Pedal AWD S Review: Dual 1000W E-Moto Tested

On most bikes, we measure range using the pedal assist system. Moto-inspired options are more likely to be ridden using the throttle; Because of this, we did a single range test using the throttle only, as that fits the use case much more closely than a pedal test. I’d also like to note that we only had the rear motor engaged for this segment – just note that having both motors engaged would change these results dramatically.

The AWD S was a standout here. It reached 45.89 miles on throttle; considerably above the class average of 29.99 miles.

This performance is likely due to the high capacity power pack. At 1200 Wh, this is actually one of the largest batteries we’ve seen on a moped style E-bike, and the extra size pays off. This result really opens up the use case for this bike. At 45 miles, the AWD S is good for more than leisure rides and short laps around the neighborhood. Commuting is a reasonable expectation here, and riders can expect to charge less frequently than other moto-inspired options.

There’s no denying that this bike is powerful – Both motors come in at 1000 watts. Based on the spec sheet alone, this bike should post a good time in our hill test.

We broke up our hill test into a few different segments. First, we tested both the PAS system and the throttle using only the rear hub motor. We then did an additional throttle run with both motors engaged.

We’ll start with the single motor results. Using the pedal assist, the AWD S completed the climb in 2:04 at 14.6 mph. This puts it noticeably behind the class average of 1:50 at 16.7 mph.

The throttle test saw the AWD S summit in 1:54 at 15.9 mph, while the category average was 1:50 at 16.7 mph along the way. The bike was a bit closer to the target here.

Despite the power numbers, this bike didn’t post dramatically fast times when using just one of the motors. One reason for this could be the weight; at 106.5 lbs, there’s a lot of mass to move. Another could be the more meager torque numbers, which are around 70 nm. Regardless, the results improved when we engaged the dual-motor system.

With the bike sending power to both wheels, the AWD S completed the climb in 1:34, averaging 19.3 mph along the way. This is much faster than the category average mentioned earlier – although, there are no other dual-motor options in the comparison.

The dual-motor numbers make sense; the power is doubled and the bike holds a high speed throughout the course of the ascent. The extra grunt also helps deal with the weight.

If the question is “Can the AWD S climb hills?”, the answer is yes. Even when using a single motor, it can make the ascent, just at a more gradual pace.

With a bike this powerful, good brakes need to be a priority. Thankfully, Pedal was on the ball here; the AWD S recorded an averaging stopping distance of 17 feet 6 inches, which is considerably better than the class mean of 19 feet 3 inches.

The bike is equipped with a pair of Tektro 2-piston hydraulic brakes. These, paired with the 180 mm rotors, make for a solid system. Tektro is known for reliable, trustworthy brakes at a reasonable price – these uphold the reputation. They have decent modulation and a healthy amount of bite. Fat tires also help with performance here; the larger contact patch makes for better grip on the braking surface.

When considering the weight and power of this bike, it’s pretty clear that the brakes need to be capable. Thankfully, they are – this system puts forward some impressive numbers, and feels trustworthy while doing it.

This bike has a moped style frame, and the riding position is in line with the moto-inspired genre. The leg extension is limited, but this isn’t a huge issue, as pedaling isn’t the main purpose of this bike anyway. I actually found this frame to be solidly accommodating – the seat is designed to fit two riders if need be, but it’s also great for taller riders to be able to scoot back and find a comfortable reach.

The AWD S has both front and rear suspension, which helps smooth out rough roads, as well as enables some off road ability. The tires play a role here too; they’re a knobby-style tread in a 20 x 4.0 size.

As for handling, this bike was more maneuverable than I expected. The heavy weight would suggest a sluggish and cumbersome bike, but it’s not necessarily the case here. At low speeds, I could feel the weight, but at a cruise, the bike feels relatively responsive.

Cornering proved to be interesting on this bike. When using a single motor, I felt very confident taking bends. The tires provide solid grip, and the AWD S is very stable. However, with both motors engaged, I didn’t have the same sense of certainty. With the front motor also running, I was struggling to trust the tire’s ability to hold a line – In the back of my mind, I was concerned the power would overwhelm the front wheel and cause me to lose grip.

I felt similarly when off roading. When using the rear hub only, the bike felt fine. When activating both motors, the front wheel struggles to keep traction, especially on loose gravel or dirt.

Here’s the thing; the AWD S is fun. It’s a rowdy, rambunctious bike that puts a smile on your face. However, the power and dual motor setup make it risky. I wouldn’t say that it’s explicitly dangerous, but it does demand more caution and experience than most E-Bikes do, especially with both powerplants on.

As you’ve probably gathered by now, this bike has a central theme – raw power. While the grunt this bike offers is great, it also ropes it into an increasingly hot debate about Ebike laws and regulations.

The AWD S blurs the lines between moto-inspired and full-on e-motorcycle. Laws and regulations change depending on location, but here’s what we can say with confidence: This bike doesn’t fully comply with the 3 class system as outlined by People For Bikes.

There are a few reasons for that; chiefly, in order to comply with the class definitions, motor power is capped at 750W continuous. The AWD S has dual 1000W motors. While having two motors isn’t technically specified as noncompliant, the power itself is outside of the legal limit.

Additionally, while the bike ships with Class 2 speeds, these can be removed via the settings. The AWD S can be set to throttle past 20 mph, and this fact also affects its legality. Pedal lists the top speed of this bike at 36 mph, which makes this, at least in legal terms, an e-motorcycle.

The debate on this is ongoing, and new laws are being introduced in many places. However, the bottom line is that this is technically classified as an e-moto, which requires a license plate and registration.

The legality conflicts present a significant dilemma. To solve the issue, we’d like to see Pedal lean into the E-moto category on the AWD S. Remove the pedals, add some pegs, and call this what it is.

Not only would this help clean up the gray area, but it would also enable Pedal to make the AWD S a more focused, capable vehicle. It’s already a very good product, but it sits in limbo; legally, it’s an E-moto, but there’s a lot of E-bike suggestion here. By choosing to fully jump out of the E-bike category, the speed and power capabilities aren’t bound by class regulations, and the AWD S could just be an off road or private property vehicle.

So, the AWD S is a bit complicated. With that in mind, I’d like to discuss who this bike is for, along with its use case.

Ebikes and E-motos are modes of transportation, not toys. This, with its gray areas and all, is no exception. That doesn’t mean that it’s bad or poorly made. In fact, the AWD S is quite the opposite. It performed well in our testing; the brakes are good, the range is great, and there’s heaps of power. By no means is this a bad product – it’s just technically not an Ebike.

It’s best suited for experienced riders who are familiar with a lot of power; even then, we recommended taking some time to learn the bike. Additionally, if you’re a rider who is more interested in off-roading or exploring unregulated areas (like private property or similar), this could be a fit. If road riding is your intention, remember that in many places this must be registered in order to be legal.

For the right person in the right situation, the AWD S is a blast. It’s a good performer across the board, and a quality product. With that said, the compliance deficits limit the bike’s use cases. Rather than rework the entire thing, we’d like to see Pedal embrace the E-moto label on this bike, and continue to make other models that follow the 3 class system.

Happy Riding! Make sure to let us know if you have any questions or if you think we left anything out in this review of the Pedal AWD S down in our comments section.