Priority Electric Bike Review:What Do You Guys Think About Priority Ebikes?

The Rise of a "Set It and Forget It" E-Bike Philosophy

Looking for a new electric bike, the modern rider is bombarded with endless technical stats, complex designs, and a promise of "raw" power. But there is a rising group of cyclists who don’t want that: simplicity, reliability, and a riding experience that becomes part of the fabric of their lives, requiring little fuss in the form of bike maintenance. This is exactly the space that Priority Bicycles has made a name for themselves in. With all of its bikes featuring a Gates Carbon Belt Drive and internal gear hub combo that have become its trademark, Priority has efficiently created a brand based on a "set it and forget it" lifestyle. But how does that transfer over to the world of e-bikes? In this all-encompassing shootout, we’ll delve into the Priority e-bike universe, discuss its models, ride feel, and values that make this iconic brand a worthy consideration, and whether their exceptional proposition aligns with your expectations.

Priority Bicycles has curated a short, but very sweet selection of electric bikes, with each model having a very specific rider and ride in mind. Instead of producing dozens of similar models to cover every niche, they focus on a few key platforms and refine them. Here’s a round-up of all their e-bike products:

• The Priority Current
• The Priority E-Classic Plus
• The Priority Turi
• The Priority e-Coast

The Ride Feel: A Symphony of Smooth, Practical Power

But numbers don’t tell the whole story, and the real test of any e-bike lies not on its spec sheet, but in the ride itself. Having spent ample time with Priority’s best-selling bikes, it’s evident that their philosophy translates to a phenomenal (and practical) ride feel. Their flagship commuter, the Priority Current, is a symphony in smooth, integrated power. From the first push on the pedals, there is not a sudden kick from the motor; instead, it feels as though you have been injected with a pair of superhuman legs. For starters, the power delivery is so smooth and natural, and the ride so fast and in control, whether you’re starting from a stoplight or just cruising long and slow on a flat, straight road. And even with the mid-drive motor, the bike is nearly silent, thanks to the Gates Carbon Belt Drive. The only noise you hear is the tires on the pavement, not the whir of a chain or the hum of a motor. The quality of the build is obvious: the frame is solid and responsive, the included front and rear lights are both bright and situationally very useful for urban commuting, and the fenders that come as an extra were a real lifesaver on rainy days. Less like an electric gadget and more like a finely engineered bicycle, one that happens to have a powerful, silent aide.

All attention is on the Priority Turi, and it’s an experience of grand comfort and ease. The Turi features an easy-to-mount step-through frame and a relaxed riding position, meaning the rider is at ease from the very start. This is the bike for coming in hot, soda in one hand, postal order in the other. The hub motor doesn't have the same kind of response you get from the Current chomping in on the mid-drive, but it's actually the perfect motor for the job. And it has this nice, firm push that makes hills not feel like hills. The real star, once again, is the belt drive and the internally-geared hub. Changing gears on the Turi is a revelation if you're used to traditional derailleurs. You can also change gears while you are at a standstill which is extremely advantageous at traffic lights. No clunking, no hesitation — just smooth, immediate shifting. The ride is plush and forgiving, soaking up road imperfections and coaxing you to chill out and enjoy the journey. From lack of maintenance to ease of use, it’s a very low-stress machine, which means it’s perfect for people who want all the advantages of an electric bike without any of the complications.

And, lastly, the e-Coast ticks off an incredibly niche but widely held aspiration: the perfect beach cruiser. There is nothing about this bike that doesn’t just shout coastal relaxation. This supremely comfortable, laid-back riding position is thanks to the wide, swept-back handlebars, the cushy saddle, and the balloon tires. Most impressive is Priority’s attention to detail — along with some specific features tailored for coastal living. The frame is aluminum, the belt drive is resistant to salt air rust, and even the chainstay and other bits and bobs are selected for their strength. The motor is strong enough to cruise on boardwalks, and around the mellow, post-shore break push to get to the secret surf spot, which might be a hike up a creaky old boardwalk. The ride on the e-Coast is exactly as it should be — easy. It’s a straightforward, laughs-per-minute machine engineered for sunshine and fun times, and like its siblings, it’s designed to provide years of dependability with minimal maintenance, leaving plenty of time to concentrate on the ride.

Long-Term Ownership and The Broader E-Bike World

Apart from the sensation of a test ride, a prospective buyer's thoughts are more profound. What is it like to own a Priority bike long-term? This is where the most tangible benefits of the brand’s value proposition come in. The main benefit is a huge lower upkeep. The Gates Carbon Belt Drive has been a game changer. Because it doesn’t need lubrication, there is no greasy chain to sully your clothes or attract grime. It’s also much more durable than a traditional chain, and you can expect it to last two to three times longer as well. This is more than just a convenience; it’s long-term cost savings and a huge reduction in hassle. Against this is the IGH. All the gears are sealed from the elements, so water, dirt, and salt cannot get inside. This means no creaking, no fading, no bending derailleurs, just smooth and reliable gear changes year after year. In other words, for a wretch who would rather ride than wrench, the system is truly peerless. What's more, with Priority's direct-to-consumer business model, they're able to put these premium, low-maintenance parts into a package that's affordable where the rubber hits the road compared to bikes with commensurate specs sold through traditional bike shops. This emphasis on longevity, durability, and hassle-free ownership is at the heart of the brand’s DNA and what draws me and others like me to them, and in doing so spawns loyal customers out of enthusiasts.

So while Priority has undeniably cornered the market on no-muss, no-fuss, belt-driven e-bikes, the e-bike world is a wide one, and other brands are innovating in other, equally interesting ways. Riders who value advanced technology, smart connectivity, and an ultra-responsive ride feel… a company like ENGWE is making great progress! Their ENGWE P275 SE City E-Bike is just one great example of this tech-savvy approach. It’s centered around a premium torque sensor which responds to pedal power in only 50 milliseconds to give one of the most natural, flowing power-assist experiences so far. Designed with a proprietary AI algorithm, E-SATS, it will take you through a very realistic and smooth driving experience. The bike is installed with a powerful 250W brushless motor, which makes your riding more enjoyable and effortless while riding through the city streets. The high-quality 36V 13Ah lithium-ion battery will provide an impressive range of up to 100km (under normal conditions) per charge. Rider comfort is ensured with a Dutch-style upright position, ergonomic swallow handlebar, and 160 mm hydraulic disc brakes that provide excellent stopping power. Its smart App compatibility enables riders to easily pair their existing smartphones with the M260 motor to view their real-time stats, which truly makes this e-bike an all-modern commuter. For the cyclist who appreciates instantaneous feedback, smart features, and technology perfectly fused into their ride, there's a formidable and well-thought-out alternative in the ENGWE P275 SE.

Priority E-Bike Model Comparison

So to make it easier to understand the differences between Priority’s lineup, here is an in-depth comparison of their main e-bike models:

Common Questions About Priority E-Bikes

Here are responses to five common questions that prospective buyers have about Priority e-bikes:

How tough is it to put together a Priority e-bike at home?

It’s a typical fear in any direct-to-consumer bike company out there. Priority has worked hard to make their assembly as easy as possible. They are approximately 85-90% assembled. The biggest pieces — the frame, motor, belt drive, and rear wheel — are already installed. The user usually has to mount the handlebars, front wheel, saddle, and pedals. Priority comes with a full tool set and clear, easy-to-follow video tutorials and written instructions. For any mechanically inclined person, installation can be done in less than an hour and is very doable.

How does a belt drive and IGH fare in the real world?

In other words, the practical guess is peace of mind and ease of use. Just think: You would never have to lube a chain! You’d never get grease on the cuff of your pants as you headed to work. Just think of your bike’s drivetrain running as quiet as you can imagine. That's the belt drive. Now, compare that experience to being stopped at a red light at the base of a hill and discovering that you’re in the wrong gear with the internal hub. With a standard derailleur, you are screwed. With an internal hub, you can change to the lightest gear while coming to a dead stop, then pedal easily off from the lights. The sealed design also means it works equally well in rain, sleet, or shine without any changes required. Combine the two and it results in an experience predicated on the ride, as opposed to one that works at the whim of high-maintenance parts.

Can Priority e-bikes go up steep hills?

This is a good question, and to be fair, not everyone has a background with internal gear hubs and mid-drive motors. The Priority Current is a fantastic hill climber: with a powerful, high-torque mid-drive motor. The motor delivers power straight to the crankset, using the bike’s gears just like your legs would. This is the most effective system I’ve found for getting up really steep or long climbs, and it feels completely intuitive. The hub-drive models, like the Turi, are also very strong hill climbers for most urban and suburban terrain. The motor supplies a powerful and consistent push from the rear wheel, so grades that would be tough on a regular bike feel comfortable. The Current is the designated mountain-tamer, but all of Priority’s e-bikes are purpose-built to climb your hills for you and generally make your ride easier.

Because it’s an online brand, how does customer service and warranty work?

Priority Bicycles is known for great customer service. They have a team of experts trained in the United States to answer questions by phone and email related to everything from pre-purchase questions to assembly help and troubleshooting. They know that their customers are their most powerful advocates. When it comes to warranty, they have an extensive one – the frame and fork for 5 years and for manufacturing defects for other components. If something goes wrong with your bike, they are known for excellent customer service and shipping parts out in a timely fashion. And for more complex fixes, they can help connect you with a local bike shop so you never have to go without support.

Would Priority e-bikes make a good long-term investment?

Absolutely. Though the starting price may be higher than that of some big-box store e-bikes, the value here is in the total cost of ownership. The Gates Carbon Belt Drive lasts thousands of miles longer than a chain, and no replacement for multiple chains means big savings. With the internally geared hub, there's no tuning -- no gears to hitch where they shouldn't, no derailleur to get bent on one side. The high-end components — from the frame to the brakes — are selected for longevity, not price. When you consider the money you save on maintenance, the time spent in servicing, and this solid core system, a Priority e-bike is typically a less expensive and much more enjoyable investment over the life of the bike.

In the end, selecting a Priority electric bike is making an investment in a reliable, superior, and delightful riding experience that you’re going to enjoy for years.