Weighing less than thirty-five pounds with a 250-watt motor, sturdy frame base, and five levels of pedal assist, the Propella Mini appeals to all riders both big and small. With a stylish, durable aluminum design, the Mini’s portable battery blends in with the bike and can last up to 25 miles on a single charge racing at rapid speeds at up to eighteen miles per hour. Its small size fits into an SUV trunk or closet for easy storage.
While the bike does come for the most part assembled when shipped, it’s highly recommended to take it to a local bike shop to finish the rest of the assembly. It is possible to complete on your thanks to Propella’s helpful instruction video, but unless you are highly experienced, taking it to a bike shop would also include important safety and brake checks. Once fully assembled and the battery is charged either on or off the bike, simply slide on the battery, turn it on by pressing the power button located on the front, start to pedal, and you are good to go. Additional keys are included for anti-theft protection to lock and unlock the battery.
A bright LCD display is mounted on the left handlebar to alter the five pedal-assist speeds, check the battery status and miles per hour, as well as an odometer for each trip taken. It even has a comfortable cushioned seat ideal for king-sized commutes and reflective lights on the sides of each bike pedal for riding on dusk days. Unfortunately, I was disappointed that Propella did not include front lights or fenders on the bike, but those accessories are available as an add-on on their website. All of the parts are made by well-known companies like Samsung, CST, and Shimano for easy replacement and allow the bike to activate its peak performance.
I tested the Mini in a wide variety of environments and it did not disappoint. Its powerful yet quiet motor and twenty-inch CST tires allowed me to climb hills with ease. It was simple to maneuver for sharp turns, and I felt safe and sturdy riding over bumps and potholes along the way. It’s a ton of fun to ride, too. With an unbeatable price currently at $849, the Propella Mini is at the top of its class in style, dependability, and range. 9.5/10
