SUPER73, the popular e-bike brand known for its motorcycle culture-inspired electric bikes, is making significant changes to comply with new regulations. The company’s bikes, which were once easily unlockable to reach higher speeds, are now being restricted to a maximum of 20 mph in response to new California laws.
Previously, SUPER73 e-bikes could be unlocked via the company’s smartphone app to access higher performance modes, such as Class 3 mode with speeds up to 28 mph or Off-Road Mode for even faster riding. However, with California’s new regulations in effect as of January 1, 2025, any e-bike with a functional throttle must limit its motor assist to 20 mph to be considered street-legal.
In response, SUPER73 has quickly rolled out updates to remove the higher performance modes from its app. Customers who download and pair the app after January 1, 2025, will only have access to the Class 2 mode in which the bike is sold. This means that even though the bikes are physically capable of higher speeds, riders will be limited to 20 mph on both throttle and pedal assist.
While SUPER73’s efforts to comply with the new regulations are commendable, there are already alternative apps available that can bypass these restrictions. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of the company’s solution in preventing illegal use of their e-bikes.
Ultimately, the debate around faster e-bikes and stricter regulations highlights the need for a balance between education and enforcement. While irresponsible riders pose a safety risk, penalizing law-abiding adults for minor speed differences may not be the most effective approach. Instead, a combination of educating riders on safe practices and enforcing penalties for dangerous behavior could be a more practical solution.
In conclusion, SUPER73’s response to the new regulations reflects a broader conversation about the future of e-bikes and the responsibilities of manufacturers, riders, and regulators in ensuring safe and legal use of electric vehicles.
