If you’ve been hunting for a stylish, powerful, and affordable moped-style electric bike that delivers serious performance without breaking the bank, your search might just end with the Jasion Retrovolt Pro. Priced at just $1,999, this e-bike promises a top speed of 38 mph, fat tires for off-road capability, hydraulic disc brakes, and a retro-modern design that turns heads. But does it actually deliver?
In this in-depth, hands-on review, we’ll break down everything you need to know—from real-world top speed tests and braking performance to passenger comfort, battery life, and ride quality—so you can decide if the Retrovolt Pro is the right e-bike for your urban commutes, weekend adventures, or campus cruising.
First Impressions: Unboxing the Jasion Retrovolt Pro
Unboxing the Retrovolt Pro feels like Christmas morning for e-bike enthusiasts. The model we tested came in Shadow Gray—a sleek, understated finish that blends urban sophistication with rugged utility. Jasion also offers a green variant, but the gray exudes a timeless, café racer vibe that pairs perfectly with its moped-inspired silhouette.
Inside the box, you’ll find:
- Pre-assembled frame with integrated rear rack
- Front wheel, fender, and handlebars
- Pedals, charger (58.8V / 3A), and basic toolkit
- A thoughtful thank-you note (a small but appreciated touch)
Assembly is straightforward—just attach the front wheel, secure the handlebars, mount the pedals and fender, and you’re ready to roll. Most riders can complete setup in under 30 minutes, even without prior mechanical experience.
Key Specifications at a Glance
Before hitting the road, let’s review the Retrovolt Pro’s standout specs:
💡 Note: While Jasion advertises a 90-mile range, real-world testing under mixed pedal-assist and throttle use typically yields 35–55 miles—still impressive for a high-torque bike.
Real-World Top Speed Test: Does It Really Hit 38 mph?
One of the biggest questions surrounding the Retrovolt Pro is its claimed 38 mph top speed. During our GPS-verified testing (not relying on the bike’s internal display), the highest speed achieved was 33–34 mph on flat terrain with a tailwind.
Factors affecting top speed:
- Rider weight: At ~180 lbs, we saw 33 mph. Lighter riders may approach 36–37 mph.
- Wind and terrain: A strong tailwind briefly pushed us to 34 mph.
- Battery charge: Full charge yields peak performance; speeds drop slightly as voltage decreases.
While it doesn’t quite hit the advertised 38 mph under typical conditions, 33+ mph is still class-leading for a sub-$2,000 e-bike—especially one with fat tires and a moped stance.
For context: the Super73-ZX (priced around $2,500–$3,000) typically reaches 28–32 mph in real-world use. The Retrovolt Pro outperforms it in raw speed and torque, making it a compelling value alternative.
Power & Torque: Built for Urban Thrills and Mild Off-Roading
The Retrovolt Pro boasts a 2,000W peak motor with 99 Nm of torque—significantly more than the Super73-Z Miami’s 60 Nm. This translates to:
- Instant throttle response
- Effortless hill climbs (on moderate inclines)
- Strong acceleration from stoplights
We tested it on two slopes:
- Gentle incline: Climbed easily at 5+ mph without a running start.
- Steep grassy hill: Required momentum but still made it to the top—barely.
Verdict: It’s not a dual-motor mountain e-bike, but it handles city hills, dirt paths, and park trails with confidence. For serious off-roading or steep mountain climbs, consider a dual-motor model—but for 95% of urban and suburban riders, the Retrovolt Pro has more than enough grunt.
Braking Performance: Hydraulic Discs That Inspire Confidence
Safety is non-negotiable at 30+ mph, and Jasion delivers with 180mm hydraulic disc brakes front and rear—a rarity at this price point.
Our brake test (from 25 mph to full stop):
- Stopping distance: ~3.5 car lengths (excellent)
- Feel: Firm, responsive levers with immediate bite
- Lock-up: Rear wheel locked cleanly without skidding uncontrollably
These brakes outperform many $2,500+ competitors still using mechanical discs. For a bike this fast, hydraulic brakes aren’t a luxury—they’re essential, and Jasion gets it right.
Ride Comfort: Stylish, But the Rear Shock Needs Work
The Retrovolt Pro nails the aesthetic: think Super73 meets vintage café racer, with a curved top tube, halo LED headlight, and integrated rear rack. The Caterpillar-pattern saddle is comfortable for solo rides up to an hour.
However, there’s one glaring flaw: the rear mono shock is extremely stiff.
- At 180 lbs, we felt minimal rear suspension travel—even over speed bumps.
- The spring appears rated for 800–1,000 lbs, making it overkill for average riders.
- Recommendation: Swap the rear shock for a 600-lb spring or adjustable unit for a noticeably smoother ride.
The front fork offers about 1 inch of travel—enough to take the edge off potholes and gravel, but don’t expect full-suspension comfort.
Two-Up Riding: Possible, But Not Ideal
Yes, the Retrovolt Pro can carry two riders—thanks to its long saddle and included rear pegs. We tested it with a combined weight of ~300 lbs, and the motor handled it without issue.
But comfort? That’s another story.
- The rear rider sits directly on the rear rack, which is unpadded and narrow.
- The driver gets pushed forward, compromising control.
- Jasion advertises the rack as a passenger spot but doesn’t sell a rear seat accessory (yet).
Workaround: Add an aftermarket pad or DIY a cushion. For occasional short rides (e.g., grabbing coffee with a friend), it works. For regular two-up use, consider a purpose-built tandem e-bike.
Battery & Charging: All-Day Range for Most Riders
The 52V / 20Ah (1,040Wh) battery is a standout feature. It’s removable with a key, making charging indoors easy and theft-resistant.
- Charging time: ~6.7 hours with the included 3A charger
- Real-world range:
- Throttle-only: ~35 miles
- PAS Level 2–3: ~50–55 miles
- Eco mode (PAS 1): Up to 65+ miles
The display shows real-time voltage (e.g., 58.1V = near full), which is far more accurate than generic battery bars—a feature we highly appreciate.
Display & Controls: Simple, Functional, Daylight-Readable (With Effort)
The color LCD shows:
- Speed (mph)
- PAS level (1–5)
- Odometer, trip, avg/max speed
- Battery percentage and voltage
While the screen can be hard to read in direct sunlight, angling it slightly solves the issue. The cruise control works as advertised, and the horn + turn signals add safety—though the horn is too quiet for busy traffic.
Who Is the Jasion Retrovolt Pro For?
This e-bike shines for:
- College students needing affordable, fast campus transport
- Urban commuters tired of traffic and parking hassles
- Weekend explorers who want style + light off-road ability
- Budget-conscious riders who want Super73-level performance at half the price
It’s less ideal for:
- Riders over 220 lbs (due to stiff rear suspension)
- Those needing daily 70+ mile range
- Serious mountain bikers
Pros & Cons Summary
✅ Pros:
- Blazing speed (33+ mph real-world)
- Exceptional torque (99 Nm) for hill climbs
- Hydraulic brakes with 180mm rotors
- Removable 1,040Wh battery
- Stylish retro-modern design
- Includes rear rack, pegs, fenders, and turn signals
- Under $2,000—unbeatable value
❌ Cons:
- Rear shock too stiff for average riders
- Headlight not bright enough for dark roads
- Horn is underpowered
- No official rear passenger seat
- Display hard to read in direct sun
Final Verdict: A High-Performance Steal at $1,999
The Jasion Retrovolt Pro isn’t perfect—but for under $2,000, it delivers 90% of the Super73 experience at 60% of the cost. With its head-turning design, legit 30+ mph speed, hydraulic brakes, and fat-tire versatility, it’s one of the best value moped-style e-bikes of 2025.
One upgrade recommendation: Swap the rear shock for a softer spring. Do that, and you’ve got a near-perfect urban runabout.
Whether you’re dodging traffic in the city, cruising coastal paths, or just want a fun, fast way to get around—the Retrovolt Pro deserves a spot on your shortlist.
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