Propella MINI Review
- Price: $949
- Frame: Aluminum
- Tires: 20″ x 1.75″
- Battery: 252Wh
What We Like:
- Affordable price, much lighter in weight compared to traditional electric bicycles.
- Compact and small body, won’t take up much space even if you bring it on an elevator.
What We Don’t Like:
- For users who prefer larger wheels, its small wheel design may not be suitable for you.
- Due to the smaller wheels, the ground clearance is relatively low, and I easily hit raised stones on the ground when turning.
- No headlights.
Rating: (4.72/5)
The Propella brand may not be well-known, but the Propella MINI electric bike has won the favor of a group of young commuters with its small wheel design and relatively agile operation. Its radically compact body design and unique small wheel design piqued my curiosity.
Below, we will analyze the riding experience, key features, components, specifications, and other versions of the Propella MINI. In the latter part of this article, we will also compare it to several top bike models. If you want to learn more about bike reviews, you can follow us.
Riding Experience
Yes, there’s no need to weigh it; you can see from its appearance that it’s quite different from most electric bikes. For example, some youth urban bikes produced by well-known brands like Scott and Bianchi, such as the Scott Silence eRIDE 20 Men Speed, are heavy and not cheap. But I must also say that it performs excellently in all aspects.
So, to test whether the price and performance of this Propella MINI are balanced (or even exceeding expectations), I spent nearly 2 weeks commuting with it. Its performance during my rides is commendable. I think it offers great value for the money.
Commute Riding
After the weekend, I used this Propella MINI for my commute. Its motor is the Bafang 250W, with a torque of 35Nm. Compared to the electric bikes I’ve tested before, its torque is relatively low. However, in a relatively straightforward urban environment, its acceleration is not slow. Plus, I found that low-torque riding consumes relatively less energy during my subsequent rides.
In addition, it has CST C1809 20″ x 1.75″ tires. The small wheel design allows me to navigate through city roads more agilely. But I must admit that it lacks the stability of larger wheels. The braking system is also worth noting; it passed the test during this commuting period. The Propella MINI uses mechanical disc brakes with a disc diameter of 160mm. It also uses Shimano mechanical calipers, which are perfectly adequate for city riding. I didn’t encounter any issues during my rides. Despite using a single-speed transmission, which offers a limited range of speeds, it’s easier to maintain (just like its mechanical disc brakes).
With these designs, I wouldn’t say it’s the most powerful bike, but I believe it’s an excellent and suitable option for users looking for a simple and easy-to-maintain bike. Its compact and petite size, along with its extremely lightweight, allows you to take it on an elevator (where allowed).
Is that all?
The electronic display screen of this Propella MINI during my rides also pleasantly surprised me. It’s easy to operate, with the power button on the right, and it remains clear even in bright lighting conditions. Moreover, in some modes, it offers relatively richer pedal assist modes. However, I must mention that I didn’t see a charging port or anything similar on it, which puzzled me a bit.
Furthermore, the battery isn’t permanently fixed to the frame; I can remove it with a key. This is a fantastic design for me as I can take the battery home separately for charging. Also, a bike with a removable battery is easier to lift.
In summary, during this period of riding, despite its limitations, I consider the Propella MINI to be a great value for the money.
Specifications
The Propella MINI aluminum frame is durable and relatively lightweight, with a harmonious overall color scheme. It’s primarily black with blue accents, giving it a cool and distinctive look.
Additionally, its cable routing isn’t fully exposed, reducing clutter. Both the saddle and flat handlebars are comfortable. The saddle provides excellent support and sits nicely under the sit bones. The flat handlebars are easy to grip and conveniently located close to the electronic display screen. Furthermore, the seatpost on the Propella MINI uses an Aluminum Alloy with a Single Bolt Clamp design, which is typically simpler than a dual-bolt clamping system.
I’m not sure if Propella MINI considered the placement of the battery and bottle cage mount, but they positioned the bottle cage mount below the downtube. Honestly, in this location, it’s not very convenient to access the water bottle. If it were placed on the seat tube, I think it might align better with my preferences.
Video
What do we like about it?
- Removable battery for easy charging.
- Compact design, easy to carry.
- The sleek and simple design of the display screen.
- Reliable and lightweight mechanical disc brake system.
- The black and blue paint scheme gives the Propella MINI a cool look.
What don’t we like about it?
- The battery capacity is not very large.
- The design of the bottle cage mount doesn’t align with my preferences.
FAQ
- How much does a Propella Mini weigh?
It weighs 35.5 Ibs.
- What is the top speed of this bike?
Its top speed is 18 miles per hour.
- What height sizes are available for this bike?
The most suitable height range for it is from 5’2″ to 5’10”.
Specs
Build
| Frame | 6061 Aluminum Alloy |
| Fork | 6061 Aluminum Alloy, Rigid, 100mm Hub Spacing, 9mm Axle with Quick Release Skewer |
| Headset | Threadless, Internal, Straight 1-1/8″ |
| Stem | Zoom Aluminum Alloy, 60mm Length, 7° Rise, One 100mm Spacer, One 15mm Tapered Base Spacer, 31.8mm Clamp Diameter |
| Handlebar | Zoom Aluminum Alloy, 660mm Length, 6° Upsweep, 9° Back Sweep, 45mm Height, Mid-Rise |
| Saddle | Vader, Active with Gel, Black with Blue Accents |
| Seatpost | Aluminum Alloy, Single Bolt Clamp |
| Pedals | Neco WP-101, Aluminum Alloy Platform, Cage Style |
| Grips | Flat Rubber, Black, Anodized Metallic Blue Lockers |
Groupset
| Crank | Lasco Forged Aluminum Alloy Crank Arms, 170mm Length, 50 Tooth Aluminum Alloy Chainring |
| Cassette | 1 Single Speed Freewheel, 16 Tooth Rear Sprocket |
| Brakes | Shimano Mechanical Disc with 160mm Rotors, Shimano Tourney TX 805 Calipers, 5 Star Four-Finger Levers with Motor Inhibitors |
Wheels
| Rims | Aluminum Alloy, Anodized Blue, Double Walled, 25×406, 25mm Depth and Width, 36 Hole |
| Spokes | Stainless Steel, 14 Gauge Front 13 Gauge Rear, Black with Silver Nipples |
| Tires | CST C1809, 20″ x 1.75″ (47-406) |
Electric Components
| Motor | Weight: 6.6 lbs (2.99 kg), Brand: Bafang, Type: Rear-Mounted Geared Hub, Nominal Output: 250 watts, Peak Output: 400 watts, Torque: 35 Newton meters |
| Battery | Weight: 3.4 lbs (1.54 kg), Brand: Samsung 18650, 20 Cells 10S2P, Voltage: 36 volts, Amp Hours: 7 ah, Watt Hours: 252 wh, Chemistry: Lithium-ion |
Comparison Table
| Bikes | Click view | Tires | Drivetrain | Frame Material | Battery |
| Bianchi E-Spillo City Step Thru-Altus | Click View | 40-622 | 1 × 8 | Aluminum | 317Wh |
| 2023 Denago City Model 2 Step-thru eBike | Click View | 27.5″ x 2.6″ | 1 × 8 | Aluminum | 652Wh |
| Blix Sol | Click View | 27.5″ x 2.20″ | 1 x 7 | Aluminum | 672Wh |
Bianchi E-Spillo City Step Thru-Altus vs. Propella MINI
The overall design of the Bianchi E-Spillo City Step Thru-Altus is different from the Propella MINI. The Bianchi E-Spillo City Step Thru-Altus features a progressive frame design with streamlined lines, making it easier to get on and off. In contrast, the Propella MINI leans more towards a road bike design, relatively emphasizing aerodynamics. Additionally, the Bianchi E-Spillo City Step Thru-Altus uses a steel front fork, which is relatively heavier. However, the steel fork can absorb vibrations from the road, which can be an advantage for those who need to ride long distances or prioritize comfort. Furthermore, the Bianchi E-Spillo City Step Thru-Altus has a larger battery capacity compared to the Propella MINI. But I find that the Bianchi E-Spillo City Step Thru-Altus is priced $485 higher than the Propella MINI, which allows for a larger battery.
While I believe the Propella MINI is more aggressive than the Bianchi E-Spillo City Step Thru-Altus, it still allows for an upright riding posture and has an interesting small-wheel design.
However, the choice ultimately depends on your individual needs. If you require comfort and a larger battery, you may want to consider the Bianchi E-Spillo City Step Thru-Altus. If you prefer a compact and small-bodied bike, I think you might fall in love with the Propella MINI.
2023 Denago City Model 2 Step-thru eBike vs. Propella MINI
The 2023 Denago City Model 2 Step-thru eBike doesn’t have a top tube, and all the cable routing goes through the frame, giving it a clean and elegant appearance. While it is priced higher than the Propella MINI, I find it justified when considering its battery capacity, which reaches 652Wh. Additionally, it offers a relatively wider gear range (1×8), and a 1x system is easy to operate. Moreover, its saddle comes with a lift handle, providing an extra grip point when you need to lift the Denago City Model 2 Step-thru eBike, making it easier to handle. However, when it comes to the brake system, I have more trust in the Shimano mechanical disc brakes that the Propella MINI is equipped with. Of course, this is a matter of personal preference.
In summary, if you prefer a larger battery and find the ease of getting on and off important, the 2023 Denago City Model 2 Step-thru eBike is worth considering. If, like me, you have a preference for Shimano components, you can also take a look at the Propella MINI. Ultimately, the choice should be based on your overall needs and preferences.
Blix Sol vs. Propella MINI
The Blix Sol looks fantastic. Its retro blue frame design is an excellent choice for those who appreciate artistic styles. However, it weighs in at 64.5 lbs, almost half as heavy again as the Propella MINI. Nonetheless, it’s worth noting that the Blix Sol has a 420Wh larger battery capacity than the Propella MINI. Additionally, all its cables run through the frame, giving it a cleaner and neater appearance. It’s worth mentioning that the Blix Sol has a torque of 70Nm, which is greater than the Propella MINI, resulting in faster acceleration.
However, I couldn’t find a water bottle mounting hole on the Blix Sol’s frame. This isn’t great news for someone who likes to hydrate on the go. In this regard, despite my unfamiliarity with the water bottle mounting location on the Propella MINI, I would still prefer to use it. Plus, the paint design on the Propella MINI is pretty cool.
In conclusion, if both of these bikes are within your budget, and you appreciate the retro, fresh paint job and frame of the Blix Sol, you can certainly consider it. But if you prefer a more agile and space-saving bike, then I would recommend giving the Propella MINI a try.
Summary
The above is our review of the Propella MINI. It’s a good city electric bike, and we’ve given it a high score of 4.72 overall. If you’re interested in more bike information, feel free to check out our other reviews.
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