Dirt Cheap Moped Ebike that can "Carry You AND a Friend" - TST R002 Review

Introduction

Looking for an affordable full suspension electric bike with moped styling? The TST R002 Moped-style ebike might be exactly what you're searching for. With impressive specs including a claimed top speed of 32 mph and up to 65 miles of range on a single charge, this sub-$1,000 e-bike offers significant value. But does it deliver on its promises? We took the TST R002 Moped-style ebike for a comprehensive test ride to find out if this budget-friendly electric moped truly performs.

Key Specifications

Motor: 1500W peak power geared hub motor

Battery: 48V 15Ah (720Wh) removable battery

Range: Up to 65 miles (rider weight dependent)

Top Speed: 32 mph (unlocked via app)

Wheels: 20" x 4" fat tires with knobby tread

Brakes: Coreride hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors

Suspension: Full suspension with basic HLT100 rear shock and dual crown front fork

Weight: 75 lbs (34 kg)

Price: Under $1,000 (limited-time promotion includes passenger seat and pegs)

Unboxing and Assembly

The TST R002 Moped-style ebike comes partially assembled in the box. Here's what you'll find when unboxing:

• TST R002 Moped-style ebike main frame with most components pre-installed
• 48V 15Ah battery
• Passenger seat and pegs (included free for limited time)
• Front wheel with hydraulic brake installed
• Headlight
• Fender
• Basic tools for assembly
• 3A charger (5-hour full charge time)
• User manual

Assembly is straightforward and requires attaching the front wheel, handlebars, pedals, passenger pegs, and installing the battery. Most riders should be able to complete assembly in under an hour with the included tools.

Design and Build Quality

Frame and Components

The TST R002 Moped-style ebike features a step-through frame design with full suspension, making it accessible for riders of various heights. The bike comes equipped with:

• Riser-style handlebars for comfortable upright riding position
• Coreride hydraulic brake levers
• Round rubber grips with zigzag pattern
• Left-hand thumb throttle
• Basic 7-speed Shimano shifter
• Dual crown front fork (non-adjustable)
• HLT100 rear shock absorber
• Integrated rear light with turn signals and brake light functionality
• Front headlight
• License plate mount
• Double wall chain guard

The battery tray doubles as the controller housing, creating a clean look while simplifying maintenance. The single-piece wheel construction eliminates the risk of broken spokes, a nice durability feature at this price point.

Controls and Display

The TST R002 Moped-style ebike features a color display (though fairly basic) that shows

• Speed
• Battery level (blue bars)
• Trip distance
• Pedal assist level (0-5)
• Power meter

A unique feature is the integrated turn signal system, activated by double-tapping the pedal assist buttons. The light button controls the front headlight, which automatically activates the rear light as well.

Performance Testing

Speed and Acceleration

In stock configuration, the TST R002 Moped-style ebike is limited to 20 mph (Class 2), but downloading the companion app allows unlocking Class 3 mode for speeds up to 28 mph. Our 200 lb test rider achieved:

• 0-20 mph: Gradual acceleration curve, reaching 20 mph in approximately 10-12 seconds (throttle only)
• Maximum speed: 27 mph on flat ground with throttle only (higher speeds likely possible with a lighter rider)
• Hill climbing: Successfully climbed a 12% grade (California Incline) at 11-13 mph using throttle only
• Steeper 20% grade: Managed 2-3 mph with throttle only, showing it can handle steep terrain, albeit slowly

Handling and Ride Quality

The TST R002 Moped-style ebike's 20" wheels make it feel nimble and stable at lower speeds. The full suspension system, while basic without adjustments, adequately absorbs bumps and rough surfaces:

• Front suspension: Basic dual crown fork provides decent shock absorption
• Rear suspension: Firmer, seemingly designed with passenger weight in mind
• Fat tires: The 4" wide knobby tires provide good traction on most surfaces

The bike handles well on pavement and light off-road conditions. The shorter wheelbase and 20" wheels create a compact riding position that likely suits riders under 6' best, though our 6'5" tester was still able to ride comfortably.

Braking

The Coreride hydraulic brakes paired with 180mm rotors deliver impressive stopping power:

• Linear and predictable brake modulation
• Quick stops from 20 mph with minimal hand effort
• Rear brake on the right, front brake on the left
• Activating brakes triggers flashing rear light for increased visibility

Battery Range

Our range test with a 200 lb rider using mostly throttle-only operation at higher speeds (pedal assist 5, Class 3 mode) yielded:

• 20 miles with 2/5 battery bars remaining after 1 hour 50 minutes
• 11 mph average speed
• No pedaling assistance

This suggests that the claimed 65-mile range is potentially achievable under ideal conditions: lighter rider, lower speed, more pedaling, and keeping the bike in Class 2 mode. Battery efficiency benefits from the bike's relatively light weight (75 lbs) compared to other moped-style e-bikes that can exceed 100 lbs.

Special Features

Passenger Capability

The TST R002 Moped-style ebike comes equipped with:

• Elongated seat with room for two riders
• Included passenger seat attachment (limited time offer)
• Passenger foot pegs

The rear suspension seems optimized for carrying a passenger, becoming more active with added weight on the rear. The passenger seating position is comfortable but requires the passenger to hold on to the rider.

All-Terrain Capability

While primarily designed for street use, we tested the TST R002 Moped-style ebike on various terrains:

• Grass: Handles well with minimal difficulty
• Sand: Can navigate firm sand near the water's edge but struggles in loose sand without pedaling assistance
• Inclines: Manages moderate hills effectively through motor power alone

Value Assessment

At under $1,000 with the current promotion, the TST R002 Moped-style ebike offers exceptional value:

• Full suspension
• Powerful 1500W peak motor
• Decent range battery (720Wh)
• Hydraulic brakes
• Passenger capability
• Integrated lighting with turn signals

Its 75 lb weight is notably lighter than many comparable moped-style e-bikes, making it more manageable for transport and storage. The build quality exceeds expectations for the price point, with thoughtful details like the single-piece wheels and dual crown fork.

Who Is It For?

The TST R002 Moped-style ebike is ideally suited for:

• Budget-conscious e-bike shoppers
• Riders seeking a moped-style e-bike without the bulk
• Commuters needing reliable transportation under 15 miles each way
• Casual recreational riders
• Those wanting to occasionally carry a passenger
• Beginners looking for manageable power and handling

Its combination of accessible power delivery and predictable handling makes it appropriate for newer riders, while still offering enough performance to satisfy more experienced e-bike enthusiasts.

Conclusion

The TST R002 Moped-style ebike delivers impressive value in the sub-$1,000 electric bike category. With its full suspension, decent range, and capable motor, it offers a comfortable and enjoyable riding experience that exceeds expectations at this price point. While it has some limitations—basic suspension without adjustments, moderately sized battery—these are reasonable compromises given the affordability.

For riders seeking an electric moped-style bike without breaking the bank, the TST R002 Moped-style ebike represents an excellent entry point that doesn't sacrifice essential features or performance. Its current promotion including passenger accessories makes it an even more compelling option for those looking to share the ride.

Where to Buy

The TST R002 Moped-style ebike is available directly from TSTebike's official website with current promotions bringing the price under $1,000. Be sure to check the site for the latest offers, as they're currently including the passenger seat and pegs at no additional cost for a limited time.