{"id":13182,"date":"2021-11-09T07:12:17","date_gmt":"2021-11-09T12:12:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/autosector.com\/auto\/?p=13182"},"modified":"2021-11-09T07:12:17","modified_gmt":"2021-11-09T12:12:17","slug":"propella-mini-launched-as-light-fun-size-electric-bike-for-space-limited-riders-on-a-budget","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/?p=13182","title":{"rendered":"Propella Mini launched as light, fun-size electric bike for space-limited riders on a budget"},"content":{"rendered":"

While many electric bikes continue getting heavier and heavier<\/a>, Propella has constantly bucked that trend with its lightweight electric bicycles. But the Propella Mini e-bike takes the brand to a whole new level with its smallest and lightest model yet.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t<\/p>\n

The recently launched Propella Mini swaps out the wide-diameter 700c wheels of its big brothers for pint-size 20-inch wheels.<\/p>\n

Combined with the small, minimalist frame design and low-power electronics, that helps drop the bike\u2019s weight to a mere 33 lb. (14.9 kg). At just 59\u2033 long, it\u2019s nearly a foot shorter than Propella\u2019s other e-bikes<\/a> (which are already quite minimalist to begin with).<\/p>\n

The smaller 20-inch wheels also help the bike generate more torque for better hill climbing.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s an important benefit when you consider that Propella bikes aren\u2019t exactly brimming with excess power. <\/p>\n

The 400W peak-rated Bafang motor is plenty for flat land riding, and can even handle hills of up to 10% grade. But the bike isn\u2019t going to take the checkered flag any time soon.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n

The Propella Mini still offers a top speed of 18 mph (30 km\/h) and fits into a Class 1 designation, keeping it street legal just about anywhere in the US.<\/p>\n

It also gets rather impressive range for such a small battery. That little 3.5 lb. (1.6 kg) pack measures just 250 Wh in capacity yet scores the Propella Mini between 20-35 miles (32-56 km) of range. <\/p>\n

That\u2019s largely thanks to the pedal assist operation of the bike. Without a throttle, the Propella Mini uses a cadence-based pedal assist sensor to provide power. <\/p>\n

When riders begin pedaling, the motor kicks in to offer assistance. When riders stop pedaling, the motor also stops and the rider simply coasts.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s not exactly cutting-edge technology, but it works well and is an economical, efficient solution to score more range out of a small battery. And the added benefit of such a small battery is that it takes up very little space in your bag if you pop it off to bring it inside for charging (or to remove it as a target for thieves).<\/p>\n

\n<\/figure>\n

Speaking of being an economical solution, the Propella Mini is priced at $999 but is currently on sale for just $899<\/a>. <\/p>\n

There are some obvious sacrifices to get it there, such as the single-speed drivetrain and that small battery we discussed. But compared to other e-bikes in its price range<\/a>, the Mini comes in at around half the weight, which could push it over the finish line for riders looking for a light and compact e-bike.<\/p>\n

The bike seems like a neat solution on the low-cost end, but we\u2019ll know more once we have one in hand to perform a complete review soon.<\/p>\n

Until then, feel free to peruse <\/a>our review of Propella\u2019s full-size V4.0 e-bike, which uses most of the same components yet on a larger road bike-styled frame. You can even see it in action in my testing video below.<\/p>\n

\n
\n