Today we’re taking a look at a single speed electric bike from Propella
called the SS. It’s a simple, stylish and lightweight eBike that weighs only 35 lbs
and perfect for commuting or just getting around town. With a price of $1,100 and free shipping,
the Propella SS is one of the most affordable eBikes we’ve tested this year.
We even have a special coupon code that will give you $100 off, bringing it down to just $1,000 and
valid for the next 30 days from when this video was posted. We’ll put links in the description,
along with any other deals and coupon codes that will save you money.
Propella sent us the SS model so we could put it in the test. The bike ships in a large box
and is mostly assembled, but it does require some assembly. You’ll need to mount the front
handlebar, then secure the front wheel, screw in the pedals, and install the seat post.
Propella also has a good assembly video that shows you how to do it step by step.
Looking at the design, it has a black frame with a blue color scheme throughout that really
makes it pop. Between the blue anodized wheels and other blue accents throughout
like on the battery, seat and handlebars– it will turn heads and stand apart on the road.
The Propella SS comes in only 1 color and 1 size, which is suited for riders between 5’4 - 6’2.
The battery is a 250 watt hour battery pack that almost looks like a large water bottle from far
away. The battery is easy to remove and pops right off when you unlock it using the keys.
One thing we did notice with the battery is that it has a bit of rattle when riding.
You’ll notice it when going over bumps, and even feel and hear some vibrations during acceleration
which can be a bit annoying. We hope Propella can fix this in later models.
For the motor, it’s a 250 watt Bafang hub motor located in the rear wheel,
which can get you going up to 18mph using pedal assist. It’s
a cadence sensor- meaning it will kick in a few seconds after you start pedaling,
and the amount of assistance it provides will depend on the mode that you’re in.
There’s 5 different pedal assist modes you can choose from, and you control it
using the Up and Down buttons on the left hand side of the handlebar. But unlike other eBikes,
there’s no throttle on this bike, so you can only use the motor in a pedal assist mode.
The small LCD display will show you which pedal assist mode you’re in,
as well as your current speed, trip distance and total odometer reading.
It also shows you the battery life, which is more accurate when you’re stopped.
While riding, the battery indicator is voltage sensitive- meaning the more load
from the motor will cause a voltage drop, which immediately lowers the battery indicator level.
Looking at the drivetrain, it’s a 16 Tooth single speed freewheel,
with a Lasco brand crank and chain ring. The single speed means it’s easier to maintain,
and also helps reduce weight and cost of the bike down.
When riding, we found the single gear to be great all around, giving the ability to punch
it and pick up speed quickly without too much effort, especially at a higher pedal assist mode.
But all that power does end up taking a toll on the range, and that’s where we noticed the range
of the Propella will be affected. On our range test, we rode mainly in pedal assist mode 4 and 5,
riding around the city and on bike paths– and we were able to get just 16 miles before the
battery was totally dead. Propella advertises a range between 20-40 miles, but those numbers
are usually in ideal circumstances, when riding in lower modes like Eco.
After running out of battery, we were still able to keep riding the
eBike as a regular bike, but the single speed made it harder to take on hills.
Speaking of hills, you can tackle moderate hills with this bike, but you’ll need to put
the pedal assist on 5 and add some extra leg power to push it to the top for steeper hills,
and it will certainly drain the battery faster.
Looking at other components like the tires, they are puncture resistant tires that are
thin and meant for the road and paths, with the tire valve being a Presta type valve,
so you’ll want to make sure you have the right pump or adapter.
For brakes, it has Shimano mechanical disc brakes on the front and back,
which are entry level components and nothing to rave about but still do the job.
One component missing that we wish it had would be lights. There’s no integrated LED front or rear
light on this bike, so that’s something you’ll need to add on if you plan on riding at night.
But, one plus is that we did find the seat to be soft and comfortable,
compared to other eBikes we’ve tested at higher price tags.
We’re happy with the quality of components given the price of this eBike.
Propella also includes a 7 day free return policy if you’re not happy with your purchase. They
also have a 1 year warranty and will repair or replace any component if you run into any issues.
Overall we think the Propella SS is a great everyday
lightweight commuter electric Bike. Single speed e-bikes are a great choice for anyone
looking for a straight forward eBike that simply works and won’t break the bank.
Alright, that’s it for now. Next, be sure to watch our other eBike reviews and comparisons
including the most affordable commuter eBikes you can bike this year.