Biker scouts, more formally known as scout troopers, represented a specialized type of stormtrooper within the Galactic Empire, tasked with a variety of missions, primarily focused on reconnaissance. The 74-Z speeder bike was a favored vehicle for scout troopers. Their armor was lighter than that of standard troopers, analogous to their urban counterparts, the patrol troopers, who utilized C-PH patrol speeder bikes for navigation within densely populated urban areas.
As successors to the clone scout troopers of the Galactic Republic, the scout troopers functioned as the reconnaissance arm of the Galactic Empire. They received training emphasizing greater independence and adaptability compared to other Imperial military personnel. Although considered an elite special forces element separate from the standard Stormtrooper Corps, many scout troopers were routinely deployed alongside conventional stormtrooper units; one scout trooper, Rick, even held a position as a door technician in addition to his role as a trooper. Notably, some scout troopers were designated as "elite," indicating a higher standing within their organization: the Ghost Lancers, for instance, comprised an entire company of elite scout troopers tasked with identifying Imperial Academy graduates who met their specific criteria. Nevertheless, scout troopers were generally perceived as more elite soldiers compared to regular stormtroopers.
Imperial bases, cities, [planets](/article/planet], and other strategically important locations frequently housed scout troopers. The Death Star's shield generator on Endor, where elite scout troopers were stationed, provides a well-known example. Patrolling Imperial territories on speeder bikes, scout troopers maintained order and watched for potential threats, earning them the moniker "biker scouts." On planets such as Endor and Vardos, scout troopers could also be observed conducting patrols on foot.
Furthermore, scout troopers engaged in reconnaissance activities through various means. During combat, they were often dispatched to scout enemy positions, gathering intelligence to relay to their commander. Similarly, they might be assigned reconnaissance missions to gather data on individuals or groups outside of active combat situations. Espionage missions, involving infiltration behind enemy lines to acquire confidential information, also fell within their purview. These reconnaissance assignments could be protracted. The ranks of scout troopers also included sniper troopers, who employed long-range rifles in a wide array of operations. Sniper troopers might provide long-range fire support for stormtroopers during missions, or they could be deployed on reconnaissance missions, prepared to eliminate critical targets from a distance if needed.
Considered the most skilled marksmen in the Stormtrooper Corps, scout troopers were ideally suited for sniper roles and were frequently employed as assassins. Conversely, scout troopers also received training in close-quarters combat. When blasters proved insufficient, they were armed with electrobatons. Upon detecting Jedi, scout troopers were often dispatched to engage them using electrobatons against the Jedi's lightsaber. Scout troopers equipped with electro-batons were stationed on multiple planets, patrolling and confronting any Jedi they encountered. They also frequently encountered difficulties with the local fauna on planets like Zeffo and Kashyyyk. A specialized variant, known as Shield Troopers, combined an electro-baton with a physical shield. Scout troopers also possessed infiltration skills, typically employing EE-4 carbine rifles to infiltrate enemy-held positions and seize them for the Empire.
During the reign of the Galactic Empire, numerous scout troopers were stationed throughout Imperial territory. Electrobaton-equipped scout troopers were positioned on Zeffo, at the Imperial Refinery on Kashyyyk, and within the Fortress Inquisitorius on Nur. While patrolling with electrobatons, many scout troopers encountered and were killed by Padawan turned Jedi Knight Cal Kestis during the secret mission to rebuild the Jedi Order and the subsequent crusade against the Empire. A scout trooper named Rick worked as a door technician at Imperial Post 8L-055, where he encountered Kestis. Scout troopers fought against the Free Ryloth Movement during the Ryloth Insurgency. On Lothal, scout troopers served as part of the security detail for the excavation of the Lothal Jedi Temple. Ezra Bridger, a Padawan, and Sabine Wren, a Mandalorian of the Spectres, stole armor from LS-412 and LS-515 to infiltrate the Temple.
Scout troopers could be found on board Darth Vader's personal fleet, Death Squadron. A primary objective of the scout troopers was to assist the Sith Lord in suppressing the Rebel Alliance and its sympathizers and secret allies. Several scout troopers were part of Captain Magna Tolvan's force stationed on the moon of Yavin 4 after the Rebellion abandoned the Great Temple.
In 4 ABY, elite scout troopers, including the Ghost Lancers company, were responsible for guarding the Death Star's shield generator on Endor, which protected the DS-2 Death Star II Mobile Battle Station positioned above the forest moon. While the Empire initially employed All Terrain Armored Transports and All Terrain Scout Transports for reconnaissance in cleared areas, the dense undergrowth and wooded environment of the moon rendered most Imperial vehicles unsuitable due to their size. Consequently, scout troopers on swift 74-Z speeder bikes conducted the majority of vehicular patrol duties. Despite the potential hazards posed by Endor's towering trees, the forest's numerous trails offered safe passage. At least six scout troopers encountered Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Leia Organa, and Chewbacca while on patrol. Scout troopers later participated in the Battle of Endor.
Scout troopers also saw action in the Battle of Jakku. By 9 ABY, Moff Gideon commanded an Imperial remnant that included scout troopers.
Typically, scout troopers utilized 614-AvA speeder bikes and 74-Z speeder bikes, along with All Terrain Reconnaissance Transports.
Scout trooper helmets could be retracted while still being worn, exposing the wearer's face, unlike standard stormtrooper helmets. They wore a body glove beneath their armor. The cummerbund featured two pouches, commonly used for storing survival rations. A power unit backpack, also capable of storing additional gear, was attached to the back of their breastplate. A holster for their blaster pistol was located in their boot.
- EC-17 hold-out blaster [24]
- E-11 medium blaster rifle [25]
- EE-4 carbine rifle [14]
- DLT-19x targeting blaster [14]
- Pulse cannon [4]
- E-11s sniper rifle [4]
- Repulsor cannons [14]
- A280C blaster rifle [14]
- DLT-19 heavy blaster rifle [26]
- T-21B heavy blaster [26]
- SE-14C blaster pistols [26]
- Electrobaton (requires extra gear to be worn, including a battery pack) [2]
- Shock grenades [14]
- Sonic charges
- Laser-trip mines [14]
- Smoke grenades [26]
While scout troopers were themselves a specialized type of stormtrooper, further specializations and variants existed during the Imperial Era for different tasks.
- Hoth Scout Trooper : [27] Scout troopers used heated suits for operations in extremely cold environments, such as on Hoth. [20]
- Scout Trooper Commander : Stormtrooper Commanders who were assigned to scout trooper units. [2]
- Shield Trooper : Scout troopers who used both an electro-baton and a shield. [3]
- Sniper trooper : Scout troopers equipped with a sniper rifle. [4]