The Moped E-Bike Showdown You’ve Been Waiting For
Moped-style e-bikes are the fastest-growing segment in the electric two-wheel world. They look cool, they move fast, and they let you skip the motorcycle license in most states. But choosing the right one is harder than it looks because the three biggest names in this category sell completely different philosophies.
Super73 sells the lifestyle. The S2 SE is the Instagram darling with the cafe-racer styling and the brand community to match. Ariel Rider sells raw power. The X-Class 52V packs a 1,000W motor, 110 Nm of torque, and speeds that push well past what’s legally an e-bike. Ride1Up sells the best-rounded package. The Revv 1 FS bundles full air suspension, a massive battery, integrated lighting, and honest specs at a price that undercuts the Super73 by over $900.
This comparison breaks down the specs, the real-world performance, and the trade-offs so you can pick the right bike for your riding style and budget.
Spec-for-Spec Comparison
Super73 S2 SE vs Ariel Rider X-Class 52V vs Ride1Up Revv 1 FS
data| Spec | Super73 S2 SE | Ariel Rider X-Class 52V | Ride1Up Revv 1 FS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $3,145 | $2,099 | $2,195 |
| Motor | 750W / ~2,000W peak | 1,000W / 2,000W peak Bafang | 750W Bafang |
| Torque | Not published | 110 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Battery | 48V 15Ah (720Wh) | 52V 20Ah (1,040Wh) | 52V 20Ah (1,040Wh) |
| Top Speed | 20 mph (28 off-road) | ~32-36 mph unlocked | 20/28/35+ mph by mode |
| Range (claimed) | 35-45 mi | 40-75 mi | 30-60 mi |
| Range (real-world) | ~30-50 mi | ~25-30 mi (throttle) | 36 mi PAS 5 / 52 mi PAS 1 |
| Weight | 71 lbs | ~78 lbs | ~93 lbs |
| Tires | MAXXIS 20x4.5/5" | CST 20x4.0" reflective | CST Scout 20x4.0" |
| Brakes | Tektro 2-piston 180mm | Tektro hydraulic 180mm | 4-piston hydraulic disc |
| Suspension | Front air fork only | Full (dual-crown + rear spring) | Full (120mm fork + DNM air rear) |
| Gearing | Single speed | 7-speed Shimano Altus | Single speed |
| Sensor | Cadence | 12-magnet cadence | Cadence (adjustable) |
| Turn Signals | No | Yes | Yes |
| Passenger Pegs | No (aftermarket) | Yes (standard) | No |
| Payload | Not published | Not published | 400 lbs |
| Frame | Aluminum moped/cruiser | Steel moped/scrambler | Alloy moped |
Power and Speed
The Ariel Rider X-Class dominates this category on paper. Its 1,000W nominal Bafang motor puts out 110 Nm of torque and hits 32-36 mph when unlocked. That is serious power for a pedal-equipped bike. The trade-off is that those speeds put the X-Class well outside legal e-bike classifications in every U.S. state, which we will address below.
The Super73 S2 SE sits at the opposite end. Its 750W nominal motor delivers roughly 2,000W peak, but without a published torque figure and with a single-speed drivetrain, hill climbing is a known weakness. In Class 2 mode it tops out at 20 mph. The off-road mode bumps that to about 28 mph, but switching to Class 3 disables the throttle entirely, which defeats the purpose for most moped-style riders.
The Ride1Up Revv 1 FS splits the difference well. Its 750W Bafang motor produces 95 Nm of torque and offers three distinct speed tiers: 20 mph in Class 2, 28 mph in Class 3, and 35+ mph in off-road mode. You get meaningful speed without the legal questions the Ariel raises.
Battery and Range
This is where the pricing gap gets uncomfortable for Super73. The S2 SE costs $3,145 and ships with a 720Wh battery. Both the Ariel Rider and Ride1Up pack 1,040Wh batteries for $1,000+ less. That is a 44% bigger battery at a significantly lower price.
Real-world range tells a more nuanced story. Ariel Rider claims 40-75 miles, but throttle-heavy riding returns 25-30 miles in practice. That is a massive gap between promise and reality. Ride1Up claims 30-60 miles and delivers 36 miles on full-power PAS 5 and 52 miles on PAS 1 in testing. Those numbers track closely with the claims, which builds trust. Super73 claims 35-45 miles, and real-world reports land in the 30-50 mile range depending on mode and terrain.
If honest range claims matter to you, Ride1Up wins this round. If raw battery capacity per dollar matters, both the Ariel Rider and Ride1Up stomp the Super73.
Suspension and Ride Quality
The Ride1Up Revv 1 FS has the best suspension setup of the three bikes and it is not close. A 120mm double-crown front fork paired with a DNM air rear shock gives you adjustable, progressive damping at both ends. Air suspension handles a wider range of rider weights and terrain types than spring-based setups.
The Ariel Rider X-Class also gets full suspension with a dual-crown moto fork up front and an adjustable spring shock at the rear. It works, and having suspension at both ends is a meaningful comfort improvement over a hardtail. But spring shocks are heavier, less adjustable, and more prone to bottoming out with heavier riders.
The Super73 S2 SE is the odd one out with only a front air fork and a rigid rear. On smooth pavement this is fine. On broken roads, potholes, and gravel, you will feel every bump through the bench seat. For a $3,145 bike in 2026, shipping as a hardtail is a hard sell when both cheaper competitors offer full suspension.
Value: What Are You Actually Paying For?
Let’s be direct about the Super73 pricing. At $3,145, you get: a 720Wh battery (smallest here), a single-speed drivetrain, 2-piston brakes (weakest here), hardtail rear suspension, no turn signals, and no passenger pegs. The two competing bikes offer more battery, better suspension, better brakes, and more features for $950 to $1,046 less.
What the Super73 does offer is design and brand. The S2 SE looks fantastic. The fat MAXXIS tires, the circular LCD display, the cruiser frame geometry, and the overall build quality create a cohesive aesthetic that photographs incredibly well. The Super73 community is active and passionate. The app integration lets you adjust speed modes and settings. And at 71 lbs, it is the lightest bike here by a wide margin.
The Ariel Rider X-Class at $2,099 is the raw value play. You get the most torque, the biggest battery, 7-speed gearing (the only bike here with gears), passenger pegs, and turn signals. It is also the only bike with a steel frame, which adds weight but improves durability.
The Ride1Up Revv 1 FS at $2,195 is the most feature-complete package. UL2271-certified Samsung cells, 4-piston brakes, full air suspension, turn signals, electronic horn, a 120-lux headlight, and a 400-lb payload rating. Its 93-lb weight is the one real downside.
The Verdict
Best value and power: Ariel Rider X-Class 52V. At $2,099 with 110 Nm of torque, a 1,040Wh battery, 7-speed gearing, and full suspension, the X-Class offers more bike per dollar than anything else in this comparison. The catch is real: its top speed creates legal gray areas, its range claims are heavily overstated, and the left-hand throttle placement is awkward. If you accept those trade-offs and plan to ride primarily on private land or in areas with relaxed enforcement, it is a lot of machine for the money.
Best all-rounder: Ride1Up Revv 1 FS. This is the bike we would recommend to most buyers. The full air suspension is the best ride quality here. The battery and range claims are honest and verified. The integrated lighting package (turn signals, brake light, 120-lux headlight, electronic horn) makes it the most road-ready option. The 4-piston brakes are the strongest. And at $2,195, the price is right. The 93-lb weight is a legitimate concern for anyone who needs to lift, carry, or transport the bike regularly. But on the road, that weight translates to a planted, stable ride.
Best if brand matters: Super73 S2 SE. You are paying a $950+ premium over the Ride1Up for a smaller battery, weaker brakes, no rear suspension, and fewer features. What you get in return is the best-looking moped e-bike on the market, the lightest weight, a strong brand community, and the knowledge that people will ask you about your bike at every stoplight. If the aesthetic and the lifestyle appeal matter more than spec-sheet dominance, the S2 SE delivers something the other two cannot.