This Super-Popular E-Bike Just Got a Huge Fan-Requested Upgrade

Priority’s new Current Plus boasts a number of improvements over the acclaimed original Current — including, aww yeah, a throttle.

By Steve Mazzucchi

Published December 5, 2024

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Updated December 5, 2024

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Founded in 2012, New York City-based Priority Bicycles pretty quickly claimed a place among Gear Patrol’s favorite brands.

In addition to making fun, reliable, affordable bikes, Priority stood out by making one feature standard on all its rides: a Gates Carbon Drive CDX belt that outperforms the standard chain by being smooth, grease-free, longer lasting and lower maintenance.

The throttle is backed up by considerable zip and range. The optimized mid-drive motor produces 140Nm of torque, and it’s powered by a 720Wh battery (versus the Current’s 500Wh one), delivering about 40% more range (up to 75 miles).

Even when the brand launched its flagship e-bike, the Priority Current, four years ago, it packed a belt drive — one of many reasons the bike piled up plaudits from media and consumers alike. Heck, it has long been the best overall e-bike in our buying guide.

Now the Current’s long-awaited successor, the Current Plus, is here, and joining a number of other significant upgrades is the most-requested feature from the brand’s fans. In addition to pedal assistance, the Current Plus offers a thumb-activated throttle.

priority current plus full — With similar aesthetics, the new Current Plus is an amped-up version of the original Current (pun intended).

Flick and fly

That’s right, while the original Current picks up speed purely on pedal assistance, the Current Plus provides more immediate access to battery-powered velocity. Simply push or flick the little lever located on the left handlebar for a blast of acceleration.

Not only is it fun, it’s functional, as there are times when pedaling is tricky — such as uneven terrain — and also situations where you want to quickly speed up, not to mention those moments when you’re struggling to climb a steep hill.

priority current plus gates carbon belt drive — Like every Priority bike, the Current Plus features a smooth, low-maintenance Gates Carbon Drive.

This throttle is backed up by considerable zip and range too. The Current Plus’s optimized mid-drive motor produces 140Nm of torque, and it’s powered by a 720Wh battery (versus the Current’s 500Wh one), delivering about 40% more range (up to 75 miles).

Aside from its electric capabilities, the Current Plus is a banger of a bike in its own right, ideal for the urban commuter or suburban adventurer.

Other standout features include braze-on mounts for racks and cages, hydraulic disc brakes with electric cut-off to maximize stopping power, a bright 600-lumen front light (plus a rear light) you never need to charge and beefy, shock-absorbing 650b x 50mm tires.

priority current plus white and black colorways — The Current Plus is available in two colorways, white and charcoal.

Available in two colors and three sizes, the Current Plus also offers options when it comes to internal gear-changing rear hubs. The e-bike-specific Shimano Inter-5 hub carries five distinct gears and a snappy, sporty vibe. It’s also a bit lighter, part of a 6061-aluminum-frame-and-fork bike weighing 55 pounds.

The Enviolo hub meanwhile, offers a wide gear range amidst continuous shifting — no matter how you twist the shifter, you’re never stuck between gears. This hub is a bit heavier, though, part of a set-up weighing 56.5 pounds.

Availability and pricing

The Priority Current Plus is available now for $3,299 with the Shimano hub and $3,499 with the Enviolo hub. This week only, you can score $600 off either version with the code CURRENTPLUSLAUNCH.