Super73 ZX E-Bike Review

The ZX is a commuter e-Bike that sits in the middle of Super73's lineup. It's a Class 2 e-Bike, with throttle and pedal-assist both limited to 20 mph.

The specs above reflect the current ZX as sold today. Earlier ZX units from around 2021 came with a notably more powerful motor, a 750 to 1,350W peak, along with a 615Wh battery and Class 1/2/3/Unlimited mode switching up to 28 mph, none of which the current version offers. So when you're considering buying one of these e-Bikes, it's worth confirming when a ZX was made before comparing it to older reviews.

The base Core version drops the front suspension for a rigid frame and has mechanical brakes instead of hydraulic ones.

It's a good idea to pay attention to the recommended height range on the ZX. It fits taller riders better than the Z Miami's 4'6" to 5' 11" range does, and the 31-inch seat height gives you a bit more legroom for pedaling without feeling cramped.

Power comes from a hub motor that responds quickly to your pedaling, and the single-speed drivetrain keeps things simple with less to go wrong. The low-rise handlebars put you in an upright riding position, which is good for visibility when riding in traffic.

The SE's front suspension takes the edge off potholes and rough pavement in a way the Core's rigid frame can't. The 2-piston hydraulic brakes stop with more consistency than the Core's mechanical brakes.

Some owners describe the seat as supportive over long rides. Others call it disappointing for a bike that markets comfort as its main selling point, so this is something to think about if you're weighing up a couple of different bikes, especially if you plan on riding longer distances.

The hub motor is rated at 500W nominal on the current ZX, which is enough for city riding and moderate hills. This motor drives the wheel directly instead of working through the bike's gears like a mid-drive system would. That's also a step down from the original ZX's motor, which peaked well over 1,000W and offered Class 3 and Unlimited modes reaching 28 mph.

The 480Wh battery is UL 2271 compliant and charges in about 5 hours. Super73 says you should get a range of 25-35 miles, depending on the terrain and how you ride. You will definitely get less range when riding with the throttle only. A bike ridden daily for a commute puts more cycles on its battery than one that mostly sits around, so it's worth adopting good charging habits if you plan to use a ZX for daily transport. It's also a good idea to keep on top of e-Bike maintenance when you rely on your bike so much.

Some owners have reported that firmware updates have restricted top speed to 20 mph, removing the flexibility earlier versions had. Super73 has also settled lawsuits over misleading range and throttle claims on earlier models. If buying used, check the serial number against Super73's support page to rule out an affected unit.

Quality control has drawn some complaints. A handful of owners have reported premature brake wear or tire failures within months of light use. Plenty of other owners report years of trouble-free riding, so this seems to vary by unit instead of being a universal problem.

The Core has no suspension at all. Every bump and pothole transmits directly through the frame, the same trade-off as the Z Miami's base model.

Headlights aren't guaranteed across every version. Some specific colors of the Core version come without one, so it's worth confirming the lighting before buying if that matters a lot in your riding.

Riders chasing more power, longer range, or serious off-road capability should look at Super73's higher-end models instead.

The Super73 Z Miami covers similar needs at a lower price and a smaller size range, making it worth a look for shorter riders or anyone who wants the more compact fit.

The Z Adventure Core trades the ZX's street focus for rugged tires and stronger suspension, a better option for riders who want to take a Super73 off pavement occasionally.

Commuter e-Bikes like the ZX tend to rack up a lot of miles, so buying pre-owned through a platform that inspects every bike is more worthwhile. Upway runs every listing through 50 inspection points before it's cleared for sale, and any battery under 80% capacity gets replaced ahead of time. A one-year warranty covers the frame, motor, and electrical system, plus 14 days to make sure it's the right fit once it arrives.

Browse the electric bike selection on Upway, or check out the sale collection to compare pricing and specs. You might even find something that you hadn't even thought of.