Crazy Range That Doesn’t Break The Bank
The TST R9 Dual Battery is built around 1 idea; Deliver the most amount of range for the least amount of money. TST actually claims that it can get upwards of 130 miles of uninterrupted power. It’s a setup that’s easy to live with, and so practical it’s almost boring.
It’s comfortable to sit on, has cool styling, and is a promising daily driver. Just don’t expect crazy speeds, even though the website claims 32mph, we only had it up to 28mph.
If you want big range without a big price tag, the R9 looks like a no brainer. But is it really? Lets find out!
Our Latest Videos On TST R9:
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Let’s be honest, the TST R9 looks like your standard moped style e-bike. In a crowded market, what makes it stand out? Well, the dual batteries, dual 15Ah batteries to be exact. Not only does it have 2 batteries, but the way the second battery is integrated in the frame is nearly seamless, and you’ll only notice it if you’re really looking.
Both of the batteries are also interchangeable, lockable and removable. Nice quality of life features if you want to charge the batteries separate. I have to knock them for only including 1 charger. That makes charging a hassle if you need to top up both batteries. It’s easy to forget to change over the charger to the other battery.
My tip if you only have one charger: Only use 1 battery at a time, if you run both at the same time, then you’ll have to charge them both. Its easy to switch the batteries on and off.
Performance: Peppy Enough
TST advertises a 1500W hub motor and a 32 mph top speed. On the road, it felt strong enough and even has that TST “rear-heavy” vibe where the front can get light—yes, you can actually lift the front wheel if you launch hard from a stop. Pretty fun for a hub bike, as long as you’re expecting it.
But the speed story is simple:
- Real-world top speed lands around 28 mph
- Headwinds pull it down into the low-mid 20s
- Acceleration is average not mind-blowing
I didn’t notice any more power or speed while running on both batteries vs 1. So the R9 is more of a range cruiser than a performance bike.
Comfort & Ride Quality
This is where the R9 surprised me in a good way: the seat is genuinely comfortable, especially compared to other budget mopeds. Suspension is basic (non-adjustable fork up front, coil shock in the rear), but it does the job for streets and bike paths—just don’t buy it as a dirt bike.
One comfort note: the riding position can feel a little cramped or “hunched” depending on how you rotate the bars, and because the bike’s weight is rear-biased it can feel wheelie-prone if you sit way back.
Brakes & Components: The Big Compromise
At this price, the most surprising thing on the build is the braking system: cable brakes, not hydraulics. Now, on the TST website they claim hydraulics, so if you purchase this bike that’s what I would expect. Definitely confusing for me though, because I didn’t know what to tell the viewers to expect.
On paper it’s a downgrade, but in practice they felt firm and stopped well enough—still, hydraulics would’ve been the right move for a $1299 bike.
Other basics:
- Shimano 7-speed (but pedaling isn’t the point; the seat is too wide for “real pedaling”)
- Compass knobby tires on alloy wheels (cool look, more noise, not true off-road)
- Bright enough headlight, basic display, twist throttle
Also: there’s a rear “passenger seat” pad, but no foot pegs, which is a weird choice if you actually plan to carry someone.
Specs at a Glance
TST R9Motor
1500W rear hub
Battery
Dual 48V 15Ah (30Ah total)
Top Speed
28mph
Weight
96.5lbs (dual battery) 88lbs (Single)
Suspension
Non-adjustable front and rear coil
Brakes
180mm cable (on our test unit, they claim hydraulic on the website)
Tires
20x4 inch Compass knobby tires
Pedal Assist
5
Price
$1199 Dual Battery $799 Single Battery (With code "AMPED" at checkout
Real-world results vary with rider weight, terrain, and weather.
Range: Realistic Expectations
TST claims 65–130 miles depending on single vs dual battery. In real riding, a more realistic expectation is:
- One battery (15Ah): ~20 miles throttle-heavy
- Both batteries (30Ah total): ~40–50 miles real-world if you ride like a normal person, with headwinds/hills factored in.
That’s the key: the R9 is a legit long-range budget moped, but 130 miles is “perfect conditions + low speeds + lots of pedaling” territory.
A nice touch is the “battery blender” behavior—you can flip the second battery on mid-ride as a backup and keep going with full power again.
.
Pros
- Dual-battery convenience = huge real-world range and backup peace-of-mind
- Comfortable seat (better than most budget mopeds)
- Peppy enough for most riders; fun “front gets light” launches
- Alloy wheels + tidy battery integration looks clean
- TST has a track record of decent reliability and U.S. support
Cons
- 28 mph reality feels underwhelming vs the “32 mph” claim
- Cable brakes on a $1299 dual-battery bike is a miss
- One charger included for two batteries
- Rear seat pad but no passenger pegs
- Wide seat makes pedaling awkward (this is a throttle-first bike)
Final Thoughts
The TST R9 is a practical, affordable way to get dual-battery range in a moped-style format. It’s not the fastest bike in the world, and it’s not a real off-roader—but for commuting, errands, and long neighborhood rides, it makes a lot of sense. If you’re the kind of rider who values “how far can I go” more than “how fast can I go,” the R9 is exactly what you’re looking for.
You can get $100 off the TST R9 Here with our code “AMPED” at checkout.
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Affiliate Disclaimer
Amped Cycle offers objective personal electric vehicle reviews. Some bikes we buy, some bikes are sent by the manufacturer or 3rd party. Any links used in this article and our YouTube channel may be affiliate links, Which means we make a commission that helps support our channel when you buy through those links. It costs nothing extra to you.
HiKeep sent this bike to test and keep in exchange for our unbiased review. No money changed hands.
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