Propella 9S Pro V2 rolling out as low-cost torque sensor e-bike

tea Propella 9S Pro V2, unveiled late last year, is one of a few low-cost torque sensor-enabled electric bikes to hit the market. And now the new model is officially shipped to customers.

Torque sensors are praised among electric cyclists who actually spend a significant amount of time pedaling their bikes instead of just using the throttle.

While they are fairly standard in Europe, lower priced electric bikes in the US often use a simpler and more rudimentary sensor known as a cadence sensor. It works, but it doesn’t provide an intuitive or natural pedaling experience like a torque sensor.

Most e-bikes available in the US that feature a torque sensor are priced at over $2,000, but the Propella 9S Pro has made waves. at his presentation last year as a $1,199 torque sensor enabled e-bike.

Propella is mostly known as a minimalist e-bike brandwhich offers commuter and metro bikes in a single blue-black color scheme and with simple but effective components that keep costs (and maintenance) fairly low.

But the new Propella 9S Pro V2 comes with a number of big upgrades that make it harder to call the bike “minimalist.”

The new bike comes in two frame style options, including the first Propeller Step design, although a single frame is also available. The battery is now integrated into the frame instead of being pushed in like a water bottle cage, although it is still removable with an included key like most e-bikes. The battery is also UL-compliant, an important safety factor that will ensure that it can be sold in areas that are beginning to restrict the sale of non-UL compliant electric bicycles.

The 360 ​​Wh capacity battery is still quite small compared to industry standards, but this 42.5 lb (19.3 kg) Class 1 e-bike is quite efficient and thus still offers a maximum range of 55 miles (88 km) at lower power pedal. assist

Turning up the power, however, will allow riders to get the most out of the Propella 9S Pro V2’s 500W rear hub motor. It will also ensure that those riders can reach the bike’s maximum speed of 20 mph (32 km/h), which is the maximum legally allowed speed for Class 1 e-bikes.

And since this is a pedal-only electric bike, meaning there’s no hand throttle for pedal-free power, Propella has included that much-loved torque sensor for the most natural and responsive pedal assist experience . The torque sensors only give a nicer and more traditional ride because the power is provided based on the duration that the cyclist pedals, which makes the experience more natural.

Other components that help the bike punch above its $1.2k price include a 9-speed transmission, an included headlight that runs from the main battery, an adjustable stem, a color LCD screen, fenders included, a high power charger for three hours. recharges, and hydraulic disc brakes.

There is no suspension, but the 2″ tires give more air cushion than we are used to seeing in e-bikes from Propella.