E-BIKER GANG

Battery-boosted bikes are becoming a popular option to evolve your commute, or to just tool around for fun on the weekend. But when do basic e-bikes cross the line into being retro-styled, de facto motorcycles? When our editors take them for a spin.

SUPER73 - S2

IF STEVE MCQUEEN were forced to ride an e-bike, it would be this one. Never mind that the reference might be lost on the hipster demo to which it seems aimed; everyone can appreciate the melding of next-gen tech with vintage looks.

This nexus is exemplified by the battery, which, instead of being tucked away on the lower frame, is shaped like a teardrop gas tank and proudly positioned between seat and handlebars. Fenders, fat tires, a long seat and a full-size headlight further beef up the profile.

So how does it perform? With grin-producing gusto. At 73 pounds, the S2 is no nimble corner carver, but even when relying solely on the pedal-assist function, minimal leg pumping translates to power that conquers most cityscape inclines. Or press the thumb throttle to go total easy rider and let the rear-tire mounted hub motor do all the silent work of zooming around rush-hour-bound traffic.

Set to Class 1 mode, speed tops out at about 20 mph, which makes the S2 legal on most bike paths-and feels plenty fast. An app unlocks additional modes, including the "unlimited" mode that allows speeds easily surpassing 30 mph.

MINIMAL LEG PUMPING TRANSLATES TO POWER THAT CONQUERS MOST CITYSCAPE INCLINES.

Such variables can greatly affect battery charge, of course; California-based Super73 claims a full-charge range of about 40 miles using only the throttle, 75 miles using minimal pedal-assist.