Super73 Z1 First Impressions: The “Motorbike” E-Bike That’s Pure City Fun
May 24, 2020
Lots of brands are jumping into the electric motorbike space, but the Super73 Z1 has that “it” factor right out of the box. It doesn’t just look different—it rides like something in-between an e-bike and a small motorbike, and it instantly made me want to take the long way home.
This is my hands-on first experience: unboxing, quick assembly, charging, and a proper cruise through town on rough Midwest streets.
Unboxing: It feels like you’re opening a giant TV
The packaging surprised me immediately. It showed up like a big, premium electronics shipment, and inside, the bike looked like it was already mostly put together.
The first thing I noticed was the styling. The Jet Black colorway paired with that teal-ish accent hits hard in person. The whole frame has a motorcycle vibe—low, long, and undeniably different from a normal bicycle.
Setup: Straightforward, minimal tools
Assembly felt refreshingly simple. Most of the bike is already wired and organized, and the included tools cover what you need for the basics.
I got everything mounted and aligned without a bunch of guesswork. I did keep an eye on the front end because I wasn’t sure if my knees would clip the bars while pedaling, but for my height it ended up being fine.
Charging: Plan ahead
Before riding, I put it on the charger and gave it the time it asked for. It’s not the kind of thing where you plug it in for a bit and expect a meaningful ride—this is more of a “charge it up and then go have a session” routine.
The design details that stand out in daily use
This thing is a looker, but the design also changes how it feels day-to-day.
Battery placement keeps the look clean
I love that the battery sits under the seat. A lot of e-bikes have a battery integrated into the frame, and while that can look slick too, the Z1’s under-seat placement keeps the frame looking minimalist and intentionally “motorbike.”
The seat is low and long
The seating position is one of the biggest reasons it feels like a mini motorbike.
The seat is low and long enough that I can slide forward or back depending on how I want to ride. It fit me well, and I didn’t run into the handlebar clearance issues I was worried about.
If you’re taller (especially over six feet), I can see how the Z1 might feel cramped—more like you’re sitting “in” the bike than “on” it. For me, it was a great fit.
First ride: More punch than I expected
The very first pull of throttle caught me off guard—in a good way.
This is the base model, so I wasn’t expecting it to feel lively, but it has a surprising amount of torque. Around town, that translates into quick, confident starts and an easy cruising rhythm without feeling like I’m begging the bike to move.
Hills: Better than expected
I pointed it up some inclines and it held its own. I didn’t feel like I had to “help” it constantly just to keep momentum. For a bike that’s clearly built to cruise, that was a nice surprise.
Pedaling: Possible, but not the reason you buy it
Here’s the honest part: pedaling feels awkward.
The bike’s weight is obvious the moment you try to pedal from low speed, and with the single-gear feel, it’s hard to settle into a natural cadence. On flats or downhill it’s fine, but in real-world stop-and-go city riding, I constantly found myself defaulting back to throttle because it’s simply the most natural way to ride the Z1.
If you like the idea of a bike that rides like a traditional bicycle first and an electric bike second, this probably isn’t the vibe.
Ride comfort: Fat tires help, but you still feel the street
The fat tires absolutely take the edge off rough pavement, and that matters where I ride. Michigan streets can be brutal, and the Z1 felt far more forgiving than a skinny-tire single-speed.
That said, it’s not magic suspension. I still felt the bumps. It’s more like “less harsh” than “plush.”
Brakes: Instant confidence
One of the biggest surprises was braking.
The Tektro disc brakes felt strong immediately, and I didn’t have to mess with adjustments out of the box. That matters a lot on a bike like this—because when you’re riding with traffic, hopping between bike lanes and streets, or just cruising faster than a typical pedal bike, you want predictable stopping power. The Z1 delivered that confidence right away.
Where the Z1 fits in an EV lifestyle
This is where the Z1 makes a ton of sense.
A real “get there and back” commuter
If your commute is a few miles each way, this feels like a practical alternative to driving, ride-sharing, or relying on rented scooters. It’s not just a last-mile toy—it can actually handle a small-city daily loop.
A fun middle ground between a car and micro-mobility
Not everyone can (or wants to) jump straight into an electric car. The Z1 sits in a sweet spot: it’s personal electric transportation that feels exciting, efficient, and easy to justify for errands and everyday rides.
Built for tinkerers
The frame has lots of mounting points and a ton of visual “canvas” for making it your own. Even if you outgrow the stock setup later, the platform seems like it can evolve with you—especially if you’re the type who likes to customize.
What We Like
The look is genuinely unique and turns a simple ride into an experience
Surprisingly punchy throttle feel for a base model
Confident braking with strong disc brakes
Battery placement keeps the bike looking clean and minimalist
Fat tires take the sting out of rough streets
Lots of potential for accessories and future customization
Things To Consider
Pedaling feels awkward and heavy; this is throttle-first in real use
Taller riders may feel cramped due to the low seat and compact fit
You’ll still feel bumps—fat tires help, but it’s not a cushy suspension ride
Charging takes planning; it’s not a quick top-off situation
Final Thoughts
The Super73 Z1 made a strong first impression because it delivers something most e-bikes don’t: personality. It feels like a mini motorbike you can use for real city riding—errands, commuting a few miles, cruising downtown—without losing the fun factor.
If you want a traditional bicycle feel, this probably isn’t the right pick. But if you want an electric ride that’s confidence-inspiring, uniquely styled, and legitimately enjoyable to cruise around town on, the Z1 instantly makes sense.
Links
Discount on Super73 (promo code): https://www.talkable.com/x/fqj0WT
RunPlayBack Merch: http://shop.runplayback.com/