Electric bicycle manufacturer ADO has introduced the Air 20 LiDAR, a new folding electric bike designed to monitor surrounding traffic using optical sensors and radar.
The model carries front and rear sensor arrays that continuously monitor surrounding traffic. Designed to improve rider awareness on congested city streets, the system detects approaching vehicles alongside other obstacles and delivers real-time hazard alerts.
LiDAR technology calculates distance by bouncing rapid pulses of laser light off surrounding objects to create a spatial map. Millimetre-wave radar uses high-frequency radio signals that track obstacles through rain, fog, or bright glare where cameras often falter. Both systems are common in automotive driver assistance, but their use on commuter bicycles remains unusual.
Motor specifications and automatic shifting
Propulsion for the Air 20 LiDAR is supplied by a Bafang H730 rear hub motor that generates 50 Newton-metres of torque. The drive unit works in tandem with a dual-sided torque sensor that measures the rider's pedalling effort, aiming to deliver intuitive power assistance and a more natural riding experience.
Bafang is a major manufacturer of electric bike drive systems. Unlike basic cadence sensors that only detect pedal rotation, torque sensors measure the physical force applied by the rider, allowing the motor to match human effort smoothly without sudden power surges.
The bicycle also features an integrated automatic three-speed internal gear hub designed to adjust gear ratios according to the current road speed and gradient. This automatic transmission adapts without requiring any manual gear selection from the cyclist, helping riders navigate varying terrain with less effort.
Power is transferred to the rear wheel through a carbon belt rather than a conventional steel bicycle chain. The belt drive system requires significantly less maintenance, completely removes the need for oil lubricants, and eliminates the risk of chain grease staining the rider's clothing.
Carbon belt drives resist rust and road grit while operating in near silence. Unlike metal chain links that stretch and require regular cleaning, reinforced carbon cords maintain tension and resist wear over long periods of commuter riding.
Battery range and folding design
Energy for the electric motor is provided by a 374-watt-hour battery pack integrated directly into the seatpost assembly. With pedal assistance active, the manufacturer states that the bicycle can deliver a riding range of up to 100 kilometres on a single charge.
The Air 20 LiDAR is built around 20-inch wheels and a collapsible aluminium frame prioritising personal mobility. Foldable pedals enable the machine to pack down compactly, making it easier to carry on public transport networks or stow inside an automobile boot. The complete bicycle weighs 22 kilograms.
Road vibrations and uneven surfaces are dampened by a front suspension fork positioned above the front wheel. Factory equipment includes full-length mudguards, front and rear lighting, and an integrated rear luggage rack compatible with the MIK mounting standard. The rear cargo carrier can support luggage weighing up to 25 kilograms.
The MIK system, short for Mounting Is Key, allows cyclists to click compatible bags and baskets securely onto the rack with a single motion. Compact 20-inch folding frames are favoured by city commuters who need to store bicycles indoors or combine cycling with train and bus journeys.
Pricing and market availability
ADO has not yet announced an official launch date or commercial price for the Air 20 LiDAR. For comparison, the company's existing Air 20 Ultra 2026 model currently sells in Germany for 1,899 euros.
