ADO Air 20 Pro Review: A Next-Level Folding E-Bike

Overall rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The ADO Air 20 Pro is an evolution of its predecessor, delivering enhanced performance and smarter features while maintaining the sleek, urban-friendly design that made the original Air 20 such a success. With an automatic dual-speed BAFANG motor, a carbon belt drive, and hydraulic disc brakes, this e-bike is built to provide a smooth, efficient, and low-maintenance ride. But does it live up to its promise? Let’s dive in.

Who’s It For?

• City commuters looking for a compact, efficient ride
• Riders who want minimal maintenance with a carbon belt drive

Pros:

• Automatic Dual-Speed BAFANG Motor: The real game-changer here is the auto-shifting gear hub, which makes climbing hills and accelerating from a stop effortless. No manual gear changes, no hassle—just seamless power when you need it.
• Carbon Belt Drive: Unlike traditional chains that need frequent lubrication and adjustments, the belt drive is practically maintenance-free and whisper-quiet, with a lifespan of up to 30,000 km.
• Solid Build & Practical Folding Design:With a lightweight aluminum frame and an easy-folding mechanism, the Air 20 Pro is both sturdy and compact.
• Up to 100km Range: ADO claims an impressive range, and while real-world performance will depend on rider weight and terrain, the combination of a high-efficiency motor and torque sensor helps maximize battery life.

Cons:

• Single-Speed Drivetrain Limits Hill Climbing: While the torque sensor and 250W motor help with inclines, the lack of gears means there’s no way to manually adjust resistance. On particularly steep terrain, riders might struggle compared to geared e-bikes.

Expert Verdict

Overall	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Components and build quality	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Safety and security	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Performance and handling	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Comfort and practicality	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 

The ADO Air 20 Pro is a fantastic option for city commuting, offering an incredibly smooth and maintenance-free ride. The automatic dual-speed transmission and torque sensor make pedaling feel effortless, while the hydraulic brakes and turn signals add a layer of safety not often seen in this price range. With its adjustable front fork shock absorption and 20-inch tires, the Air 20 Pro delivers a smooth and controlled ride, even on rougher urban roads.

Specs

 

Components and build quality

ADO has packed in some impressive features, including hydraulic disc brakes, an IPS color display, and an upgraded automatic dual-speed belt drive, a rare find at this price point. The 9.6Ah battery promises a range of up to 100km (62 miles) per charge, though real-world performance may vary based on terrain and rider weight.

One of the standout features of the Air 20 Pro is the automatic dual-speed drivetrain. Unlike traditional single-speed folding e-bikes, which can struggle on hills, this model shifts gears automatically depending on your pedaling intensity. Combined with the carbon belt drive, which is maintenance-free and lasts up to 30,000km (18,500 miles), you get a drivetrain that’s both smooth and hassle-free.

That said, if your commute includes very steep terrain, a geared e-bike might still be a better option, as it offers manual gear control for greater flexibility.

 

Safety and security

The seatpost-integrated battery design means it’s not only discreet but also removable, allowing you to charge it separately or take it indoors for security. This also acts as a theft deterrent, as removing the battery makes the bike far less attractive to opportunistic thieves.

For night rides, the Air 20 Pro comes with a powerful 1200-lumen front headlamp and rear reflectors, all controlled from the handlebar display. There are also integrated turn signals, a rare feature in this price range, further improving visibility for city riding.

If you’re worried about leaving your bike outside, the compact folding design means you can take it inside with you, avoiding any security concerns altogether.

 

Performance and handling

The 250W BAFANG rear-hub motor delivers strong and immediate assistance, thanks to the torque sensor, a major upgrade over cheaper cadence sensor systems. Torque sensors detect pedal pressure instantly, meaning you don’t have to wait for the pedals to turn before the motor kicks in. This makes for a smooth, natural riding experience, especially when starting from a standstill or tackling an incline.

Out of the box, the Air 20 Pro offers five levels of pedal assist, adjustable via the ADO app. This lets you tweak power settings to suit your riding style and environment. Level 1 is great for flat city streets, while higher levels help on hills or when carrying extra weight. The automatic gear-shifting motor means no manual gear changes are needed, making it one of the easiest e-bikes to ride.

The hydraulic disc brakes provide strong, consistent stopping power, which is essential for a fast-moving urban e-bike. Whether you’re slowing down for a junction or making a quick stop in traffic, the braking system is smooth and responsive.

While ADO claims 100km per charge, real-world tests suggest a more conservative 40-60km, depending on rider weight and terrain. Still, this is better than many competitors at this price.

 

Comfort and practicality

The 20-inch wheels provide a stable, comfortable ride, especially compared to smaller 16-inch alternatives. That said, the front fork shock absorption helps smooth out bumps on rougher roads, providing a more comfortable ride. Combined with the wide tires and padded saddle, it ensures a well-cushioned experience.

Folding the ADO Air 20 Pro is quick and effortless. The frame collapses with a single latch, and the handlebar stem folds down, making it compact enough to fit in a car boot or under a desk. The built-in carry handle is another smart touch, making it easier to lift than many rival folding e-bikes.

Buy the ADO Air 20 Pro

 

Want more?

The Ado AIr 20 is featured in our best electric guide and our best folding electric bike guide. It's also in our best lightweight ebike guide.

Learn more:

• All the Ado electric bikes we sell
  
• All the electric bikes we sell
  
• All electric folding bikes we sell