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Science and Technology
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Science and Technology
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I've Cycled for 20 Years and Own 4 Electric Bikesa"This Lightweight One Is Perfect for Travel

Priority Current Plus E-Bike Review: A Sleek, Powerful Ride for Urban Commuters and Adventure Seekers

In the ever-evolving world of electric bicycles, the Priority Current Plus stands out as a premium option that blends high performance with thoughtful design. As someone who's tested numerous e-bikes for both city commuting and leisurely trails, I recently put the Priority Current Plus through its paces over several weeks. This review dives deep into its features, ride quality, build, and overall value, helping you decide if it's the right fit for your lifestyle. Priced at around $3,499, it's not the cheapest e-bike on the market, but its combination of power, range, and low-maintenance features make it a compelling choice for those seeking a reliable daily rider or weekend explorer.

Let's start with the basics: the Priority Current Plus is a Class 3 e-bike, meaning it can reach assisted speeds up to 28 mph, which is ideal for keeping up with urban traffic or tackling longer distances without breaking a sweat. At the heart of this bike is a robust 500W mid-drive motor from Bosch, paired with a 720Wh battery that's seamlessly integrated into the frame. This setup delivers an impressive range of up to 75 miles on a single charge, depending on factors like terrain, rider weight, and assist level. During my tests, I consistently achieved around 50-60 miles in mixed conditions, which included hilly city streets and flat bike paths. The battery charges fully in about 3-4 hours via a standard outlet, making it convenient for overnight top-ups or quick recharges during a workday.

One of the standout aspects of the Priority Current Plus is its design philosophy. Priority Bicycles, the brand behind this model, emphasizes simplicity and durability. The bike features a belt drive system instead of a traditional chain, which eliminates the need for frequent lubrication and reduces noise—perfect for apartment dwellers who don't want to deal with greasy maintenance. The Gates Carbon Drive belt is paired with an Enviolo continuously variable transmission (CVT) hub, allowing for seamless gear shifting without the clunks or adjustments of a derailleur system. This makes the ride feel incredibly smooth, almost like gliding on air. Weighing in at about 52 pounds, it's on the heavier side for an e-bike, but the weight is well-distributed, and the aluminum frame provides a sturdy yet agile feel.

Assembly was a breeze, which is a huge plus for anyone who's ever wrestled with bike boxes. The Current Plus arrives mostly pre-assembled, requiring only the attachment of the front wheel, handlebars, and pedals—tools are included, and it took me under 30 minutes. Priority also offers a white-glove delivery service for an extra fee, where professionals handle the setup. Once on the road, the bike's ergonomics shine. The upright riding position is comfortable for long hauls, with adjustable handlebars and a Selle Royal gel saddle that cushions bumps effectively. I appreciated the integrated lights (front and rear) that activate automatically, enhancing visibility during evening rides. The hydraulic disc brakes from Tektro provide confident stopping power, even at higher speeds or in wet conditions.

Performance-wise, the Bosch Performance Line Speed motor is a game-changer. It offers four assist levels—Eco, Tour, Sport, and Turbo—plus a walk-assist mode for pushing the bike up steep inclines. In Turbo mode, the acceleration is exhilarating; I found myself zipping up San Francisco-like hills with minimal effort, the motor providing just the right amount of torque without feeling overwhelming. The pedal-assist feels natural and responsive, thanks to Bosch's torque sensor, which adjusts power based on your pedaling input. This is a step up from cheaper hub-motor e-bikes that can feel jerky or delayed. On flat terrain, I could easily maintain 20-25 mph with light pedaling, making commutes faster and less tiring than on a traditional bike.

But it's not just about speed—the Current Plus excels in versatility. I took it on a variety of surfaces: smooth pavement, gravel paths, and even light off-road trails. The 650b wheels with 2.4-inch Schwalbe tires offer excellent grip and stability, absorbing vibrations from potholes and uneven roads. The front suspension fork, while not full-suspension like some adventure-oriented e-bikes, provides enough cushioning for most urban and suburban rides. For cargo needs, it comes with a rear rack capable of holding up to 55 pounds, and there are mounting points for fenders, baskets, or panniers. I loaded it up with groceries and a backpack for a market run, and it handled the extra weight without compromising balance or battery life significantly.

Of course, no bike is perfect, and the Priority Current Plus has a few drawbacks worth noting. At 52 pounds, it's not the easiest to carry up stairs or load onto a bike rack, which could be an issue for apartment living or public transport users. The price point might deter budget-conscious buyers; while it's competitively priced against similar high-end models like those from Specialized or Trek, it's still a significant investment. Additionally, the lack of a throttle means it's purely pedal-assist, which adheres to Class 3 regulations but might disappoint those who prefer a more scooter-like experience. In my testing, I also noticed that the battery indicator on the Bosch Intuvia display could be more precise— it shows bars rather than a percentage, leading to occasional range anxiety on longer rides.

Comparing it to competitors, the Current Plus holds its own against the likes of the Rad Power Bikes RadCity 5 Plus or the Aventon Level.2. It edges out in build quality and motor refinement, thanks to the Bosch system, which is renowned for reliability. The belt drive and CVT give it a maintenance edge over chain-driven bikes, potentially saving time and money in the long run. Priority backs it with a 10-year frame warranty and a 2-year warranty on electrical components, adding peace of mind. Environmentally, the bike's efficient design and long-lasting parts align with sustainable commuting goals, reducing reliance on cars for short trips.

Over my testing period, which spanned about 200 miles across various scenarios, the Priority Current Plus proved to be a joy to ride. Whether I was dodging city traffic on my way to work, exploring scenic bike trails on weekends, or running errands, it delivered consistent performance and comfort. The integration of smart features, like the Bosch display that tracks speed, distance, and battery life, made monitoring rides effortless. I even connected it to the Bosch eBike Flow app for firmware updates and ride data, which added a modern tech layer without overwhelming the simple riding experience.

In conclusion, if you're in the market for a premium e-bike that prioritizes ease of use, power, and longevity, the Priority Current Plus is an excellent contender. It's particularly well-suited for urban commuters who value speed and range, or recreational riders looking for a versatile machine. While the cost and weight might be hurdles for some, the overall package—from the silent belt drive to the potent motor—makes it feel like a worthwhile splurge. In a crowded e-bike landscape, Priority has crafted a bike that doesn't just get you from A to B; it makes the journey enjoyable and efficient. If your budget allows, I highly recommend giving it a test ride—you might just find your new favorite way to travel. (Word count: 1,048)

Read the Full Travel + Leisure Article at:
[ https://www.travelandleisure.com/priority-current-plus-e-bike-review-11760971 ]