The ADO Air 20 Ultra was put through a demanding real-world climbing test at Arthurs Seat in Melbourne, where steep gradients, tight bends and changing road conditions provide a serious challenge for a compact folding e-bike.

The team at Axis of Epic tackled the notoriously steep and challenging Arthur's Seat climb--
Watch the full ride here: ADO Air20 Ultra Folding E-Bike vs Very Steep Hill in Australia

With a rider weighing more than 100 kg, the bike tackled a roughly 3 km climb with sections reported to reach around 20% gradient. The test highlighted how the Air 20 Ultra’s automatic gearing, torque-sensing assistance and compact drivetrain perform when the road becomes significantly steeper than a typical urban commute.

1. Hill-Climbing Performance on Arthurs Seat

The Air 20 Ultra successfully completed the Arthurs Seat climb, including sections reported to reach approximately 20% gradient.

Even with a 100+ kg rider, the electric assistance continued supporting the climb, demonstrating how the bike’s compact motor system can handle demanding inclines as well as everyday city riding.

2. Automatic 3-Speed Gearing

The Bafang automatic gearing system changes gear according to riding speed and road conditions, reducing the need for the rider to shift manually.

During steeper sections, the system can move into a lower gear as speed drops, while higher gears support smoother pedalling once the bike gains speed again.

3. Responsive Torque-Sensing Assistance

The torque sensor measures how much effort the rider applies through the pedals and adjusts motor support in response.

This allows the assistance to feel more progressive, providing additional support during harder pedalling while maintaining a more natural riding feel on flatter roads.

4. Carbon Belt Drive

The Air 20 Ultra uses a carbon belt drive rather than a conventional bicycle chain.

The belt operates quietly, requires less routine maintenance and avoids the regular lubrication associated with traditional chains, making it particularly practical for everyday commuting.

5. Tektro Hydraulic Disc Brakes

The bike is equipped with Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, an important feature when riding on steep or changing terrain.

During the descent from Arthurs Seat, controlled braking was especially important for managing speed through bends and longer downhill sections.

6. 20-Inch Tyres and Front Suspension

The Air 20 Ultra uses 20 × 2.0-inch tyres with reflective sidewalls, helping provide grip while also improving visibility in lower-light conditions.

A front suspension fork helps reduce vibration and absorb smaller bumps, giving the compact folding bike added comfort on uneven roads and typical urban surfaces.

7. Folding Design and Everyday Portability

The folding frame allows the Air 20 Ultra to be stored in smaller spaces than a conventional full-sized e-bike.

Its compact format makes it practical for apartments, offices, car boots and mixed-mode commuting, while the bike’s roughly 22 kg net weight remains manageable for occasional lifting and transport.

8. Practical Commuter Features and NFC Access

The Air 20 Ultra includes everyday equipment such as mudguards, a rear rack, integrated lighting and an onboard display for essential ride information.

NFC access also provides a convenient way to power the bike on and off, adding another practical feature for commuters making frequent stops throughout the day.

Conclusion

The ADO Air 20 Ultra hill-climb test in Melbourne demonstrates how a compact folding e-bike can deliver useful performance beyond normal city streets.

With its automatic Bafang gearing, responsive torque sensor, carbon belt drive, Tektro hydraulic brakes and folding design, the Air 20 Ultra offers a practical balance of climbing capability, portability and everyday commuting convenience.

This test was carried out by Axis of Epic,a Melbourne based channel covering electric biking and other extreme sports.Check out their youtube channel for more real -world e-bike test rides.