A Remodelled Road Racer Super 73 - Oh yeah!

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When the Super 73 electric maxi-minibikes first hit the scene, I was really excited. The nostalgic novelty of it combined with a frame that was begging to be electrified created a really exciting machine.

So cool! Keep reading to learn more

After a short while, though, the idea cooled a bit. I looked at the more practical side of it and realized that the maxi-mini was a motorbike with pedals - not an electric bicycle. Sure, you can pedal it for short distances, but it's not ergonomically conducive to all that pedaling movement. The original minibikes were the simplest way to combine motor, wheels, and a seat. My favorite part of an e-bike is not the throttle - it's the pedal assist. If there are pedals, I want to be pedaling.

Some of the Big Minibikes we've featured over the years

That's not to say that I don't love motorbikes, it's just that my OCD's gotta keep 'em separated.

Learn more at Super 73

If you spend much time around here, you probably already know that the Super 73 is a big electric minibike (with pedals) but you may not be familiar with Roland Sands Design. They are better known for offering cool parts and accessories for gas-powered motorcycles with names like Harley and Triumph and BMW. Recently, however, RSD undertook the task of customizing a Super 73 for the Petersen Museum's Electric Revolution exhibit.

Learn more at Roland Sands Design

I have to say, this thing embodies the minimalist beauty of what an electric motorbike can be. The motor is in the rear wheel. The battery and electronics are under the "tank". What else do you need?

Learn more at the Petersen Automotive Museum

Now I'm not claiming that it looks any kind of comfortable, but it's nice to see traditional (gas-powered) motorcycle companies embracing the electric market and helping to shape the further development. In the RSD comments they mention the future possibility for bikes like this to be raced indoors at something like a go-cart track. I love the idea.

My Favorite Super 73 - the Z1

Okay, I'll stop rambling. I just wanted to share this really cool custom that may seem like a small thing, but it's one more step into a future where we're not pumping carbon monoxide (and lots of other nasty pollutants) into the air for our recreation and transportation.

Location: Lubbock, TX, USA

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