Super73 S2 SE vs Sur-Ron Light Bee X: an electric bike or an electric dirt bike?

Both bikes have the same look that draws teenagers in: a long flat seat, fat tyres and a motorcycle stance. They belong to different worlds. The Super73 S2 SE is a pedal e-bike with a throttle that rides under the e-bike class laws; the Sur-Ron Light Bee X is an electric off-road motorcycle with no pedals and a 6,000 W motor against the Super73's 750 W.

The real difference

Super73 states a 750 W nominal motor for the S2 SE, a 720 Wh battery and a range of 35 to 45 miles, and quotes that range for Class 2 riding on the throttle at 20 mph. That is the e-bike most US states allow on roads and many bike paths without a licence. Sur-Ron's international Light Bee X has a 6,000 W motor and a top speed of 75 km/h (about 47 mph). It is not an e-bike in any class, and off-road is where it belongs unless it is registered as a road vehicle.

Specifications side by side

	SUPER73-S2 SE SUPER73	Sur-Ron Light Bee X Sur-Ron
Price at the brand's store	$3,145 (United States)	Not listed on the brand's store
Type	Moped-style e-bike	Electric dirt bike
Motor	750 W	6 kW peak
Motor position	–	–
Torque	–	250 Nm
Battery	720 Wh, 48 V 15 Ah	2,400 Wh, 60 V 40 Ah
Range per charge (stated)	45 miles (72 km)	47 miles (75 km)
Top speed	20 mph (32 km/h)	47 mph (75 km/h)
Weight	71 lb (32.2 kg)	99 lb (45 kg)
Maximum load (stated)	324 lb (147 kg)	220 lb (100 kg)
US e-bike class	–	–
Suspension	–	–
Water protection	–	–
Safety certification (stated)	UL 2271	–

Figures as each brand states them on its own store or product page. SUPER73-S2 SE · Sur-Ron Light Bee X: full specifications, every market's price and where to buy.

Power, speed and range

The S2 SE runs a 48 V, 15 Ah battery (720 Wh) that Super73 states is UL 2271 compliant, a thumb throttle and Maxxis tyres 4.5 inches wide at the front and 5 inches at the rear on 20-inch wheels. It carries up to 325 lb and fits riders from 5 ft 1 in to 6 ft 8 in.

The Light Bee X carries a 60 V, 40 Ah removable battery (2,400 Wh), more than three times the S2 SE's, and puts 250 Nm through the rear wheel. Sur-Ron rates it for 75 km (47 miles) at a steady 40 km/h (25 mph), about the same distance as the Super73 at a slightly higher steady speed. It weighs 45 kg (99 lb) dry and has 200 mm of suspension travel at the front and 210 mm at the rear for jumps and rough trails.

Where each may be ridden

Ridden as a Class 2 e-bike, the Super73 may generally go where bicycles go, although some states set a minimum age, require a helmet for young riders or keep throttle e-bikes off certain trails. The Light Bee X in its off-road form may not be ridden on public roads, bike lanes or paths: it needs private land or an off-road area, and off-road riding has its own age rules in each state. Our riding rules by country and state and our guide to e-bike classes and legal limits set these out.

For a parent the question is simple: if the bike is meant for getting to school or friends' houses, it has to be an e-bike; an off-road motorcycle cannot do that legally, however similar it looks.

Price and running costs

Super73 sells the S2 SE at $3,145 on its US store. Sur-Ron does not list a price on its website and sells through dealers. A Light Bee X also needs proper off-road protective gear and somewhere to ride it, and its tyres, chain and brake pads wear faster under trail use than an e-bike's do on the street.

Which to choose

• Choose the Super73 S2 SE for a bike that gets a teenager around town legally, with pedals, a 750 W motor and 35 to 45 miles of range.
• Choose the Sur-Ron Light Bee X for trail riding on private land or in off-road parks, with an adult who knows motorcycles involved.