The Priority Current E-Bike Review: Is It Worth It?

The Priority Bicycle's Current e-bike starts at $3,299. I rode it 215 miles in a single weekend. In this video, I answer the question: Is it worth it?
Priority Current: geni.us/8hA9
My Seattle to Portland video: • I rode my Priority Cur...
My full review on our website: ebikecommuting.com/priority-c...
00:00 - Intro
00:31 - Basic stats
01:02 - Mid-drive motor
01:18 - Torque vs watts
03:32 - Belt drive
04:16 - Internal geared hub
05:30 - Frame design
06:25 - Customer service
07:00 - Battery & range
08:04 - Range extender
08:44 - No throttle
09:06 - Handlebar grips

[@PriorityBicyclesNYC]

Thanks for rolling with Priority!

[@stephenleach3110]

Thanks for the excellent review and that really useful explanation of the difference between power and torque.

[@dickthomson3436]

Great review and thanks for a really good explanation of wattage vs Nm.

[@stepheng.5623]

Thanks for the review! It was delivered very well. I've had my Current going on 2 years, and i can't say enough about it. I absolutely love it!. Yes, my experience with customer service was second to none. Safe travels ☮️

[@EBikeCommuting]

Thanks for the kind words. Glad to hear you have been enjoying your Current!!

[@wdj935]

Thanks for sharing. I converted my Specialized Roll by adding a Tongsheng torque sensor motor and Enviolo cargo hub about a year or two before the Priority Current was released. After all of the upgrades, I probably spent as much as the Current. If I were to do it again, I would buy the Current because of the belt drive. I’ve been riding my bike to work here in Connecticut everyday and in all seasons for years. I am very glad that I don’t have a throttle. Overall, I am very happy with my bike but I will probably buy the Current for my son.

[@badabing8884]

I have a Gazelle ultimate 380 HMB and loving it. 625w battery which can get me about 60 miles range but it does depend where I ride and how fast etc (hills/flats) and can even extend it if I turn off the motor going downhill and flattish terrain but that comes at the expense of the ABS. Here in the UK legal pedal assist bikes the motor stops assisting at 15.5mph.

[@nelsoncaraballo9446]

Great video. Have you thought about changing out the handlebar to the Jones H Bar? They also have the Riser.. I'm looking at adding one to my Aventon Level 2 and my touring bike. Thank you for sharing. Ride On!

[@user-dv8de9vy5d]

Have to agree about the handlebars. I put on a Jones H-Bar. Now I have a myriad of hand positions. I would have liked to go tubeless but inserts are serving me well.

[@tsmith3139]

Very nice review! You offer a good explanation of what are the important features to consider when looking at e-bikes. Personally, I have been riding a Gazelle TMB10 for the past 2 years and I love it. The Bosch speed motor was a perfect match to the bike, but it would have been nice to have more than 85NM of torque. Since I ride mainly on flat surfaces it doesn't really bother me and I'm able to get 50-60 miles of range with a single battery. The extended battery on the Priority, as you pointed out, is not something I would ever want, besides it looks terrible. Nice to see they are offering the Enviolo hub...that is very efficient. I have not seen a throttle offered on a Class 3 bike, except for the cheaper bike manufacturers. Thanks for making this review!

[@EBikeCommuting]

Glad to hear you’ve enjoyed my reviews and thanks for sharing your experience with the TMB. Ive only ridden Gazelle’s Arroyo and Ultimate models.

[@dant.6364]

thoughtful review

[@msb6100]

i've ridden my priority current with the enviolo shifter 950 miles. Agree about the torque--this will climb a wall in level 4-5. I always ride in level 2 (3-4 on big hills) and I've averaged 36 miles of range for the life of the bike. Long lightly hilly rides exclusively on level 2 give me 42 miles of range. And like you said, level 4-5 to scoot somewhere fast will burn the range quickly. My one complaint about the bike is if you take a turn too steeply while pedaling, you will bottom out pedals--it's that close to the ground. Priority customer service is great--they answer calls and emails quickly. I wish they would update the display software with more visual voltage numbers such as current as its expended and current voltage of the pack.

[@EBikeCommuting]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Agreed on the bottoming out the pedals in a quick turn. Funnily enough I did that last week and my tailbone is still sore from banging the saddle when the bike bucked up. An estimated range would be nice to have.

[@James-MV]

I've had my current for a month now and completely agree with you about the battery. It really needs to be 750 watt-hour. I get to about 50% indicated on the gauge and the battery output drops like a rock. I still get about 25 miles on a charge (just across the Sound from Seattle) but that last five miles is a lot of work. Upping the battery by 50% would really hold off the power drop and get the bike solidly in the middle of the range estimate. Priority's (very responsive) customer service told me what I'm seeing is a result of the battery management system trying to conserve energy. I'm sorry, but the last part of my rides is always a long uphill slog and I would really prefer it if I could tell the battery what I wanted from it rather than the other way around. My only other complaint is with the high gear on the Enviolo hub. At my typical cadence I'll pedal past the highest gear at about 18mph - where the rate I'm pedaling at is basically just spinning. If I up the cadence to as fast as I can go, I pedal past the gear at about 26. Really need to shave a few teeth off that gear :) But, I'm using it as a fitness bike and don't really need the range and can make do with the rest. Would be nice to get a spare battery or three, though. I'd love to see a review of the Evelo Atlas if you could get your hands on one.

[@EBikeCommuting]

Thanks for sharing your experience with the Current. I have not test ridden the Atlas before. Will add it to my list :)

[@joecollins965]

As

[@Leveleup543]

What pedal assist do you average during your ride? I have had my bike for a while but don’t think I could get 25 miles unless I’m at pedal assist 1 or 2 most of my ride

[@James-MV]

I'm all over. The area I live in is very hilly so I use all the gears and all the assist levels. Plus the bike and battery are pretty new. I've only taken it down to one bar a couple of times and that was a horrible experience - basically minimal assist and weird behavior - like the motor just cutting out. But that was right about 25 miles on that charge.

[@EBikeCommuting]

It took me a few months, but I finally put together a review of the EVELO Atlas, as requested. Here's the link, hope you enjoy it! kzbin.info/www/bejne/apvPh6FjnNGYaac

[@Leveleup543]

You can install a throttle fairly easily. There is a tutorial on KZbin if you search for it

[@ezkul95828]

I 've had this eBike for more than 2 yrs now. I love it. I believe customer service is above and beyond anyone's expectation. Max speed I can get out this this eBike is 33 mph. Recently, my knees went down hill; thus, I'm looking for another eBike with throttle; however, I love this eBike so much; thus, I decided to by an extended batter kit so that I can use level 3 pedal assist without compromising my usually range.

[@EBikeCommuting]

Thanks for sharing your experience with the Current. Glad to hear you like it! If you are looking for something with a throttle I’d recommend the Aventon Aventure.2 or the Evelo Atlas. I made a video about the Atlas here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/apvPh6FjnNGYaac

[@ezkul95828]

Thank you for your recommendation. I'll check them out

[@ryster2220]

Do you know if the handlebars can be adjusted for a more relaxed riding position?

[@victorkan7288]

I ride pedal assist 1 80% of the time, riding about 75 miles a week, albeit pretty flat bike paths. At 30 miles still has more than 50% battery. Riding PA5 seems unnecessary. 2500 miles on mine.

[@danstenis660]

The range extender battery should be a part of the main battery to lower the center of mass of the bicycle and to give a long enough range to make riding at 20 to 28 mph more feasible in the real world. BYW, what is the cadence at 28mph on the enviolo hub and the Shimano hub?

[@EBikeCommuting]

Agree that the range extender lower to the ground would be better. Or at least going the way the VanMoof did with their extender strapped to the center of the frame. Re: cadence, I have been riding the Shimano hub and I’d estimate my cadence to be around 90rpm to reach the top speed. At 80rpm you can cruise at 20 to 25mph.

[@thomdavis1816]

I have had my current for about 150 miles. Hilly terrain and I am 200 pounds. Had to get a riser extension since my neck does not like being bent. Before this, I had a radmini. I mention this because my main complaint about the current is the battery. The current is a lot more effort, and slower on average going over the same routes, but the battery needs charging more frequently...about every 20 miles. Other than that, the enviolo shifting is quiet, but slow to go from downhill gear to uphill gear.

[@jdavies]

What riser extension did you get?

[@EBikeCommuting]

thanks for sharing your experience!!

[@erichaucke4277]

I own a Current with the 5 speed Shimano hub. I'm somewhat disappointed with the bike. The bike computer is one gripe unmentioned in your well done review. It's a down grade computer I assume done to cut costs. My disappointment is difficult to put to words. The bike lacks the fun factor. It's boring as hell. Could be the 650B pseudo ballon tires which are slicks. They give cushion for sure but damn it feels generic. I will eventually change the rubber to a more standard narrower tire. I do agree the fenders are a rare gift. They are great. I've gone over 40 miles on a single charge. But I enjoy peddling. I would also cherish a throttle. After market fix to be sure. Thx.

[@EBikeCommuting]

Thanks for sharing your experience! Agreed that the computer is lackluster. An estimated range would be a nice improvement

[@darinsmith2458]

I did watch your video on the 215 miles.. Last week I test rode bikes with both the Shimano Afila hub and the Enviola hub and I liked the Enviola more.. The other thing is that I was more focused on no pedal assist and pedal assist 1 than the higher pedal assists.. My knee did start hurting after but the guy at the store said that was about me test riding a bike that was too big for me.. I am in Colorado and I would like a bike that handles the hills and it sounds like the Priority Current is the bike for that.. The other thing that I found out is that Class 2 ebikes have throttles.. And I found out that there is a difference between a bike path and a bike trail.. I found out that Class 2 (throttles) are legal on the streets but not legal on bike paths (which I am interested in going on) and I don't think that they are legal on bike trails but I am not sure.. I think the paths that I would be on would be mostly paved.. Maybe I would go on something with p gravel.. Like I said before I would like something that can handle the steep rocky mountains.. Maybe some street riding but people don't know how to drive vehicles out here so I really need to watch out.. The only other thing that is kind of important to me is whether or not I get any suspension.. Maybe even seat suspension might help.. I did talk to the guys at the bike shop and they said that I could order seat suspension but it wasn't a priority (no pun attended) there.. Thanks for these videos... These are great..

[@EBikeCommuting]

Yes, I think adding seat suspension would be a good modification to make. Glad to hear you are enjoying the videos!

[@darinsmith2458]

@@EBikeCommuting Thank you

[@ClearMystic]

Looking for a great daily commuter and occasional bikepacking. Which one would you recommend: Priority current or Gazelle ultimate C380+ HMB?

[@EBikeCommuting]

They are both solid e-bikes, but the front suspension on the Ultimate might be nice on bumpier roads.

[@charleswarwick4849]

How would you compare the Current to the Vvolt Centauri in terms of hill climbing? I love rhe $1850 price point of the Vvolt but the hills in my area make me wonder if it would be enough or if we would need this monster of a motor. Thanks!

[@EBikeCommuting]

I found the Centauri’s 80Nm of torque plenty for climbing hills, but the Current was certainly faster up the hills. For reference I’m 185lbs. If you are 250lbs than the Current is the better choice. If not, than you could probably go with either and be fine with the hills. Hope that helps

[@pppjourneyonabike5992]

Did u have any rain/water enter the battery chamber through the GAPS on the cable routing holes on upper part of down tube?

[@EBikeCommuting]

I haven't noticed rain water getting into it after a rainy ride, but to be honest I haven't looked closely.

[@SteelRaider12]

Have been waiting for an update to the bike as it e-bike terms, it's getting long in the tooth. Especially the lacking control/screen which lacks info found in less expensive brands like Aventon.

[@tenrozzero]

I owned the Priority Current and sold it only after a year because I think it falls short in many ways. One way if falls short is no front suspension. Second way it falls short is no throttle. Third way mine fell short was it pulled to the right badly. Fourth way is that crappy display that you can barely see in the daylight. Fifth way lacked power and sounded like a tea kettle whistling like it would boil over. Sixth way it lacked a large enough battery to enjoy a long ride if you needed to take one. The one positive way was it was light weight and easy to take upstairs. So I just wanted to inform those who are thinking of buying this e-bike and what is lacking. There are much better e-bikes on the market for the price that they are offering for this Current model out there.

[@EBikeCommuting]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Super helpful and insightful.

[@charlesmartel3995]

Great feedback. Could you please list some of those e-bike alternatives to the Priority for us newbies? Thanks :)

[@EBikeCommuting]

@@charlesmartel3995 Not sure what @tenrozzero would recommend, but here is a blog post of my favorite belt drive e-bikes: ebikecommuting.com/the-best-belt-drive-e-bike-for-commutes/

[@jppac8815]

Would you choose priority over gazelle? I think you mentioned you reviewed a gazelle bike recently but didn’t see a video on that specifically.

[@EBikeCommuting]

Depends what your requirements are, but in general I prefer the Priority Current over most Gazelle e-bikes. The only time I'd opt for a Gazelle is if you want a more laid back, upright riding posture with the dutch-style step-thru frame. If that's more the vibe you are going for than Gazelle is good for that. But from a motor, torque, range, design perspective I prefer the Current. I don't have videos for the Gazelle reviews, but you can read them here: ebikecommuting.com/e-bike-companies/gazelle-e-bike-reviews/ Also, if you have a Costco membership, you can save $700 on the Current by purchasing through the Costco Next program. -Tyler

[@michaelwolf8090]

Where can you get repairs if needed and will bike shops work on Priority bikes>

[@EBikeCommuting]

I’m based in Seattle and there are a couple e-bike focused shops that will work on it. Priority also has a bike shop locator which should give you a sense of who in your area is familiar with Priority. That being said, still good to call the shop and confirm. www.prioritybicycles.com/pages/priority-bicycles-service-centers

[@SolarizeYourLife]

Torque sensors??? I don't like cadence sensors for assistance...

[@mrgregw]

How did you ride over 200 miles if the bike only has 15 mi of range? How long does it take to charge the battery? Did you carry multiple batteries?

[@EBikeCommuting]

Here is a video about that trip: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5yToIltn9GEa5Ifeature=shared TLDR: I added the range extender and had two spare batteries. Also rode on pedal assist level 2 or 3 which helped me get about 30 miles per battery.

[@ryster2220]

Can the handlebars be adjusted for a more relaxed riding position?

[@EBikeCommuting]

Sort of. You can raise the angle of the stem so that the handlebars are higher up which gives you a slightly more relaxed posture, but the stem doesn't have a huge range. Alternatively you could replace the stem and handlebars with a more relaxed style. Most bike shops can help you make that swap.

[@ryster2220]

@@EBikeCommuting thanks!

[@georgannedermigny5992]

what are your thoughts on the beach cruiser style? the "E Coast"

[@EBikeCommuting]

I haven’t ridden that one. It came out at the same time as the E-Classic which I have ridden. Here’s a written review I did on that: ebikecommuting.com/priority-e-classic-plus-e-bike-review-2023/ I like that the E-Coast has a rear hub motor, that’s going to be a bit better than the front hub that the E-Classic has.

[@georgannedermigny5992]

@@EBikeCommuting thank you! i’m not a serious cyclist so i’m thinking it’s ok for me to cruise around town

[@EBikeCommuting]

Yea it should be good for flat’ish relaxed riding. It’s hard to beat the price and I’ve been impressed by Priority’s customer service.

[@dennisluz6453]

Does the lack of a throttle mean that you have to pedal ALL of the time?

[@EBikeCommuting]

Yes, the motor only kicks in if you are pedaling. And because it's a torque sensor it measures the force you apply to the pedals t to decide how much power to produce, rather then a cadence sensor which you can sort of cheat by ghost pedaling and have it apply full power. The EVELO Atlas is a similar spec'd e-bike that DOES come with an optional throttle. I recently wrote about it on my blog (KZbin video coming in the next few weeks): ebikecommuting.com/evelo-atlas-e-bike-review-2023/

[@jltub]

No throttle is a big deal breaker.

[@EBikeCommuting]

Agreed that a throttle is very nice to have. I just posted a review of the EVELO Atlas. A class 3 e-bike with an optional throttle. kzbin.info/www/bejne/apvPh6FjnNGYaac

[@MyLifeInDebt]

You can add one though

[@gabrielhu-tu7nv]

I have a Blix and ride it all around the hills in an Asian community , and wouldn't trade my bike for this $3500 not worth it

[@fredricgrethel1717]

Not competitive anymore. Launched at $2,699. Way too expensive for build at $3,300. Sorry Priority.