Super73 Parts & Upgrades: Where to Buy Batteries, Seats, Tires & Accessories
Super73 Parts & Upgrades: Where to Buy Batteries, Seats, Tires & Accessories
The most popular Super73 aftermarket upgrade is a comfortable replacement seat, typically costing between $150 and $250, because the stock saddle becomes noticeably uncomfortable on rides longer than 10 miles. Beyond seats, Super73 owners regularly upgrade batteries for more range, tires for better grip, and handlebars for a better riding position. This guide covers the main upgrade categories, where to buy, and the compatibility trade-offs you need to know before spending money.
Important compatibility note before you buy: The RX and S2 share the same frame dimensions and component mounts. The Z-series uses a narrower frame, a different battery bracket, and tighter tire clearance. Model-year changes also affect connectors — 2018–2019 bikes used a different battery connector than 2020+ models. Always confirm your specific model and year before ordering parts that attach to the frame or electrical system.
Battery Upgrades: Range, Voltage, and Where to Buy
Stock Super73 batteries range from 48V 13Ah (roughly 20–25 miles on throttle) to 48V 20Ah (30–40 miles). If you need more range, you have two paths: a higher-capacity OEM battery or an aftermarket unit from a third-party supplier. For most owners, upgrading to a 52V aftermarket battery delivers the biggest performance-per-dollar gain — you get about 2–3 mph more top speed and noticeably better hill torque — but only if your controller can handle the voltage.
OEM replacement batteries (from Super73 directly) guarantee fit and warranty compatibility but cost $600–$900 depending on model. For the RX and S2, Super73 offers a 48V 20Ah upgrade that drops into the same mount. The catch is that OEM batteries are often backordered for weeks during spring and summer.
Aftermarket batteries from companies like ChiBatterySystems, EM3ev, or UPP deliver 48V 20Ah to 52V 22Ah configurations for $500–$800. A 52V battery increases torque noticeably at the bottom end — on a stock 500W motor, you’ll feel the difference pulling away from a stop. However, you must verify that your controller can handle 52V. Most Super73 factory controllers from 2021 onward use a 60V-capable MOSFET set, but 2020 and earlier models sometimes have a hard voltage cutoff at 52V that will prevent full discharge. Check your controller label (usually on the side of the metal box under the frame) for a voltage rating.
How to confirm battery fit physically: Measure the internal width of your frame’s battery cavity. For the RX and S2, the space is 6 inches (152mm). For the Z-series, it’s 4.5 inches (114mm). Aftermarket batteries list their outer dimensions — compare before ordering. Also check the connector type: Super73 used a 4-pin Lemo-style connector through 2019 and switched to a 5-pin XT60-style around 2020. Adapters are available ($15–$25) but add a potential failure point.
Red flags that signal replacement needed: If your battery takes more than 6 hours to charge, shows more than 3V difference between cell groups when fully charged (measure with a multimeter), or no longer carries you half the distance it did when new, it’s time to replace. Running a degraded battery increases the risk of cell imbalance and fire.
Battery Buying Comparison
| Battery Type | Voltage | Capacity | Typical Cost | Best For | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OEM 48V 13Ah (stock) | 48V | 13Ah | $600–$700 | Short commutes, minimal weight | All models (original fit) |
| OEM 48V 20Ah (upgrade) | 48V | 20Ah | $800–$900 | Longer rides, no controller mods | RX, S2 (Z-series not available) |
| Aftermarket 48V 20Ah | 48V | 20Ah | $500–$650 | Budget-conscious range extension | RX, S2, Z with adapter |
| Aftermarket 52V 22Ah | 52V | 22Ah | $700–$800 | Performance-focused, more torque | RX, S2 only; verify controller |
Seats, Handlebars, and Rider Comfort
The stock Super73 seat is a flat, narrow pad that works for short trips but creates pressure points after an hour. Aftermarket seats from Grin Technologies, Blur Cycles, or custom builders like C2 Customs offer wider platforms, additional foam, and a slight rear rise that keeps you from sliding back under acceleration.
Seat compatibility trap: Most aftermarket seats bolt onto the stock Super73 frame rail without modification, but on 2020+ S2 models, the battery bracket was moved 1 inch forward compared to 2019 versions. Some aftermarket seats designed for the 2019 S1 will not align with the bracket holes on a 2022 S2. Always confirm with the seller that the seat fits your specific model year. The RX and S2 share the same rail spacing; the Z-series has a narrower frame, so aftermarket seats for RX/S2 usually won’t fit.
To verify fit before buying, measure from the center of the rear seat bolt hole to the center of the front bracket slot. On RX and S2, that distance is 9.5 inches (241mm). The Z-series uses an 8-inch spacing.
Handlebar upgrades are the second-most impactful comfort mod. The stock bars are 740mm wide with a 25mm rise. Swapping to a Surly Sunrise bar (820mm, 50mm rise) gives a more upright position and better leverage for low-speed maneuvering — especially helpful when carrying cargo or turning at intersections. Expect $40–$100 for bars plus $15–$30 for grips. Before cutting or replacing, check that your brake and shift cables have enough slack by moving the handlebars through full lock-to-lock turns. If cables are taut, add 1–2 inches of inner cable length at the lever end, or buy longer cables ($10–$15).
Tires and Wheels: Traction, Puncture Resistance, and Size
Super73 ships with 20×4.0 or 20×4.5 fat tires depending on model. The stock CST tires grip well on pavement but lack sidewall protection for rocky trails or glass-laden streets. Tire replacement is one area where a small mistake can waste $100 or leave you stranded with a pinch flat a mile from home.
Tire fit verification: Before buying new tires, measure the gap between your current tire and the nearest fender or frame point. You need at least 1/4 inch (6mm) of clearance on all sides. For the RX, 20×4.5 tires fit the stock rims but will leave only 3–4mm clearance to the mudguard — enough if the tire is fully inflated, but any flex during hard cornering can cause rubbing. The Z-series has even less clearance and may require 20×3.5 tires for safe fit.
Key tire replacement considerations:
- Size options: The S2 and R models use 20×4.0 wheels. The RX can fit 20×4.5 tires on stock rims, but the tight mudguard clearance means you’ll need to deflate to reinstall the fender. The Z-series uses 20×4.0 and has even less room.
- Puncture resistance: Vee Tire Speedsters and Kenda Kraze tires include a bead-to-bead protective layer. A pair costs $80–$130. For commuting in glass-heavy areas, add Tannus Armour inserts ($45 per wheel). These prevent pinch flats more effectively than thicker tubes because they create a solid foam barrier between inner tube and tire casing. Without inserts, even a thick tube can pinch when you hit a pothole at 20 mph.
- Tread patterns: Knobby tires (like the Vee Tire x Super73 collab) give better off-road traction but increase rolling resistance by about 10–15%, reducing range by 3–5 miles on a full charge. Slick or semi-slick tires are better for pavement efficiency.
Tire pressure tips: The stock 20×4.0 tires require 20–30 PSI. Dropping to 18 PSI improves trail grip but increases pinch-flat risk on square-edged obstacles. For street riding, 25 PSI is a good compromise between comfort and flat protection. Check pressure weekly — fat tires lose air faster than narrow tires, and even 5 PSI below spec increases rolling resistance noticeably.
Lighting, Fenders, and Cosmetic Mods
Super73 bikes come with a basic integrated headlight and taillight, but the headlight is dim (roughly 200 lumens) and doesn’t illuminate road hazards at night riding speeds above 20 mph. Upgrading the headlight is one of the most impactful safety mods, but it requires understanding the bike’s power system.
Headlight upgrades: A replacement like the Supernova M99 Pro (800 lumens, $150) bolts to the stock fork mount and includes a low-beam cutoff that won’t blind oncoming traffic. However, the Super73 system runs at full battery voltage (48V–58V), while most aftermarket lights expect 12V. You’ll need a DC-DC converter ($30) to step down voltage unless the headlight has a built-in converter. Some lights, like the Bosch-style LEDs, include one, but always check the product specs for input voltage range. Wiring the converter requires tapping into the headlight connector — a simple splice job, but use heat-shrink connectors and avoid reversing polarity.
Taillight upgrade: The stock taillight is visible but small. Adding a rack-mounted light like the Cygolite Hotrod 50 ($40) improves rear visibility considerably, especially in daytime. This light clips to the seatpost or rack and runs on its own batteries, so no wiring needed.
Fender compatibility: The stock fenders rattle over bumps and can crack at the mounting tabs after a year of use. Aftermarket fenders from Axiom or Planet Bike (25mm–30mm width) can replace them, but you must match the fork spacing — Super73 uses a 100mm post-mount on the RX and S2. Measure the distance between the mounting holes on your fork before ordering. If you remove the stock fenders entirely, your battery and controller will get direct spray in wet conditions, which can cause corrosion at the contact pins and reduce component lifespan by 50% or more. Keep fenders if you ride in rain.
Cosmetic mods: Super73 sells official decal kits ($20–$40) and frame guards. Wrap kits from third parties (like 3M 1080 vinyl) cost $30–$70 for enough material to cover the main frame tube. Avoid spraying paint near the battery mount bolts — overspray can insulate the contact pins and prevent proper electrical connection, leading to intermittent power loss.
Trade-Offs to Know Before You Buy
Warranty impact: Replacing the battery, controller, or motor with non-OEM parts voids the Super73 warranty for the electrical system. Cosmetic parts like seats, grips, and fenders do not affect warranty coverage. If your bike is still under warranty (two years for most models), consider sticking with OEM battery and motor upgrades until the warranty expires. One exception: swapping tires or adding Tannus inserts is generally accepted because tires are wear items, but check with Super73 support if you’re uncertain.
Weight from upgrades: A 52V 22Ah battery weighs about 4 lbs more than the stock 48V 13Ah unit. Adding Tannus inserts, fenders, and a new seat can add 3–5 lbs total. The stock RX weighs 75 lbs, so you’re looking at roughly 80–85 lbs with heavy upgrades. If you carry the bike up stairs or lift it onto a rack, this extra weight makes a real difference — especially on stair climbs of more than one flight.
Commercial use implications: If you use your Super73 for deliveries or commercial work, some aftermarket battery vendors explicitly exclude commercial use from their warranty. ChiBatterySystems, for example, states in its terms that batteries used commercially are not covered. Warrantied replacements for commercial use typically require OEM parts, which cost more upfront but include a dedicated support channel.
Model-year splits: 2018–2019 Super73 bikes use a different controller connector than 2020+ models. Batteries bought for a 2019 S1 will not physically fit a 2022 RX without adapter wiring. When buying used aftermarket parts, always ask the seller for the model year they came from. Similarly, motor controllers changed pin assignments between 2020 and 2021 — a supposedly plug-and-play kit may require re-pinning.
Related Questions
How long does a Super73 battery last before needing replacement?
Most 48V lithium-ion batteries last 500–800 full charge cycles before capacity drops below 80%, which typically translates to 2–4 years of regular riding. Heat accelerates degradation — storing the battery above 90°F shortens its lifespan by roughly 20%.
Can I install a more powerful motor on my Super73?
Upgrading the motor (e.g., from a 500W hub to a 750W or 1000W hub) requires a compatible controller, new wiring, and potentially a new rear wheel lacing. It costs $300–$600 in parts and voids the entire electrical warranty. Most owners find that upgrading the battery to 52V provides enough performance gain without the complexity.
Will aftermarket tires fit all Super73 models?
Not without checking
Explore This Topic
- Back to Super73 Parts Finder
- Back to Super73 E-Bikes
Related guides in this cluster:
– Lectric E-Bike Parts Finder: Where to Buy Replacement Batteries, Tires & Components
– Super73 Brake Service: Hydraulic & Mechanical Brake Adjustment Guide
– Super73 Assembly Guide: Unboxing, Setup & First Mods Checklist
– Super73 App & Controller Guide: Settings, Modes & Firmware Updates
Ryan Williams has spent over 8 years testing, repairing, and writing about electric bikes. He has personally ridden and reviewed 150+ e-bike models from brands like Lectric, Aventon, Rad Power, Super73, and dozens more.
Before founding EBIKE Delight, Ryan worked as a bicycle mechanic for 5 years at independent bike shops across California, where he specialized in e-bike conversions and electrical system diagnostics. He holds a Certificate in Electric Vehicle Technology from the Light Electric Vehicle Association (LEVA).
Ryan’s work has been cited by Electric Bike Report, Electrek, and BikeRumor. When he is not testing the latest e-bike on California backroads, he is in his workshop tearing down batteries and controllers to understand what makes them tick — and what makes them fail.
Areas of Expertise
E-bike performance testing and real-world range verificationBattery diagnostics, charging best practices, and safetyBrand comparisons: Lectric, Aventon, Rad Power, Super73, and moreError code troubleshooting across major e-bike systemsE-bike laws, registration, and compliance by state
Ryan believes every rider deserves honest, hands-on information — not marketing hype.