The TST R002 has always been a “get-me-rolling” e-bike: simple, fast enough, and affordable. The late-2025 refresh keeps that spirit but tightens a few screws. It’s still not super fancy, but for $699 it’s one of the best entry-level deals out there—especially if you want passenger seating and real hydraulic brakes without blowing the budget.

Think of it like a base-model hot hatch: plastic interior, sure—but the throttle makes you grin.

Our Latest Videos On The TST R002 (Late 2025):

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What’s New (and What Isn’t)

• Build quality feels better than the early R002: the levers, grips and general assembly are more confidence-inspiring.
• Color options got a glow-up (Orange, White, Black). Minor nitpick: on some units the orange frame panels don’t perfectly match—cosmetic only.
• Geometry/suspension “updated” on paper; in practice, it still rides like the old one: fine on pavement, stiff off-road.
• Same simple cockpit: left thumb throttle, familiar screen, turn-signal switch (rear signals only), 7-speed Shimano on the right.

Bottom line: it still looks cool, still feels peppy, and still aims squarely at value buyers.

Specs at a Glance

TST R002 (Late 2025)

Motor

1500W Hub

Battery

48V 15Ah

Top Speed

28mph Unlocked

Weight

~72lbs with battery

Suspension

Basic coil rear, and coil front fork

Brakes

CoreRide Hydraulic

Tires

20x4 Knobby Compass Tires

Pedal Assist

5 Levels

Price

$699 for the black base model

Real-world results vary with rider weight, terrain, and weather.

Motor And Speed

Out back you’ve got a 1,500W rear hub motor on a 48V system. Out of the box it’s capped to 20mph, but is able to be unlocked to 28mph on throttle.

The hub motor is surprisingly powerful and peppy, great for getting around town and even doing a little off roading. The throttle response is linear, with a nice boost off the line. The peppiness continued even as the battery drained on my test ride.

This is definitely more of a throttle bike, so keep that in mind if you’re looking for a bike that you want to mainly pedal.

Ride, Handling & Brakes

On smooth pavement, the R002 is in its element. The 20×4″ Compass fat tires roll quietly, the frame feels tight, and that thumb throttle gives a tidy little shove off the line.
Off-road? You can, but the non-adjustable coil suspension (front and rear) is on the stiff side; you’ll feel curbs and ruts. Treat it like a city runner, not a dedicated trail bike. That being said, it’s still nice to get off the beaten path sometimes.

One of my favorite features for the price are the CoreRide Hydraulic brakes. Most sub $1,000 bikes make due with cable brakes, so it’s nice to see they put the extra effort into making the R002 a bit safer. The levers felt firm and responsive, and braking was quick and quiet.

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Pros

• $699 is crazy value for hydraulic brakes + 28 mph
• Legit two-person setup (seat + pegs)
• Peppy launches; easy Class-3 unlock
• Clean finish, brighter colorways
• Simple, readable display; accurate speed/odo

Cons

• Stiff suspension; not a trail bike
• Rear-biased geometry can wheelie on hard takeoffs
• Rear-only signals; no horn
• Minor color mismatch on some orange parts
• Pedaling position is “just okay”; it’s a throttle bike

Daily Use, Comfort & Passengers

Fit: At 5’9″ I can flat-foot; smaller riders will also fit. Taller riders may slide back on the seat (which, again, lightens the front).

Battery: 48V 15Ah removable. Real-world range for mixed riding is “middle-of-the-road” (20-30 miles on throttle-heavy rides). If you want a bigger battery, grab the more expensive Plus version with 25Ah.

Drivetrain: 7-speed Shimano works, but this is a throttle-first bike.

Lighting/Signals: Bright headlight; brake light with rear turn signals. No horn.

Two-up: Rear pad and bolt-on pegs come included. Power is sufficient for short two-up hops—just mind that wheelie-happy launch.

Who Should Buy It

If you want your first e-bike to be fun, simple, and fast enough to keep up with neighborhood traffic—without spending a fortune—the R002 makes a ton of sense. It’s also a smart pick for campus runs, short commutes, or anyone who needs occasional 2 rider capability on a budget.

If you ride rough roads or trails a lot, or you’re very tall, you’ll probably want something with plusher suspension and a larger frame.

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Verdict

The late-2025 TST R002 doesn’t try to be premium—it tries to be practical, quick, and affordable. And at $699 with “AMPED”, it nails that brief. You’ll trade away suspension plushness and a few niceties, but you’ll gain a genuinely quick city runner with real brakes, room for a passenger, and parts that are easy to live with. For an entry-level price, that’s a hard combo to beat.

Best Price

$699

$799

Save $100 (13%)

Buy Now

Coupon: AMPED

Prices and availability can change without notice.

Looking for more e-bike reviews? Check out our latest guides on Amped Cycle for expert insights on electric bikes and PEVs!

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