Philodo Forester 60V
A dual-motor, full-suspension fat-tire e-bike with a 60V 25Ah battery and an air rear shock. Ben’s read: a lot of bike for $1,399, with five small things he would change.
Watch the Review
Full Video Review
Watch on YouTube →
Prefer the quiet version? Ben also filmed a Forester 60V ASMR close look.
From the Review
Out on the Road
Frames from Ben's video
Up Close
Detail Gallery
Shot in Ben's studio and on the road
Make It Yours
Colour Options
Check availability →
The Engineering
What Makes The Philodo Forester 60V Tick
Motors & Battery
Two 2,000W hubs, 60V 25Ah, 2.5A charger
One motor per wheel
Each hub makes 105 Nm. On the 15% hill Ben saw 17 mph on the rear motor alone and 28 mph once the front one joined in.
60V battery
Philodo lists 60V 25Ah and says the pack carries UL 2271 certification by SGS. Charging takes 8 to 9 hours on the 2.5A charger.
Smooth, controlled power
“The power actually comes on very smooth.” It will not put you in the back of the seat, and the throttle is easy to meter at 4 to 7 mph.
Frame & Suspension
Four-bar linkage, DNM air shock, 100 mm fork
Air rear shock
A four-bar linkage with an air spring. “This is really nice to see.” There is no rebound or compression adjustment, just an air valve.
100 mm fork
Lockout on the right, spring preload on the left, no other adjustment.
Good off-road
“It’s very, very comfortable off-road.” The dual motor tracked well on the beach, where it dug in and pulled.
Brakes & Tires
Four-piston 180 mm hydraulics, Chaoyang 26 x 4
Four-piston hydraulics
180 mm rotors front and rear. From 28 mph Ben’s rear wheel locked up but he could not get bite from the front, and would fit a 203 mm front rotor.
Chaoyang CST tires
“They’re mediocre at everything.” Fine on road and off, but road or knobbier tires would grip better.
Key ignition
The bike has no power without the key, and a colour display that shows battery voltage and which motor is running.
Find Your Fit
Size & Fittings
Ben, 5'9", on the Forester from the review
Will It Fit You?
- Weight95 lb (Ben, from Philodo)
- Max load330 lb
- Rider height5'5" to 6'5" (Philodo)
- Frame18-inch 6061 aluminium
- Ben, 5'9"Toes on both sides with the seat at its lowest
- Wheels26 x 4.0 in
Philodo says the Forester fits riders from 5'5" to 6'5". Ben, at 5'9", reached the ground on his toes with the seat all the way down, and would shorten the long stem for a more upright position.
Plan Your Ride
Your Range, Not Mine
Brand range figures come from a light rider on flat ground in perfect weather. Set it up the way you actually ride and you get the window to plan a trip inside.
The Numbers
Full Specifications
Source: philodobikes.com→⚡ E-System
🚦 Performance
🔧 Chassis & Brakes
✨ Weight & Box
The Bike Cave Verdict
Ben’s Take
For 1,300 bucks and change, I don’t think you’re going to find much better out there.
If you’re looking for a bike that laughs in the face of hills, a bike that shines in loose terrain like sand or snow or mud, come look at this bike.
I always have to remind myself that this is 1,300 bucks and change: dual motor, 60 volt, full suspension, air shock, lights, fenders.
Ben did not give this bike a Cave Score in the review, so there is no number here.
What I liked
- Dual 105 Nm motors: 28 mph up a 15% hill
- Smooth, controllable power delivery
- Air rear shock on a four-bar linkage
- Very good on sand and loose ground
- Colour display with battery voltage
- Fenders, rack and mirrors in the box
What to know
- Top speed of 37 to 38 mph on the GPS, short of the 40 to 45 mph claim
- Front brake would not bite from 28 mph with the 180 mm rotor
- CST tires are mediocre at everything
- Rear fender stops short of the shock, and there is a hole in the controller box. Ben would fix both
- Grips and a long stem Ben would swap
- Cadence sensor takes about a revolution and a half to give power
Frequently asked questions
How fast is the Philodo Forester 60V?
Philodo claims 40 to 45 mph. Ben saw 37 mph on his GPS, throttle-only with both motors, and 38 mph using pedal assist level 5. He weighs about 190 lb, and expects it to gain performance after a few battery cycles.
How well does the Forester climb hills?
On a 15% hill Ben held 17 mph on the rear motor alone and 28 mph with both motors running.
How big is the Forester’s battery?
Philodo lists a removable 60V 25Ah battery (1,500 Wh) with UL 2271 certification by SGS, and claims 50 to 70 miles. Ben did not run a range test in this video.
What would Ben change on the Forester?
Five things: swap the grips, fit a shorter stem with higher bars, lengthen the rear fender, cover the hole in the controller box, and fit a 203 mm front rotor. He puts the total at maybe $200.
What size rider fits the Forester?
Philodo recommends 5'5" to 6'5" and a 330 lb maximum load. At 5'9" Ben could get his toes on the ground with the seat at its lowest.
Is there a discount code for Philodo?
Yes. Use code TBC at checkout through our Philodo link.