The Priority Current has spent years as the flagship electric bike produced by Manhattan-based Priority Bicycles. Now the company has just unveiled the next-generation model, known as the Priority Current Plus.

It retains a lot of what made the original such a success, including an extremely torquey mid-drive motor, Gates carbon belt drive, and Class 3 operation with speeds of up to 28 mph (45 km/h). But now there are also plenty of new features offered on the Current Plus – all without a price increase.

If you’re not familiar with Priority Bicycles, then buckle up, because they’ve got a really cool story. They’re basically an anomaly in the cycling industry, combining real brick-and-mortar bike shop quality with direct-to-consumer (D2C) bicycles and e-bikes. It’s something that I don’t think I’ve run across anywhere else, at least not the way Priority Bicycles does it. They’re a real, NYC-based bike shop run by lifelong cyclists, meaning they make high-quality bikes that old-school non-electric cyclists actually respect for being true to the industry.

However, they’re also a major D2C company, with a longer history in pedal bicycles but now boasting years of success with multiple models of their own electric bicycles that can be ordered online and shipped anywhere in the US.

The original Priority Current e-bike was a runaway success when it was first launched, and I’ve counted it as my go-to premium e-bike for daily riding. In fact, the reason I own one is because after reviewing the bike, I didn’t want to send it back and so the company kindly let me buy it off them with a used discount. That’s how good the bike was – I couldn’t part with it. And now that we’re getting our first looks at the Priority Current Plus and its updates, I’d say it’s even better than ever.

I’ve actually had a chance to get early access to the bike and will have my full written review coming soon, though you can already see my video review below.

Several of the major changes right off the bat include a new throttle that augments the existing torque sensor-based pedal assist, allowing for both comfortable pedaling or easy-going throttle riding. The battery is also 44% larger now, giving riders 720Wh of capacity for a range of up to 75 miles (120 km) on pedal assist.

Of course, riders who take advantage of the 28 mph (45 km/h) top speed won’t get quite as much range, but that big battery will still likely cover more than any commute out there.

The lockable battery includes a new push-button release for easier removal and is UL2271-certified for added peace of mind and safety. The bike is UL-certified also, compliant to UL2849 which covers all of the e-bike’s systems including motor, controller, wiring, etc.

The new frame has a more streamlined battery shell and also adopts a new 68.5-degree head tube angle to provide improved stability and control, especially on rough roads or uneven terrain. The new handlebars now offer a 17-degree back sweep and a 20mm rise, which in layman’s terms, basically equates to better ergonomics and a more natural/comfortable grip. They are also adjustable so riders can dial in the angle and height to fit their preferred riding position.

Upgraded alloy platform pedals both look nicer and add another quality touch point. There’s also revised motor firmware that now offers quicker acceleration and easier climbing at low speeds, taking advantage of the mid-drive motor’s 140 Nm of torque.

While that covers many of the updates to the bike, the parts and performance figures that remain the same are still impressive. The Current Plus includes a Gates Carbon CDX belt drive for low maintenance, as well as quiet and clean operation. The motor’s 500W power rating combines with that high torque output for powerful starts and impressive hill climbing. At the same time, the dual-piston hydraulic disc brakes with electric cut-off sensors ensure the Current Plus has just as much ‘stop’ as it has ‘go’ and that riders are always in control.

There are two transmission options available. The Shimano Nexus 5-speed version offers a quick and easy 5-speed selectable internally geared rear hub, while the Enviolo CVT Heavy Duty offers stepless shifting that lets riders dial in the exact gear ratio they prefer. The Shimano Nexus 5-speed version of the Current Plus is priced at US $3,299, and the Enviolo CVT version is priced at US $3,499. The bike can either be shipped to a rider directly for at-home assembly, or shipped to a local bike shop for professional assembly.

The bike also includes front and rear LED lighting with a bright 600-lumen headlight, composite fenders along with included braze-ons for mounting racks and other accessories in the front and rear, and thru-axles for more rugged construction.

Electrek’s Take

These prices put the Current Plus well above the budget range of electric bikes but significantly below most premium e-bike brands. However, the bike shares much more in common with premium electric bikes, and enters the market at a time when several premium brands have announced their exit from the US market.

While most of the bikes in my stable veer towards the budget end of the range, the original Priority Current was the model that made me finally bite the bullet and go for a higher-end e-bike. And the difference is night and day.

I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with a solid budget e-bike, but for those who ride their e-bike often or want a maintenance-free e-bike that they know they simply don’t have to worry about, upgrading to a higher-end bike makes a huge difference. Between the belt drive, the hydraulic brakes, and the internally geared rear hubs, there’s almost zero upkeep on this e-bike. Check your tire pressure occasionally and that’s about it, at least until you eventually need new brake pads or tires. And that’s a beautiful thing for folks like me who just want to ride and not have to worry about wrenching very often. No ticking/jumping derailleurs, no brake levers starting to bottom out on the bars, and no rusty or oily chain to stain my pants every time I pick the bike up.

The mid-drive motor with torque sensor (and oodles of torque) makes pedal assist convenient and comfortable, and the included throttle lets us all cheat a bit when we’re tired or just want to go fast for free. There’s a lot to like here, not the least of which being a solid bike shop company standing behind these products. So I’m glad to see a great upgrade here in the Priority Current Plus, and even happier that it comes without a price increase. While premium e-bikes like these won’t fit everyone’s budget, for those that can afford it, they make a huge difference in the quality of the ride and the longevity of the bike.