Ado Air 20 test: our full opinion –

Since the advent of crowdfunding, there have been many fantastic promises, often followed by disappointments. With the launch of the Air 20, Ado has reversed the trend. The Ado 20 was successfully financed at the start of 2023: it is now marketed. We had the opportunity to test this newcomer to the electric bike market. Here is our test.

Teen Air 20 Technical sheet

This copy was lent to us by the Ado brand

Teen Air 20 Design, assembly and characteristics

Upon receipt, the bike arrives carefully folded and packaged, protected from the hassles of international transport. Assembly is a breeze, taking no more than 15 minutes, even for a novice. In the pack you will find the bike, a phone holder, the charger, tools and the manual.

The Air 20 is visually a success – except the cable management -, with an aluminum alloy frame available in three colors: black, white or an irresistible matte pastel blue (my favorite). THE 20 inch wheels are equipped with puncture-proof tires, although it is a shame to note the absence of suspension.

However, the weight of the machine slightly compensates for this lack: 16 kg for the European version with its 250 W motor. Well, that’s what is written in the technical sheet. If we add the battery integrated into the stem, this gives 18.5kg. This remains correct for an electric bike.

The cockpit is simple and efficient with an IPS LCD screen, IPX7 certified, readable in direct sunlight. Although the visibility is good, to say that this is the best screen on the market would be an exaggeration. Pairing with the Android app (only compatible OS currently available) offers more features and statistics, via Bluetooth.

We can thus go from three levels of assistance to five. Ado even promises GPS integrated into the app, but it will arrive later.

Besides, this bike has the ability to record the total distance traveled, even when the battery is exhausted. Additionally, there is a USB-A port located at the base of the bike. Whether to recharge your smartphone or connect other devices.

Teen Air 20 Performance and battery

Featuring a 250W motor and 36V 9.6Ah Samsung battery cells, the Air 20 has all the makings of a big one. A full charge takes between 4 to 6 hours, for a promised range of 100 km. Our tests show that this estimate is optimistic. Allow around 60 km, in optimal conditions, which is already good. It takes just under five hours for a full charge, using 84 watts of power (the battery is 345 Wh).

The three levels of pedaling assistance provide a smooth experience. You can upgrade to five levels with the app. Transitions between modes are seamless, thanks in large part to the carbon belt, which conveniently replaces the traditional chain.

However, it is worth noting a few downsides associated with this type of belt, including its higher replacement cost. This is also a problem when the battery is dead you end up with a singlespeed, and therefore little versatility and amplitude. Which can be a problem depending on the elevation.

But this belt offers a certain advantage in terms of lightness compared to a traditional chain. It also reduces maintenance requirements and eliminates the pitfalls of grease or pants that can get stuck.

We greatly appreciate the responsiveness of the engine, whether when starting or when restarting. This is largely thanks to the torque sensor. This system triggers assistance as soon as pressure is exerted on the pedal. However, in concrete terms, there is a very slight latency between the moment when pressure is applied and when assistance is actually triggered.

The motor assistance is practically immediate and above all it is constantly active. The manufacturer has designed a good quality motor assistance. The absence of the need to change gears reinforces the ease of use and riding pleasure of this bike: all you have to do is get in and go.

At maximum motor assistance level, a speed of 25 km/h is achievable, although this implies a relatively fast pedaling pace. When pedaling, a slight vibration can sometimes be felt in the feet, probably due to the belt.

When it comes to climbing steeper slopes, the Air 20 requires increased muscle use due to the torque sensor requiring sustained pressure on the pedals. However, this electric folding bike manages to climb these inclines by easily reaching its maximum speed of 25 km/h.

The hydraulic disc brakes on this bike are efficient, have impressive bite and have been well adjusted beforehand. It is important to emphasize that our test was carried out on a brand new model, which involves a break-in period for the brakes to reach their maximum performance. However, even in this initial phase, they performed well and provided a reassuring feeling of security during stops.

Teen Air 20 Comfort, maneuverability and folding

The Air 20 clearly stands out for its maneuverability and comfort. Folding is quick and easy, with dimensions compact enough for transport.

One point of attention jumped out at us. The seat post with the battery, being easily detachable via the lever, leaves the battery exposed to the risk of theft or damage. You will therefore have to carry the saddle and its battery, for a total of 2.5 kg.

In terms of comfort, the Air 20 is more like a city bike than a sports model, obviously. Its upright position, wide tires and narrow handlebars make it ideal for urban journeys. However, not necessarily for several hours of traffic.

The Air 20 saddle, even if it benefits from an elegant design, is made from a fairly basic type of foam. Its width is optimal for short journeys, making the journey pleasant over short distances. However, if the adventure takes you on routes exceeding 10 km, the saddle reveals its limits.

Its firmness, although providing some assurance to the cyclist, can become uncomfortable over time, especially since the padding is not as generous as one would like. For those planning extended journeys, it would therefore be advisable to consider an over-saddle.

Teen Air 20 Price and availability

The Ado 20 comes from a Chinese brand which, to date, does not have an official reseller in France. This means that the purchase of this bike is made directly via the manufacturer’s website, offered at the price of 1,349 euros.

Regarding the warranty: the bicycle frame has 10 years of coverage. While for other components such as controllers, motor, battery, forks, head tubes, handlebars, charger and pedals, the warranty is valid for a period of 12 months… which is a bit tight.