The ADO Air 20 is a sub-£1,000 folding electric bike designed for city commuters, urban explorers, and anyone looking for a lightweight, low-maintenance ride. What sets it apart is the impressive list of features at this price point: a carbon belt drive for zero maintenance, a torque-sensor motor for smooth and responsive power delivery, and hydraulic disc brakes for confident stopping.
We put the Air 20 through real-world testing, including urban commutes, stop-start traffic, and moderate hills to assess its ride quality, range, comfort, and portability. This review dives into how it performs under pressure and whether it delivers on its promise as a compact yet capable commuter ebike. And how does it rank against the best ebikes?
Specs at a Glance
- Motor: Rear hub, 250 W (350 W peak), 37 Nm torque
- Battery: 36V / 9.6 Ah (345 Wh), Samsung cell, seatpost-integrated
- Range: Claimed 100 km; tested ~60–75 km
- Weight: 17.8 kg (tested with accessories)
- Top speed: 25 km/h (15.5 mph)
- Frame size: One size fits 150–200 cm riders
- Tyres: 20 x 1.95”
- Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes
- Suspension: None
- Gearing: Single-speed carbon belt drive
- Price range: ~£999 (rack and mudguards optional)
Design and Build Quality
The ADO Air 20 is built around a lightweight aluminium folding frame with clean welds, neat internal cable routing, and a matte finish that feels durable and modern. The folding design is efficient: a central hinge, collapsible handlebars, and folding pedals allow the bike to shrink down in seconds. Once folded, it stands stably and fits easily into small spaces.
The seatpost houses the Samsung battery, which slides out easily when unlocked and contributes to the bike’s clean lines. Touchpoints like the grips, VELO saddle, and folding levers feel solid and premium for the price. At just under 18 kg with accessories fitted, it’s light for a folding ebike and easy to manoeuvre.
The geometry feels well-balanced. Weight is centred low, aiding handling and helping the bike feel planted despite its small wheels. The compact 20-inch wheels make it nimble, while the wider 1.95-inch tyres offer some shock absorption on rougher streets. While it lacks suspension, the Air 20 doesn’t rattle or creak during rides, suggesting excellent build integrity.
Motor Performance and Power Delivery
Equipped with a 250 W rear-hub motor and a torque sensor, the ADO Air 20 delivers impressively smooth power for a single-speed folding bike. The torque sensor ensures that assistance engages as soon as pressure is applied to the pedals—ideal for urban riding where stop-start motion is frequent.
In testing, the bike accelerated confidently from a standstill, and PAS levels 1 through 3 provided distinct, usable increments. PAS 4 and 5 added little extra on flat terrain but did help slightly on inclines. The peak power of 350 W provided enough torque for moderate hills, although steeper gradients may require more effort from heavier riders due to the lack of gears.
Compared to cadence-sensor bikes at similar price points, the Air 20’s power delivery felt more natural and controlled. There is no throttle, but the responsiveness of the assist made this a non-issue during testing. Overall, the motor performance is more refined than expected and makes urban commuting a breeze.
Battery Range and Charging
The seatpost-integrated Samsung battery is rated at 36V / 9.6 Ah, providing a total capacity of 345 Wh. ADO claims a 100 km maximum range, which we found optimistic. In real-world conditions—urban terrain, PAS level 2 or 3, and a 75 kg rider—we consistently achieved 60–70 km per charge.
Using only PAS level 1 on flat ground, the 80 km mark is achievable. Heavier riders or hilly environments reduce the range to around 50 km. Charging from empty takes between 4 to 6 hours using the supplied charger. The charge port is easily accessible and the seatpost battery can be removed for indoor charging.
One limitation is the lack of a battery lock; while the seatpost can be removed quickly for safety, a proper lock mechanism would improve anti-theft protection. Battery chemistry is rated for 800+ charge cycles, ensuring multi-year performance if well maintained.
Ride Quality and Comfort
Riding the ADO Air 20 is surprisingly refined for a compact folding bike. The upright posture and swept-back bars promote a comfortable, heads-up position. Despite no suspension, the ride doesn’t feel overly harsh thanks to the fat 1.95-inch tyres and ergonomic saddle.
On smooth tarmac, the bike glides quietly with minimal vibration. Rougher roads and light cobbles introduce some firmness, but it’s never jarring. For city commutes, the ride quality is ideal. Taller riders (up to 190 cm) found leg extension acceptable, although some at the upper limit of fit range noted the handlebars could feel a bit low.
Heavier riders (tested at 95 kg) noted the bike retained stability even under load. There’s no noticeable flex through the frame when cornering or braking hard, which adds to the feeling of quality. Overall, the Air 20 is well-suited to short-to-medium distance urban rides.
Braking and Handling
The hydraulic disc brakes on the ADO Air 20 are a highlight. They provide strong stopping power with excellent modulation and were consistent in both dry and wet weather conditions. During emergency stops and downhill braking, they performed predictably with no fade.
Steering is agile yet stable, helped by the short wheelbase and low centre of gravity. In slow-speed manoeuvres, the bike responds quickly to handlebar inputs without feeling twitchy. Through tighter corners or weaving through traffic, it feels nimble but not nervous.
When riding under load or navigating moderate descents, the handling remained predictable. There is no detectable flex at the fold points, and the rigidity adds confidence when riding faster or with extra weight.
Features and Accessories
The ADO Air 20 comes with a bright IPS colour display that is easy to read in daylight and provides essential info like speed, PAS level, battery status, and trip data. It integrates well with ADO’s smartphone app, which allows firmware updates, custom PAS tuning, and ride tracking.
Lights are integrated front and rear. The front LED is bright enough for visibility in city conditions, though limited for true night-time illumination. Rear lighting is frame-mounted and functional, though slightly obscured when fitted with a rear rack.
Standard accessories are minimal. The rear rack and full mudguards are optional extras, adding around £99 to the price. Bottle cage bosses are absent, and there’s no inbuilt anti-theft system beyond the removable battery seatpost. Still, the bike covers the commuter essentials and keeps the design clean.
Weight and Portability
At around 17.8 kg with accessories, the ADO Air 20 is one of the lighter folding ebikes available. The central carry handle integrated into the frame makes it easier to lift up stairs or into a car boot. Folding it takes under 10 seconds once familiar.
The folded footprint is 85 cm x 45 cm x 70 cm, compact enough for storage under a desk or in a hallway. It balances well when wheeled alongside you, although it doesn’t feature a built-in stand when folded. Overall portability is excellent for a daily commuter bike.
Value for Money
Priced around £999, the ADO Air 20 offers serious value. The torque sensor, belt drive, and hydraulic brakes are usually found on bikes closer to £1200–£1400. Its thoughtful design and clean build quality make it feel like a premium product.
ADO includes a five-year frame warranty and one-year coverage on the electronics and components. Support has improved in the UK, with parts and aftersales assistance now reasonably accessible. Buyers wanting more range, suspension, or gearing could look to the ADO Air 20 Pro or alternatives like the Fiido X.
For those after a maintenance-light, practical urban folder with solid components and polished ride quality, the ADO Air 20 is an outstanding option.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Smooth, responsive torque-sensor motor
- Maintenance-free carbon belt drive
- Hydraulic disc brakes offer excellent stopping power
- Lightweight and easy to fold
- Clean design with integrated lighting
Cons
- No battery lock as standard
- Rack and mudguards cost extra
- No suspension for bumpier roads
- Firm ride over rough surfaces
- Single-speed limits hill capability
Verdict
The ADO Air 20 is an ideal folding electric bike for urban riders prioritising low maintenance, smooth performance, and portability. It brings premium features like a torque sensor and hydraulic brakes to an affordable price point, without sacrificing style or functionality.
While it lacks gearing and suspension, its efficient power delivery and thoughtful build make it a smart choice for flat-to-rolling city commutes. If you’re looking for a sleek, commuter-ready folder under £1,000, the Air 20 is at the top of the list of best foldable electric bikes.
