Super73’s New A-Series, Ridstar Battery Fires; Refuses Recall | TWR Ep 76
Mar 29, 2026
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Plus Specialized Recalls Turo Como SL, How We Range Test, and More!
***Please indulge me as I wish you all farewell***
I, of course, shall deliver the e-bike news you came for, but before I do that, I wanted to wish this wonderful Electric Bike Report audience goodbye. For the last five years, I’ve had the privilege to work here amongst some amazing people. I also got to live out a dream for most people: writing and talking about electric bikes and somehow making a living by riding many of them. It’s been an incredible journey, and few things have brought me as much joy as seeing the rapid adoption of e-bikes by the masses and sharing details of the e-bike world with you all.
I appreciate all the support this audience has given me over the years. We often remark how harsh life on the internet can be, and while there is truth to that, I’ve received tenfold support and nice things from my correspondence with the audience we’ve been able to build here. For that, my sincerest gratitude and thanks to you all.
I won’t be at Electric Bike Report anymore, but I’ll never leave the e-bike world, and hope to see you all on the trails! – Griffin
As promised, the e-bike news cycle doesn’t stop. This week the major headlines revolve around the newest wave of bikes from Super73, which just launched the A-series. They’re staying very much on brand with fun-looking moto rides, but making them more accessible and practical than ever before.
In other stories, despite several reported fires, Ridstar has refused a CPSC recall notice, meaning the CPSC is instead urging a do-not-ride notice on its bikes due to the significant risk they pose. There are already 11 incidents reported, and tens of thousands of dollars in damages.
Elsewhere, Specialized is recalling Turbo Como SL models due to faulty steerer tubes, and John and Griffin dive into a plethora of your e-bike questions about how we do range test, what’s up with the noise of Ride Quality portions, and much more
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This Week’s E-Bike News Headlines
Super73 releases the all-new A series
Photo cred: Super73
After teasing new models for several months, Super73 has released the all-new A-series. Each bike in the lineup features the classic moto-inspiration the brand is known for, with the classic diamond frames, BMX handlebars, and massive headlights, while the bikes better accommodate riders of different sizes, and include a few more commute-worthy practical features for those looking to make the ride their mode of transportation.
The bikes include:
- MZFT (27”) – starting at $1,995
- M1D (30”) – mid-size starting at $2,495
- B1G (33”) – largest option, starting at $2,595
- Each model also gets a higher-spec Special Edition (SE) version with upgrades like larger batteries, adjustable front suspension, better brakes, and 750W motors, and updated digital displays. Those models top out at $2995
All the bikes share some basic specs, including:
- 500W nominal motor and top speeds of 20 mph.
- 52V/520Wh battery
- 2-piston brakes
- Fully rigid frames
- 4.5” tires, with diameters ranging from 16-20”
- Included loading storage under the bench seat, and the ability to run dual batteries.
Our Take: Super73 was all about running with the cool kids, and now it looks like they’re making machines with some more practicality and optionality with these different sizes of bikes, and things like storage or doubling your battery capacity. The bikes still have major aesthetic appeal, but these prices seem friendlier than many previous models with arguable some better specs to it.
The moto-style category has been the target of many over recent years. Surrons and Talaria’s have muddied the waters, and so too have brands like Super73 if we’re being honest. The leadership team has signaled they are willing to comply and keep speeds in check and make sure the rides meet the standards of current litigation so if they can thread the needle of making things compliant with the law, fun and desirable, and more functional than ever before, then I expect these bikes could very well be a hit.
Ridstar E-Bikes Linked to 11 Battery Fires; Refuses CPSC Recall
Photo cred: Ridstar
On March 19, 2026, the CPSC issued a notice urging owners of Ridstar Q20 and Q20 Pro e-bikes to stop riding and even dispose of battery packs with the bike through proper hazardous waste channels.
These bikes were cheaper models available on retailers like Amazon and Walmart, and through the company’s own website for $700 or less.
This notice is due to 11 fire incidents linked to these models, resulting in 1 burn injury, 5 cases of smoke inhalation, and 2 instances of property damage totaling more than $40K.
Also, this is a CPSC urgent warning instead of a recall as that requires brand cooperation, and as of this recording, Ridstar’s manufacturer, Huizhou Xingqishi Sporting Goods Co., Ltd., of China, “has refused to agree to an acceptable recall.”
The main takeaway here is if you own one of these, safety first, dispose of the battery through proper channels and hopefully, in time, refunds or replacements can be worked out, but that’s the secondary concern here.
Our Take: As we frequently remind our audience, oftentimes, you get what you pay for with cheaper e-bikes. Please avoid too good to be true pricing from brands like this, as they often cut corners.
Ridstart did claim UL-certified batteries. However, this could have been deceptive, as it’s not unheard of for Amazon sellers to make these fraudulent claims without ever properly certifying the batteries. The UL Database is notoriously difficult to track down a company’s certifications and that usually requires brand cooperation for us to verify, so as of this recording, we can’t say whether or not they were definitely lying on this front, but given recent lawsuits from Amazon involving other fraudulent claims of UL certification of some manufacturers, it could signal Ridstar did something similar.
Specialized issues recall on Turbo Como SL e-bikes.
The Specilized Turbo Como SL lineup is being recalled. Specialized is recalling 5,720 SL 4.0 and 5.0s due to a steerer tube issue that can develop a crack and lead to fork failure.
One incident has been reported, with no injuries happening as a result.
The recall applies to all Como SL e-bikes regardless of model.
Specialized is urging riders to stop riding and go to their nearest Specialized retailer to receive a free fork replacement.
The bikes were all sold from March 2021 through January 2026.
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You Asked, We Answered. Questions Covered In The Weekly Recharge
- Nice range on the Velotric Tempo. What’s the rider’s weight of the person conducting the test?
- You mentioned Tern care on the Tern Vektron P5i. What is that?
- The Aventon Current EXP looked great, but why was the ride quality footage so loud?
- Are 500W motors, like on the Magnum Peak 2.0, making a comeback? Does it make sense to use these instead of 750W motors?
- What are our thoughts on Pinion’s MGU for eMTBs?
- For larger riders, would we recommend the Ride1Up Vorsa FT or the Velotric Summit 2?
E-Bike Deals Found This Week
- Lectric’s nothing but net sale – up to $536 in savings
- XPeak 2 is discounted, now starts at just $1299 ($200 off) + $336 in upgrades (rear rack, fenders, elite headlight, suspension seat post)
- Straightforward fun and powerful fat tire e-bike, with a better quality fork than you often find. Unique motor engagement too, with combo torque and cadence sensor feel.
- Euphree’s Stellar Falcon Sale
- Mid-step Stellar Falcon is $500 off, now just $1999
- Great motor, pick your sensor on motor engagement
- Comfort focus with a nice fork and suspension seatpost + the adjustable stem.
Make sure to tune in to the full episode to see the e-bike trail system highlight and rider of the week! Want to be featured in future episodes? Comment on any YouTube video or page of the website, or send to [email protected].
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