Inexpensive e-bikes are now finding their way onto European roads in large numbers. As in many other areas, there are some that are useful and some that are not so good. You can find out how the ADO A26 performs in this test.
A chic and elegant black frame with a powerful 500 watt drive. These are the key data that immediately catch the eye with the A26. The power that is housed in the rear wheel is easy on your legs, but it is not entirely legal in Germany, at least on public roads. This also applies to the 35 km/h top speed that the e-bike achieves for $949. When delivered, however, the ADO only supports up to 25 km/h, which at least comes a little closer to the European regulations. However, the software can be used to switch to 35 km/h.
Otherwise, the ADO A26 has a 7-speed Shimano circuit, a 12.5 Ah battery, lighting, stand and mechanical disc brakes. Converted to the 36 volt system, this results in a battery capacity of 450 Wh. For the low price, this is definitely a presentable value.
| Brand | ADO |
| Type | 20 x 1.95 Inches |
| Model | A26+ |
| Color | Black/white |
| Dimensions L×W×H | Overall unit: 17800x 700x 1000 mm |
| Operating Temperature | -10~40°C |
| Storage Temperature | -20~50°C |
| Net Weight | 21kg |
| Gross weight | 25kg |
| IP Rating | IPX5 |
| Max. Speed | 25km/35km (enduser can unlock to 35km easily) |
| Transmission | Shimano 7 speed |
| Electric range | <35km |
| Assisting range | <70km |
| Shock-absorption | Front fork and addle tube double Shock-absorption |
| Brake | Front: Mechanical disc brake |
| Rear: Mechanical disc brake | |
| Charging time | 5 hours |
| Payload | ≤120kg |
| Material | Aluminum alloy |
| Handgrip Material | TPR |
| Foldable | No |
| Adjustable of height | No |
| Small bell | Electronic speaker |
| Brake handle | Left/Right |
| Mobile Phone Charging Station | No |
| Drivenmethod | / |
| Material | Aluminum alloy |
| Hub type | Spokes hub |
| Size | 26 Inch |
| Tire | Rubber pneumatic tire |
| Brake | Mechanical disc brake |
| Drivenmethod | Motor drive wheel |
| Material | Aluminum alloy |
| Hub type | Spokes hub |
| Size | 26Inches |
| Tire | Rubber pneumatic tire |
| Brake | Mechanical disc brake |
| Material | Aluminum alloy |
| Type | Fixed tripod |
| Parking | Parking Stand |
| Battery location | Hanging from the frame |
| Reflect Sticker | On saddle tube |
| Max Steering Angle | 90°(each side) |
| Rear Tale Light | / |
| Air pump | / |
| Foot Pad Material | Nylon |
| Foot Pad Type | No |
| Carrying handle | No |
| Material | Lithium battery |
| Type of batteries | Removable portable charging |
| Battery number | 30PCS |
| Rated Voltage | 36V |
| Charge cut-off voltage | 42V |
| Rated Capacity | 36V 12.5Ah |
| Charging Temperature | 0~40°C |
| Battery ManagementSystem | Over-heating, Short circuit, Over- current, Over-charge protection |
| Input Voltage | 100~240V, 50/60Hz |
| Output Voltage | 42V DC |
| Output Current | 2A |
| Output Power | 84W |
| Brand | \ |
| Motor Type | Hall Brushless DC Motor |
| Rated Voltage | 36V |
| Rated Power | 500W |
| Max. Power | \ |
| Rated speed | |
| Turn On/Off | Visible button on the speed control handle |
| Riding Modes Switch | |
| Front Light Switch | |
| Display Type | 886 Type HD LCD Display, Clearly under the sunshine |
| Display Contents | Speed, mileage, Gear, glitch |
| Electronic booster starting point | 6 KM start (CE) (Can change to 0KM start by enduser) |
| Under voltage protection | 31±2V |
| Over current protection | 15±2A |
ADO A26: Design
The ADO A26 arrives well packaged in a standard bike box via DPD. Set up is relatively quick and easy. Only the handlebars, front wheel, pedals and front light have to be screwed on. However, the enclosed tool is not necessarily recommended.
Screwed together, the A26 actually gives a passable picture. The frame is cleanly finished and the elegant black gives a high-quality impression. In addition, a mobile phone holder, the charger and a partly well-translated German operating manual are included.
On closer inspection and an extensive test ride, however, the inexpensive e-bike is only partially convincing. The first thing that strikes you is that the suspension fork is well intentioned, but unfortunately almost useless.
Because the stanchions already have a lot of play from the start. With each rebound, there is also a very unpleasant loud bang. That’s not pleasant in everyday city life, especially not on uneven slopes.
ADO A26: Drive
As is typical for the Far East, the support levels do not affect the power of the support, but rather the speed. The 25 km/h final speed can therefore only be reached in the third and at the same time highest level.
The control of the motor also feels quite good here, only in high gears and at high speeds the drive is a bit sluggish when starting again. The display, on the other hand, is easy to read and offers all important driving values. Operation with three buttons is self-explanatory.
ADO A26: Brakes
Here the ADO A26 scores with a great feature. Because the brake levers interrupt the support when braking. This is even visible on the display with a small symbol. However, the rest of the braking system has plenty of room for improvement.
Mechanical disc brakes are installed. However, its performance is not much better than the wacky V-brakes from grandpa’s old shopping bike. You can still stop with it.
The gears do what they should for such a cheap bike and do their job reliably. No more and no less.
The rear derailleur comes from Shimano, but does not belong to any group and is from the absolute entry-level category. Exceptional performance should not be expected here either.
ADO A26: Seating position
As a person who is around 1.80m tall, I sit quite sportily on the ADO A26. For me, the e-bike is easy to ride. However, I would not recommend it from 1.85m upwards. The saddle is surprisingly comfortable. The handles have a small contact surface. Unfortunately, after two kilometers, they are already turning back and forth on the handlebars and no longer have a proper grip.
The A26 is marketed as an MTB. In no way do I see it as such. Due to the narrow handlebars and the sporty position, I would rather put it in the city/urban e-bike category. The ADO feels much better here than off-road.
ADO A26: Additional equipment
A nice gadget is the USB socket on the handlebar. Anyone who navigates a lot with their smartphone and is constantly annoyed in the sunshine because the battery runs out quickly will be happy with this. When opening the rubber lip seal, however, you should allow a few seconds. This is definitely associated with some fumbling.
Personally, I also like the built-in horn. It’s useful, but you probably shouldn’t use it to honk the police off the road because it’s not licensed. The front light is bright enough and is powered by the battery. The rear light, on the other hand, is battery operated. In my case, however, it did not survive the transport unscathed. A power supply from the battery would also be desirable here.
A throttle grip is also installed. However, due to the missing function, ADO could have saved itself. The A26 also comes with folding pedals. Well intentioned, but I don’t quite understand the meaning and purpose behind it either.
ADO A26: Conclusion
The ADO A26 is inexpensive, but also cheap in some areas. The brake levers feel like wet toast, the control unit with support, light and horn seems a bit fragmented. In my opinion, the visually good-looking bike lacks an overall concept. However, if you can live with the weaknesses, you get a chic and maneuverable e-bike with a powerful motor and a lot of battery capacity for the money. Alternatives in the cheap segment are, for example, the folding bike from Nakxus or the Eleglide F1.
