Priority Current Plus E-bike review: A smooth, stylish e-bike that's worth the splurge

I was nearing the halfway point of a scorching summer bike ride and craving a break. Just one thing stood between me and my well-earned soft-serve ice cream cone (with rainbow sprinkles, of course!): a monster hill.

Normally, I'd be mentally preparing for a slow, sloggy climb or perhaps even hopping off the bike and hoofing it up, instead. (I'm a laid-back cyclist, despite pushing through a 79-mile charity ride last summer). But this time, I wasn't on my usual gravel bike—I was riding the Priority Current Plus E-bike. I pressed the throttle, leaned in, and began my smooth cruise up the steep incline at a breezy 18 miles per hour. No sweat—literally.

The Priority Current Plus E-bike is the latest version of the Manhattan-based brand's flagship e-bike, and it strikes a rare balance: powerful without being bulky, stylish without screaming “e-bike,” and smooth enough to make any ride feel like a joyride. With a sporty frame, long-lasting battery, intuitive controls, and little-to-no maintenance required, this e-bike is a dream for both commuters and casual cyclists who want a little extra boost.

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Here's my honest review of the Priority Current Plus E-bike and why I think it's worth the splurge.

Priority

Priority Current Plus E-bike

A stylish capable e-bike with a range of up to 75 miles—perfect for daily commutes or weekend joyrides.

$3,299 at Priority

Why trust this review of the Priority Current Plus E-bike

With over a decade of experience in journalism and writing critical reviews, I've tested hundreds of products to help readers make informed choices on what's actually worth their hard-earned money. My reviews are grounded in real-world experience, ensuring you get honest, unbiased advice.

I've spent the past seven months riding the Priority Current Plus E-bike through everything from sweaty summer hills to slushy winter backroads in New York's Hudson Valley. I've used it for errands, joyrides, and light exercise, paying close attention to how it handles, how long the battery lasts, how comfortable the ride feels, and whether it lives up to its promises. (Spoiler alert: It exceeded my expectations!)

Priority Current Plus E-bike

What makes the Priority Current Plus E-bike stand out?

The Priority Current Plus is a thoughtful upgrade to a well-loved ride. Building on the original Current, this new model (launched late last year) was designed to deliver noticeable improvements in comfort, power, and control that make it feel like a step up.

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The most obvious upgrade is a thumb-activated throttle, which offers an instant boost of power when you need it most, like merging onto a busy street or (in my case) powering up a steep hill with ice cream waiting at the finish line. Pair that with the upgraded 720Wh battery (up from 500Wh), and you get longer rides between charges and the freedom to roam without constantly checking your battery level. You can get up to 75 miles on a full charge if you don't lean too hard on the pedal assist or throttle.

Priority has also made subtle upgrades to improve the ride quality on the Current Plus. This includes optimized motor firmware for more rapid acceleration and more capable climbing, a revised 68.6-degree head tube angle to enhance stability and control, and hydraulic disc brakes with electric cut-off for crisp stopping power. It also comes with an integrated front headlight that adjusts based on how dark it is outside (perfect for early morning commutes or sunset joyrides!) and a frame-mounted kickstand.

Visually, the Priority Current Plus keeps things sleek and understated. It doesn't scream "e-bike"—in fact, with its clean lines and comfortable geometry, it could almost pass for a traditional commuter bike, save for the chubby down tube, which contains the battery. The bright display adds a modern touch without being flashy, and the overall aesthetic feels more design-forward than utilitarian.

Priority Current Plus E-bike belt drive

The Priority Current Plus can be configured as a Class 2 or Class 3 e-bike, giving you flexibility depending on how and where you plan to ride (along with what's legal in your area). And like other bikes in Priority's lineup, it features a Gates Carbon Drive belt system—a durable, grease-free drivetrain that requires far less maintenance than a traditional chain. That means no rusty links, no chain stretch, and no oily smudges on your pants when you show up to work or brunch (much to the relief of my perpetually grease-smeared leggings and socks).

My real-world experience with the Priority Current Plus E-bike

Priority Current Plus E-bike

My first ride on the Priority Current Plus E-bike wasn't exactly an easy maiden voyage—it was a frigid winter day in the Hudson Valley, and I had to pick the bike up from a local shop across town. The cold was biting, the roads were slick, and I wanted nothing more than to get home as fast (and safely) as possible.

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Thankfully, the bike delivered. The smooth handling and solid grip gave me a sense of stability I wasn't sure I'd get from an e-bike on winter roads. And with the pedal assist and throttle, I made it home quickly. It was so fun to ride, I almost wanted to keep going, but I'm a fair-weather cyclist and the wind chill was a dealbreaker.

Once the weather warmed up, I started taking the bike on longer rides and that's when it really shined. Hills that would usually test my limits (or even intimidate me into taking a different route entirely) suddenly felt like flat ground—and it didn't take much for the bike to get me to the top. With the pedal assist set to level 1 or 2 out of 5, I still felt like I was doing my part, but I could ride farther, faster, and with way less effort. I felt like I could keep going all day long.

As someone who gets nervous riding on busy roads, I really appreciated the thumb-powered throttle. It gave me the power to merge into traffic or cross tricky intersections more seamlessly (and safely). That said, it's not flawless. The throttle occasionally hesitated when I tried to launch from a full stop on an incline. But once the bike was in motion after as little as a half turn on a pedal, the throttle delivered a smooth, punchy boost exactly when I needed it.

Priority Current Plus E-bike display

The ride quality is impressively smooth, especially for an e-bike with this much power. It rolls along comfortably and predictably. The upright position gives it a stable, almost cruiser-like feel (although it's definitely more assertive than the Priority E-Coast cruiser, which I've also tested). It reminded me a bit of riding a bike-share: you sit tall, feel supported, and don't have to think too hard about what the bike is doing underneath you. It's not the most nimble ride without pedal assist (you definitely feel the weight), but once you tap into the motor, it's easy, consistent, and enjoyable. I also found it far less jerky when the pedal assist kicked in compared to other e-bikes I've tried.

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The battery life has been just as impressive as the ride itself. According to Priority, the low-end of the battery range is just 20 miles, but I think you'd have to use the throttle non-stop to get anywhere near that end of the range. Even when I leaned hard on the throttle or kept the pedal assist cranked up, the battery barely budged. I tried to run it down a few times just to see how far it could go—but no luck. It just kept going. I loved that I didn't need to conserve much or worry about recharging away from home. The only slightly annoying bit is popping the battery in and out of the bike. It takes a little finagling, but once you get the hang of it, it doesn't take more than a second or two. Plus, you can charge the battery on or off the bike, so you don't even need to remove it if you don't want to.

Priority Current Plus E-bike light

What really won me over was the thoughtful design. The Priority Current Plus E-bike comes with both front and rear mudguards that kept me clean even on muddy days. The integrated front light is surprisingly bright. It lights up the entire back of my garage when I turn it on. I also appreciated how bright and easy-to-read the screen was, even in full sun. The seat and handlebars are both super comfortable, and the hydraulic brakes felt grippy and responsive on all kinds of roads, which helped me feel in control at higher speeds.

However, I wish that the e-bike came with a bell or a horn. While you can buy one separately (this high-power bike horn from Priority would work perfectly!), it would be safer—and frankly more convenient—to have it built in from the start, so riders can alert pedestrians and cars from the very first ride. I also wish the display had a built-in security feature, like a passcode, to effectively lock the bike. I sometimes worry about people messing with it when I've parked it outside during a quick errand—having an extra layer of deterrence would offer a lot more peace of mind. Still, those are minor gripes on what's otherwise become one of my favorite ways to get around.

Pros & cons of the Priority Current Plus E-bike

Priority Current Plus E-bike

The Priority Current Plus E-bike impressed me with its smooth ride, thoughtful features, and everyday versatility. But every e-bike comes with trade-offs, so here's a quick look at the pros and cons based on my real-world experience.

Pros of the Priority Current Plus E-bike

Smooth, stable ride: With its upright posture and shock-absorbing tires, this e-bike delivers a confidence-boosting ride that feels steady and comfortable on a variety of surfaces.

Long battery life: Even with heavy use of the throttle and pedal assist, the 720Wh battery held strong for miles. I struggled to drain it during testing.

Comfort-focused design: From the cushy seat and ergonomic handlebars to the grippy hydraulic brakes and integrated mudguards, every detail is built for a comfortable, clean ride. This is an e-bike you can use to show up to the office without getting covered in mud or sweat.

Versatile pedal assist: The 5-level pedal assist system makes it easy to customize the effort—level 1 or 2 gave me just enough boost to extend my rides without taking away the workout.

Sleek, understated look: Unlike bulky e-bikes, the Current Plus almost disguises itself as a traditional commuter bike—an aesthetic that not only looks good but may help it fly under the radar when locked up outside.

Cons of the Priority Current Plus E-bike

Throttle hesitation: While the thumb throttle works well once you're moving, it sometimes lags when starting from a complete stop on an incline—something to be aware of at intersections or on hills.

No built-in bell or horn: For an e-bike that feels so thoughtfully designed, the lack of a bell or a horn feels like an oversight. You'll need to purchase and install one separately for safe riding. I recommend ordering one when you buy the bike so it's ready to go on your first ride.

No onboard security features: The display doesn't include a passcode or lock mode, which means there's nothing stopping someone from powering it on when it's parked outside during a quick errand.

Final verdict: Is the Priority Current Plus the right e-bike for You?

Priority Current Plus E-bike

All in all, the Priority Current Plus E-bike is a joy to ride—smooth, capable, and thoughtfully designed. It's powerful without being intimidating, stylish without being flashy, and practical enough for everything from weekday commutes to long weekend adventures. After months of testing, it's earned a permanent spot in my bike rotation—and honestly, I find myself missing it when I'm on my beloved, though far less powerful gravel bike. If you're looking to invest in an e-bike that can do it all—and actually makes you want to ride more—the Priority Current Plus is a smart, stylish pick that delivers real power without sacrificing comfort or fun.

Priority

Priority Current Plus E-bike

This sleek, low-maintenance e-bike delivers a smooth, stable ride with powerful pedal assist, a long-lasting battery, and a built-in throttle for extra boost. Great for commuting, errands, and weekend adventures.

$3,299 at PriorityYahoo CreatorJoni SweetJoni Sweet is a seasoned travel writer who covers adventure and wellness experiences around the world.FollowFollow