Riding Times E-Bike Review: High-Performance Moped-Style E-Bikes or Just Hype?
Electric bikes have evolved far beyond standard commuter frames and thin tires. Today, there is a massive surge in popularity for "moped-style" e-bikes and e-motos—electric two-wheelers that look like vintage cafe racers or mini-motorcycles. They offer throttle-first speed, thick off-road fat tires, and heavy-duty suspension that turns any ride into an adventure.
One brand that has captured a lot of attention in this space is Riding Times. Known for their aggressively styled, high-performance, and surprisingly affordable electric bikes, Riding Times has built a reputation for giving riders maximum speed, dual-battery range, and a striking motorcycle aesthetic.
But does Riding Times live up to the performance claims? Are they reliable, safe, and legal to ride on public streets? In this comprehensive Riding Times review, we’ll dive deep into their design, compare their popular models (Z8 Pro and GT73), check the pros and cons, and help you decide if a Riding Times e-bike is right for you.
What is Riding Times?
Riding Times is a direct-to-consumer e-bike manufacturer specializing in motorcycle-inspired, moped-style electric bikes. Unlike traditional e-bikes that require active pedaling to get moving, Riding Times designs their bikes with a heavy emphasis on throttle-based riding. With wide motorcycle seats, thick fat tires, and dual-battery configurations, they are built for cruising around town, tackling off-road trails, and turning heads wherever you go.
Riding Times Model Comparison: Z8 Pro vs. GT73
Riding Times offers two distinct styles depending on whether you want a comfortable daily cruiser or a high-speed electric motorcycle clone.
1. Riding Times Z8 Pro: The Ultimate Comfort Cruiser
The Z8 Pro is designed for riders who prioritize comfort, long-range commuting, and utility without sacrificing the moped aesthetic.
- Motor Power: 750W nominal brushless rear hub motor (peaking at 1500W).
- Top Speed: Around 28 to 32 mph (depending on rider weight and terrain).
- Battery System: Equipped with dual 48V 15.6Ah batteries (totaling 31.2Ah capacity).
- Estimated Range: 50 to 80 miles purely on throttle, and up to 100+ miles using pedal assist.
- Suspension: 6-level full suspension, featuring front hydraulic forks and double spring rear shock absorbers.
- Tires: 20" x 4" all-terrain fat tires that absorb bumps and cracks with ease.
- Unique Features: Includes an extra-long memory foam saddle with an extension, rear storage rack, mudguards, and a bright LED headlight.
2. Riding Times GT73 / GT73 Pro: The Electric Moto Thrill-Seeker
The GT73 series is modeled directly after vintage dirt bikes and cafe racers. It is designed for maximum speed, power, and off-road thrills.
- Motor Power: The upgraded standard GT73 features a 2400W peak motor, while the high-end GT73 Pro packs a massive 3000W peak motor.
- Top Speed: The standard GT73 reaches up to 37 mph, while the GT73 Pro can hit up to an incredible 50 mph!
- Battery System: Standard model uses dual 48V 18.2Ah batteries, while the GT73 Pro runs on dual 60V 18Ah batteries.
- Tires: Larger 25" x 4" off-road motorcycle-grade fat tires.
- Braking & Safety: Upgraded front and rear hydraulic disc brakes (with 230mm rotors and EABS on the Pro) to handle high-speed stops.
- Weight: Heavy steel construction, with the bike weighing between 115 and 125 lbs.
Riding Times Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
- Head-Turning Design: Aggressive motorcycle/moped aesthetic that looks premium. - Dual Batteries Included: Unbeatable range and battery life compared to single-battery competitors. - Excellent Speed & Torque: Thrilling acceleration with high-wattage peak hub motors. - Very Comfortable Ride: Long memory foam seats and robust suspension absorb impact well. - Competitive Pricing: Significantly cheaper than comparable brands like Super73 or Sur-Ron. |
- Extremely Heavy: Weighing 90 to 125 lbs, these bikes are difficult to lift, transport, or pedal manually. - Legal Restrictions: The high power and speed of the GT73 series exceed local Class 1/2/3 e-bike speed limits in many states (check local laws). - Customer Service Delays: Some customers report slow response times when requesting replacement parts under warranty. - Long Assembly Time: The dual battery setup and robust frame require more assembly time out of the box. |
Crucial Considerations Before Buying
1. Weight and Portability
Make no mistake: Riding Times e-bikes are heavy machines. The steel frames, large hub motors, and dual batteries add significant weight. If you live on the third floor of an apartment building without an elevator, or if you need to frequently lift your bike onto a car rack, these models might be too bulky for you. However, if you store it in a garage and ride it directly onto the street, the weight translates to a solid, stable, and motorcycle-like feel at high speeds.
2. E-Bike Laws & Legality
In many parts of the United States and Europe, electric bikes are restricted to three classes: Class 1 (pedal-assist, max 20 mph), Class 2 (throttle, max 20 mph), and Class 3 (pedal-assist, max 28 mph), usually capped at 750W motor power.
- The Z8 Pro can be configured to comply with Class 2/3 limits, making it legal on most bike lanes and city streets.
- The GT73 and GT73 Pro exceed the standard 750W limits and reach speeds up to 37–50 mph. These models are best suited for private property, off-road riding, or areas where fast electric mopeds are registered and permitted.
3. Customer Support and Self-Maintenance
As a direct-to-consumer brand, Riding Times is priced very competitively. The trade-off is that customer service and warranty parts can take time to arrive if you need a replacement throttle, controller, or battery. Buyers should be comfortable doing basic maintenance themselves (like adjusting brakes, tightening bolts, or swapping inner tubes) or have a local bike shop that is willing to work on moped-style e-bikes.
Where to Buy & How to Get the Best Price
If you're ready to pick up one of these high-performance moped e-bikes, the best place to buy is directly from the official Riding Times store. Buying directly ensures you get the official warranty, access to authentic spare parts, and the lowest pricing without distributor markups.
👉 Shop Riding Times E-Bikes & Check Current Deals
The Verdict: Is Riding Times Worth It?
If you want a stylish, high-power, long-range electric bike that feels like a motorcycle but costs a fraction of the price of premium brands, Riding Times is 100% worth considering. The inclusion of dual batteries at this price point offers incredible value, and the riding experience is exceptionally fun and comfortable.
For daily commuting and neighborhood cruising, we highly recommend the Z8 Pro. If you have private land, access to off-road trails, and want extreme speed, the GT73 series will give you all the adrenaline you need. Grab yours today and experience the thrill of moped-style riding!