Rad Power vs Super73 vs Juiced: Which E-Bike Brand Is Right for You?

If you’ve narrowed your search to e-bikes with hub motors, Rad Power, Super73, and Juiced are the three names you’ll see most often. All three build capable bikes, but they cater to very different riding styles. Rad Power focuses on practical commuting and utility, Super73 on style and off-road fun, and Juiced on speed and long range. This guide compares their hub-motor models directly—with specific specs, real-world trade-offs, and actionable verification steps—so you can choose the brand that fits your actual ride.

Quick Answer

• Rad Power – Best for daily commuting, cargo, and utility. Models like the RadRover 6 Plus or RadCity come with fenders, lights, rear rack, and a 750W geared hub motor that handles moderate hills well. Expect real-world range of 25–40 miles in moderate assist. Prices: $1,500–$2,000.
• Super73 – Best for style and weekend fun. The S2 and ZX offer a motorcycle-like look, a punchy throttle, and fat tires. But range drops to 20–30 miles in sport mode, and utility accessories are minimal. Prices: $1,200–$2,700.
• Juiced – Best for riders who want speed (28 mph Class 3) and maximum range. The RipCurrent S or Scorpion X pack a 750W direct-drive motor and a large battery (often 998 Wh), giving 40+ miles of real-world range. Prices: $1,800–$3,000.

One important boundary: This comparison covers only hub-motor models from these brands. If you need a mid-drive motor for steep mountain climbs or torque-sensing assist, these bikes are not the right choice—you’d be better off looking at Bosch- or Shimano-equipped models.

Comparison Framework

Motor & Power

All three use hub motors, but the type and tuning create different riding experiences.

Brand	Typical Model	Nominal Power	Top Speed (Stock)	Motor Type
Rad Power	RadRover 6 Plus	750W	20 mph (throttle)	Geared hub
Super73	S2 / ZX	500–750W	20 mph (throttle)	Geared hub
Juiced	RipCurrent S	750W	28 mph (Class 3)	Direct-drive hub

What this means for you: Geared hub motors (Rad, Super73) are lighter and provide better low-speed torque for climbing moderate hills. Direct-drive motors (Juiced) are heavier but maintain higher top speeds and allow regenerative braking. If your commute includes a steep 12% grade, Rad’s geared hub can keep you at 10 mph with moderate pedaling; Juiced’s direct-drive would drop to 7 mph unless you build speed beforehand.

How to verify your bike’s motor class: Look at the display or controller label. On Rad and Super73, the top throttle speed will be 20 mph. On Juiced, the display usually shows a “Class 3” setting and a max assist speed of 28 mph. If the bike has a throttle that works above 20 mph, it may be illegally unlocked—avoid buying used without confirming.

Battery & Range

Battery capacity directly affects how far you can go and how long you recharge.

• Rad Power – 48V, 672 Wh (verify current model). Real-world range: 25–40 miles in PAS 3. Throttle-only: 15–20 miles. Removable battery, charges in 4–5 hours.
• Super73 – 48V, 615 Wh. Real-world range: 20–30 miles in Sport mode, up to 45 miles in lower assist. Removable but bulky. Charges in 4–6 hours.
• Juiced – 48V, 998 Wh (RipCurrent S). Real-world range: 30–40 miles in high assist, 40+ in moderate. Throttle-only: 20+ miles. Charges in 5–6 hours.

The practical implication: For a 10-mile round-trip commute, all three are fine. But if your commute is 20+ miles each way, Juiced’s extra capacity means you won’t need to recharge at work. Rad’s battery will be near empty after 20 miles in high assist. Super73’s battery may require a midday charge on long weekend rides.

Concrete verification step: Check the battery label for Wh (watt-hours). On Rad Power bikes, the sticker is on the battery side. For Juiced, it’s usually printed on the bottom. Divide Wh by your average consumption (about 20 Wh/mile for Rad/Super73, 22 Wh/mile for Juiced at 20 mph) to estimate range.

Build & Utility

• Rad Power – Designed for cargo. Every model includes a rear rack (80 lb capacity), fenders, integrated lights, and a step-thru option. Standard bike tools work; no proprietary parts. The RadRover has 4-inch fat tires for sand/gravel.
• Super73 – Style-first. Motorcycle seat, no rear rack (sold separately), minimal fenders. Stiff ride. Fun on dirt paths but impractical for groceries. ZX is lighter but still lacks integrated utility.
• Juiced – Mixed. The RipCurrent S has a rear rack (55 lb) and fenders but a high step-over (33”). The Scorpion X has a step-through but a non-removable battery on some versions. Weight (70+ lbs) makes it a struggle to carry upstairs.

One realistic mismatch: If you plan to carry a child seat or a large pannier, Super73 has no standard mounting points for a rear rack. You’ll need aftermarket accessories that may not fit securely—this can lead to wobbling or breakage during hard turns. Rad Power’s integrated rack is bolt-on solid and rated for 80 lbs, making it safe for heavy loads.

Best-Fit Picks by Use Case

Best for Commuters and Utility Riders: Rad Power

Rad Power’s hub-motor lineup is a daily driver out of the box. The RadCity 4 or RadRover 6 Plus comes with fenders, lights, a rear rack, and an upright riding position. The 750W geared hub provides enough torque for moderate hills, and the removable battery charges in about 4 hours.

• Concrete example: A 5-mile each-way commute with no big hills uses about 15% of the battery per trip. You can go three days between charges. The rack holds a milk crate or panniers. The throttle lets you zip through intersections.
• Verification step: Check the bike’s PAS (pedal assist) level display. A fully charged Rad battery showing 54.6V (48V nominal) is normal. If the voltage drops below 41V under load, the battery may be worn.
• Why it works: Rad Power has been building utility e-bikes since 2007. Their hub-motor platform uses standard parts (tires, brakes, chain) that any bike shop can service. The cadence sensor gives predictable, instant assist.

Best for Style and Weekend Fun: Super73

If you want a bike that turns heads, Super73 is the choice. The S2 mimics a vintage minibike with a low, stretched frame and fat tires. The 750W motor gives a strong throttle start (0–20 mph in about 5 seconds), and the suspension seat post smooths bumps.

• Concrete example: Riding a Super73 on a boardwalk or beach path is pure fun—throttle-only mode feels like an electric motorcycle. But expect to pedal more on hills: above 15 mph on a 10% grade, the motor runs out of steam. The small battery (615 Wh) drains to 50% in about 12 miles of full-throttle riding.
• Mismatch to know: The stock suspension is minimal; larger riders (over 200 lb) may find the ride harsh on potholes. Aftermarket seat posts and tires can help, but that adds cost.
• Why it works: For short, recreational rides, the experience is unique. But it’s not a workhorse—you’ll need to charge after 15–20 miles of spirited riding.

Best for Speed and Long Range: Juiced

Juiced ships Class 3 as standard on most models—28 mph right out of the box. The RipCurrent S uses a direct-drive hub motor that holds top speed on flats and slight downhills. The 998 Wh battery provides 40+ miles of real-world range in moderate assist.

• Concrete example: A 15-mile commute at 25 mph average uses about 60% of the battery. The fat tires and long wheelbase make it stable at speed. Hill climbing is strong: a 10% grade at 12 mph is no problem, but the motor whine is louder than Rad’s quiet geared hub. Regenerative braking recovers about 5–10% of energy on a hilly route.
• Verification step: On the display, check the “Speed Limit” setting. If it’s set to 28 mph, you’re in Class 3. If you need to ride on a bike path with a 20 mph limit, you can lower this setting in the menu—but verify local laws first.
• Why it works: Direct-drive motors have few moving parts and can last longer than geared hubs. The trade-off is lower low-end torque: starting from a dead stop on a steep hill requires heavy pedaling or a running start. If you mostly ride flat to rolling terrain, this is less of an issue.

Trade-offs to Know

Speed vs. Range – Juiced gives you 28 mph, but that speed drains the battery faster. At 28 mph, consumption jumps to about 30 Wh/mile. A 15-mile commute at that speed uses roughly 450 Wh—half the battery. If you ride at 20 mph, Rad’s and Super73’s smaller batteries deliver comparable range per Wh. For daily commutes under 15 miles, Rad’s battery is plenty; for long weekend tours, Juiced’s extra capacity is worth the weight.

Weight and Handling – Juiced bikes weigh 70–75 lbs, making them heavy to carry up stairs. Rad Power bikes are about 65 lbs, Super73 around 60 lbs. The extra weight on Juiced comes from the large battery and motor. It’s fine if you never lift the bike, but a dealbreaker for apartment dwellers. Rad’s higher center of gravity feels more balanced during tight turns.

Hill Climbing – Geared hubs (Rad, Super73) have better low-speed torque, so they climb steep hills more quickly with pedaling. Rad’s 750W geared hub can maintain 10 mph on a 12% grade with moderate effort. Juiced’s direct-drive may drop to 7 mph and require heavy pedaling below 8 mph. Super73 struggles on sustained hills above 8% grade—expect to pedal hard or push.

Battery Replacement Cost – All three sell replacement batteries: Rad ~$450 for 672 Wh, Super73 ~$550 for 615 Wh, Juiced ~$700 for 998 Wh. Plan to replace every 3–5 years (500–800 charge cycles). A swollen battery or excessive voltage drop under load (below 41V for 48V systems) signals it’s time.

Class and Legality – Rad and Super73 are Class 2 (20 mph throttle, pedal assist up to 20 mph). Juiced is Class 3 (28 mph with throttle cut off at 20 mph). Check local laws: many bike paths limit speed to 20 mph or ban Class 3 e-bikes. Riding a Juiced on a restricted path could result in a ticket. Some Juiced models allow you to limit speed via the display, but verify before buying.

Torque Sensor vs. Cadence Sensor – All three use cadence sensors (on/off assist, not proportional to pedal force). That means the motor kicks in abruptly when you start pedaling, which can feel jerky at low speeds. If you want a natural, responsive ride, consider a mid-drive bike with a torque sensor instead. This is a key reason many experienced riders upgrade away from hub-motor models.

Related Questions

Can I unlock a Super73 to go 28 mph?

Some owners use third-party controller reprogramming or buy an “unlocked” variant from Super73, but that voids the warranty and may be illegal. Stock top speed is 20 mph.

Are Rad Power batteries easily removable for charging?

Yes. All current Rad models have a key-locked removable battery that slides out. Included charger takes 4–5 hours for a full charge.

Which brand climbs hills best?

Rad Power’s geared hub motor (with pedal assist) climbs steep grades more easily than Juiced’s direct-drive at low speeds. Rad can maintain 10 mph on a 12% grade with moderate pedaling. Juiced climbs well once above 10 mph. Super73 struggles on sustained hills above 8% grade.

Do any of these bikes have a torque sensor?

No. All three use cadence sensors. The assist feels abrupt: full power the moment you start pedaling, rather than proportional to effort. For a smoother ride, look at mid-drive e-bikes from brands like Bosch or Shimano.

How long does the hub motor last?

Geared hub motors (Rad, Super73) typically last 5,000–10,000 miles under normal use. Direct-drive motors (Juiced) have fewer moving parts and can last longer, but bearings and wiring may still fail. Both types are rebuildable by an e-bike shop, with replacement cost $150–$350.

Choose Rad Power for daily practicality, Super73 for style and short fun rides, and Juiced for speed and distance. Each excels in its niche, but none does everything—so match the bike to your primary use.