Propella MINI MAX launched as $899 electric utility bike, finally with a throttle
Propella has long been known for its eye-catching blue and black commuter e-bikes that prioritize a simple and lightweight design over flashy features and bulky accessories. They’ve also always been pedal assist-only bikes, at least until now. The company has just launched the Propella MINI MAX as a throttle-enabled electric utility bike.
It might not look like most of the utility bikes we’re used to seeing, largely due to its streamlined and lightweight design.
At just 38 lbs (17 kg), it’s a serious lightweight next to most of the 60+ lb utility e-bikes out there.
But unlike many of Propella’s former e-bike models, the MINI MAX still comes packed with several interesting features and components.
For example, the 20 mph (32 km/h) e-bike fits into Class 2 designation thanks to an included throttle – a first for Propella.
There’s also an included rear rack for utility use and the bike sports both front and rear LED lights.
The frame uses a mid-step design with a lower downtube, which makes it easier to get on and off the bike when cargo is piled high on the rear rack.
The integrated battery is rather small at just 355 Wh, but at least it is UL-compliant (certified by SGS). While the battery can’t be removed quickly with a key like many e-bike power packs, it can be removed for replacement by opening a cover hidden at the bottom of the downtube. It’s not something you’d do each day, but it does mean the pack is fairly easily accessible for servicing.
The company claims up to 40 miles (64 km) of range per charge, though that is likely while using the lowest of the five pedal assist power levels. Opting for higher assist or relying on the throttle will reduce the total range per charge. The company claims a range of 20 miles (32 km) on throttle-only riding, though even that figure will likely take a hit on less-than-ideal terrain. A relatively high-power charger is included though, and it will get you rolling with a full battery again in just three hours.
Disc brakes are mounted on the 20″ wheels, each wearing a 2.25″ tire. The bike is a single-speed, helping reduce complexity and cost, though that will also likely position it as a better flat land rider than steep hill climber – especially considering the 350W nominal motor (550 W peak-rated).
The Propella MINI MAX is currently on pre-order, with customers able to put down a $100 deposit towards the $899 pre-order price. Deliveries are expected to begin in May 2024.
Electrek’s Take
I don’t have one of these in my hands (at least not yet), but I can tell you my thoughts from looking at the specs.
The bike definitely has some real pro’s and con’s, here. On the upside, the $899 price and 38 lb weight are two of the lowest figures you’ll find in this part of the e-bike market. Both of those are huge winners. I also like the streamlined design, nearly theft-proof battery, and the inclusion of lights/rear rack on a budget-level bike. And of course, finally seeing a throttle is a great addition, too.
But on the downside, the 355 watt hour battery is rather small – especially once riders start mashing that throttle and find their bike isn’t nearly as efficient as the previous Propellas were on pedal assist. Plus the lack of a quickly removable battery will be a deal breaker for some riders who want to either swap in a spare battery to double their range or carry the battery inside for charging while the bike remains in a garage or locked out on the street.
If you don’t mind the lack of a swappable battery (or even prefer it due to the theft-resistance that it offers), and if you don’t plan to ride further than 15-ish miles on throttle or 25-ish miles on pedal assist, then this looks like an awesome deal. I actually love lightweight, simple single-speed electric bikes like these and I can see this being a real winner for folks that don’t want the heft of a heavy e-bike for local errand running and commutes.
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Environment
Baidu- and Geely-backed JiYue brand unveils ROBO X EV that goes 0-100 km/h in under 1.9 sec
JiYue, a Chinese EV brand focused on delivering all-electric “robocars” to the masses, has unveiled its latest model, and it’s quite a deviation from its previous EVs—but in the best way. Earlier today, JiYue launched the ROBO X supercar, designed for high-speed racing. By high speed, we mean 0-100 km/h acceleration in under 1.9 seconds. My mouth is watering.
JiYue has only existed since 2021, when parent tech company Baidu announced it was expanding from software development into physical EV production, joining forces with multinational automotive manufacturer Geely.
The new “robotic EV” marque initially launched as JIDU with $300 million in startup capital before garnering an additional $400 million in Series A funding, led by Baidu, in January 2022.
In August 2023, Geely took on a larger role in JIDU alongside a greater financial stake as the brand reimagined itself as JiYue, inheriting the JIDU logo and its flagship model, the 01 ROBOCAR.
In December 2023, Baidu and Geely unveiled a second model called the JiYue 07. It was born from JIDU’s ROBO-02 concept, which debuted in 2023 and was designed to compete against the Tesla Model 3 in China.
The 07 finally launched in China earlier this year with 545 miles of range. With an all-electric SUV and sedan on the market, JiYue has unveiled an exciting new entry in the form of a performance supercar called the ROBO X. Check it out:
JiYue’s new ROBO X EV is available for pre-order now
JiYue showcased its new ROBO X hypercar in front of the crowd at the 2024 Guangzhou Auto Show earlier today. Similar to previous models but with a unique spin, JiYue described the ROBO X as an AI smart-driving supercar that, for the first time, blends artificial intelligence and autonomous driving into a high-performance, race-ready EV.
When we say “high performance,” we mean a quad motor liquid-cooled drive system that can propel the ROBO X from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in under 1.9 seconds. JiYue called the new ROBO X a “performance beast” with “the perfect balance of excellent aerodynamic performance and high downforce.” JiYue CEO Joe Xia was even bolder in his statements about the ROBO X:
For the next 20 years, the design of supercars will bear the shadow of Robo X. This is the best design in the history of Chinese automobiles today, and it is a landmark presence.
Fighter-style airflow ducts bolster the EV’s aerodynamics, efficiency, and overall posture. Per JiYue, the two-seater ROBO X is expected to deliver a maximum range of over 650 km (404 miles).
The new supercar features falcon-wing doors, a carbon fiber integrated frame, and a professional racing HALO safety system offering 360° of support. The interior features an AI smart cockpit with SIMO real-time feedback to give drivers an immersive racing experience.
Furthermore, JiYue said the vehicle will utilize parent company Baidu’s Apollo self-driving technology, which could make it the first electric supercar to apply pure-vision ADAS technology that enables track-level autonomous driving.
Following today’s unveiling of the ROBO X, JiYue has officially opened up pre-orders in China for RMB 49,999 ($6,915). That said, reservation holders will need to be patient as JiYue shared that it doesn’t expect to begin mass production of the ROBO X until 2027.
What do you think? Will people be talking about the ROBO X for the next 20 years?
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This week on Electrek’s Wheel-E podcast, we discuss the most popular news stories from the world of electric bikes and other nontraditional electric vehicles. This time, that includes the launch of the Lectric XPedition 2.0, Yamaha e-bikes pulling out of North America, LiveWire unveils an electric scooter concept, PNY readying its cargo e-scooters for pilot testing, Royal Enfield’s first electric motorcycle, and more.
The Wheel-E podcast returns every two weeks on Electrek’s YouTube channel, Facebook, Linkedin, and Twitter.
As a reminder, we’ll have an accompanying post, like this one, on the site with an embedded link to the live stream. Head to the YouTube channel to get your questions and comments in.
After the show ends, the video will be archived on YouTube and the audio on all your favorite podcast apps:
We also have a Patreon if you want to help us to avoid more ads and invest more in our content. We have some awesome gifts for our Patreons and more coming.
Here are a few of the articles that we will discuss during the Wheel-E podcast today:
Here’s the live stream for today’s episode starting at 9:30 a.m. ET (or the video after 10:30 a.m. ET):
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Crude oil futures were on pace Friday for loss for the week, as a supply gut and a strong dollar depresses the market.
U.S. crude oil is down more than 2% this week, while Brent has shed nearly 2%.
Here are Friday’s energy prices:
- West Texas Intermediate December contract: $68.56 per barrel, down 14 cents, or 0.2%. Year to date, U.S. crude oil has shed about 4%.
- Brent January contract: $72.36 per barrel, down 20 cents, or 0.28%. Year to date, the global benchmark has lost nearly 6%.
- RBOB Gasoline December contract: $1.99 per gallon, up 0.46%. Year to date, gasoline has fallen more than 1%.
- Natural Gas December contract: $2.70 per thousand cubic feet, down 2.98%. Year to date, gas has gained more than 4%.
The International Energy Agency has forecast a surplus of more than 1 million barrels per day in 2025 on robust production in the U.S. OPEC revised down its demand forecast for the fourth consecutive month as demand in China remains soft.
A strong dollar also hangs over the market, as the greenback has surged in the wake of President-elect Donald Trump’s election victory.
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