Yadea Trooper 01 Electric Bike Review: Is This Retro-Styled Moped E-Bike Worth It?
The Yadea Trooper 01 is an eye-catching moped-style electric bike that blends classic aesthetics with modern performance. With a torquey 750W motor that peaks at 1440W, full suspension, and a well appointed selection of components, this e-bike offers a compelling mix of power, style, and practicality. After thorough testing, it’s clear that the Trooper 01 has plenty to offer riders looking for a comfortable, stylish, and reliable ride.
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Unboxing and Assembly: What to Expect?
Out of the box, the Yadea Trooper 01 arrives mostly assembled, requiring only the installation of the handlebars, lights, and pedals. The process is straightforward, with no complex wiring or adjustments needed. The e-bike comes with a 3-amp charger, capable of fully charging its 48V 20Ah battery in approximately 6.6 hours. Notably, the battery features UL certification, ensuring higher safety standards.
One of the standout design element is the included center storage basket, a convenient addition for carrying small essentials. Under the seat, a small storage compartment provides additional space. The battery securely clicks into place without requiring a key to lock it, simplifying operation.
Who Is Yadea? A Leader in the E-Mobility Industry
If you’ve never heard of Yadea, they are one of the largest electric vehicle manufacturers in the world. Founded in 2001, Yadea has sold millions of e-bikes, e-scooters, and electric motorcycles across more than 90 countries. The company is known for its commitment to innovation, producing high-quality electric two-wheelers with a strong focus on sustainability and cutting-edge battery technology. Yadea has won multiple design and engineering awards, positioning itself as a major player in the global e-mobility market.
Design and Build Quality: How Durable Is the Yadea Trooper 01?
With a retro, café racer-inspired design, the Trooper 01 is a visually appealing e-bike. The moto-style LED headlight, elongated cushioned saddle, and BMX-style handlebars contribute to its distinctive look. The CST BFT 20×4-inch tires feature an aggressive tread pattern, making them suitable for both paved and light off-road terrain.
The e-bike features an RST dual crown front suspension fork, which, while non-adjustable pairs well with the rear mounted shock and the cushy fat tires. The seat comfort was a bit of a surprise as many moped styled e-bikes have trouble in this area.
At 73 lbs, the Yadea Trooper 01 is manageable for a moped-style e-bike, supporting a total payload of 331 lbs. The frame-mounted kickstand and metal pedals enhance its overall durability, and the rubber grips on the handlebars feel premium compared to many competitors.
How Fast Is the Yadea Trooper 01?
Equipped with a 750W rear hub motor peaks over 1400W producing 80Nm of torque, the Trooper 01 delivers solid acceleration and climbing power. Straight out of the box, the bike is limited to 20 mph as a Class 2 e-bike, but unlocking the speed limiter allows it to reach 30 mph when testing. The single-speed drivetrain reinforces that this bike is primarily designed for throttle-based riding rather than pedal efficiency. When pedaling the assist modes kick in smoothly and help extend range.
- The e-bike features three pedal assist levels:
- * Eco Mode: Maintains a steady 13 mph, ideal for controlled riding.
- * Medium Mode: Offers an improved balance of speed and efficiency, reaching 15 mph.
- * High Mode: Allows top speed, comfortably cruising at 20 mph with pedal assist if locked or 30 mph unlocked.
The thumb throttle provides direct power control, but there is a slight lag when engaging the throttle from a complete stop. This is a common ‘feature’ as it prevents unexpected acceleration in crowded environments.
Braking and Safety: How Reliable Are the Brakes?
Braking performance is a major strength of the Trooper 01. It features four-piston Tektro hydraulic brakes with 180mm rotors, providing strong and reliable stopping power. These are good hydraulic brakes we see on e-bikes at this price level and stopping distance performance for the Trooper were a bit better than average. The Trooper is slightly lighter than other similar bikes tested and it showed in the brake test.
Safety features include a built-in horn, reflectors, and a highly visible tail light that functions as a brake light. The large headlight is bright and effective, making night riding much safer.
Battery Life and Range: How Far Can the Yadea Trooper 01 Go?
- The 960Wh battery offers an advertised range of up to 55 miles, but like most, real-world testing yielded slightly lower figures:
- * Medium Mode: Achieved 44 miles on a charge
- * High Mode: Covered 29 miles which was more than we expected.
While it doesn’t quite reach the full advertised range, these results are impressive, especially given the ebike’s high peak power output. The voltage display on the GZ3 LCD screen provides a more accurate way to monitor remaining battery life compared to a simple percentage-based gauge.
Can the Yadea Trooper 01 Handle Hills and Off-Road Terrain?
The Trooper 01 performs well on inclines, much better than the 750W rating would imply. Yadea’s design and manufacturing experience definitely helped them pair the right motor peak power and torque rating for their Trooper 01. With pedal assist engaged, the bike climbs even faster, making it a suitable choice for hilly commutes and areas. After going through hill testing, the e-bike’s performance puts it near the top of the rankings for average uphill speed.
Off-road performance is somewhat limited. The knobby CST tires provide decent traction on packed dirt and gravel trails, but in sandy areas, the ebike bogs down. The front fork soaks up big bumps while the rear mono-shock is on the firmer side. The rear shock with the cushioned seat work well in urban environments but rough trails are less comfortable.
Is the Yadea Trooper 01 Comfortable for Long Rides?
Comfort is another area where the Trooper 01 shines. The wide saddle provides ample seating space and enough cushioning for extended commuting trips. The BMX-style handlebars allow for an upright and relaxed riding position.
The compact geometry with lower seat height of the ebike means that riders over 6′ may feel a bit cramped when pedaling. Given the throttle-focused design style, it is not major drawback. The ability to adjust handlebar tilt helps personalize the fit to some extent.
Strengths and Areas of Improvement: Is it all bad?
- Strengths
- * Stylish retro-inspired cafe-racer design
- * Powerful 750W motor with strong acceleration
- * Four-piston hydraulic brakes for excellent stopping power
- * Comfortable riding position
- * Included storage basket and under-seat compartment
- * Large bright headlight
- Areas for Improvement
- * Slight throttle lag from a dead stop
- * Non-adjustable front suspension
- * Limited off-road capability on loose terrain
Considerations and Regulations
Before purchasing, riders should be aware of local e-bike laws, particularly regarding speed classifications. In some regions, electric bikes exceeding 20 mph may require additional licensing or safety measures. Riders unlocking the e-bike to reach its higher speed capabilities should ensure compliance with local regulations.
Final Thoughts: Is the Yadea Trooper 01 a Good E-Bike?
Rating: 8.4/10
The Yadea Trooper 01 offers a compelling mix of power, comfort, and style, making it a great choice for riders looking for a moped-style e-bike. With a well-built frame, powerful 750W motor, and impressive braking performance, it holds its own in the competitive e-bike market. Whether you’re commuting, cruising around town, or tackling moderate hills, this e-bike delivers an enjoyable and practical riding experience. For those who appreciate retro styling with modern technology, the Trooper 01 is a standout choice.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the Yadea Trooper 01 E-Bike
How fast does the Yadea Trooper 01 electric bike go?
The Yadea Trooper 01 e-bike comes as a Class 2 electric bike with a top speed of 20 mph using throttle or pedal assist. However, riders can unlock the speed limiter to reach 30 mph, making it a powerful choice for urban commuting and recreational rides.
What is the real-world battery range of the Yadea Trooper 01?
The Yadea Trooper 01’s 48V 20Ah battery provides an advertised range of up to 55 miles. In real-world testing 29-44 miles between the Medium and High Mode settings which is impressive.
Does the Yadea Trooper 01 handle hills and inclines well?
Yes, the Trooper 01 performs well on inclines, much better than the 750W rating would imply, making it a suitable choice for hilly commutes and areas. After going through hill testing, the e-bike’s performance puts it near the top of the rankings for average uphill speed.
What type of suspension does the Yadea Trooper 01 have?
This moped-style e-bike features an RST dual crown front suspension fork for improved shock absorption on urban roads and light off-road terrain. It also has a rear mono-shock suspension, though it’s tuned on the firmer side, making it better suited for paved surfaces and moderate bumps rather than rough trails.
Is the Yadea Trooper 01 a good e-bike for commuting?
Absolutely! The Yadea Trooper 01 commuter e-bike includes essential features like a long-range battery, powerful hydraulic brakes, full suspension, and built-in lights for safety. The integrated storage basket adds practicality for carrying small items, making it a solid choice for daily commutes and urban exploration.
