Commuter electric bikes are a key segment helping reduce America’s dependence on cars for navigating cities. The Propella 9S Pro V2 is designed squarely to get people to work, school, the coffee shop, or just navigating town on their own schedule. But compared to many other electric commuter bikes on the market, Propella does it with some outstanding value and several features we rarely see at this price level.
Want to watch the Propella 9S Pro V2 in action? Check out my video review below. Then keep reading for all of the juicy details!
Propella 9S Pro Video Review
Propella 9S Pro Tech Specs
Motor: 350W (50 W peak) rear geared hub motor
Top speed: 32 km/h (20 mph)
Range: Up to 80 km (50 mi) depending on pedal assist level
Battery: 36V 350 Wh
Charge time: 3 hours
Weight: 19.7kg (43 lb)
Frame: Aluminum alloy
Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes
Extras: Color LCD display with speedometer, battery gauge, PAS level indicator, odometer, tripmeter, 5 speed settings, included fenders, alloy bar ends, metal pedals, LED headlight, high-power fast charger, step-over/step-thru frame options, torque sensor, and kickstand
A lot of e-bikes make it fairly obvious what features you’re getting. But there’s one important feature that you usually can’t see: torque sensors.
The Propella 9S Pro V2 includes a torque sensor, which is a major upgrade over the cadence sensors that most budget-level electric bikes use to activate their pedal assist.
We’ve talked about this before, but the summary is that torque sensors basically make the bike more comfortable and responsive since they better mimic real-world pedaling. Instead of the bike feeling laggy and then lurching forward, like with many cadence sensor e-bikes, an electric bike with a torque sensor will usually feel much more natural to pedal with responsive motor power.
But of course there’s more than just a torque sensor that makes the Propella 9S Pro so nice – even if that one single component is a great value-added piece of kit that we rarely see at this price.
Other nice components include the color LCD display, adjustable handlebars, hydraulic disc brakes, the 9-speed transmission, the built-in LED headlight, and the included fender set.
One note about that transmission: it’s great to have gear options, but ironically I found that I just left it in the highest gear all the time. I live in a flat city though, and so the advantages of constantly higher gearing make sense. If you have hills in your city, you’ll enjoy the gear options and not just treat it like a single-speed as I did.
Some folks will surely bemoan the lack of suspension, and I get it. A lot of people feel they need suspension for the added comfort. But if you can give it up, you’ll get a stronger and longer-lasting bike with fewer places for failure. In this case, the 2″ tires offer more cushion than most city bikes, and the fork even uses a 12mm thru-axle for the strongest connection compared to most cheap city e-bikes with quick-release skewers.
One downside of the bike though is that its 36V battery simply isn’t very big, measuring just 350 Wh. Though on the other hand, the lack of a throttle means that the bike will work more efficiently thanks to the pedal assist operation (they claim up to 50 miles or 80 km of range per charge). Despite the smaller size battery, at least it is removable with the included key, meaning you can charge it off of the bike when convenient. And it even comes with a fairly fast charger, filling the battery from empty in just 3 hours. In most cases though, the charge time will be even quicker since you’ll rarely ride the bike all the way to empty. That battery and bike are also SGS-certified to UL 2271 and UL2849 standards, which is becoming an important differentiator as concerns of battery safety propogate.
What’s the takeaway?
As an urban-oriented Class 1 e-bike that can hit 20 mph (32 km/h) quickly and easily thanks to that 500W peak rated motor, the Propella 9S Pro V2 is an ideal commuter e-bike. And at just 43.5 lb (19.7 kg), it’s pretty darn lightweight too – at least as far e-bikes go.
The company has added more and more features to their bikes over the years, giving us the 9S Pro V2 with just about everything that most commuters want – except for the throttle. Though if you’re really hung up about having a throttle, they did just release another Propella model that will quench your throttle thirst.
So all told, at US $1,299, the Propella 9S Pro is a steal. If you want a commuter e-bike with a great selection of parts for the price, you just can’t go wrong here. Well, not unless you want a colorway other than blue-on-black.
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Toyota’s new electric SUV is a surprise hit in China. Starting at just $15,000, the Toyota bZ3X is already the top-selling joint venture brand EV.
The $15,000 Toyota bZ3X is the top-selling foreign EV
After launching the bZ3X in March, Toyota’s joint venture, GAC Toyota, claimed that orders were “so popular that the server crashed.” It apparently secured over 10,000 orders in the first hour.
In its second month on the market, the bZ3X was the top-selling foreign-owned vehicle in China, beating out the Volkswagen ID.3 and ID.4 Crozz, Nissan N7, and BMW i3.
According to the latest update, the electric SUV retained the title once again in June. Peng Baolin, General Manager of Sales at GAC-Toyota, revealed on social media that the “delivery volume of Bozhi 3X in June reached 6,030 units.”
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GAC Toyota announced on Weibo that cumulative deliveries have now exceeded 20,000 units, setting a new record for the fastest joint venture electric SUV sales to achieve the feat.
Toyota bZ3X electric SUV (Source: GAC Toyota)
The company also claimed that the bZ3X “has the highest sales of new energy vehicles” among joint venture brands right now.
The bZ3X is Toyota’s “first 100,000 yuan-level pure electric SUV.” It’s available in seven different trims, starting at 109,800 yuan, or about $15,000.
Toyota bZ3X electric SUV (Source: GAC-Toyota)
Two variants have an added LiDAR, making Toyota the first joint venture brand to offer it in China. The smart driving version starts at 149,800 yuan ($20,500). For 159,800 yuan ($22,000), you can upgrade to the range-topping “610 Max” trim.
Powered by a 67.92 kWh battery, the long-range model is rated with a CLTC range of up to 610 km (379 miles). The base “Air” trim features a 50.03 kWh battery, good for a 430 km (267 miles) range.
The bZ3X measures 4,645 mm in length, 1,885 mm in width, and 1,625 mm in height, or about the size of BYD’s popular Yuan Plus (sold overseas as the Atto 3).
Inside is a significant upgrade from most Toyota models we are used to seeing. It features a tech-focused interior with a 12.3″ infotainment screen and an 8.8″ driver display.
Toyota bZ3X electric SUV interior (Source: GAC-Toyota)
Toyota markets it as an affordable family SUV with “a mobile space that is as comfortable as home.” With all the seats folded, the interior offers nearly 10 feet (3 meters) of space.
It’s also powered by Momenta’s 5.0 smart driving system, offering advanced smart driving features such as Level 2 assisted driving, remote parking, and more.
Electrek’s Take
Although it may not seem like much with Chinese EV makers like Xiaomi securing nearly 300,000 orders for the YU7 SUV in an hour, the bZ3X is selling surprisingly well for a foreign brand vehicle.
Global automakers are struggling to keep pace in China with an influx of new low-cost domestic EVs and an intensifying price war. However, Japanese automakers, including Toyota, have been some of the hardest hit.
During GAC Toyota’s Tech Day event last month, the company announced partnerships with China’s leading tech companies, including Huawei, Xiaomi, and Momenta, as it seeks to regain market share.
Ahead of the event, the company posted on Weibo that “god-level allies are coming to help,” adding “car industry bigwigs are coming.
Through May, Toyota’s sales in China are up 7.7% from the same period last year, with 530,000 vehicles sold. Will Toyota continue gaining traction in the world’s largest EV market? With the bZ5 now rolling out and several new models on the way, Toyota is looking for a comeback.
If you’re planning a summer camping trip or backyard cookout, or just want to be prepared for future blackouts, BLUETTI has you covered this Prime Day with up to 65% off portable power stations. And two standout models are turning heads: the all-new Elite 100 V2 and the powerhouse Elite 200 V2.
Electrek readers get an exclusive extra 5% off sitewide with the promo code ELECTREK5OFF, but act fast! These fantastic Prime Day deals only run until July 11.
Compact powerhouse: Elite 100 V2 (now in pre-order!)
Meet the newly launched Elite 100 V2 – BLUETTI’s latest iteration of the AC180 portable power station that packs serious performance in a smaller frame. It’s about 30% smaller than the AC180 yet still delivers a mighty 1,800W output and 3,600W surge capacity. That’s more than enough to handle your coffee maker, induction cooktop, and even a portable AC unit.
With 11 versatile outlets and 1,000W solar input, this little powerhouse is perfect for camping trips, picnics, tailgates, or short-term home backup. It recharges in as little as 70 minutes, making it ideal for quick outdoor stops or unexpected power cuts.
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The Elite 100 V2 is available now for pre-order at the early-bird price of $399 plus an extra 5% off on Amazon and at Bluetti’s official store.
The backyard hero: Elite 200 V2 for just $699 (52% off!)
This one’s a total game-changer. With a massive 2,048Wh capacity and 2,400W output (3,900W surge), the BLUETTI Elite 200 V2 powers everything from electric grills and coffee makers to portable fridges and full camping kitchens. It’s great for family cookouts, rooftop movie nights, or camping with serious gear.
The best part? It runs at just 16dB, which is whisper quiet. And inside is a true EV-grade battery with a whopping 17-year lifespan. That’s power you can count on for the long haul.
The Elite 200 V2 is down to just $699 for Prime Day – that’s 59% off and the lowest price ever(!) on Amazon and at BLUETTI’s official store.
More Prime Day BLUETTI power deals until July 11
BLUETTI is going big this year with deep discounts across the board. Here are some more hot picks:
AC70: Ultra-portable 768Wh station ideal for weekend outings, charging phones, laptops, and drones. $299 (50% off) on Amazon and on BLUETTI’s official store
AC2A: Lightweight 204.8Wh unit under 8 lbs, perfect for on-the-go charging essentials. $139 (37% off) on Amazon and on BLUETTI’s official store
AC200L: 2,048Wh unit built for rooftop movie nights or long backyard parties, expandable to 7.6kWh. $899 (44% off) on Amazon and on BLUETTI’s official store
AC300 + B300K: Modular home battery backup with 3,000W output and expandable capacity up to 22kWh $1,299 (48% off) on Amazon and on BLUETTI’s official store
AC500 + B300K: High-capacity 5,000W home backup system designed for larger families and serious outage prep. $1,699 (43% off) on Amazon and on BLUETTI’s official store
Whether you need portable power for camping (Elite 100 V2) or a versatile 2kWh powerhouse for multiple uses (Elite 200 V2), or serious home battery backup (AC300 or AC500), there’s a perfect BLUETTI deal for you.
Price protection and bonus savings
Worried about buying early? Don’t be. BLUETTI is offering price protection through Prime Day. If prices drop further, they’ll refund the difference. And don’t forget to use promo code ELECTREK5OFF for an extra 5% off sitewide.
Summer adventures, blackouts, or weekend tailgates – whatever power solution you need, BLUETTI has a product to match. But act fast: these Prime Day deals end July 11.
About BLUETTI
BLUETTI is a committed advocate for sustainability, embedding ESG principles into product design and corporate initiatives. Through programs like LAAF (Light An African Family), it delivers affordable, sustainable energy to African communities. Partnering with Leave No Trace and the Footprint Project (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit), BLUETTI supports responsible outdoor recreation and disaster relief with clean energy solutions that minimize environmental impact. This blend of quality, reliability, and practical focus has earned trust in over 110 countries and regions.
Elon Musk told Tesla’s biggest cheerleader on Wall Street, Wedbush analyst Dan Ives, to ‘shut up’ and the reason why is absolutely ridiculous.
Dan Ives is one of the biggest pushers of Tesla’s stock on Wall Street. The Wedbush analyst can often bee seen on CNBC praising Tesla and its CEO, Elon Musk.
He has one of the highest price targets on Tesla on Wall Street with $500 price per share.
After Tesla’s deliveries came way under his expectations and down 13% year-over-year in the first quarter, he reiterated his price target, which would value Tesla at over $1.5 trillion.
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That’s even though Tesla’s net earnings have steadily declined over the last 2 years, and it is on track to start losing money within the next year.
Ives’ faith in Tesla stock is solely based on Musk and his promises of self-driving vehicles and robots. Just last month, he said that “Musk is the best asset of Tesla. We see him as CEO until 2030.”
You would think that Musk would like this guy, but no.
Ives took to X today to suggest that Tesla’s board should give Musk a new pay package giving him 25% control over the company.
If that were to be given through more stock options, it would virtually double his stake in Tesla and represent a $200 billion payday for Musk. In exchange, Ives is only suggesting that Musk, who runs several other companies and projects, should commit to spending a certain amount of time at Tesla and that the board has oversight on his involvement in politics.
In response to the analyst, who is one of Musk’s biggest fans and is suggesting Tesla gives him $200 billion, Musk told him to “shut up”:
Musk is seen as having complete control over Tesla’s board, which led to the rescinding of his 2018 CEO compensation package. One of the points that the judge brought up was that Tesla never even negotiated with Musk about committing his time at Tesla as part of the compensation package despite knowing the CEO already had roles at several other companies.
Now, Musk is also launching his own political party, in addition to his roles at SpaceX, X, xAI, The Boring Company, and Neuralink.
Electrek’s Take
Even Dan, who is a complete Musk sycophant, is not a big enough sycophant for Musk.
How do you tell a guy suggesting Tesla give you $200 billion to “shut up” just because he added some very mild conditions? What’s his thinking here? How dare he ask the board to do its job and supervise me? Doesn’t he know that I own the board?
The remarkable thing is that you know Musk could easily circumvent any conditions imposed by the board, and the mere fact that those conditions would have been in the contract could have helped it avoid being rescinded in the first place.
Musk’s behavior makes no sense. Honestly, he appears to be increasingly disconnected from reality.
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