{{short description|US electric bicycle manufacturer}} {{Infobox company | name = SUPER73 | type = Private | founders = Michael Cannavo, Aaron P. Wong, Legrand Crewse, Alix Armour & John Kim | hq_location = Irvine, CA | industry = * Manufacturing * Electric bicycles | products = Electric bicycle Electric bicycles | website = [http://www.super73.com/ super73.com]| | foundation = {{Start date and age|2016}}, Orange County, California, United States | location_city = Irvine, California 92612 | location_country = United States }}
'''SUPER73''' is an American lifestyle adventure brand and manufacturer of electric bicycles based in Irvine, California.<ref>{{Cite web|url= https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2017/7/12/15958836/super-73-scout-price-ride-range-photos|title= The Super 73 Scout e-bike is a city cruiser for the future |website=TheVerge|date= 12 July 2017 |language=en-US|access-date=2017-07-12}}</ref> It is best known for its product line of motorcycle styled electric bicycles, custom bicycle builds for celebrities, and high-profile e-bike collaborations.
==History==
=== 2016 === SUPER73 was founded in 2016 A by Michael Cannavo and Aaron P. Wong along with John Kim,<ref>{{Cite web|title=SEC FORM D|url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1759976/000175997618000001/xslFormDX01/primary_doc.xml|access-date=2021-07-18|website=www.sec.gov}}</ref> Alix Armour and Legrand Crewse. The company started as a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign promising a premium electric bicycle called the "Super73" for a $25k fundraising goal. The bikes designed and built by Kim along with the viral promotional video by Cannavo resulted in a highly successful crowd funding campaign which generated over $441k from backers. The nostalgic design defined a new bicycle category (electric motorbike) and along with features like a built in bottle opener was positively received by design and fashion magazines worldwide.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Super 73 Electric Bike|url=https://uncrate.com/super-73-electric-bike/|access-date=2016-06-18|website=Kickstarter|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Daugherty|first=Trevor|date=2016-06-06|title=The Super 73 Electric Bike has an old-school design and hits speeds up to 30mph|url=https://electrek.co/2016/06/06/super-73-electric-bike/|access-date=2021-02-22|website=Electrek|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url= https://www.designboom.com/technology/lithium-cycles-super-73-e-bike-06-02-2016/|title= lithium cycles develops highly-capable super 73 e-bike|website=Design Boom|date= 2 June 2016|language=en-US|access-date=2016-06-18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Super 73 is the perfect bike-motorcycle hybrid for your urban commute|date=20 June 2016 |url=https://inhabitat.com/super-73-is-the-perfect-bike-motorcycle-hybrid-for-your-urban-commute/|access-date=2021-02-22|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Lithium Cycles' Super 73' proves good things come in small packages|url=https://www.classicdriver.com/en/article/bikes/lithium-cycles-super-73-proves-good-things-come-small-packages|access-date=2021-02-22|website=www.classicdriver.com|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2016-06-02|title=lithium cycles develops highly-capable super 73 e-bike|url=https://www.designboom.com/technology/lithium-cycles-super-73-e-bike-06-02-2016/|access-date=2021-02-22|website=designboom {{!}} architecture & design magazine|language=en}}</ref>
=== 2017 === In 2017, the company started to earn a reputation as a social media collaborator with celebrities like Will Smith, Coco Rocha<ref>{{Cite web|title=Super73 on Instagram: "#TBT to that one time @cocorocha brought us to NY Fashion Week #bajaeast"|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BSjyI_cFqUH/|access-date=2021-02-22|website=Instagram|language=en}}</ref> Casey Neistat,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Wheel|first=The News|date=2017-11-01|title=YouTubers Build Real-Life Star Wars Speeders to Drive Around NYC on Halloween|url=https://thenewswheel.com/youtubers-build-real-life-star-wars-speeders-to-drive-around-nyc-on-halloween/|access-date=2021-02-22|website=The News Wheel|language=en-US}}</ref> and Jesse Wellens.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Alexander|first=Julia|date=2017-10-31|title=YouTubers build Star Wars speeders, take over New York City|url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/10/31/16581170/star-wars-speeder-youtube-casey-neistat-jesse-wellens|access-date=2021-02-22|website=Polygon|language=en}}</ref> Most notably, they built Star Wars Return of the Jedi themed speeder bikes and costumes to film a Star Wars cosplay video that went viral on YouTube, which further cemented SUPER73 as “The Content Creator’s Bike”.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-10-31|title=Real-Life 'Star Wars' Speeder Bike Costumes Win Halloween|url=https://movieweb.com/star-wars-speeder-bikes-halloween-costumes-2017/|access-date=2021-02-22|website=Movieweb|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=Halloween Levitating Star Wars Speeder Costume|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikXP1NT_eZA|language=en|access-date=2021-02-22}}</ref>
On July 10, 2017, the company announced a second model, the SUPER73-S1.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-07-10|title=Super 73 offers retro e-biking adventure on the cheap|url=https://newatlas.com/lithium-cycles-super-73-scout/50412/|access-date=2021-02-22|website=New Atlas|language=en-US}}</ref> It featured a 500-watt rear wheel hub motor, a motorcycle fuel tank styled battery, and LED headlight. To avoid confusion between the original SUPER73 model, the Scout was renamed the SG1, while the original model was renamed the OG1. Also, with the launch of the SG1, the company announced the sale of the limited “Rose Ave” edition, which was the first of their product collaborations done with a celebrity, Jesse Wellens.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Lithium Cycles' Super 73 Scout proves the simplest e-bike can be the most fun in city streets|url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/07/10/lithium-cycles-super-73-scout-proves-the-simplest-e-bike-can-be-the-most-fun-in-city-streets/|access-date=2021-02-22|website=TechCrunch|language=en-US}}</ref>
=== 2018 === On Nov.11, 2018, the company launched a third model to their product line, the Z model.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Toll|first=Micah|date=2018-05-30|title=Lithium Cycles unveils new minibike-styled electric bicycle for under $1,000|url=https://electrek.co/2018/05/30/lithium-cycles-unveils-new-super-73z/|access-date=2021-02-22|website=Electrek|language=en-US}}</ref> The Z model was significant because it had a retail price of US$1,000, making it affordable to a wider audience. Along with the expansion of their product line up, the company received $8.75million USD in investment<ref>{{Cite web|title=SEC FORM D|url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1759976/000175997618000001/xslFormDX01/primary_doc.xml|access-date=2021-02-22|website=www.sec.gov}}</ref> and started sales in Europe. Also in May 2018, the American actor and rapper, Will Smith, launched an Instagram video showcasing the Super73.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Kirkl|first=Justin|date=2018-05-16|title=Will Smith's Wheelie Video Proves He Is Untouchable on Instagram|url=https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/movies/a20720144/will-smith-instagram-motorcycle-video/|access-date=2021-02-22|website=Esquire|language=en-US}}</ref> The video went viral, further cementing the company's reputation for collaborating with celebrities.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Peters|first=Travis|title=Council Post: Why Brands Should Take Advantage Of Product Placement|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesagencycouncil/2019/12/20/why-brands-should-take-advantage-of-product-placement/|access-date=2021-02-22|website=Forbes|language=en}}</ref>
=== 2019 === In 2019, the company expanded its collaborations with prominent celebrities and brands. On November 4, 2019, they unveiled a limited edition SUPER73-Z1 model in collaboration with Parisian football club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).<ref>{{Cite web|last=Super73|date=2019-11-04|title=PSG x SUPER73 collaboration creates limited edition electric motorbike for Paris Saint-Germain football team|url=http://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2019/11/04/1940567/0/en/PSG-x-SUPER73-collaboration-creates-limited-edition-electric-motorbike-for-Paris-Saint-Germain-football-team.html|access-date=2021-02-22|website=GlobeNewswire News Room}}</ref> The launch of the limited edition PSG model, coincided with the 50th anniversary of the legendary football team.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-11-05|title=Paris Saint-Germain & SUPER73 Craft Limited-Edition Electric Motorbike|url=https://hypebeast.com/2019/11/paris-saint-germain-psg-super73-limited-edition-electric-motorbike-release-info|access-date=2021-02-22|website=HYPEBEAST}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-11-14|title=You can now buy a special edition Paris Saint-Germain e-bike|url=https://ebiketips.road.cc/content/news/you-can-now-buy-a-special-edition-paris-saint-germain-e-bike-2195|access-date=2021-02-22|website=electric bike reviews, buying advice and news - ebiketips|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Le Paris Saint-Germain poursuit ses collaborations en sortant une nouvelle capsule et un vélo électrique|url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Sport-et-style/Mode/Actualites/Le-paris-saint-germain-poursuit-ses-collaborations-en-sortant-une-nouvelle-capsule-et-un-velo-electrique/1076966|access-date=2021-02-22|website=L'Équipe|language=fr}}</ref>
=== 2020 === In Feb 2020, SUPER73 launched their SUPER73-R Series,<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-02-13|title=SUPER73 Introduces R Version Of Moto-Styled Electric Bicycle|url=https://www.roadracingworld.com/news/super73-introduces-r-version-of-moto-styled-electric-bicycle/|access-date=2021-02-22|website=Roadracing World Magazine {{!}} Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Nelson|first=Chris|date=2020-11-14|title=E-Bikes Are Getting Cool, These Are Four of Our Favorites|url=https://www.caranddriver.com/features/g34656745/our-favorite-e-bikes/|access-date=2021-02-22|website=Car and Driver|language=en-US}}</ref> marking a significant departure from their earlier designs. This new model featured full suspension, a major upgrade from the rigid frames and suspensionless design of previous models. They also unveiled the SUPER73-S2,<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-02-11|title=SUPER73 Introduces S2 Sport-Cruiser Ebike|url=https://www.cyclevolta.com/story/mini-ebikes/super73-introduces-s2-sport-cruiser-ebike//|access-date=2024-08-27|website=Cycle Volta {{!}} Cycle Volta|language=en-US}}</ref> an upgraded version of their popular SUPER73-S1 model, featuring front suspension and sleek new colorways.
Later in the year, SUPER73 secured $20-million in Series B funding, led by Boston-based growth equity firm Volition Capital.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.yahoo.com/now/super73-raises-20-million-funding-125000747.html | title=SUPER73® Raises $20 Million in Funding from Volition Capital }}</ref>
=== 2021 === In 2021, the company produced several high-profile collaborations, including an off-road motorcycle-inspired e-bike designed with renowned motorcycle racer and designer Roland Sands.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://electrek.co/2021/10/20/super73-launches-2000w-off-road-racing-e-bike-with-eye-catching-design/ | title=Super73 launches 2,000W off-road racing e-bike with eye-catching design | date=20 October 2021 }}</ref> They also partnered with American toy manufacturer Mattel to create a special edition Hot Wheels x SUPER73 e-bike.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.yahoo.com/now/hot-wheels-x-super73-unveil-130500130.html | title=Hot Wheels x SUPER73 unveil instantly collectible, limited edition e-bike and die-cast }}</ref> Additionally, the company launched a limited-edition haute couture e-bike in collaboration<ref>{{cite web | url=https://news.yahoo.com/saint-laurent-rive-droite-super73-135500973.html | title=Saint Laurent Rive Droite Super73 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://hypebeast.com/2021/11/saint-laurent-rive-droite-the-ride-collection-info | title=Saint Laurent Hits the Road with Its New Rive Droite Collection | date=18 November 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://electricbikeaction.com/super73-announces-new-saint-laurent-rive-droite-special-edition/ | title=SUPER73 ANNOUNCES NEW SAINT LAURENT RIVE DROITE SPECIAL EDITION - Electric Bike Action | date=22 November 2021 }}</ref> with French luxury fashion house, Yves Saint Laurent.
=== 2024 === In 2024; Super73 faced legal challenges when a class-action lawsuit was filed in California alleging that several of its models were marketed as e-bikes but in practice could exceed legal speed and power limits under California law, effectively making them motor vehicles rather than bicycles.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Class action lawsuit targets Super73 over the legality of its e-bikes |url=https://www.bicycleretailer.com/industry-news/2024/12/31/super73-sued-over-legality-its-e-bikes-california |access-date=2025-10-20 |website=Bicycle Retailer and Industry News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=California Code, VEH 312.5. |url=https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=312.5.&lawCode=VEH |access-date=2025-10-20 |website=leginfo.legislature.ca.gov}}</ref> In the same year, Super73 launched its 2024 model year lineup, which included upgraded battery options - notably the 500 PRO, 750 PRO and 1000 PRO batteries, with and the addition of a 48-volt lighting system on the Z Miami and ZX models. <ref>{{Cite web |title=SUPER73 Announces Collection of Model Year '24 eBikes |url=https://super73.com/blogs/press/super73-announces-collection-of-model-year-24-ebikes |access-date=2025-10-20 |website=SUPER73 |language=en}}</ref>
=== 2025 === In 2025; Super73 unveiled its '''“Legacy Series”''' line of e-bikes, building on the brand’s moto-inspired design heritage with updated powertrains, enhanced performance and new styling across its Z-, S- and R-series models. The Legacy Series introduces up to 30% more acceleration on selected models and UL 2271<ref>{{Cite web |title=UL 2271 {{!}} UL Standards & Engagement {{!}} UL Standard |url=https://www.shopulstandards.com/ProductDetail.aspx?UniqueKey=45051 |access-date=2025-10-20 |website=www.shopulstandards.com}}</ref>-compliant battery systems, offering riders improved pickup on start, hill-climbing ability and range improvements in a variety of colors and trim levels. The rollout reflects Super73’s strategy to widen its appeal to both city- commuters and adventure-oriented riders, while keeping its position electric bicycle market.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Legacy Series |url=https://super73.com/pages/legacy-series |access-date=2025-10-20 |website=SUPER73 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=SUPER73-Z Adventure Series SE |url=https://super73.com/products/super73-z-adventure-series-se-legacy |access-date=2025-10-20 |website=SUPER73 |language=en}}</ref>
=== Models === {| class="wikitable" |+Major Models ! !OG1 !OG2 !S1 !Z1 !MZFT !ZX !S2 !R |- |Motor |1000 watts |1000 watts |500 watts |500 watts |500 Watts |1350 watts |2000 watts |2000 watts |- |Suspension |None |Front Wheel (Optional) |None |None |Front |Front on Submodels |Front Wheel |Front & Rear Wheels |- |Range |25–30 miles |25–30 miles |50 miles |15–20 miles |15–20 miles |25–35 miles |35–45 miles |40–55 miles |- |Frame |Steel |Steel |Steel |Steel |Aluminum |Aluminum |Aluminum |Aluminum |- |Status |Discontinued |Discontinued |Discontinued |Discontinued |Available |Available |Available |Available |}
==References== {{Reflist}}
Category:Electric cycle manufacturers