Detroit E‑Moto Meetup Ride: Onyx RCR, Super73 Z1 (48V Mod), Juiced Camp Scrambler, and a DIY Fixie Build
September 10, 2020
Detroit is a perfect stress test for electric two-wheelers. Rough pavement, quick lane changes, surprise potholes, and that constant stop-and-go rhythm downtown.
I linked up with friends for a proper Electric Motorbikers of Detroit meetup and got real seat time around the city on four very different builds:
Onyx RCR (e‑moped vibe, serious speed)
Super73 Z1 running a 48V setup (small, punchy, and a little wild)
Juiced Camp Scrambler (friendly, practical, and easy to live with)
A DIY fixie-style ebike build (lightweight, bicycle-first feel)
This isn’t a spec-sheet comparison. It’s what these machines feel like when you’re rolling as a group through real streets.
The ride vibe: why group rides change everything
Riding solo, I’m usually thinking about efficiency, routes, and range. In a group, it’s more about flow.
You notice things fast:
Which bikes jump off the line without drama
Which setups feel stable when you’re looking around and communicating
Which ones are easiest to modulate at low speed
Which ones feel like they want to get you into trouble
Detroit makes those differences obvious.
Onyx RCR: compact, quick, and unapologetically “e‑moped”
The Onyx RCR feels like it was made for dense city riding. It’s compact, it snaps forward quickly, and it has that mini-moto attitude where you’re not trying to pretend it’s a bicycle.
One thing that stood out to me was how much the overall experience is shaped by the platform’s “startup” nature. It has a cool, almost Frankenstein charm: you get a ton of character, and you also get the sense that you’re signing up for a little tinkering.
Ergonomics and fit/finish details matter more at this price point, and I can see how some people would be picky about that. Personally, I like having a solid base that looks great out of the gate and then tweaking it over time.
Throttle feel
The throttle behavior is a big deal on bikes like this. I rode it with a half-throttle setup, and while it works, it isn’t my favorite. The good news is the Onyx community is full of upgrade paths and solutions, so if you’re the type who likes dialing things in, there’s room to make it exactly what you want.
Who it’s for
If you’re coming from gas mopeds or motorcycles and you want something that feels purpose-built for urban commuting—without the gas reliability headaches—this is the lane.
Super73 Z1 (48V mod): tiny bike, big personality
The first thing I felt hopping onto the modded 48V Z1 was how small it is. Not “a little more compact”—I mean it immediately feels like a mini machine.
And that’s not a bad thing.
In tight city riding, that smaller footprint makes it feel nimble and reactive. The geometry has this quick, flickable character where you can thread around street imperfections and adjust your line instantly.
Touchy power delivery
With the extra pep from the 48V setup, the throttle response can feel touchy. The bike wants to jump.
It’s fun, but it can also be intimidating if you’re not used to quick power coming on early. The vibe I got was: this is the bike that can surprise you if you’re lazy with your inputs.
Little details that matter in real rides
I also appreciated the small usability stuff—like having a horn right there, and a display that’s easier to read than older, dimmer setups I’ve seen on other bikes.
Who it’s for
If you want a compact, playful ride that feels like a toy in the best way—especially for short urban rips—this is a strong personality pick. Just respect the throttle.
Juiced Camp Scrambler: easy, comfy, and “just works” energy
The Camp Scrambler feels like the most straightforward “ride it whenever” option of the bunch. The overall vibe is simple: pull it out, battery on, go.
It’s also physically bigger than some people expect. If you’re shorter, you may find yourself more on your toes at stops. But once rolling, it settles in nicely and feels stable and relaxed.
Why it makes sense for a lot of riders
If you’re not a tinkerer and you don’t want to be one, this style of bike is comforting. It’s the type of setup that feels like it’s trying to remove friction from your life instead of adding a new hobby.
One practical nitpick
I’m a big believer that throttle tuning matters. If you’re buying a bike that can live at higher speeds, you want the throttle behavior to match the capability—especially in traffic where you’re constantly making small adjustments.
Who it’s for
If you want a fun, confidence-inspiring scrambler-style ebike that leans toward practicality and ease of ownership, this is the friendly all-rounder.
DIY fixie-style ebike: bicycle-first, city-useful, and approachable
This DIY build was the most “regular bike” feeling ride of the day. It’s smooth, predictable, and comfortable in that familiar bicycle way—just with enough assist to make errands and city runs way more chill.
If bigger, faster bikes feel intimidating, this is the entry point I’d point to for confidence. It’s the kind of setup that still rides like a bicycle, which makes it easier to trust—especially weaving through the city at sane speeds.
The tradeoff is obvious: sometimes you’ll want a little more speed to keep pace with the bigger machines. But as a lightweight, practical commuter? The simplicity is the appeal.
What We Like
Onyx RCR: compact and quick, feels purpose-built for urban riding
Super73 Z1 (48V): nimble, playful, and surprisingly punchy for its size
Juiced Camp Scrambler: easy to live with, stable feel, minimal fuss
DIY fixie build: smooth and approachable, still feels like a real bicycle
Group ride reality: these bikes reveal their personalities fast when you’re riding with others in real streets
Things To Consider
Onyx RCR fit/finish: has that startup “tinker-friendly” vibe that not everyone will love
Onyx throttle setup: half-throttle isn’t ideal for everyone, but upgrades exist
48V Z1 throttle sensitivity: extra punch can feel touchy and a little scary if you’re new
Camp Scrambler sizing: bigger than expected; shorter riders may feel it at stops
DIY build pace: great for comfort and errands, but you may want more speed over time
Final Thoughts
If I’m choosing a bike for the way Detroit rides—uneven streets, quick changes, lots of stops—I’m thinking less about raw specs and more about confidence.
The Onyx RCR is the “I want an e‑moped that rips and I’m okay with a little tinkering” choice.
The 48V Super73 Z1 is pure grin-factor in a small package, but it demands respect.
The Juiced Camp Scrambler is the easiest to recommend to someone who just wants to ride without turning it into a project.
The DIY fixie build proves you don’t need a huge machine to make city life easier—you just need the right amount of assist and a setup you’ll actually use.
And the best part? Riding together. We can debate bikes all day, but a group ride through the city tells the truth fast.
Links
Want a discount on your Super73? https://www.talkable.com/x/fqj0WT
Get $100 off your Onyx RCR order: http://rwrd.io/a0nvp7q
RunPlayBack Merch: http://shop.runplayback.com/