Tarassoli couldn’t find an e-bike that was lightweight and reasonably priced, so he started Propella Electric in his parents’ garage in Kirkland. Having raised more than $220,000 in Indiegogo crowdfunding, he has moved the operation to Redmond and now boasts three employees, though Tarassoli says he remains the sole full-timer.



“Propella has all the benefits of a simple bike,” Tarassoli declares, “with a boost of power.” Riders can select how much of a boost by manipulating a control panel on the handlebar. The electric assist from the lithium ion battery kicks in as soon as the rider starts pedaling. Happy Propella users include a commuter who says his hilly, 45-minute commute has been cut to 30 minutes and an exerciser who says the bike helped her deal with a chronic health condition.



The Propella, manufactured in China and Taiwan, comes in single-speed ($999) and seven-speed ($1,199) models. A carbon-fiber front wheel ($249), which reduces weight by an additional 1.5 pounds, is available. But Tarassoli says Propella’s elegant simplicity and minimalist design are its big selling points.



“It’s not so much that people here want to push a button and go,” he says. “You still have to pedal, but it’s got the right amount of power for those hills. It’s a great choice for Seattle.”



Propella Specs



Battery: Panasonic 36-volt lithium ion

Top speed: 18 mph

Range: 20-35 miles (pedal assisted)

Weight: 34.5 pounds

Charge time: 2.5 hours