Thanks to its carbon frame, the Ado Air Carbon folding electric bike weighs only 12.5 kg, without degrading the practicality or performance it takes from the aluminum model.
The folding bike advocates practicality and multimodality. Naturally, in recent years it has adopted electric motorization. The disadvantage is that a certain number of models weigh a certain amount because of the battery and the motor: they then become less transportable. To remedy this, the Ado Air Carbon wants to combine lightness and practicality.
30 to 40% lighter than a classic model
Coincidentally, the brand named ADO (A Dece Oasis) is very young, which was launched in 2020 in Hong Kong (China). Wanting to conquer the main world markets, it recently unveiled the Air 20 then the Air 20 Pro, folding electric bikes with 20-inch wheels. But to counter their weight of 16 to 18 kg, its ADO Air Carbon derivative reaches 12.5 kg. This is even better than the Carbo X at 13.3 kg or the titanium Vello Bike+ (12.9 kg).
Source: A Dece Oasis
Source: A Dece Oasis
To do this, the Chinese VAE uses a carbon frame, the shape of which is almost identical to the aluminum models. Transporting it, even unfolded, will not be a constraint, and its pedals are also folding. The two-piece fold takes about 5 seconds and the saddle serves as a carrying handle. We nevertheless notice a lack of grip capable of holding the three parts of the bike well, but a magnetic system would be in preparation.
Always in the interest of lightness, this folding bike uses a belt transmission, lighter than a chain and its derailleur. However, the Air Carbon only has one speed: for use in town and on flat ground, this can do the trick. But the lack of versatility could quickly be felt on the odds for example.
Bafang engine and 100 km of autonomy for the Ado Air Carbon
To compensate for this single speed, the Bafang rear motor delivers 35 Nm of torque. This is lower than the 40 Nm of the Air 20, but it would be able to climb slopes of 20% and would be more responsive according to the brand. In any case, pedaling would be natural, since ADO confirms the presence of a torque sensor.
Source: A Dece Oasis
Source: A Dece Oasis
Source: A Dece Oasis
Regarding the battery, it is located in the seat tube. With a capacity of 346 Wh, like the Air 20 Pro, its maximum range would be 100 kilometers. The screen is also identical to that of the Air 20 Pro, and also provides connectivity and an integrated navigation function.
A carbon electric folding bike under 2,000 euros?
Ado Air Carbon offers two colors, black and two-tone white/brown, while the size is unique. However, the mudguards will only be optional, but also in carbon. The price is not yet known, but it will be communicated when pre-orders kick off on Indiegogo on May 6, 2024. The introductory price is reduced by 40%, and promised under 2,000 euros.
As with all the brand’s VAEs, availability is only online. Home delivery is available from the end of June. And if you thought this Ado Air Carbon had reached its weight limits, a V2 is already in development. It will include a handlebar and a carbon stem, enough to bring the weight under 12 kg?