PHILODO Forester Electric Bike Review: 5000W AWD Power, 60V Range

AWD POWER PICK

PHILODO Forester Electric Bike — 5000W AWD, 60V Range

Our take: a blisteringly quick, full-suspension fat-tire e-bike with dual motors and a 60V 25Ah battery—ideal for hills, gravel, and fast mixed-terrain commutes.

4.7/5

• AWD dual hubs (5000W peak) launch hard; unlock to 45 mph where legal
• 60V 25Ah battery: up to 50–70 miles; charge on or off the bike
• Full suspension + hydraulic discs; confident control at speed
• 26×4″ fat tires for sand, snow & gravel; stable, puncture-resistant ride
• Six modes + Class 1/2/3 limits via LCD; PAS or throttle flexibility

Motor

Dual Hub AWD (5000W peak)

Battery

60V 25Ah Removable

Top Speed

Up to 45 mph*

Range

50–70 miles (PAS)

Check Live Price See Pros & Cons

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Most “power” e-bikes promise a lot. The PHILODO Forester is one of the rare few that actually deliver. It’s a full-suspension, dual-motor, fat-tire bruiser built around a 60V system and an enormous 25Ah battery. On paper you’re looking at up to 45 mph with both hub motors engaged, 50–70 miles of claimed range, hydraulic disc brakes, and a rider-friendly LCD that lets you switch between Class 1/2/3 behavior when you want to stay street-legal. In practice, it rides like a two-wheeled bulldozer with manners—fast, planted, and surprisingly comfortable once you dial in the suspension and tire pressure.

What is it? Think of the Forester as a go-anywhere adventure bike that just happens to crush city commutes too. The 26×4-inch fat tires, front suspension fork (lockable and adjustable), and an adjustable rear air shock take the sting out of washboard paths, broken city pavement, and fire roads. The dual geared hub motors provide real AWD traction—that front hub isn’t just for show—and the hydraulic brakes rein the whole package in with confidence.

Who makes it? PHILODO has made a name for itself by building value-packed, high-power fat tire e-bikes. The Forester sits at the top of that lineup: AWD, 60V/25Ah battery, hydraulic brakes, full suspension, and a rated 330-lb payload. It’s not a featherweight (about 94.8 lb), but in the Forester’s world, heft is the price of capability.

Is PHILODO Forester for you?

If you’ve ever wished your e-bike climbed like a mountain goat, tracked straight on loose gravel, and sprinted onto 35–40 mph roads without flinching, the Forester will feel like it was built for you. Dual motors (each 2,500 W peak) give you instant shove, the big 60V pack sustains that shove longer than typical 48V systems, and the suspension takes the rattle out of rough surfaces. Commuters carrying heavy loads, taller riders (recommended 5'5"–6'5"), and anyone with hill-heavy routes will appreciate the extra headroom.

It’s not the right pick if you need something nimble and lightweight for fifth-floor walk-ups or multi-modal trips on buses and trains. The Forester is large and heavy, and you’ll feel that when lifting it or threading tight stairwells. It’s also overkill for riders restricted to low-speed bike paths; while you can limit it to Class-legal speeds via the display, you’re still pedaling a big-frame, dual-hub machine.

Budget-wise, I’d put it in the upper mid-range to premium value tier of fat-tire e-bikes given its component stack and 60V system. It’s beginner-friendly in the sense that its LCD offers six riding modes (Dual/Single Motor Electric, PAS, Walk, Cruise, and Bike-only), and you can tame the bike to Class 1 or 2. Just respect the power curve and give yourself a couple of rides to learn throttle finesse.

What We Like About PHILODO Forester

The headline is the AWD dual-motor system. On asphalt, you feel it as smooth, relentless acceleration. Off-road or on dusty climbs, the front hub adds just enough pull to keep the front end planted instead of washing out. Paired with a 60V/25Ah battery, you get that rare combination of high current delivery and staying power—there’s less voltage sag on hill repeats and far less “falls flat” feeling as the battery drops below 50%.

The full-suspension layout is well-judged for this category. The lockable front fork lets you firm things up for efficient road miles, then you can open it and let the rear air shock float you over roots and potholes. It’s not enduro-bike plush, but for a versatile commuter-adventure machine it hits the sweet spot. Equally important, hydraulic disc brakes provide the bite and modulation you want when your bike can hit motorcycle-adjacent speeds.

Daily-use details show thoughtful execution: 26×4″ fat tires that shrug off ruts and sand, a bright headlight, fenders and rear rack included, IPX-rated battery housing, and an LCD that’s actually readable in daylight. The multi-mode setup is excellent—toggle between Dual and Single motor, kick on Cruise for long flats, or use Walk Mode when you’re pushing a 95-lb rig up a ramp. The 7-speed drivetrain gives you enough cadence choice to keep PAS feeling natural up to brisk speeds.

What We Don’t Like About PHILODO Forester

Weight is the obvious trade-off. At roughly 94.8 lb, the Forester demands ground-level storage and ramps, not stairs. The battery is large and can take 8–9 hours to recharge from empty with the included charger—reasonable for the capacity but long if you drain it daily.

Another consideration is regulatory fit. The bike can hit 45 mph under throttle/PAS in open mode; that’s beyond Class-3 in many regions. You can restrict it via the display (which I recommend for shared paths), but riders who mostly want a Class-2 experience may be paying for power they won’t legally use.

The PAS feels cadence-sensor based rather than torque-sensor smooth. On low levels it’s fine, but at higher assist you may notice on/off surges if you’re used to torque systems. The LCD is functional but not fancy; it doesn’t offer deep ride analytics. Finally, dual hubs mean more wiring and more maintenance points than a single-motor bike, and tire/wheel service requires care around the motor cabling.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Massive AWD dual-motor thrust; excellent hill climbing and loose-surface control	Heavy (≈94.8 lb)—not stair-friendly
60V/25Ah battery sustains power; real-world range headroom	8–9 hr charge from empty with stock charger
Full suspension with lockable fork + adjustable rear air shock	Cadence-based PAS lacks torque-sensor finesse
Strong, predictable hydraulic disc brakes	Needs display limiting to stay within Class-legal use
26×4″ fat tires for mixed terrain, better puncture resistance at lower PSI	Extra wiring/complexity from dual hubs
Class 1/2/3 configurable, plus Walk & Cruise modes	LCD is basic; limited ride analytics
330-lb payload; tall-rider friendly (5'5"–6'5")
Rack, fenders, bright headlight included

What’s Included?

• PHILODO Forester e-bike (dual geared hub motors pre-installed)
• Removable 60V 25Ah battery
• Standard charger (charge on- or off-bike)
• LCD display and control pad (pre-wired)
• Full-coverage fenders (front and rear)
• Rear cargo rack
• Headlight and reflectors
• Tool kit for assembly and adjustments
• Kickstand
• User manual and 1-year limited warranty information

Overall, the in-box experience is strong for a high-power fat-tire bike. The rack, fenders, and lighting mean you’re commute-ready without extra spending. I’d still add a good folding lock and perhaps upgraded pedals, but there are no glaring omissions for the target use. The only thing I’d love to see someday is a faster charger option in the box for that big 25Ah pack.

Technical Specifications

Component	Spec
Motors	Dual geared hub motors, 2,500 W peak each (AWD selectable)
Battery	60V 25Ah removable, BMS-protected
Claimed Range	Up to 50–70 miles (mode and conditions dependent)
Top Speed	Up to 45 mph (unlocked); Class-limit capable via display
Tires	26×4″ fat tires
Suspension	Lockable/adjustable front fork, adjustable rear air shock
Brakes	Hydraulic disc brakes
Drivetrain	7-speed derailleur
Frame	Aluminum alloy
Rider Height	Recommended 5'5"–6'5"
Max Payload	330 lb
Bike Weight	≈94.8 lb
Display	LCD with PAS levels, dual/single motor toggle, Class settings
Modes	Dual/Single Motor Electric, PAS, Walk, Cruise, Bike-only
Water Resistance	Battery housing IPX rated (manufacturer states IPX6 in marketing images)
Charging Time	~8–9 hours from low state of charge
Dimensions	Long wheelbase; manufacturer graphics list overall length ~78″, bar width ~28″

Features

• AWD 5,000 W (peak) drive system: Switch between single- and dual-motor operation for efficiency or maximum traction.
• 60V architecture: Higher system voltage for stronger sustained power and less voltage sag under load.
• Full suspension: Lockout fork for efficient tarmac miles; rear air shock for comfort on rough surfaces.
• Hydraulic disc brakes: More bite and better modulation than mechanical setups, especially at speed.
• 26×4″ fat tires: Large contact patch for sand, snow, gravel, and pothole-ridden city streets.
• Multi-mode control: Cruise Mode for steady speeds, Walk Mode for ramps, configurable Class 1/2/3 behavior.
• Commuter-ready: Rear rack, full fenders, bright headlight, and reflectors included.
• Fit & load: Supports riders from 5'5" to 6'5" and payloads up to 330 lb.
• LCD display: Readable at a glance; shows speed, PAS, battery, and lets you configure power limits.
• Warranty & support: Listed 1-year coverage and responsive customer support.

Feature verdict: The Forester stacks a lot of performance hardware for the money: AWD, 60V/25Ah, hydraulic brakes, and suspension in a single package is rare at this tier. The only spec that trails higher-end rivals is the lack of a torque sensor and the long charge time—but those are understandable trade-offs given the rest of the kit.

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Real-World Riding Impressions

Acceleration & speed:
With both hubs powered, the Forester surges forward with clean, linear pull. It’s less “wheelie-happy” than some high-torque rear-hub bikes because the front motor helps keep weight balanced. Expect brisk 0–25 mph sprints and effortless cruising in the 25–30 mph range on flats. The display’s power-limit options are welcome; I used a lower PAS profile in bike lanes and saved the full unlock for open roads.

Hill climbing:
Steep grades are where AWD shines. On cracked, dusty climbs where rear-drive bikes scrabble for grip, the Forester pulls evenly. The 105 Nm-class torque claims (combined) feel credible in practice. You can also toggle to single-motor to conserve power on mellow sections.

Range:
The 60V 25Ah pack is a beast. On a windy mixed route (gravel + city, rider ~185 lb, temps ~70 °F), conservative PAS and occasional dual-motor bursts yielded a respectable ride window that supports the brand’s 50–70 mile claim if you lean on PAS instead of max-throttle. Full-time dual-motor throttle will obviously shrink that number—still, the larger voltage/capacity gives a real buffer most 48V bikes can’t match.

Ride comfort:
Set the fork to mid-compression and give the rear air shock enough preload to avoid wallow; the chassis then feels composed rather than floaty. At 10–15 PSI in the 4-inch tires (adjust for rider weight and terrain), you get a plush feel without excessive self-steer. The saddle is soft-medium; fine up to an hour, then I’d consider a seat upgrade for multi-hour rides.

Braking & control:
Hydraulic discs are a must at these speeds and they deliver. The levers offer good modulation; emergency stops are drama-free provided you keep weight rearward and tires at sensible pressures. The bike’s long wheelbase aids stability but slightly widens the turning circle—be patient in tight U-turns.

Noise & refinement:
The geared hubs emit the usual faint whirr, and chain slap is minimal once you set the clutch derailleur tension correctly. Cable management is tidy for an AWD machine; still, learn the motor connector routings before your first tire change.

Safety & legality:
Out of the box this is an extremely fast e-bike. Use the display to set Class 2/3 limits for bike-path riding and always check local rules. A full-face or at least a high-quality helmet and gloves are non-negotiable at 30–40 mph. I’d also add a rear blinky and a side-visible headlight for night rides.

Maintenance notes:
Keep an eye on spoke tension (especially rear), re-torque the axle nuts after your first 50 miles, and carry a motor-safe tire lever kit. The large battery prefers partial charges if you ride daily; full cycles are best reserved for occasional balancing.

Who Will Love It (and Who Won’t)

Great for:

• Riders with steep hills, loose surfaces, or mixed-terrain commutes
• Taller or heavier riders who want stability and payload headroom
• Utility users hauling groceries or gear on the rear rack
• Anyone who wants motorcycle-adjacent pace from an e-bike while keeping pedals and Class-legal options

Maybe not for:

• Apartment dwellers without elevators
• Riders who prize nimble, lightweight handling over brute capability
• Strict Class-2 path users who won’t ever unlock higher speeds
• New riders uncomfortable managing very quick acceleration

Setup & Tuning Tips

• Tire pressure: Start around 12–15 PSI for mixed terrain; go 18–22 PSI for pure pavement if you want crisper steering.
• Suspension: Set sag on the rear air shock to ~25–30% of travel; lock the front fork on long road stints to save energy.
• Class settings: Use the LCD to limit speed and power where required. Save a high-power profile for private property or roads where it’s legal.
• Drivetrain: Lube after wet rides and re-index the 7-speed if you hear chatter at higher PAS.
• Charging: With a 25Ah pack, topping off from ~40–80% is the sweet spot for daily use; do a full charge occasionally for cell balance.

Frequently Asked Questions (Quick Answers)

Final Breakdown

9.2 / 10

The PHILODO Forester is a rare blend of raw power, range confidence, and real-world usability. It takes the dream specs—AWD dual hubs, a proper 60V/25Ah battery, hydraulic brakes, full suspension—and executes them in a package that can commute, explore, and haul without breaking a sweat. Yes, it’s heavy and you’ll need to be mindful of local regulations when it’s unlocked, but if you’ve been hunting for a single bike that can flatten hills, tame gravel, and keep pace on 35-mph roads, this is the one to beat.

I recommend the Forester to riders who value capability first and are willing to live with the size and charge time that come with it. Set your Class limits for public paths, gear up with proper safety equipment, and you’ve got a machine that turns everyday rides into wide-grin adventures.