Is This Folding E-Bike Better And More Affordable Than Hire Bikes? - ADO Air 20 Pro Review

[@ehulbert5]

I purchased an ADO Air 20 Pro about 3 weeks ago and have about 350 miles on it. I replaced the saddle with a Brooks B17, I have the same saddle on my 26" bike and a saddle bag with tools to repair and inflate a punctured tire. I am quite used to the feel of the saddle and I wanted to be able to use the bag on both bikes. I got rid of the headlight that ships with the bike, it was mounted too low, it illuminated the front tire and fender and cast a shadow on the road, I tried elevating the angle of the beam higher and found that in order to not cast the beam on the tire and fender I would aiming the beam toward oncoming traffic. Also it was not bright enough to suit me. I mounted a headlight on the handlebar (where it belongs) that is very bright and has it's own power source, conserving some energy can be applied to the power train. I also purchase a bottle sized supplementary battery that ADO instructs to mount on the frame. That was very poorly conceived, the frame has a curved surface with a smooth finish, and the battery will slide to one side of the bike rolling over just a few bumps on the road. So far I have tried rubber with adhesive on both sides placed between the battery and the frame, but still it slides to the side. It would have oh so easy if ADO had drilled and tapped standard bottle mount holes on the frame to prevent the sliding. That in combination with the included straps would have been the perfect solution. Next I plan to purchase a bag with a bottle mount on its top that will mount on the included rear rack and mount the supplementary battery on the bag. I really like the carbon belt drive, it is quiet and come winter I will be able to ride confidently with long trousers without fear of getting grease on my trousers. I also purchased and installed better aluminum folding pedals, every new bike I have ever purchased ships with cheap plastic pedals. On level or downhill grades once up to speed I turn the power level to 0. The bike is light enough to pedal without power, and setting the power level to 0 conserves battery power. I don't particularly care for the tires that ship with the bike, the tread is narrow and deep enough to accumulate small stones over the course of a ride. I have ordered 20" x 2" Continental ebike tires with a slick tread. These will stop the accumulation of stones in the tread and the slick design will also help conserve battery power. It's a very well designed bike, but a bit of customization greatly improves it, I'm happy to have purchased it.

[@benpar8120]

Great comment. Why didn't you use the Schwable Marathon plus tyres which are almost puncture proof. Do you have any photos of your mods? Cheers

[@ehulbert5]

@@benpar8120 I did a cursory look for 20" Schwalbe Marathon plus tires (American spelling), all I can find are 1.5". I really wanted 1.95' or 2.0" tires. I could nap a few photos, but where would I post or send those to?

[@hairen68]

i remember watching you years ago back when i used to do uber eats on my shitty mountain bike, it's been a long time since then but i just got your channel recommended on this account and it's insane to see how far you've come, and it's much deserved with the quality of videos you deliver now compared to back then, the editing is far better and the actual content is still just as enjoyable. good to see it.

[@rogerstarkey5390]

Good honest review! Probably the steepest hill in that area? Gypsy Hill would be a really good test, only a mile or so from where you were.

[@krana986]

I own the original Air 20S from last year, a lot of the features on the pro are not quite new, you could get the metal guards as an extra (with rack), and the lock on the seat post was something released as an accessory around october-ish, love the cut to taking the seat post out, I know from experience that lock is a struggle doing it the first few times 😄. Indicators are nice though 😂

[@falconreconeight]

Always doing great reviews. Thanks

[@MylesHSG]

Folding 20 inch ebikes are goated, ultimate london commuting machines.

[@mhouslay7281]

Nice review 👍 I’ve had my Ado Air 20 Pro for a few months now and have been really very pleased indeed. It’s incredibly well - engineered has an Apple computer ‘feel’ of quality. Way better than i anticipated. Runs really well and is pretty economical. The decent wheel size really helps. Motor has very good torque. I changed the settings to run at 5 levels of assistance in sport mode. That gives way more flexibility than the standard 3 in Eco setting. Easy to do. I use it for local journeys to the shops in our hilly village and edge of the Peak District. Plus being able to stick it in the back of the car. Situations where my full suspension mountain ebike is a hassle to use. So, have been super pleased.

[@bamidele7138]

Peak District? I take it you’re in derby or Stockport? I just got the a20s last month Want to meet up and share stories? I work at stepping hill

[@CaptainToadUK]

I have two belt-driven bikes. The first one, a Tenways CGO-600 e-bike doesn't have gears but it really doesn't need them. I ride it in PAS 1 all the time and it's great. The second, a Trek District 3 has a geared hub with 3 gears. It totally does need the gears, being that it's human powered (i.e. no motor). Both are great bikes and totally break the standard ideas of belt-driven bikes

[@joepineapples7774]

The total weight (without extender battery) is actually around 21kg. 18kg is without the mudguards & rack (source: email from ADO)

[@markward6943]

A terrific review, thank you. Looks like a copy of a Dahon Vitesse, which is a very capable bike and good design, with upgrades to acommodate the E requirements. I particularly like the belt drive and automatic gearing you've described so well. Do I need to replace my long-serving Dahon? Probably not yet but this certainly sounds like a good option.

[@OG_Rider]

I couldn’t take my Ebike on the tube at rush hour but they let a guy with a folded bike go through so that’s a plus. I think the Engwe X Plus for 1k is better value.

[@Francis-xl2gu]

I got the first version, love it !!

[@AlenLV]

So many Cargo Boxes on London Cars! 👏

[@akbarjahansanowar2504]

Love from India 😊😊

[@sophiaisabelle027]

That bike sure runs out faster than your bills and unpaid loans. Great review overall. We look forward to see more.

[@kikz01]

Nice one bro, Comment from Cameroon Africa

[@morefine746]

I have the ADO A20+ just hit 1k km on it! I wish I had the air as its quite heavy but regardless I love my bike

[@dylanclements2485]

Great review 👍

[@Deliver-Fool]

A1 review 👌

[@smgreenartsprivate]

Saw you on 'electrohead' channel was fun would love to see you in Bath :) beautiful bike very nice :) more a cycling bike than delivery. I would get a better hold for the phone though or a case with a strap of sorts. Makes me wish I could ride a bike :( I mentioned another folding bike DYU it's an electric have you tried it can see sample on 'Just Mo' channel :) The rack for that bike could use a snap mechanism to hold things on perhaps like bags or other might help.

[@Shiv._1803]

sir can you make one video for how to park your cycle on side walks and the specific place on road to drive your cycle and also safer way to park and lock your cycle

[@zenzen9131]

My grandson went to Dog Kennel Hill School and lives close by :)

[@ickledotco]

Second time I’ve watched this video. Excellent, especially as you compare it with the earlier model. Living in the Pennines, I’m particularly interested in its performance going up hills. I currently have an Estarli 20.7 - ok for me up to 9% gradient. Is the Pro significantly better up hills than the Air (and hence the Estarli)? Thank you - looking forward to the Bath video.

[@loneranger5928]

Good review 👍

[@Fast_car1000]

Thought it was East Dulwich lots of young professionals and families around. Nice area

[@iraklimgeladze5223]

They should bigger battery, how carbon version has and it will be perfect

[@kyriakoskitsios]

Good review. Can you ride it without electric power? As a normal bike.

[@unicornhunter7945]

Got the international version and unlocked the speed etc. Your better with a normal bike. You get to 15mph and then the bike turns into a fkin elephant. Got to work and was dripping with sweat. Not put the throttle on yet, but I doubt it will make much different. The battery is absolute 💩 done 9miles and got 50%. On the positive, its a great looking bike and super light for public transport. ADO also upgraded me for nothing, saved me £450. 🎉

[@rubblez3]

How do you unlock the speed with international motor like what number do you set it at? Thanks

[@Why-I-Oughta]

It looks like the front suspension may be adjustable.

[@shushuyu]

do the internal gear hub shift on its own or can we shift it manually?

[@TeddyLindsell]

Nice review, and nicely edited…re the bike, if only they had paid more attention to the battery output…had it had a 40ah - 42v it would have made it a real attraction I see it as needing charging after every use..liking the torque sensor too. 👍

[@LeoXu-r8c]

hahaha...Your idea is good, but with it having 42ah-48V then the seat post should be 68 inches long. How tall of a person does that have to be to ride it?

[@ehulbert5]

The batteries are 18650 cell bundles. 18650s range from 2100 mAH to 3600 mAH. Not knowing the number of cells in a battery pack, I would love to know what the amperage level of the cells ADO uses in their battery packs. It’s possible that ADO doesn’t use the 3600 mAH cells, and if not one could conceivably build a more powerful battery bundle. Also I would love to know the manufacturer of the cells, Chinese 18650 cells have notoriously short lives, Panasonic cells manufactured to Japanese specification's are the gold standard for 18650s.

[@LeoXu-r8c]

@@ehulbert5 You say that Chinese batteries are not good, and Panasonic batteries are very good. How much did you spend on each type of battery? The quality of the product you get depends on how much you spend. You want to spend the least amount of money and get the best product. Do you think this is realistic?

[@ehulbert5]

@@LeoXu-r8c Personally no, and the difference is negligible, I want dependable power.

[@LeoXu-r8c]

​@@ehulbert5 BaFang motors are a good choice, I use BaFang in all my bike, would you be interested in checking them out?

[@jeffn1384]

you reckon this would be any good for a 6'2" rider?

[@jayali8808]

Hi mate what battery extender you use?

[@yuanchoy2]

Nice review for this bike

[@yandhayudhian2820]

How's london mate? Saw the news recently

[@DutchDelivery]

I am going to work my first shift on a foldable bike on friday :D

[@andyborysenko]

This ebike is very similar to my Fiido D4S, which I bought for 650 EUR 3 years ago...

[@niccoomar9569]

Can you review the ADO Oasis 260T Dual-Battery Cargo E-Bike

[@montypalmer4556]

I thought I was gping to learn a comparison with Hire bikes but I missed it.

[@kieron5241]

More deliveries less bike reviews 😆😜

[@Mk-dm5zt]

Did it come with peddles or did you have to buy them

[@limmoblack]

Pedantic- Pedals- Apols

[@LondonEats]

The bike comes with pedals yes

[@ehulbert5]

It ships with cheap plastic folding pedals, I replaced those with aluminum folding pedals.

[@SEPK09]

got that new phone holder yet :)

[@milesbashford7765]

Love video

[@officialnels7173]

No quadlock :(

[@ARTSPECK]

Bafang motors are silent and second to none in quality.

[@ehulbert5]

I bought an Air 20 Pro and I really hope that is true. I do know that Bosch motors heretofore are the gold standard in bicycle motors.

[@Overnity]

You are my favourite Londoner... your doin a great job in a congested City... full of wicked people...

[@limmoblack]

...what's the discount code worth?

[@niccoomar9569]

Why isn't this good for delivery it has 100km range which is 60 miles isnt that good enough for delivery shift

[@Thekenkoshow]

I live basically there, that hill is baaaad lol

[@limmoblack]

Was range(real life) mentioned or did i miss it? Also what's it like to pedal when there's no power?

[@Francis-xl2gu]

Easy to peddle with no power, free wheels

[@limmoblack]

@@Francis-xl2gu Cheers

[@ehulbert5]

Agreed, in level or downhill situations I start with power to get up to speed and then set the speed level down to 0. It does help to extend battery range.

[@cheilabiazussi5480]

It works the first 2 weeks and then starts the problems! Costumers Service won’t be able to fix and they won’t give you a replacement or refund. Not recommended!!!!

[@TruthReviews]

They've just increased the price to £1,599

[@rogerstarkey5390]

Nitrous bottle? 😁

[@SuperloopSL9-u4e]

#ITSKICKINGOFFMATE

[@paulguise698]

I like the bike, but not the price

[@JarmelSingsKaraoke]

👏👏

[@limmoblack]

£263 for batt extender

[@davetaylor4741]

The concept is sound. The engineering is on point. But the batteries are still crap. Every day you get another story from around the world of Lithium battery fires. That cycle shop in London went up the other week. People charging their e bikes in their houses. No longer have a house, and or maimed or killed. Then that viral video I watched last week of the poor guy in a lift with his e bike battery. That was the final straw for me, and him, horrible way to go. Until they come out with a battery that doesn't spontaneously combust, I wouldn't have one.

[@LondonEats]

I've had ebikes for just under 4 years now and charge batteries every day, never once have I had an issue as all the batteries I own have a BMS which protects the battery if a fault occurs, batteries that just burst into flames are the cheap ones with rubbish cells and no BMS. Storage is another thing to consider I store all my batteries in separate fireproof bags for more peace of mind IF anything were to go wrong

[@rogerstarkey5390]

Which "Cycle shop in London"?

[@davetaylor4741]

@@LondonEats Having a BMS certainly helps, but can't agree about cheap V dear batteries. Whoever sticks their name on the battery a majority of the cells come from the same place. Not many people producing all the cells. Don't know many e bike brands, mostly only ones you have had on your channel. But in the car world, Tesla's burn well. Not cheap. Range rovers burn exceptionally well. And even smaller tool batteries from reputable companies. Big names in the industry with all sorts of supposed battery monitoring. Get them hot enough or damage them up they go. Then scale it up to a BESS. Hundreds of Mwh of Lithium batteries. Monitoring everywhere. Cooling. Fire suppression built in. Cost millions to buy. Burning well all over the world. Lots of different names on them. But inside they are Tesla or Chineseium. Just cassette racks of those pesky little cells all linked together. It is time they dumped Lithium batteries and find a safe alternative. The figures world wide of fires and explosions caused by Lithium batteries, and the damage to people and property, it is staggering they are still in production. Life is a risk. You live in London so well aware of that. Each to their own. I hope none of your batteries have problems, certainly a lot of others haven't been so lucky.

[@davetaylor4741]

@@rogerstarkey5390 Tottenham

[@ehulbert5]

@@LondonEats I've been using and charging 18650 cells (the component cell for ADOs batteries) for 12 years at least, and I've never had any problem. Now if these were lithium polymers (LiPo), such as those used in RC model cars and planes, in the wrong hands those are very dangerous.

[@krazypizza1163]

😊

[@shahilkhan1084]

I am from India. I need a job very badly. I work as an Uber driver in India. But I am not able to earn much in that. So please help me to come to London. Please help me

[@oliverweinrich9203]

👍🚴🔌

[@mouchoudhry2405]

Not good not even last 20 miles motor changed but not battery

[@Patryk-wm9fs]

is it worth 1,5k quid, hell nooo, just buy a normal bike man for 100 quid from local supermarket

[@joeroberts4690]

Hill? Lol Police on Zig Zags.

[@ysesq]

carbo model x is better

[@vpz7415]

I have to say that's way over priced lol yes a nice little bike but so many better bikes out there for that price range

[@Francis-xl2gu]

Don't knock it till you've tried it !!

[@ehulbert5]

Not agreeing or disagreeing, I am genuinely curious about what brands and models you consider to be better for the price range of ADO reviewed.

[@xPharis]

30 seconds and no comments? Bro fell off

[@V8-mf8wl]

How old are you? if anything over 14 then it's just sad honestly.

[@Garrysiento]

Когда закончится война, если выживу, куплю себе такой велосипед. Спасибо за практический обзор. =)