New Propella Mini Max E-Bike Is A No-Frills Urban Commuter

Lightweight, simple and affordable, Propella lowers the barriers to entry into the electric bike scene.

Seattle-based e-bike specialist Propella has always been about keeping e-bikes affordable and accessible to a wide range of riders. Their new electric bike, the Mini Max, is the embodiment of this, with a price south of $1,000 USD, and a simple yet sturdy build that’s lightweight and reliable. The brand has just released all the juicy specs and details of the model, so let’s take a closer look at this small but capable two-wheeler.

Propella bikes is quick to indicate that priority security, especially when it comes to fire prevention with its batteries. The company says that the battery housed in the new Mini Max e-bike has been tested and certified by SGS according to UL 2271 standards. For those who don’t know, SGS is one of the many independent testing and certification bodies that inspect and they check e-bike batteries and make sure they meet industry standards when it comes to safety. We talked before about how some states require all electric bikes to have certified batteries, all in an attempt to reduce. e-mobility– related fires.

Speaking of the battery, Propella Bikes claims that the Mini Max’s battery can provide up to 40 miles of range on a single charge, as long as you keep it in pedal-assist mode. If you use the throttle only option, this drops to 20 miles. That said, you only need to wait three hours to fully charge the battery. As for the motor, it’s a rear geared hub motor from Chinese manufacturer Ananda Drive Techniques. It pumps out 350 watts of nominal output peaking at 550 watts, and has 45 Nm of torque at its disposal. As such, the Mini Max is categorized as a Class 2 e-bike, with a maximum speed of 20 kilometers per hour.

Part of the Propel Mini Max’s selling points is the fact that it’s a lightweight electric bike accessible to a wide range of riders. Impressively, Propella has managed to keep the weight fairly low at just 38 pounds with the battery, kickstand and rear rack included. This means that the Mini Max is not only a capable carrier, but can easily be carried up and down a flight of stairs, all while carrying your everyday essentials with ease.

Other highlights of the Mini Max include a convenient low-step frame, and a low-maintenance single-speed transmission. Although it’s powered by a standard chain instead of a modern belt (presumably to save costs), the Mini Max’s single-speed setup means you don’t need to adjust shifters and derailleurs; just lubricate the chain every week or so and you are good to go.

The lack of gears is obviously compensated by the powerful engine, and of course, the super affordable price of only $999 USD. To sweeten the deal even more, Propella Bikes is offering an early bird promotion for those looking to get their hands on the new Mini Max. Check out their website, and pre-order the bike for just $899 USD.

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