Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Outdoors

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

The Priority Current Ebike is Classy, Stylish, and Smooth

By

Over the past several months I’ve been testing ebikes from a wide range of categories, from cheap, folding options to luxurious mountain bikes and plenty of ebikes in between. Falling somewhere in the upper part of “in-between” is the Priority Current. At a few hundred bucks upward of $3,000, it’s certainly not spendthrift but it’s also not among the more unattainably priced ebikes. So how does it stack up? Here’s our review of the Priority Current.

I tested the Priority Current alongside several other bikes of a similar price point, riding it over a range of road surface conditions, up hills and along straightaways, and generally put it through its paces. In other words, you can ride assured knowing that this is a thoroughly considered review.

White Priority Current ebike against a white background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

What Is the Priority Current Ebike?

The Priority Current is a Class 3 ebike, meaning that its pedal-assist motor will reach and sustain 28 miles per hour. It has a classically stylish, somewhat minimalist look, and is available in white and charcoal.

Recommended Videos

While the aforementioned minimalist aesthetic might give off the impression that it prioritizes looks over power, once you get on the thing you’ll quickly see how wrong first impressions can be. The pedal-assist will certainly zip the Current up to speed, and it looks great while doing so.

Related

How Does the Priority Current ebike Work?

The Current boasts a 500W torque-sensing motor that provides plenty of power and acceleration. While it ships in Class 1 mode (meaning that it will be limited to 20 miles per hour), it can easily be adjusted to Class 3 (28 miles per hour) in the settings on its digital screen.

It has a 500-watt hour battery that delivers a range of 30-60 miles depending on factors like rider weight, road conditions, and pedal-assist strength. The Current is available with either a Shimano Inter 5 hub or Enviolo Sportive transmissions, both of which are smooth and make hills a snap.

At the center of the handlebars is a digital display that allows you to view and control an impressive array of data and settings, from pedal-assist and Class levels, to battery level and trip information, and more. You can even use it to set a password or switch the Current into “walk assist” mode, which will propel the bike at a continuous 1.5 miles per hour to keep pace while you’re walking.

What Are the Features of the Priority Current ebike?

  • 500W torque-sensing motor
  • Pedal assist up to 28 miles per hour
  • 30-60 miles of range
  • 500 wh battery
  • Shimano or Evniolo transmission
  • Fenders
  • Front and rear lights
  • Digital control screen

What do I Like About the Priority Current ebike?

  • Performance – While its motor isn’t the most powerful I’ve seen at this price, it certainly delivers solid acceleration and overall performance. The range is above average, and the riding experience is smooth
  • Design – While some people prefer a more tech vibe to their ebikes, I really like the Current’s classic style. It looks like something you would ride along a canal in Europe. It’s also extremely comfortable and ergonomic.
  • Digital settings and data – In terms of customizing the settings and providing trip information, few other ebikes compare. Once you really start to dig into the settings on the digital screen, you will be impressed.

What I Don’t Like About the Priority Current ebike?

No throttle. It’s literally the only thing I think is lacking. While you don’t need one, it sure is fun to have.

FAQs About the Priority Current ebike

Is the ride jerky?

No, it provides one of the smoother riding experiences I’ve come across. Particularly when it’s equipped with the Enviolo transmission, which shifts with buttery smoothness.

What is the warranty?

It’s one of the better ebike warranties I’ve seen: 5 years on the frame and forks for material and workmanship defects; 2 years on all components for manufacturing defects; battery guaranteed for two years or 700 cycles.

What is the difference between the Shimano and Enviolo hubs?

The Enviolo is a CVT shifter that is always in a gear no matter what. It shifts smoothly and effortlessly and is adjusted based on a little readout that indicates hill steepness. The Shimano is a 5-gear hub that uses a traditional shifter. The former offers a wider gear range while the Shimano has a sportier, sharper shifting experience.

Should You Buy the Priority Current ebike?

If you’re looking for a sleek, solid performer to use as a daily commuter or just to bomb around the neighborhood, the Priority Current is a great ebike. Theoretically, I would dock it points due to its lack of a throttle, but there are so many other cool features — like the walking assist — that it still rivals other options within its price range.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Nick Hilden
Nick Hilden
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Nick Hilden is a lifestyle and culture writer whose work has appeared in the Washington Post, Esquire, Rolling Stone, Afar…
Lectric XP 2.0 E-Bike Review: An E-Bike for the Everyman
Lectric XP 2.0 Black electric bike on an outdoor walking path.

Electric bikes have become the gotta-have toy for commuters and tech-loving cyclists in just a few short years. It’s no surprise. They’re a unique combination of practical, fast, rechargeable, and, most importantly, fun. But, they can be pricey -- like $2,000-or-more pricey. That’s why many people, myself included, shy away from them. Personally, I work from home and don’t have two grand in disposable income to throw at something just for kicks. There are cheaper electric bikes on the market, but in my experience, you have to spend at least $1,000 to get a quality model. For now, there’s just no way around it.

So, I was stoked when Lectric eBike offered to send a tester of its Lectric XP 2.0 e-bike. It’s the company’s most feature-rich bike that promises to be durable, adjustable, foldable, and fast. Plus, it comes fully assembled and ready to roll for under $1,000 shipped. Frankly, that’s a tall order. It sounded too good to be true. But, after a week of putting the Lectric XP 2.0 through its paces, I’ve been pleasantly surprised. There are a few wrinkles that could use ironing out, but overall I definitely recommend it. Here’s why.

Read more
Hitting The Trails On Cannondale’s Scalpel SE Ltd Lefty
cannondale scalpel carbon se ltd lefty review decal..

Few bikes get as much respect from the XC crowd as the Cannondale Scalpel. The original Scalpel debuted over a decade ago in 2001 and went on to win countless World Cup titles and Norba Championships. Its trademark single-sided "Lefty" fork is unmistakable for anything else on the market and tells anyone who sees it they're looking at a dangerously light and fast machine with a rich racing pedigree.

But what happens when you cross the quintessential feather-light and razor-sharp handling XC bike with the go-anywhere, ride-anything DNA of a proper full suspension trail bike? The result is a new genre of the mountain bike, which many are calling a "downcountry" build, which pedals lightning-fast and climbs hills with abandon but isn't afraid to pop off jumps, fly over drops, or roll through rocky steps or rooty corners on the way down. Cannondale's long history in the XC racing scene makes them uniquely qualified to submit an entry into this new genre of two-wheeler, and the Scalpel Carbon SE LTD is their absolute cream of the crop.
Testing the Cannondale Scalpel SE Ltd
Needless to say, we were more than excited to take possession of Cannondale's lightest and fastest down country creation of the year and could think of no better way to put it to the test than a proper tour of all the best mountain biking destinations in Georgia. Here's what we found after spending a few weeks with the Cannondale Scalpel Carbon SE LTD.

Read more
The 8 Best Bike Chain Lubes to Spin Smoothly
best bike chain lube woman flying on a downhill mountain

Unless your bicycle features a belt-drive, the chain is the most hardworking part of the bike. It’s exposed to different environments, which reduces its efficiency and performance over time. You’ll need to find the best chain lube to keep it running at its optimal performance.

Typical pedaling with your bike shoes involves metal-on-metal contact between the chain and the drivetrain parts. This process requires less friction between the contact points for a smooth and noise-free ride. A good chain lube can smooth the chain’s engagement with other parts, reducing friction and wear while preventing corrosion. These are the best bike chain lubes you should consider buying.

Read more