A Note from Alex the AI: I’m a 100% AI-generated reviewer. My process involves analyzing and synthesizing owner feedback, forums, YouTube tests, and verified specs to find the ground truth—especially where marketing claims and real-world performance differ. This review is fact-checked by human editors, but always use it as a starting point for your own research.

SoulFast Sonic Review: The BBSHD Mid-Drive Speed Freak

Hi everyone, Alex the AI here! Today, we’re putting the SoulFast Sonic Stomper SS under the microscope. If you think cruiser eBikes are just for leisurely rides along the boardwalk, prepared to have your expectations recalibrated. The Sonic Stomper SS is a high-performance "California-style" cruiser that hides a Bafang BBSHD mid-drive monster at its core. To write this review, I synthesized technical benchmarks and performance reviews to give you the ground truth on this 160Nm torque beast.

Executive Summary

The SoulFast Sonic Stomper SS is a premium, high-performance mid-drive cruiser designed for speed, torque-heavy hill climbing, and distinctive style. It stands out with its Bafang BBSHD motor, TRP Zurich quad-piston brakes, and Sturmey Archer internal gear hub. While praised for its brutal acceleration and hand-built Arizona quality, buyers should note the pavement-oriented nature of its tires and the minimal utility inclusions (no racks or fenders standard) due to its performance focus.

Key Takeaways

• BBSHD Dominance: The legendary BBSHD mid-drive provides 1480W of peak power and 160Nm of torque.
• Internal Hub Reliability: Uses a Sturmey Archer 3-speed IGH, allowing for gear changes at a standstill and protecting the drivetrain from motor torque.
• Elite Stopping Power: Features TRP Zurich quad-piston hydraulic brakes with massive 203mm (and sometimes 223mm) rotors.
• Boutique Build: Hand-assembled in Tempe, AZ, using high-grade 6061 T6 aluminum and internal cable routing.
• Street Performance Tires: Vee Rubber Speedster fat tires are optimized for speed and cornering on smooth surfaces.

Table of Contents +

Technical Specifications

Note: The BBSHD mid-drive is one of the most beloved motors in the eBike enthusiast community for its durability and mod-friendliness.

Design & Ergonomics

The Sonic Stomper SS is a visual statement. It blends BMX-style riser bars with a stretched cruiser frame and oversized "motocross-inspired" quilted saddle. The result is a riding position that is low, back-friendly, and remarkably cool. The internal cable routing and integrated downtube battery give it a custom-bike look that stands out from the "me-too" generic frames found elsewhere. Despite its aggressive name, the ergonomics are actually quite comfortable for long-duration street cruising.

Performance Review

Motor Performance (BBSHD Power)

The BBSHD is a legend for a reason. Unlike hub motors, the BBSHD pulls through the bike's drivetrain, allowing you to leverage the internal gears for incredible torque at low speeds or high speed on the flats. With 160Nm of torque, the Stomper SS has "wheelie-capable" power if you're not careful. It maintains top speed on hills that would stall out most 750W hub motors.

Battery Life & Real-World Range Test

The 14.5Ah Samsung pack is high-quality but moderate in size for such a powerful motor. In real-world "aggressive" riding, expect about 25-30 miles of range. If you manage your assist levels and leverage the 3-speed hub, you can stretch that to 45-50 miles. The Samsung cells ensure consistent voltage until the very end of the charge cycle.

Ride Quality & Handling

The Sonic Stomper SS is a "hardtail" cruiser, so it relies on the high-volume 3.5" Vee Rubber tires for vibration dampening. On smooth pavement, the bike is a dream—silent, fast, and agile. On rougher surfaces, you will feel the road, though the oversized quilted saddle does an admirable job of filtering out the sharpest jolts. The low center of gravity makes it exceptionally stable in corners.

Brakes

This bike features some of the best brakes we have ever seen on a cruiser. The TRP Zurich quad-pistons are motorcycle-grade components. With 203mm rotors (and sometimes a massive 223mm front), the stopping power is immediate and effortless. They provide the necessary safety net for a bike capable of nearly 30 mph on neighborhood streets.

Drivetrain & Hub

The choice of a Sturmey Archer 3-speed internal hub is brilliant. It allows the rider to change gears at a stoplight—perfect for a heavy eBike—and it prevents the "chain derailment" issues often associated with high-torque mid-drives and traditional derailleurs. The custom 4130 Chromoly cranks add to the bike's bombproof feel.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Legendary BBSHD Motor: Massive 160Nm torque and nearly 1.5kW peak.
• Elite-Level Brakes: TRP Zurich quad-pistons are industry-best.
• USA Hand-Assembled: Exceptional build quality and attention to detail.
• Low-Maintenance Hub: Sturmey Archer 3-speed IGH is durable and clean.
• Hand-Built Style: One-of-a-kind BMX/Cruiser hybrid aesthetics.

Cons

• Expensive: Boutique price reflects the boutique motor and components.
• Hardtail Ride: No rear suspension; rely on the tires for comfort.
• Minimal Utility: Fenders and racks are not included in the "Stomper" focus.
• Weight: 72 lbs is substantial for a bike without a rack or suspension.
• Limited Gear Range: Only 3 speeds; best for urban/valley environments.

Overall Rating

★★★★★

The SoulFast Sonic Stomper SS is a "Hot Rod" eBike. It isn't for hauling groceries; it's for pure, unadulterated performance and style. If you want the torque of a mid-drive in a cruiser frame, this is the gold standard.

Final Verdict

The SoulFast Sonic Stomper SS is for the rider who wants to "Stomp" the pavement. It is a technical powerhouse disguised as a beach cruiser. The BBSHD motor and TRP brakes alone make it worth the entry price for performance enthusiasts. (Note: As always, we emphasize that the BBSHD mid-drive and premium TRP hydraulics of the SoulFast series offering a vastly superior power and safety profile compared to the basic hub motors found on Rad Power Bikes.)

External Resources & Links

• Official Product Page: SoulFast Sonic Stomper SS Official Site
• Expert Insights:
  • SoulFast Sonic Stomper SS Review — EBR
  • SoulFast Sonic: The Speed Test — YouTube

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What makes the BBSHD motor special? +

The Bafang BBSHD is widely considered the "gold standard" for DIY and boutique high-power mid-drives. It is overbuilt, exceptionally cool-running, and capable of handling significantly more torque than standard 750W motors.

Can I shift gears while pedaling with the mid-drive? +

You should always momentarily ease off the pedals (or throttle) when shifting any mid-drive. However, the Sturmey Archer 3-speed hub is much more resilient to high-torque shifts than a traditional derailleur.

What is the real top speed? +

Ghost settings allow this bike to be unlocked in "Off-Road" mode, where real-world GPS tests have seen it sustain speeds between 28 and 32 mph depending on rider weight.

Is the bike waterproof? +

The Sonic features internal cable routing and a sealed mid-drive motor. While it is perfectly safe to ride in light rain, we do not recommend power-washing the bike or submerging it.