a hold of.
- Best For: Urban commuters who value style and integrated technology.
Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 – MSRP $4,000
- Pros: High efficiency, excellent for pavement and bike paths.
- Cons: Lacks off-road versatility and customization options.
- Best For: Riders focused on road performance and premium engineering.
Aventon Level – MSRP $1,599
- Pros: Budget-friendly and commuter-focused.
- Cons: Limited in power, speed, and build quality.
- Best For: Entry-level e-bike users prioritizing affordability.
Conclusion: Why Choose the Super73 S-2?
The Super73 S-2 strikes an excellent balance between performance, style, and versatility. It’s powerful enough for adrenaline-seekers, comfortable enough for casual riders, and stylish enough to turn heads wherever you go.
Compared to its rivals, it offers:
- Superior range for long rides.
- Customizable performance via the app.
- Versatility to handle both urban and off-road environments.
- Stand-out style that blends retro and modern design elements.
- Great selection of OEM and 3rd party options to personalize your ride.
If you enjoy tech-packed gadgets and want something that feels like an extension of your personality and lifestyle, the Super73 S-2 is hard to beat. Whether you’re commuting to work, exploring local trails, or cruising through the city, the S-2 offers a ride that’s as thrilling as it is reliable.
