Riding the Super73 Z1 for the First Time: My Real-World First Impressions
June 26, 2020
The Super73 Z1 is one of those e-bikes that doesn’t just look different—it changes the whole vibe of a ride. The first time I rolled it out, the best way I could describe it was: it feels like a little electric moped you can still pedal like a bike when you want.
I spent time getting a feel for the controls, the comfort, and how natural (or not) it feels when you’re actually cruising around. Here’s how the first ride went and what I’d want you to know if you’re considering one.
First moments: instantly “moped-like”
The Z1’s seating position and overall stance immediately set it apart from a traditional bicycle. Once I started moving, it didn’t feel twitchy or high-strung—it felt composed and smooth.
Even the way it accelerates is more relaxed than you might expect. Instead of that jerky surge some smaller EVs give you, the power delivery felt controlled. The result is a ride that’s easy to settle into.
Pedaling feels more natural than I expected
A common concern with mini-moto style e-bikes is whether pedaling feels like an afterthought. On the Z1, pedaling felt surprisingly natural—especially while cruising along with a bit of momentum. I didn’t feel like I was fighting a bunch of resistance.
And when I wanted more help, I could lean on assist and just enjoy the ride.
Comfort and seating: plenty of room
One of the biggest wins on the Z1 is comfort. The seat feels generous, and there’s enough length that it feels like you could realistically carry a passenger (where legal and safe) or at least shift around and get comfortable.
From a practical standpoint, it also felt like something I could ride for a decent stretch without regretting it. In real-world terms, I’d be comfortable taking this out for a casual 10–20 mile cruise.
Handling and tires: confidence-building
The Z1 felt stable and easy to manage. The tires and overall geometry give it a planted feeling that works really well for neighborhood riding and casual city cruising.
It’s the kind of handling that makes you want to keep rolling—turn down side streets, take the long way home, and just enjoy being outside.
The one thing that threw me off: the brakes
The biggest “wait—what?” moment for me was the brake lever layout. The first time I went to brake, it caught me off guard, and I had that split-second feeling of, “Okay, I need to recalibrate my muscle memory.”
The braking power itself felt solid, but the lever orientation wasn’t what I was used to, so the learning curve is real. After a bit of riding, it started to click—but it’s absolutely something to be aware of before you’re riding in traffic or around pedestrians.
Why e-bikes like this make sense (especially in an EV lifestyle)
Part of what I love about electric transportation is how simple it is day to day. With something like the Z1, the lifestyle pitch is pretty straightforward: charge it, ride it, repeat.
Compared to gas-powered mopeds, the appeal is obvious—no oil changes, no noise, no heat, and a lot less mechanical fuss. For a lot of people, an electric bike like this (or a scooter) is the perfect “last-mile” tool: quick errands, local commutes, and fun rides without turning it into a whole production.
And honestly? The Z1’s style factor matters. People notice it. You get that “that thing looks cool” reaction, and it adds to the enjoyment.
Customization potential
Even on a first ride, it’s hard not to start imagining tweaks: foot peg ideas, seating adjustments, little add-ons to match your use case.
The platform feels like it’s meant to be personalized—set it up for cruising, commuting, or just rolling around with family.
What We Like
Comfortable, relaxed ride that feels “moped-like” in the best way
Smooth acceleration that’s easy to control
Pedaling feels natural enough for real use, not just an emergency backup
Stable handling that builds confidence quickly
A fun, attention-grabbing ride that fits the EV lifestyle
Things To Consider
Brake lever layout can be unintuitive if you’re used to standard bicycle setups
There’s a real muscle-memory adjustment period—practice somewhere safe first
If you’re planning longer rides, expect this to feel more like a cruiser than a speed-run road bike
Final Thoughts
The Super73 Z1 nails what a lot of people want from an e-bike: it’s comfortable, approachable, and genuinely fun without feeling sketchy or overly aggressive. It rides smooth, handles well, and it has that mini-moto charm that makes you look for excuses to take it out.
If you’re after a practical EV-friendly way to get around locally—and you want something that feels like a toy in the best sense—the Z1 makes a strong case. Just give yourself a little time to get fully comfortable with the braking feel before you ride it like you’ve owned it for a year.
Links
Discount on Super73 (promo): https://www.talkable.com/x/fqj0WT
RunPlayBack Merch: http://shop.runplayback.com/