Propella V3.2 (7 Speed) Electric Bike Review Part 1 – Pictures & Specs

Propella has rolled out their latest 3.2 version with its light and efficient ride style. 

Like other Propella versions, the 3.2 is very lightweight eBike at 38 pounds and it features the new upgraded 36V 7ah lithium battery with Samsung cells. 

Another big highlight of the Propella eBikes are the impressive price points.

In this testing & review is the 7 speed version priced at $1,199 and there is also a single speed option priced at $999 and around 36 pounds. 

In this first part of the review you will get a detailed look at this bike with a BUNCH of pictures and the specifications.

Part 2 of the Propella 3.2 review will give you info on the ride characteristics, results from the range test, pros, cons, and overall thoughts on this eBike.

Alright, let’s take a closer look at the Propella 3.2!

Like other versions, the new 3.2 has a very catchy and stylish look with its deep anodized blue rims that is inline with the urban bike style.

Let’s take a closer look at the aluminum frame and fork. 

The 3.2 is offered in a 19″ frame size that Propella states will fit riders between 5-2″ and 6-4″ but it is ideally designed for riders in the 5′-4″ to 6′-2″ range. 

In this view you can see the large welds of the top and down tube connections to the headtube of the frame. 

There is a gusset under the downtube for additional strength and you can see some internal cable routing through the downtube that provides some cable protection and a cleaner look. 

The aluminum forks have an aerodynamic profile for style that adds to the urban look. 

In this view you can also see how the headtube blends into the fork profile for a very clean look.

Here a closer look at the welds for the top tube, seat tube, and seat stay junction. 

The bolts on the seat stays are for optional rear rack attachment. 

The 36V 7ah 252 Wh lithium battery with Samsung cells is an upgrade from the 2nd generation Propella’s. Propella does offer an upgrade battery kit for V2.0-V2.2 eBikes.

Check out Part 2 for the range test results.

The lightweight 3.1 pound battery is mounted on the downtube of the frame for optimal weight distribution. 

This helps with the overall balance of the bike and it is good for the bike’s handling with the weight being relatively low. 

The button on the top of the pack shows the charge level. There is also a charge level indicator on the handlebar display. 

The charge port is on the top of the battery and there is a rubber cover that protects the charge port. 

On the lower left side of the battery is the lock mechanism. The battery can be charged on the bike or when it has been removed from the bike. 

In this view you can also see internal cable routing that exits the downtube near the bottom bracket. 

The battery is removed by unlocking it with one of the supplied keys (2 supplied) and pulling it up and off the bike. 

Here is a look at the battery frame mount with the battery removed. With the battery removed the bike weighs 35.2 pounds. 

This is the battery removed from the bike with the charger plugged into the charge port on the top of the battery.

The battery can be charged on or off the bike and full charge time is 2.5 hours.

Here is a closer look at the drive system on the Propella 3.2 with the 7 speed gearing ($1,199). There is also a single speed version available for $999.

A 46t chainring drives the white chain back to the 7 speed Shimano cogset. 

The white chain is another touch of style that makes the Propella 3.2 stand out. 

The aluminum Neco pedals have a grippy platform with reflectors on both sides. 

A Bafang 250 watt (350 watt peak power) geared rear hub motor provides pedal assist up to 18mph.

The Propella 3.2 is a Class 1 eBike because it is pedal assist only (no throttle).

The Shimano 7 speed cogset has a 14 tooth to 28 tooth gear range. 

A Shimano Altus rear derailleur shifts through the 7 speed Shimano cogset. 

Shimano TX-805 mechanical disc brakes with 160mm rotors are used front and rear. 

This is the rear Shimano TX-805 mechanical disc brake with the 160mm rotor attached to the Bafang hub motor.  

The Kenda 700c x 32c road tires provide a very efficient ride and also add to the urban look of the 3.2.

In this view you can see the deep profile of the blue anodized rims that give Propella eBikes a very distinctive look. 

There are reflective stripes on each side of the tires for help with being seen in low-light/dark conditions. 

The ride position for the Propella V3.2 is focused on performance and efficiency with wide handlebars that have a lower height. 

The handlebar height can be adjusted by changing the stems position with the spacers on the steer tube. 

On the left side of the handlebar is the lock on grip, control pad, front brake lever, and LCD display. 

The up and down arrows on the control pad adjust the 5 levels of pedal assist and other features.

Holding the up arrow for a few seconds cycles through information on the display like the average and max speeds. 

Holding the down arrow for a few seconds activates the walk mode that moves the bike at 2 mph to help when walking the bike uphill. 

The on/off button below the up/down arrows turns the bike on/off and cycles through info on the display like the trip distance and odometer. 

The LCD display provides information on:

• Pedal assist level, there are 5
• Battery level
• Time
• Current speed
• Average speed
• Max speed
• Trip distance 
• Odometer

The brake levers have a built in sensor that will stop the motor assist when either brake lever is engaged. 

On the right side of the handlebar is the lock on grip, rear brake lever, and Shimano Altus 7 speed shifter.

The saddle has a narrower performance profile that focuses on pedaling efficiency. 

Propella offers the Kinekt suspension seatpost as an optional upgrade to smooth out rough roads. 

The kickstand is mounted on the left side of the frame. The length of the kickstand is adjustable so that you can set the angle of the bike when it is parked. 

Propella 3.2 Electric Bike Specifications

Frame: Aluminium frame

Fork: Aluminium fork

Motor: Bafang 250 watt (350 peak power) geared rear hub motor

Battery: 36V 7Ah (252 watt hour) lithium battery with Samsung cells. The battery weighs 3.1 pounds. Charge time is 2.5 hours. 

Assist Options: 5 pedal assist levels. Cadence sensor pedal assist. 

Speed: Pedal assist (no throttle) up to 18 mph which makes this a Class 1 eBike

Display: LCD display with information on: pedal assist level, speed, average speed, max speed, odometer, trip distance, battery level, time. 

Drivetrain: 7 Shimano with Altus rear derailleur & shifter. 46t chainring and 14t to 28t cogset. Single speed option available for $999.

Brakeset: Shimano TX-805 mechanical disc brakes with 160mm rotors

Tires: Kenda 700c x 32c with reflective sidewalls

Sizes: 19″ frame

Accessories: Kickstand

Colors: Black

Weight: 38.3 pounds total. 35.2 pounds with the 3.1 pound battery removed.

Price: $1,199 USD for 7 speed. $999 for single speed.

Here is a link to the specifications page of the Propella 3.2 electric bike.

Now checkout Part 2 of the Propella 3.2 review with info on the ride characteristics, the range test, pros, cons, and overall thoughts!

-Pete

Review Note: Each company pays a fee for a review on Electric Bike Report because of the considerable amount of time that it takes to provide an in-depth review of each eBike. A lot of time is spent on the full range test with distance & elevation profile, the wide variety of detailed pictures, in-depth video, and the write up with the specifications, ride characteristics, pros, cons, and overall thoughts. The reviews on Electric Bike Report are focused on providing you with a detailed “virtual” look at each eBike to help you determine if it is the eBike for you or not.

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