Shredlights on the Super73 Z1: Modular Lights That Let Me Get Creative (and Stay Seen)
July 9, 2020
If you ride a Super73 Z1 (or really any small EV), lights aren’t just an accessory—they’re a safety layer. I’ve been using Shredlights on and off since the early days of the company, and I wanted a setup that felt clean on the Z1 while still making me unmistakably visible when the sun drops.
Shredlights are a modular lighting system that started in the electric skateboard world, but the same “mount it anywhere, move it anytime” concept translates really well to e-bikes—especially a minimalist bike like the Z1.
Installation and Mounting on the Super73 Z1
I tested three different mounting options to see what actually makes sense on this bike in the real world:
Bar Mount as a Headlight
I used the bar mount to run a white Shredlight up front as a headlight. The quick-release mount system (Shredlights calls it the S-LOCK) is the big story here—once the mount is on, popping the light on and off is fast, and the connection feels surprisingly solid.
VHB Tape Mount as a Taillight
For the rear, the VHB tape mount was the best fit for the Z1’s rear fender. Because the mounting surface back there has a curve to it, this option gave me the cleanest, most “built-in” look. It also kept the light tucked in close instead of sticking out awkwardly.
Dual Lock Velcro Mount for a Helmet Option
I also tried the Dual Lock Velcro mount on my helmet. I use a Ruroc helmet, and this mount made a lot of sense as a removable option—something I could move between my bike and helmet depending on the ride.
That modular approach is the reason Shredlights have such a following: I’m not locked into one permanent configuration. I can run them as bike lights, helmet lights, or reposition them as my setup changes.
Design and Everyday Use
The current SL-200 generation feels like a major refinement compared to the older Shredlights I tried years ago.
They’re compact and stealthy—about 2 inches by 1 inch—so they don’t dominate the look of the Z1. I also like that they feel purpose-built for small EV life: a rubbery, shock-resistant shell that helps absorb vibration, a sealed USB port cover, and a straightforward dual-button interface.
They’re rated IP65 for water resistance, which matters because real life includes surprise puddles, damp streets, and rides that don’t always end before the weather changes.
Night Riding Impressions
On paper, these are rated at 200 lumens, but in use they looked brighter than I expected. More importantly, they’re attention-grabbing. In a city or neighborhood setting where you’re mixing with cars and street lighting, being visible is the whole point—and these made me feel noticeably easier to spot.
They also have six lighting modes, which is practical because it lets me choose between “be seen” flashing patterns and steadier modes depending on where I’m riding.
Why Modularity Matters on an E-Bike
With e-bikes, there are tons of lighting options—some with higher lumen output and longer runtimes. So the value of Shredlights on the Super73 Z1 isn’t just raw brightness.
It’s the flexibility.
If I decide I want a different dedicated headlight for the bars, I can still keep a Shredlight in the system as a helmet light or as a secondary visibility light somewhere else on the bike. If I change my setup or add accessories, I can adapt the lighting without starting from scratch.
And I’m a big believer in this: the more visible you are, the safer you are. Shredlights make it easy to add visibility in places other lights don’t always fit well.
What We Like
Modular system makes it easy to move lights between bike and helmet
Quick-release mounting feels strong and secure
Compact, minimal look that matches the Super73 Z1’s vibe
Rubberized, shock-resistant build works well on a vibey e-bike ride
IP65 water resistance is reassuring for real-world use
Multiple mounts (bar, VHB tape, Dual Lock) made it easy to dial in a clean setup
Things To Consider
If your top priority is maximum lumens or longest battery life, there are brighter, more traditional e-bike lights out there
E-bike lights often become part of the bike’s “face” and style—Shredlights are more stealthy and modular than decorative
The best setup depends on where you can mount cleanly (the Z1’s rear fender worked especially well for the VHB mount)
Final Thoughts
On my Super73 Z1, Shredlights delivered exactly what I wanted: a clean, flexible lighting setup that I can reconfigure anytime. They don’t scream for attention visually during the day, but at night they help me stand out in the ways that count.
If you like experimenting with your setup, want lights you can move from bike to helmet, or just want a tidy way to add visibility without bulky housings, Shredlights are a solid pick.
Links
Shredlights (RPB link): http://shredlights.com/?aff=248
Super73 discount link: https://www.talkable.com/x/fqj0WT
RunPlayBack Merch: http://shop.runplayback.com/