TST Buddy
BikeRide finds and shows you the best prices of the bikes you want to buy. Prices constantly change and it’s impossible to compare them all yourself.
We search for prices on over 120 bike retailers to guarantee that we find the lowest prices – to save you time and money.
It’s a promise we stand behind: If you find a lower price on a bike elsewhere, we will sell it to you for 10% less. For example, if you find a bike for $480 that we have listed at $500, we will offer you to buy it for $432 through BikeRide. The bike must be the same color and size, sold in the US and not include the use of a coupon.
If you find a lower price, email us at [email protected] with documentation of the price. We’re committed to making sure that the cost of a bike does not keep you from cycling!
Facts
Summary of Reviews
We have read all expert and user reviews on the TST Buddy. In summary, this is what cyclists think. Published Jan 21, 2026 by Amar Punekar.
7 reasons to buy
- TST offers the Buddy in two builds: standard (480Wh) and Pro (720Wh). The Pro has a step-through frame.
- Testers enjoy the throttle’s high unlocked speed and climbing power.
- This bike comes with a headlight, fenders, a bottle cage mount, and a rear rack.
- A reviewer of the standard build gets a throttle-only range of 16 miles on a hilly paved route.
- At a claimed 65.4lb, the standard build is relatively lightweight for a folding fat-tire e-bike.
- Testers find the ride comfortable over broken pavement.
- Reviewers say the folded Buddy fits easily into a sedan's trunk.
10 reasons not to buy
- TST provides unclear, inconsistent, and incorrect details about this bike, and the company doesn't provide an online user manual for the Buddy Pro.
- An expert reports the motor on the standard build is a 500W motor rather than the claimed 750W.
- Testers say the mechanical disc brakes deliver weak stopping power and poor modulation.
- With a max seat height of 27.8”, the Buddy won't fit riders at the tall end of the stated height range (4’11” to 6’4”).
- The non-adjustable suspension fork bottoms out easily over ruts, according to a reviewer.
- When unlocked, the throttle exceeds the legal 20mph e-bike limit, making the bike illegal in most states.
- Two testers find the bike unstable at high speeds.
- The telescopic handlebar is limited to around three inches of adjustment due to cable length.
- This bike doesn’t have a taillight or a horn.
- The below-average IPX4 water rating means the Buddy shouldn't be used in heavy rain.
Bottom line
TST’s budget folding fat-tire e-bike, the Buddy, comes in two builds: standard and Pro. The Pro has a step-through frame and higher-capacity battery. TST does a frustratingly poor job of listing the specifications, making it unclear how the bike is equipped. The product page is littered with incorrect and incomplete details about the bike. The weak mechanical brakes, poor suspension fork, and exaggerated sizing add to its woes. Nonetheless, testers enjoy the throttle speed, climbing power, decent range, and relatively compact fold, considering the Buddy a decent budget choice in this segment.Expert Reviews
80/100 based on 2 rated expert reviewsIt Actually Fits in a Regular Car! TST Buddy E-Bike Is a True Folding Fat Tire Bike.
TST Buddy Foldable E-Bike “Walkthrough/Review”
The Perfect Campervan Companion? TST Buddy Folding E-Bike Review
TST R002 Buddy, Fat Tire / Foldable E-Bike – Unboxing and Review
TST Buddy Folding E-Bike – Review of a Fun E-Bike – Affordable Fun on Two Wheels!! Check It Out!
Rankings
Best Electric Bikes
Bike Comparison
Forum Discussions
-
1 hour ago
-
2 hours ago
-
2 hours ago