Yadea Trooper 01 Review, 2024
Cool, Fast, and a Quick Hill-Climber – Yadea Makes a Solid First Impression
This week, the spotlight shines on the Yadea Trooper 01 review, a moped-styled e-bike from a younger brand now being offered in the U.S. e-Bike market. So, is this just another low-effort e-bike piggy-backing on the success of the Super73? Or, is it a real player in the big leagues of e-bikes? Let’s sort that out now.
The Yadea Trooper 01 is powered by a 750W motor and 80nM of torque. Its classic design merges the nostalgia of traditional cafe motor bikes with the efficiency of modern battery technology, creating what we think is a classically cool moto-inspired e-bike that could appeal to new and old-school riders alike.
While we did find some impressive testing results in over 100 miles of testing, the Yadea Trooper does have areas where it could improve. As I took it for a spin, the Yadea Trooper 01 proved to be more than just a mode of transportation; it was a smile-inducing speedster with a special emphasis in hill climbing.
However, when it comes to the slower, more relaxed pace – akin to a long-distance runner maintaining endurance and consistency – the bike could use some refinement. This aspect of performance at casual speeds isn’t quite as polished. Yet, considering that this is an early venture for a newer brand in the moped-style e-bike category, the Trooper 01 stands as a strong initial entry, showing great promise for future developments.
- Impressively quick acceleration powered by the 750 Watt Yadea rear hub motor.
- Forgiving full suspension frame featuring an RST front fork.
- Classically cool, moto inspired design.
- Good safety. Impressive stopping power with the Tektro Hydraulic Disc brakes.
- Sporty handling courtesy of the 20”X4” CST all-terrain knobby tires, short wheelbase, and low center of gravity design.
- We really liked the frame-mounted cargo box that lets you take your gear along for the ride.
- With a water resistance rating of IP65, you can take this bike through puddles and rain with confidence.
- A 960wh lithium battery providing an impressive 31-45 miles of range in our testing.
- Not uncommon for a moped style bike, but it’s not comfortable to pedal, especially for riders over 6 ft due to the low seat height.
- Throttle Efficiency: The Yadeas throttle offers “all or nothing” speed response. We’d like to see this get more refinement to allow users to “feather” the throttle as needed.
- Battery: 48V 20AH (960Wh)
- Display: LCD
- Motor: 750W Rear Hub (1300W peak)
- Headlight: LED
- Taillights: LED
- Pedal Assist: Pedal Assist 1 – 3
- Claimed Range: 25 miles on Throttle and 55 miles with PA
- Our Tested Range:: 31- 44 miles
- Throttle:Thumb Throttle
- App:No
- UL Certification:Yes – UL 2849
- Claimed weight: 73 lbs.
- Actual Weight: 79.62 w/ battery
- Rider height range: 5’ 4” to 6’ 4”
- Total payload capacity: 331 lbs
- Brakes:Tektro Hydraulic Disc Brakes (180mm)
- Fenders:20” – Front and Back
- Fork:Inverted Double Crown RST Front Fork with 80mm of Travel
- Frame: Aluminum 6061
- Drivetrain: 38-T KMC Single Speed (fixed)
- Grips: Black Rubber
- Saddle: Moto styled
- Handlebar: Alloy 680mm Width
- Kickstand: Yes
- Pedals: Flat Metal
- Tires: 4” X 20” CST Knobby Tires
Yadea Trooper 01 Review: Speed Test
To test the Troopers 750W rear-hub motor and its controller’s programming in ECO, MID and HIGH mode, we pedaled the bike on our southern Utah bike paths in each PAS setting and recorded our maximum speeds.
Starting with Level 1 (or ECO), I found the assistance leveled out on flat terrain to around 8.5 mph.
It’s worth noting my natural pedal cadence on the Yadea Trooper 01 was around 10-11 mph. Now, you don’t need to be a mathematician to realize that means the Troopers PAS 1 setting is less than my natural pedal cadence, effectively making PAS 1 the ghost pedal gear for me. Your mileage may vary depending on your relaxed pedal speed, but it’s something to keep in mind.
Moving to MID, the bike’s speed increased to an average of 14 mph. This represents a balanced middle ground, offering a noticeable increase in speed without becoming overly aggressive, making it a practical choice for everyday riding.
At level 3 (High), the Yadea Trooper 01 reached an average speed of 19.8 mph, showing it has no trouble holding the title of a Class 2 e-bike.
Since I was able to only use ECO and HIGH to gain any pedal assist benefit. In future iterations of the Yadea Trooper 01, we would like to see a PAS 1 setting at around 11-12 mph, then bumping up MID to around 14-15 mph and then topping out the bikes speed in HIGH would be a nice tune for this motor controller.
Overall, the Yadea Trooper 01’s performance across its three levels shows a range of speeds suitable for most riding conditions, from leisurely rides to faster throttle-powered journeys. The bike’s stability and handling remain consistent across these speed levels, contributing to a reliable riding experience.
Yadea Trooper 01 Review: Range Test
A standard part of our comprehensive review of the Yadea Trooper 01 is an in-depth Electric Bike Report (EBR) Range Test to evaluate its performance under real-world conditions. This test, performed along a network of paved multi-use paths, aimed to exhaust the e-bike’s battery fully, thereby determining the true range capabilities of the Trooper 01 at different levels of pedal assist.
For the initial part of our range test, I focused on the lowest practical pedal assist setting. Due to the Trooper 01’s gearing configuration, I selected the ‘Mid’ setting over the ‘Eco’ mode. The ‘ECO’ mode, providing assistance at approximately 8.5 mph, was just not enough juice for my natural pedaling pace of 10-11 mph.
On the ‘MID’ setting, the Trooper 01 maintained an average speed of 12.55 mph. This speed was more representative of the minimal assist level for this model, considering the bike’s gearing characteristics.
Over a duration of 3 hours and 57 minutes, and navigating an elevation of 784 feet, the bike covered 44.81 miles. While this performance did not reach the advertised 56 miles, it still demonstrated efficient power usage in a real-world context.
Additionally, it’s only fair to speculate on our end that if I did in-fact use the lower PAS 1 at 8.5 mph, I potentially would have been nearing the advertised range.
The second part of our range test assessed the Trooper 01 at its ‘HIGH’ pedal assist setting, the maximum available for this Class 2 e-bike. Avoiding throttle-only mode to focus solely on pedal-assisted performance, the bike achieved an average speed of 17.5 mph. It covered a distance of 31.19 miles in 1 hour and 47 minutes, facing an elevation gain of 574 feet.
This result was particularly noteworthy, as the bike exhibited one of the best performances in the moped class with a 750w motor and similar-sized battery to the Trooper’s 960Wh battery pack.
Overall the Yadea Trooper 01 delivers impressively in its Max power test and holds up well in the Minimum power test. Considering its moped style design, which typically involves more throttle usage than pedaling, the 31 mile range is pretty good, especially as it closely mirrors the range expected from throttle use only.
However, for those looking to extend their range to the fullest, a tweak in the Yadeas programming could make a significant difference. Currently, any throttle engagement propels the bike straight to 20 mph, lacking any precise control from the rider.
Adjusting the programming to link the throttle speed with the current PAS setting could lead to more controlled, slower rides and in-theory deliver a longer range time. This would not only enhance battery optimization from its current level, but also give riders more control over their bikes performance.
Bottomline, while the Yadea Trooper 01 stands out for its ability to maintain good mileage at higher speeds, introducing more refined options for managing speed and efficiency during slower rides would be a valuable improvement in future iterations.
Yadea Trooper 01 Review: Hill Test
In the throttle-only test, the Trooper 01 soared up Hell Hole with an impressive average speed of 16.7 mph, completing the climb in a swift 1 minutes and 5 seconds.
This result not only showcases the raw power of its motor but also places it among the top performers in its category. The Trooper 01’s throttle response and torque output are clearly engineered to handle challenging inclines with ease.
Switching to the PAS-HIGH setting test, the Trooper 01 further flexed its muscles, achieving a slightly better time of 1 minute and 3 seconds and an average speed of 17.2 mph.
Did you catch that?
We only gained a whopping 2 seconds of time pedaling on PAS-High vs the throttle only test. Frankly, all that means is, pedaling or not, this bike shreds hills with ease.
Since we established a standardized testing protocol with Justin as our lead hill tester, the Trooper 01 has not only outperformed many of its direct competitors in the e-moped class but also secured a notable position in our broader assessments.
With Justin’s experience from conducting hill climb tests on over 160 different bikes on the challenging Hell Hole course, the Trooper 01’s capabilities become even more remarkable. It ranks an impressive 7th out of these 160 bikes, spanning all e-bike classes in the throttle-only mode.
The Yadea Trooper 01’s hill test results are a testament to its emphasis at the engineering level: combining high-speed performance with the agility and power needed to dominate challenging terrains. The Trooper 01 proves to be a great choice for riders seeking a moped-style e-bike that isn’t afraid of a steep climb.
Yadea Trooper 01 Review: Brake Test
The Yadea Trooper 01 did not disappoint in the braking department – and let’s face it, that’s pretty crucial for these hefty speedsters.
The Trooper 01 is decked out with Tektro hydraulic brakes, a name that’s pretty much synonymous with “reliable” in the e-bike world. Opting for a 180mm rotor and 2-piston calipers combo, the Trooper 01 goes with a classic choice for e-bikes – not exactly reinventing the wheel (or rotor?), but it’s a combination that just works, balancing good performance and cost.
During our test, the Trooper 01 was subjected to three separate stopping trials from a speed of 20 mph. The results were impressively consistent, with stopping distances of 20’9”, 21’6”, and 21’7”, culminating in an average stopping distance of 21’3″. This performance places the Trooper 01 within 4 inches of our median brake test results for all of our tested moped-style e-bikes, which stands at 20’11”.
The Trooper 01’s braking efficiency can be attributed to several factors. Weighing in at 79.62 lbs, it falls within the typical weight range for its category, which aids in maintaining a balanced inertia during braking. The choice of 4″ wide tires, fitted on 20″ wheels offers good grip and better traction with shorter stopping distances.
Overall, the Yadea Trooper 01, with its hydraulic braking system, delivers competent and effective braking performance. The Trooper 01 remains a safe and reliable option for those seeking an e-moped with adequate braking power for everyday use.
Yadea Trooper 01 Review: Ride Quality
Starting at the handle bars, the Yadea Trooper sports BMX style handlebars with a nice wide stance and very comfortable rubber grips. The handle bars can be adjusted (tilted) either toward or away from the rider by loosening the four screws at the fixed stem.
Moving back to the seating, a moto-styled saddle gives the rider even further opportunities to create a comfortable seating position by sliding your hips either closer or farther away from the handlebars much more so than you would be able to on a traditional bike seat. This seating flexibility created by the longer moto seat and adjustable handlebars really allow you to dial in a good fit based on your height.
At the backbone of the Yadea Troopers ride quality is the full suspension design. Up front, an alloy RST air fork with 80mm of travel does a nice job of absorbing the impacts along your ride.
On the rear, a steel coil spring positioned under the saddle does an adequate job of taking the edge off of harder impacts like dropping off curbs, potholes and speed bumps.
The Tires are 20×4” CST knobby tires that do a nice job of aiding in the overall ride quality. The 4” wide tires help in tackling more varied terrain and absorbing the impact of natural obstacles like small rocks, gravel, and dirt trails.
However, it’s important to differentiate between a moto “inspired” bike and a true off-road bike. This bike was designed to get you around town and the occasional fire road or dirt trail, not a single track or technical MTB trail.
I should also mention that I did notice when riding wet paths after a rain, I found the CST tires to slip from time to time when cornering. To mitigate this, I aired down the tires a bit and found that increased traction was enough to limit slippage on my ride.
The 750W motor is initiated by the Yadea Troopers cadence sensor. In my 100+ miles of riding this week with the Trooper, I found that the bike takes about one full rotation of the pedal before I feel the motor kick on. The motor’s pedal assist (and throttle response) is very strong and to be frank, it’s just fun. You can hear a slight whine from the motor as is typical with most e-bikes, specifically in this class.
Bottomline, after riding the Yadea Trooper for the past week all over the city, I can confidently say it delivers a pretty smooth, comfortable ride that I found to be surprisingly good despite its compact form factor.
Yadea Trooper 01 Review: Summary / Where to Buy
Central to its appeal is the 750W motor coupled with a 960wh battery, which provides plenty of power, especially noticeable in hill-climbing scenarios. The Trooper 01 handles inclines with ease, a feature that stands out in its category. The bike’s full suspension system, including an RST front fork, contributes to a smooth ride, effectively absorbing bumps and irregularities on various terrains.
The bike’s 20×4” CST knobby tires and thoughtful frame design enhance stability and maneuverability. These features combine to offer a ride that balances comfort and control, a key consideration for any e-bike purchase.
However, the bike’s design might not suit everyone. Taller riders, in particular, might find the pedaling position slightly awkward due to the low seat height. This design trait suggests that the Trooper 01 is perhaps more suited for those who prefer using the throttle over pedaling for extended periods.
Overall, the Yadea Trooper 01 presents itself as a solid option for those in the market for an e-moped at a reasonable price. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of higher-priced competitors, it offers a balance of essential features and performance capabilities that make it a viable choice for both daily commuting and leisurely rides.
Happy Riding! Make sure to let us know if you have any questions or if you think we left anything out in this review of the Yadea Trooper 01 down in our comments section.