Electric bikes continue to increase in popularity as an eco-friendly and exciting way to get around. And all-wheel drive (AWD) ebikes have been particularly interesting due to their impressive power and torque.
In this post, we’ll be taking an in-depth look at the Philodo H8, one of the most affordable 35 mph AWD ebikes currently available.
At just $1900, this dual motor electric bike packs some serious performance claims: 35 mph top speed, 60+ miles of range, and a sturdy build designed for off-road adventures.
But are the specs too good to be true for the price? Or is the H8 a legit budget-friendly beast? After putting nearly 20 miles of hard riding on a test unit, we have some thoughts to share in this hands-on review.
Contents
Philodo H8 Overview
- Dual 1000W brushless motors (front and rear)
- 48V 22Ah LG lithium battery
- Up to 35 mph top speed (claimed)
- 60+ mile max range (claimed)
- Full color display with speedometer & battery gauge
- Hydraulic disc brakes & adjustable suspension fork
- 26 x 4 inch all-terrain tires
- 7 speed Shimano Tourney gears
- Integrated front and rear LED lights + horn
- Large rear rack for cargo capacity
- Smart power assist with twist throttle
- $1900 MSRP
As you can see, the H8 checks plenty of boxes that ebike enthusiasts look for. But rather than taking the claims at face value, we put this budget-friendly AWD machine to the test across nearly 20 miles of mixed urban and off-road riding. Keep reading for the full review!
Unboxing & Assembly
Upon opening the large H8 shipping box, the first thing you notice is the weight – this is clearly no lightweight runaround. Removing the pieces, you quickly understand why. The entire front wheel/motor assembly has serious heft to it thanks to the 1000W brushless hub motor. And at 26 x 4 inches wide, the knobby tire and molded plastic fender accentuate the grip and trail readiness.
Digging deeper into the box reveals the rest of the bike frame components, along with several other key parts:
- 22Ah 48V LG lithium battery pack
- Rear rack, LED lights, phone holder mount
- Assembly tools and owners manual
- Dual controller units (front wheel & central mount)
- Rear 1000W hub motor wheel
- Adjustable stem, handlebars, grips
- Pedals and adjustable kickstand
Additionally, Philodo includes a basic phone holder with built in USB charging port. While handy for anyone wanting to mount their smartphone, we opted to leave this piece off during testing to minimize handlebar weight.
The supplied charger is a relatively standard 2 Amp unit. Recharging the 22Ah battery from empty will take approximately 11 hours with this charger according to our calculations (22Ah divided by 2A = 11 hours). Faster 3 Amp or 5 Amp chargers could reduce this significantly, but 2 Amps is usable as included.
Assembly is straightforward with the wheel bolts, stem, and supplied tools. One thing we appreciated was the choice to run the controller wires externally along the frame rather than internally through the triangle. This allows for easier modifications down the road. For example, you could upgrade the controller without intensive wiring mods. Overall, complete assembly took around 20 minutes including accessory mounts and minor tuning.
Frame & Components Impressions
Swinging a leg over the bike for the first time, you can’t help but notice the sturdy frame and component quality. The 6061 aluminum alloy frame feels study, reinforced in key areas to handle the 1000W motors without flexy issues.
The front suspension fork offers approximately 50mm (2 inches) of travel and features both preload and rebound adjustment dials. While basic, it takes the edge off smaller bumps and rutted terrain during riding.
Shifting and drivetrain components are handled by a combination of Shimano Tourney 7 speed rear derailleur and grip shift paired with a lightweight Tektro alloy crankset. This offers a wide range of usable gears, although we feel the 3 chainrings upfront are almost overkill for this style electric bike.
Slowing things down are Tektro Dorado hydraulic disc brakes featuring 180mm rotors front and rear. These felt strong and consistent in initial testing, with plenty of stopping power from 25+ mph. However the pads and rotors will take some miles to properly bed in for maximum braking performance.
Rolling stock consists of 26 x 4 inch CST branded all-terrain knobby tires. The extra width and tread provide plenty of stability and traction even on loose terrain.
Overall, while the H8 frame and components might not blow you away visually at first glance, the quality and construction seem very good for this price point. Attention was clearly paid to the functional bits that matter most for rugged e-mountain bike use.
Integrated lighting setup consists of bright LED headlight controlled via left grip button and rear brake activated tail/brake light. Wireless display integrates speedometer, battery gauge, PAS level indicator, and more. Again, very functional and high-vis.
Ergonomically, the wider MTB handlebars provide excellent leverage and control compared to narrower city bike bars. Small details like the integrated bell add to the user experience as well.
Ride Impressions
Alright, enough talk! We headed out for an 18 mile maiden voyage on local streets, hills, and even onto sandy beaches to see how the Philodo H8 would fare. Keep reading for the detailed ride review.
Urban Performance & Handling
Beginning the ride, we utilized the flats and climbs scatterd around town to gauge power delivery and handling. Right off the bat, rolling on pedal assist level 3, the immense torque of the dual motors rockets the bike forward with authority. Wheelies wouldn’t require much effort or skill based on the initial power bursts we experienced!
Digging deeper into the throttle and higher power levels revealed a top speed just shy of the claimed 35mph limit due to our 200lb rider weight and declining battery voltage. However 30-32 mph felt fast enough given the ride quality and exposure to road debris/obstacles.
While not as refined at higher speeds as pricier mid-drives, the H8 offers impressive usable power. Slow speed handling does feel heavy compared to non-hub drive bikes – this is expected given the dual battery/motor mass centralized around the wheels. Tradeoff comes in stability at speed and unbeatable traction, which we’ll cover shortly…
Climbing Ability
We encountered a few short 20% punchy grades during testing, allowing us to try out the low end torque and crawling ability in simulated off-road conditions. Simply standing up and mashing the throttle results in the front wheel clawing skyward thanks to the ultra stubby chainstay length and geometry. 100% of body weight over the driven front tire overwhelmed traction on steep loose climbs.
However being smooth on the throttle and allowing the sophisticated torque control to govern power delivery results in steady 4-5mph ascents even on very loose terrain. Slow wheel speed while putting maximum rotation force to the ground is the key.
Braking Performance
The Tektro Dorado hydraulic disc brakes performed admirably across varying speeds and scenarios. Lever feel is solid with good initial bite and power. Our 200lb rider weight was no match for the dual 180mm rotors during simulated panic stops and downhills. Bedding in the pads during initial rides noticeably improved feel and consistency as expected.
One limitation discovered however is heat buildup during extended 30+mph high speed riding. The 180/180 setup is perfectly adequate for speeds below 25mph and mixed off-road use. But moving to 203mm rotors with metallic pads would improve heat shedding for heavier riders planning extended high speed highway commutes.
Off-Road Handling & Traction
Here is where the H8 simply shines. Possessing dedicated trail bike geometry, mated to wide 26 x 4 knobby tires and a dual motor AWD system, this electric bike absolutely devours sand, snow, mud, and dirt.
Thanks to the automatic torque vectoring capability of the dual motor power delivery, traction is staggering. Throttle application results in forward movement – no drama or wheel spin like single motor fat tire bikes can often exhibit. Front wheel clawing skyward is minimized greatly thanks to weighted distribution across both axles automatically.
Riding along the sandy beaches and loose trails surrounding our urban landscape reaffirmed why these super duty electric bikes exist! Whereas traditional mountain bikes and even some entry level e-MTB’s can become overwhelmingly challenging on loose surfaces, the Philodo H8 simply motors on through.
Rutted out, chunky dirt trails pose little challenge with the 50mm travel fork soaking up medium hits. Place the bike where you want with subtle steering inputs – the sturdy 4 inch wide tires will find the grip. Standing out of the saddle floating over bumpy terrain with AWD traction is amazingly confidence inspiring. Be ready to ride harder terrain and trails than ever before while grinning inside your helmet!
Range Evaluation
Our pre ride range anxiety and skepticism melted away as we neared 20 miles of very hard use. Temperature was approximately 70 degrees fahrenheit with a mild headwind through most of the urban start.
Early sprint testing and full throttle runs took battery voltage down into the 44-46v range rather quickly. However easing off and utilizing more pedal assist riding brought voltages back up to 48+ volts consistently. There is recovery room to recoup watt hours it seems despite the hardcore dual motors onboard.
Finishing our 19 mile ride involving extended WOT sprints, multiple ultra steep test climbs, blasting along the beach, and crushing every bit of terrain in sight, battery voltage readings averaged from 44-46 volts.
All LED’s were still lit on the integrated battery gauge. While range anxiety creatures would be sweaty palmed at that voltage, we felt comfortable that 15-25% battery life remained given voltage trends during the ride. Conservative range estimates based on our testing style would be 25+ miles as shipped. Dialing back the pace and intensity could net closer to 35 miles we feel.
Not exactly the 60 mile expectation based on claimed capacity. However considering the sheer performance level of these motors and dual controller setup, estimated range is perfectly usable given intended riding applications. Weight savings compared to running double battery packs is also a bonus we appreciate despite capacity tradeoffs.
Who Is The Philodo H8 For?
After putting this burly electric bike through its paces, we feel the ideal rider fits the following profile:
- Adventurous off-road explorer
- Hunting/fishing/camping enthusiasts
- Beach cruiser seeking ultimate sand performance
- Aggressive trail rider/mountain biker
- Seeking ultra torque for hill climbs
- Range not a major concern (under 30 miles typically)
Make no mistake – the Philodo H8 excels wonderfully when used for its intended purpose. Rougher conditions, uneven terrain, and loose surfaces are this AWD rig’s natural habitat. Commanding control and outrageous torque make easy work of situations that leave lesser bikes walking.
However for daily commuters focused on practicality, range, and comfort across extended pavement miles, alternative ebike models will likely suit better. The H8 skews heavily towards unbridled performance over practicality. But that is precisely the allure for adrenaline junkies that get excited about going places few bikes can survive!
Pros
- Impressive torque & acceleration
- Confidence inspiring stability
- Dual suspension smooths terrain
- Hydraulic brakes with great feel
- Burly frame stands up to abuse
- High quality LED lighting
- Excellent value for performance
Cons
- Weight feels substantial when lifting/handling
- Basic display unit and interface
- Stock seat rather hard and slippery
- Rear suspension would improve comfort
- Range more limited than claimed specs
Who Should Consider The H8?
We feel this ultra capable electric bike suits the following riders best:
- Trail riders/mountain bikers desiring easier climbs and obstacle tackling confidence. Experience the thrill of bombing downhill grades knowing torque and traction will get you back up again!
- Beach vacationers and resort/camping dwellers who run into limitations riding traditional fat tire bikes through sand. The Philodo transforms soft sand from frustration to fun quite effortlessly.
- Hunters, fishers, and outdoorsmen needing to travel further off the beaten path quietly to reach remote areas packing gear and equipment. Stop worrying about leaving the paved roads or difficult terrain carrying heavy cargo – this AWD electric workhorse handles loads remarkably well even far from the trails.
- Anyone wanting a nearly motorcycle grade power-to-weight ratio combined with the advantages of an electric bicycle for commuting or adventure. The H8 represents an unmatched intersection between practical transportation and thrilling performance.
Final Verdict
In total, Philodo delivers tremendous bang for buck with the bargain priced H8 model. Build quality punches well above its pay grade despite cost cutting areas like the basic display and ride comfort concessions. Proof lies in the smiles per mile left on our test riders faces after nearly 20 miles of enthusiastic off-road punishment!
While range ultimately falls short of marketing promises once the dual 1000 watt motors unleash, real world mileage remains workable given intended riding purposes. Just don’t expect to set any long haul records between battery charges.
Instead, spend that time getting adventurous beyond where most bikes dare tread thanks to rugged all-terrain construction mated to AWD defeating traction. The H8 exists solely for one purpose – maximum off-road enjoyment, wherever the terrain allows. In that narrow focus it delivers excitement beyond expectations for the price.
So if vanishing traction issues to remote destinations beyond paved paths appeals to your inner explorer, the Philodo H8 warrants serious consideration. This all wheel drive electric bike over delivers performance substantially beyond transportation basics. Resulting in a burly, thrilling machine bargain hunters on a budget will appreciate.
