Bikes
THE PROPELLA SINGLE-SPEED is an urban com-
muter that costs less than any other e-bike we’ve
tried. The 250-watt Bafang hub-drive motor
provides assistance up to 18mph from five pedal-
assist levels (in practice, you’ll likely use only the
three highest ones; the others don’t do much).
The bike is made for commuters who travel
short distances on mostly f lat ground. There’s
only one gear, and the battery has a relatively
short range. Propella claims 40 miles, but
we got considerably less on our hillier-than-
recommended rides. Like other low-cost pedal-
assist motors, this one delivers the same power
regardless of how fast you pedal—just turn the
cranks, and the motor kicks in at the maximum
power programmed for that level of assist. But
when your pedaling slows, as it will on evenminor hills, the motor bogs down and can
quickly drain the battery.
But it’s hard to beat the Propella’s price. And
this bike has the things you want in an urban
commuter: f lat bar, matte black frame that will
hide dings and scratches, mounts for racks and
fenders, disc brakes, and stylish rims. If you can
live with its one gear, limited range, and small
motor, you get a capable ride that will make
shorter commutes faster and easier.—Bobby LeaPROPELLA SINGLE-SPEED
PRICE: $999 / WEIGHT: 37.5 LB (ONE SIZE)
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