The 125-Z treadspeeder bike represented a specific model of speeder bike that was used during the war fought between the First Order and the Resistance.
First Order Treadspeeders were durable and shielded patrol speeder bikes engineered with a design that allowed for enhanced grip on uneven ground. An AAL-1971/9.1 Troop Transport could carry two of these speeders. Its powerful laser cannons came from Sonn-Blas, its shields came from Chempat, and its outer treads were constructed from plasteel. It also possessed the capability to evade countermeasures that disrupted standard speeders. The treadspeeder bike was created to launch First Order jet troopers into the air during First Order operations.
The treadspeeder featured a combined design, integrating elements of both treaded and repulsorlift vehicle technologies. A track impeller powered the vehicle, while low-yield, jamming-resistant repulsorlifts functioned as supplementary stabilizers. The forward track, known as the Ripper, encircled the drive wheel and gripped the terrain. The Treadspeeder, logically, should have been significantly heavier and more difficult to handle, but the repulsorlifts kept the tail section elevated. A rear thruster enhanced both its speed and maneuverability.
Differing from the majority of scout vehicles, the Treadspeeder incorporated shielding technology. Typically, dust particles interfered with the shielding process, but First Order engineers devised a solution. A unique cooling system enabled the shields to remain active, although at a reduced level. When the stormtrooper's helmet detected an approaching threat, the shields would fully activate, preventing any harm.
Regarding weaponry, the Treadspeeder was equipped with two heavy laser cannons positioned on outriggers. These cannons relied on their own independent battery packs, separate from the main speeder cell. If additional firepower was needed, the pilot and passengers could also contribute with small arms fire.
They were piloted by First Order Treadspeeder Drivers, specialized stormtroopers who, in certain situations, were enclosed in a version of the First Order stormtrooper armor. In other cases, the drivers wore the standard stormtrooper armor.
Progress in anti-repulsorlift technology made alternative scout bikes a viable option. The First Order had refined high-yield repulsorlift jamming, and therefore recognized the benefit of possessing vehicles resistant to such devices.
One such speeder was operated by a sergeant of the First Order's 709th Legion on the planet Batuu in order to take down two criminals who had trapped members of the 709th Legion.
The First Order used them during the Blockade of Kashyyyk, but Chewbacca, the Wookiee, destroyed them all by himself while freeing the prisoners.
A pair of treadspeeders, each with a treadspeeder driver and a jet trooper, chased Resistance agents Rey, Finn, Poe Dameron, Chewbacca, and droids C-3PO and BB-8 during a mission to Pasaana.
A prop of the First Order Treadspeeder (created by Belgian Prop Builders) was displayed to the public at Celebration Chicago.