Electrek.co

Propella 7S electric bike review: Simplicity and slick looks combine in this affordable e-bike

by Micah Toll

The Propella 7S electric bike is many things. It’s lightweight. It’s good looking. It’s affordable. The one thing it isn’t, is overly complicated.

This e-bike is as simple as it gets and that is part of what makes it so attractive as a commuter e-bike.

Propella 7S Tech Specs • Motor: 250 W (400 W peak) Bafang rear geared hub motor • Top speed: 30 km/h (18.5 mph) • Range: 32-64 km (20-40 mi) depending on pedal assist level • Battery: 36V 7Ah (250 Wh) • Charge time: 2.5 hours • Weight: 16.8 kg (37 lb) • Frame: Aluminum alloy

Propella 7S Tech Specs (Cont'd) • Brakes: Shimano mechanical disc brakes • Tires: CST XPEDIUM 700C x 35 • Extras: LCD display with speedometer, battery gauge, PAS level indicator, odometer, tripmeter, 5 speed settings, mounting points for racks/fenders, alloy bar ends, metal pedals, compact charger • Price: $1,249 (but sometimes on sale for $1,099)

If you remember our review of the Propella SS 4.0 last summer, you’ll already be familiar with the most important aspects of the Propella 7S. The SS is simply the single-speed version of this bike, and otherwise is mostly identical.

While I enjoyed the SS as a great urban e-bike for flat cities, the 7S model adds a 7-speed transmission that is sure to be praised by commuters living in hillier areas and that want the ability to downshift for hill climbing or upshift for flat land speed.

When it comes to the Propella 7S, you have to go into this e-bike knowing what it’s for and what it isn’t for. This is an urban-oriented e-bike, which means it is meant to be light and efficient. Tipping the scales at 37 lb (16.8 kg), it weighs significantly less than many other urban e-bikes we’ve seen.

It isn’t a powerhouse since it has a relatively small 250 watt motor, but it still puts out a peak of 400 watts to give you the extra power you need on acceleration or hill climbing.

You can check out my test riding of the Propella 7S in my succinct video review. For an even more detailed analysis, though, keep reading my full review for all of the details.