Finally a LIGHTWEIGHT Folding Electric Bike: Is Ado Air the Best of 2023?

[@ralfhalbknapp1104]

We had the chance to test the Ado Air 20 in all 3 Versions at the Eurobike fair (250W, 350W and 350W suspension model). The best by far was the 250W Model. That is because this model reacts to torque much smoother and on lower speeds then the 350W model did. The difference was quite big and made my wife and me disagree if we liked it until we realized that we tested a different model. The 350W model was just less fun to use. The suspension could not be felt much on the model we tested and the street course even though I really tried to go over all bumps that I found so I would save the money and weight as you recommend.

[@TechMishka]

That's very interesting statement! Thank you a lot for sharing this! The EU model has a motor coming from a reputable brand, sounds like they did a pretty good job.

[@kevonvideo]

Thank you for sharing your experience! I just ordered the suspension version at a Dutch online retailer, assuming it's the EU version. But your comment suggests that version doesn't exist. I'm curious to see what will be delivered 😅 Edit: the specsheet on the retailer's website (i-Cigo) says "Motor power: 250W CE versie." I presume the EU/suspension-version has been added to the line-up.

[@lesguil4023]

@@TechMishka What would be the difference between?

[@Francis-xl2gu]

I bought this bike and i love it ! Enjoyed your video too !

[@TechMishka]

Great to hear! ❤️❤️

[@Francis-xl2gu]

I also bought the locking seat post clamp which looks to be way better than non locking

[@HOCTvChannel]

I really like his videos, they are thorough, unbiased and of course professional camera work and editing. I'm glad that I was exceptionally faster and beat you by two days in the ADO Air test, and even happier that we have pretty much the same opinion on the bike. For me, this is confirmation that I judged the Air correctly. :) Thanks for this video too, good luck for the rest!

[@TechMishka]

Oh, such a cool comment, thanks! It means a lot to me. Sounds like I have to catch up with the content on your end, and glad to get to know about another cool.and honest channel 👌👌

[@HOCTvChannel]

@@TechMishka "Sounds like I have to catch up with the content on your end." - No, if anyone needs to catch up, it's me.:) I've been following your work for years and I've seen the progress. I really like the direction you're going in. The progress has been consistent, you've kept the light-hearted style and realistic product evaluation from the beginning, but the visual quality of your broadcasts has improved every year. Ok, I won't write any more, I'll just watch your tests in silence. :)

[@marcin_karwinski]

As a backer, you got the suspension fork for under €1200 and in your selected color... the earliest backers had the no-suspension option for under €1000 if i recall correctly. On the hand, suspended Airs are only now slowly becoming available in the shop, they're over €1500 and grey color only. For other shades you're limited to non-suspended forks and promo/sale pricing of €1300 for Dad's Day...

[@TechMishka]

Yeah, it is a nice option. Works good. I think there will be more discounts in the coming months. The bike is good, but retail price is a bit high...

[@marcin_karwinski]

@Tech4All maybe they're going to be sold around Christmas for sub 1k... But honestly, why are they now working on a non-foldable 28"-wheeled new Air? I'd bet a 24"- or 26"-wheeled foldable Air at under 20kg would have sold better than their new big brother to this 20" one...

[@TechMishka]

@@marcin_karwinski Yeah, I also noticed the new frame. I think it is a very good choice for countries with developed infrastructure where portability is not a priority. If the frame is as good as the one for Air - it will definitely be very beautiful. And yeah - I totally agree with you - lighter and more powerful. I dream of Ado Air Pro with mid-drive, proper suspension and weight of less than 20kg. We are probably just a year or two away from the release of similar models.

[@dylanclements2485]

I bought one, would recommend replacing the saddle and pedals as they aren't any good, but all the other components are quality. So no hill has beaten me I'm 85 kg. A good bike 👍

[@TechMishka]

So glad to see that you enjoy it ❤️

[@thomasmangold6131]

Can the throttle on the international version start the bike from stationary with me sitting on it ?

[@TechMishka]

I think there is an option to enable this function from the settings in the app.

[@jaredscott3639]

Is there any brick-and-mortar store for this ebike in Florida? I might be interested in seizing an opportunity to test it out. Just a few days ago, I had the chance to test ride the M160 Foldtan, and it completely revolutionized my perception of folding ebikes.

[@TechMishka]

Hmm, not sure. Better get in touch with Ado and ask them

[@hdidane00]

too heavy.

[@photoslike5101]

How strong is the frame and whether there is a wobbly ?

[@TechMishka]

No wobbling at all. And so far it looks pretty solid.

[@BlancheSwanson-mh6nd]

Which one performs a little better, this one or the Rundeer Attack10?

[@TechMishka]

Never tried the Rundeer bike myself

[@elgaucho8064]

What exactly is the name of the tunnel with front shock absorbers?

[@TechMishka]

The tunnel? You mean the model?

[@davidhunternyc1]

What about folding the ALDO? Does it stay shut when closed?

[@TechMishka]

You can buy magnets to keep it folded. But even as it is I've had no problems.

[@seglarmange]

Thanks a lot. Very good review that gives a lot of good info and also good vibes.

[@TechMishka]

Glad it was helpful!

[@hdidane00]

They are actually accurate on the weight . the non suspension model should be lighter than the suspension version. Also it seems like a taiwanese designed bike not really chinese.

[@TechMishka]

Pretty sure that Fiido are a Chinese company.

[@maywall87]

Like your videos: What would be a better pick for you between Ado20 350w & Fiido D11 ? I’m super confused between these two. My key need is the range purely on throttle. D11 looks cool to me and claims about 40kms but the bike weight, carbon chain, and my favourite sky blue colour on ADO20 keeps me stuck on it 😅

[@TechMishka]

I have seen some pretty bad things around Fiido couple of years ago and no longer want to hear about them I'd go for ADO no matter what

[@Tjewy]

@@TechMishka Mind sharing it with us? i'm thinking about buying the C11 pro, but i read that there customer service is horrible to non-existent. If thats true, it's a no-go for me.

[@linuxtuxfriend9155]

The Onemile Nomad has 14.4 Wh (250w Version) and is lightweight, but has more gears (7 instead of just 1).

[@TechMishka]

It looks quite nice too! Thanks for the idea

[@hdidane00]

$500 more expensive.

[@Patrick-co5xu]

I can't decide between this and the Fiido x

[@velroybarbosa3204]

Hi there way review are awesome the information pass is excellent I wanted to as if you can review kuma f1 bike thanks

[@TechMishka]

I hope to be able to. Will see if I can get my hands on a review unit.

[@carlclarke1]

This is my personal view and not ADO's - I do not work for ADO but I and a few other independent admins help out because we own the bikes and are interested in the products. Firstly, you have screen-grabbed information from an ADO group whose purpose is to help customers, one of the group rules states 'Being part of this group requires mutual trust. Authentic, expressive discussions make groups great, but may also be sensitive and private. What's shared in the group should stay in the group.' You have broken that rule. There are many inaccuracies in your review, and I am not planning to take it apart piece by piece but let's talk motors as that is a popular subject and the one that you screen grabbed. You stated 'If a company is ready to trick authorities most likely they’re ready to trick you as end customers’. On a logical point, the screen that you showed is ADO explaining something to customers, they are explaining that 350W use is not compliant in the EU, surely that is the opposite of tricking end customers. You show little knowledge about DC Brushless Motors - their power input and thus output, is governed by electronic controllers, you will find that motors from well-known brands (Bosch and alike) can cope with a variety of power inputs/outputs for the same electromechanical model. You should know that this is normal and configured as supplied and marked, the bike's output is 250W. You should also know that it is permissible to use extra power on private land and so the user may alter the configuration if that is their choice. Moreso you should know that ADO supplies a dedicated 250W-rated motor which can not be reconfigured and this is just for the EU market, the MIVICE motor is used by several European e-bike manufacturers. Which motor did you choose? According to you, the ‘authority tricking’ 350W version, and a throttle to go with it. I hope that others can learn from your presentation in this video, lots of subscriber/view/attention-grabbing content which is not supported by the presentation of any history or context and a lack of in-depth knowledge, and then some sweet ending where you say that you like the bike.

[@TechMishka]

Carl, thanks for your comment. The fact that you claim that you don't work for Ado is enough to show that you have quite a strong relationship with the brand, which is fine, but not necessarily something that helps you to have a balanced opinion. And if your reasons to dislike my video are related to claims that I have no good understanding of how motors work, and I am wrong about ADO misleading people in some ways... I think you should once again check the facts and try to accept the reality. Unlike what you'd do with some of my comments - I'll happily keep yours over here. Everybody is free to read and analyse the available information and the point of this channel is to help people. I feel that the point of your Facebook group is supposed to also help people, but apparently it feels like it is meant to help Ado's marketing...

[@e-bikemods]

@@TechMishka of course I have a very good relationship with ADO but I do have to keep reminding people that I do not work for them, I work (full time) as a software developer and give some of my spare time to help out because they have been helpful to me in the past when I had an e-bike issue. It is sad that people in today's world, help themselves far more than they help others. A good relationship with ADO is possible for everyone who wants it. Your review of this e-bike seemed to be more of a review about your interpretation of ADO as a company from your limited exposure to them, and you attempted to support this with some selective screen shots. Although you should not have shared that information outside of the group, having chosen to do so, you could also have shown some of the huge number (no exaggeration) of comments and photos from the owners who absolutely love this e-bike or some of the in-depth communication about motor rating and power and the regulations in various countries. On the subject of the Facebook groups, the Owner's group is there to support owners and for them to show photos of their bikes, rides, modifications, etc. The Air group was set up to launch the product and obviously has content in line with that purpose. By the way I was at Eurobike for the weekend and spent some time with ADO, they had 6 x Air 20 bike for demo/rides and they were incredibly popular, you could see the joy on rider's faces, so much so that people wanted to buy the show stock, but then you do say at the end of your review that you like the bike. It is just a shame that many people watching your video may just stop watching part way through because of your chosen presentation.

[@TechMishka]

@@e-bikemods Looks like you are quite sensitive about the topic, perhaps being too emotionally attached is not giving you objective idea about someone's/something's true qualities. Actually, I was careful about what kind of information I could have taken out of the group. It's quite funny to blame me that I broke the rules of a Facebook group, while the brand that you defend has gone further than that with advertising EU-compliant e-Bikes with 350W motors and a throttle. As far as I remember these values are not quite right in the UK either, are they? And sure - I could have taken a number of "happy posts". Such are present, but at the same time there have been a big number of issues reported - complaints about torn cables, weird motor noises, etc. It's quite normal for products that reach a big number of customers, and I hope that most people realize that most people will rather ask for help or report an issue, as opposed to say how happy they are. Speaking of which - I could have also mentioned about the few campaigns announced in the group, pushing people to share their positive experience on social media in exchange for some freebies. Most of the almost identically structured posts have similar origins too... There is a great number of these that are honest and genuine, of course. Also, I could have shared the fact that there are other fellow KZbinrs, who are Admins of some of the ADO groups. Yeah, no conflict of interest, right :D As for my review - I have kept the very same structure as I keep for most other videos; if someone cares to get to know about the bike and its true performance - almost everything meaningful is covered. Looks like you have been irritated by some of the statements - and as usual there's evidence about each and every word that I say there. And yes - despite the fact that Ado 20 is not perfect, I like it a lot! But in the end of the day - my mission is to show the full picture and expose the good and the bad sides. Not sure what you mean by "your interpretation of Ado as a company" - it's something I've mentioned in many other videos - they are in my opinion currently the best and most reliable Chinese e-Bike maker, and there's nothing wrong pointing out to some areas that they can improve. Being honest with customers and delivering what is being promised is essential for a brand development in the long-run and I hope that they will continue to build on top of the solid basis. Taking constructive criticism is a quality that each and every successful brand or person should have. P.S.1 - good to clarify for the audience that the accounts "Carl" and "e-bikemods" belong to the same person. Although we seem to have a different opinion on certain topics, I continue to admire your passion to help people - and if someone is looking for gool mods for Ado bikes - make sure to check the ADO users Facebook groups for Carl's posts. P.S2 Happy to see that you've had fun on Eurobike. I hope to make it there next year, we may be able to carry on the conversation about Ado and other e-Bikes there.

[@carlclarke1]

​@@TechMishka as you seem to be trying to analyse my emotions, I would say that the density, content and length of your reply indicate a defensive position on your part. I won't write a blow-by-blow response as it will get a bit tedious for both of us, but I will comment with some detail on the first two points. (1) You should not have taken information out from the group; you can't justify one wrong by what you perceive to be another wrong. (2) Most e-bike motors are capable of handling more than their stated or even rated power, the e-bike regulations use 'output power' as a measure, and this is controlled by the input power from the controller. A suitably configured controller will output up to 250W regardless of the motor size. On most e-bikes it is possible to either reconfigure the controller or replace it with a higher output capable device to input more power to the motor. France has recently introduced 'ant-tampering' legislation to make reconfiguring and re-engineering an e-bike unlawful and e-bike manufacturers association(s) are trying to self-regulate on this as well. ADO produced an EU version of the Air 20 with a MIVICE motor which cannot be re-configured and an International version with a physically slightly larger motor but still configured for 250W output which can be reconfigured for those markets that allow it (for example the UK allows this use on private land) - to me this shows that ADO are being fully compliant with both EU and other national regulations. Of course, you did not screen shot the many times that ADO advised EU nationals to buy the EU version, and you decided to buy the International version for yourself, presumably for use in Bulgaria, an EU member state. You state that you could have revealed that there are other KZbinrs who are admins (I think there is just one) - and by writing that you have in fact revealed it (again taking information out from the group). I can only guess at your motive for doing this but the ADO-independent admins are chosen for their knowledge and expertise. Also, you do seem to be trying to reproduce some (minor) personal information about me, although it is in the public domain, the fact that you are highlighting it is concerning as a tactic and smacks of desperation. I am going to quote you: 'Taking constructive criticism is a quality that each and every successful brand or person should have' - I think you 'blew it' with this review by trying to present some 'sensational' content about one of the best (you seem to agree that they are the best and most reliable) e-bike manufacturers based on a few snippets that were shown without the vast context of the other information available in the groups. I suspect your credibility amongst those knowledgeable about e-bikes has dropped even if your subscribers continue to rise. I have enjoyed our exchanges and look forward to meeting you at Eurobike 2024. I think it is best that we agree to disagree for any future dialogue on this, it might help your channel, but it takes a lot of my limited time.

[@andrewstorm8240]

@@carlclarke1the emotion

[@kevonvideo]

My Air 20 battery indicator is a bit erratic. It can get down to 19% while riding and then the next moment it will be 31%. Makes it hard to trust the range that is left . Anyone else have this problem?

[@TechMishka]

Same here. I have screenshots where I can show a dripmof close to 60% for only 4KM and then it goes up. Either low grade battery used, or not that good software.

[@kevonvideo]

@@TechMishka I heard back from ADO support, they offer replacing the V1.01 hardware. If you're lucky enough to have V1.04, you can update through bluetooth yourself.

[@hasan_z]

Normally that happens on cheap bikes from voltage sag, so if you go uphill it draws more power and the battery life shows less until you reach level again

[@kevonvideo]

I live in the flattest country on earth, so the uphill scenario doesn't apply to me 🙂. The problem was solved with the computer replacement with new firmware though.

[@robertd9850]

@@TechMishka I take it that means there is not voltage indicator which is a much more accurate measure of remaining battery.

[@SamuelSegat6314]

😮‍💨Not worth the price, No gears, no suspension, no lock for the battery. I've been on the fence about buying it and I guess I need to keep thinking about it.

[@TechMishka]

There are two similar models coming out by other brands - might be the right choice for you.

[@rabbieuaena5475]

I heard that ado has a lot of errors, is that true? After a period of experience, please give me your honest review about it

[@TechMishka]

I have had it for a few months now and still keep it. The only not that good aspect is the battery life. The rest is cool, I like the bike a lot.

[@jorgejorge5542]

​@@TechMishkaIn a Ebike, if the only non good aspect is the battery, then the product is useless

[@SRojas100]

Thank you for the insightful video! Based on your review, I purchased the ebike and I'm enjoying it. However, I've noticed some fluctuations in the battery level indicator-sudden drops followed by significant charge recovery. I'm uncertain if this is typical behavior or if there might be an issue. I'd be grateful if you could share your experience regarding this matter. Greetings from Denmark!

[@TechMishka]

I also have these fluctuations, especially if I go uphills. It happens with cheaper batteries and not that advanced controllers. Nothing to worry about.

[@SRojas100]

Thank you ​ @TechMishka for your sincere response. I appreciate your honesty, especially in an environment where many KZbinrs might avoid discussing the downsides of products due to sponsorships. Your straightforward approach is refreshing and valuable to viewers like me seeking genuine information.

[@marcin_karwinski]

The "mudguards", plastic ones not sticking to the wheel curvature, are useless... Weight is apparently 16 kilos for more or less net weight of EU/CE non-suspended unit... with suspension fork weight starts with 17 kilos, so suspension fork is an extra kilo. As to EU vs INT engine, ADO did say that 350W electric components may also be adding to the weight about a kilo over the CE one. So once you add both INT electrics and suspension, and add the other extras such phone mount, those mudguards or the stand, you can easily get to 20 kilos or more...

[@TechMishka]

Just got a 26-inch bike that without the battery weoghta only 20kg. I still think Ado could have optimized the weight better.

[@S-O-T]

It's actually 18.3 kilo

[@kigandariham8984]

The pro version is the best in world now, review it please

[@TechMishka]

Would love to, but cannot afford it at the moment. I think that Ado are not keen in providing me one given the criticism I shared in this vid. 🫤

[@kigandariham8984]

@@TechMishka but thanks for the review

[@kigandariham8984]

I hope to buy the pro version in the coming months

[@Met182]

@@TechMishka That's a really bad decision by them. If I'm watching a review and EVERYTHING is positive then I think the person is likely selling the bike rather than reviewing it...

[@agungmulyawan7420]

Hello, my weight body is 98 kg. Can I ride this bike?

[@TechMishka]

It is close to the maximum payload supported, but you should be fine.

[@peterboy209]

I love my Ado Air. Little to no maintenance required, 👍

[@TechMishka]

Good to hear!

[@kennethcooke8341]

Are they any good on hills ?

[@Mopantsu]

@@kennethcooke8341 Not for steep hills no. 20% incline no problem. Steep hills are doable but you will need to put effort in. For hills Estarli with cadence and gears.

[@ziyoungkang9172]

The saddle of my ADO air 20 broke and came off while I was riding on it in the middle of the road. I fell off the bike onto the road and got injuries. If there were a car, the bike would have killed me. It turned out the bolt of saddle had failed and could not hold the saddle. I'm 63kg so not above weight limits. There are few ADO owners had the same problem. If are one of them, would you please let me know?

[@TechMishka]

I saw the thread in the Facebook group today and some of the comments were disgusting. I hope you will soon get better and am terribly sorry for what you have gone through. Every time when there is weird jingling or loose feeling about something - better bring it to a repair shop as soon as possible. Good luck and speedy recovery!

[@rcsendandblast1579]

Not enough depth where the neck tube goes into the frame And the battery being so small The price is to high for that. My e-bike is 48 volts and it’s battery is much much larger The neck tube enters a lot more into the fork tube And my seat does not need to be set that high to ride comfortably. Why’s the battery in the seat post

[@TechMishka]

It is a practical solution - quite easy to remove it.

[@rcsendandblast1579]

@@TechMishka indeed switch it for one that’s got more depth. They do lock thank goodness

[@DimitraB.]

Lovely but i prefer 7 gears .

[@TechMishka]

Me too!

[@NedLaskov]

That rear mudguard is 100% useless. 😂

[@TechMishka]

Yeah, sort of

[@krshoreham7634]

Obviously not 100%…that would apply if there wasn’t one at all

[@winniepeg2020]

The whole bike is 100% useless It's the worst electric bike ever made

[@badabing8884]

@@winniepeg2020not useless. It’s useful to chuck in the back of the car or taking on the train and then using it in city or around small towns.

[@eunice8116]

​@@winniepeg2020 Where is your proof ? Please share your evidence with us as I'm about to buy this bike 😊

[@auguststas7770]

If a company is ready to trick authorities it doesn't mean it would trick you..

[@TechMishka]

I feel that authorities stay higher in the pyramid 😁

[@TheDavidDiaz]

​@@TechMishkaI thought they were public servants

[@rcsendandblast1579]

Organic pads. What tree do they grow on 😂

[@TechMishka]

Trees? 😊

[@rcsendandblast1579]

@@TechMishka what is organic pads I never heard that before

[@interstate1049]

Your bike is heavier than claimed because of the extra weight of the optional suspension.

[@TechMishka]

Well... Partially. The bike is simply heavy. Testing right now Kukirin V2 , it is lighter and even has mechanical gears. No front suspension though. Ado Air is quite good, battery life is not as claimed though. But is my primary choice for a city folding ebike.

[@kiampp]

@@TechMishka Never heard of the kukirin. But checking it out it says the weight is 18.85kg which is heavier then the ado air. Also the battery is smaller. Price is much lower though

[@kmom777]

Перфектно колело за жени искамисе да подаря подобно на майками но цената над 2000лв някакси преминава психологическата граница за велосипед за подарък имайки в предвид че има сносни bosch втора употреба със големи батерии на пазара. Един вид ново Peugeot 206 или 10 годишно volvo xc70/ Subaru outback. Също и това колко лесно се сгъва и пренася на ръка в асансьора или в градския транспорт много по-удобно е да го буташ сгънато и да се търкаля на малки колелца като Brrmpton та можеби в това отношение дори ~1000 лева отгоре би си струвало за електрически brompton или негов еквивалент ако има.

[@TechMishka]

Уви, повечето нови модели струват доста тази година. Факт, в момента има страхотни велосипеди с Bosch мотор

[@Rabe1907]

Schon mal was von ergonomischer Sitzposition gehört ? Ihr habt den Sattel immer zu tief !

[@TechMishka]

👍👍

[@Moonrakerd]

the power bullshit is normal for ebikes, as european rules are stupid and you have to cheat to be good, I love the bike that can be switched in US mode as its making it a good bike not useless junk

[@TechMishka]

I don't think these rules are stupid, quite the opposite. And difference in terms of power is very insignificant.

[@robertd9850]

Ado will lie to you. About the weight of the bike, about the range, about returns . . . even the blue color on the website is nowhere close to what it is on the KZbin videos. The also say on their website that the bike will ship in the US in 3 to 5 days. What they leave out is that as of today, there are none in the warehouse but the bike will ship in late August and arrive at my house in early September. Why don't I believe them?

[@TechMishka]

Oh wow 🫤 Well, from most Chinese makers they are among the best.

[@robertd9850]

@@TechMishka That's discouraging.

[@shahan1465]

I think 350W is perfect. F the EU, give me all the power

[@TechMishka]

👍😊

[@kevonvideo]

Dutch ICU's are filling up with (mostly elderly) ebike riders as it is, so i reckon the EU made the right call here 😅. The 350W will send them right into their grave ⚰️

[@utubeSome]

Biggest and only real negative why I'm not buying it.. no security on battery against theft.. and that a really deal killer. Shame

[@TechMishka]

There actually already is. They developed a special ring a month after the release.