Priority Bicycles just launched the most affordable Gates belt mid-drive e-bike

FlatSix911

Well-Known Member
Region
USA
City
Silicon Valley
Not bad for a full spec Gates drive, mid-drive with internal gearing, and 28mph speed assistance. ;)


Priority Bicycles has just launched their latest electric bicycle, the Priority Current. The Current packs in a number of high-quality and low-maintenance parts for a killer price. The Priority Current is powered by a nominally 500W mid-drive motor. However, the company lists the motor at an insane 148 Nm (108 lb-ft) of torque, which makes me think that 500W number could be coyly low. It is anyone’s guess what the real power is, but suffice it to say that 148 Nm of torque means this bike should have some serious pull, offering fast acceleration and flattening even the toughest of hills.

The pedal-assist bike comes with a top speed of 20 mph (32 km/h), but offers users the option to unlock it to reach speeds of 28 mph (45 km/h). That would turn it from a Class 1 e-bike into a Class 3 e-bike in the US. And in a move that belt-drive fans will rejoice over, Priority equipped the Current with a Gates belt drive system. The use of belt drive means there’s no greasy chain, no transmission noise, and virtually no maintenance. Instead of an old-fashioned derailleur, the Priority Current uses an Enviolo internally geared hub with a massive 380% gear range.

And with a 500 Wh frame-integrated battery, the Priority Current gets a range rating of 30-60 miles (50-100 km) depending on the pedal assist level and riding style. Other components on the bike include Tektro dual-piston hydraulic disc brakes, included composite fenders, automatic front and rear LED lights, adjustable height stem, USB charger, and a digital display.
But I was pleasantly surprised — perhaps even amazed — to see that the Priority Current has an MSRP of $2,999 and is actually on sale now with a promotional price of just $2,699!


priority current
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Not bad for a full spec Gates drive, mid-drive with internal gearing, and 28mph speed assistance. ;)


Priority Bicycles has just launched their latest electric bicycle, the Priority Current. The Current packs in a number of high-quality and low-maintenance parts for a killer price. The Priority Current is powered by a nominally 500W mid-drive motor. However, the company lists the motor at an insane 148 Nm (108 lb-ft) of torque, which makes me think that 500W number could be coyly low. It is anyone’s guess what the real power is, but suffice it to say that 148 Nm of torque means this bike should have some serious pull, offering fast acceleration and flattening even the toughest of hills.

The pedal-assist bike comes with a top speed of 20 mph (32 km/h), but offers users the option to unlock it to reach speeds of 28 mph (45 km/h). That would turn it from a Class 1 e-bike into a Class 3 e-bike in the US. And in a move that belt-drive fans will rejoice over, Priority equipped the Current with a Gates belt drive system. The use of belt drive means there’s no greasy chain, no transmission noise, and virtually no maintenance. Instead of an old-fashioned derailleur, the Priority Current uses an Enviolo internally geared hub with a massive 380% gear range.

And with a 500 Wh frame-integrated battery, the Priority Current gets a range rating of 30-60 miles (50-100 km) depending on the pedal assist level and riding style. Other components on the bike include Tektro dual-piston hydraulic disc brakes, included composite fenders, automatic front and rear LED lights, adjustable height stem, USB charger, and a digital display.
But I was pleasantly surprised — perhaps even amazed — to see that the Priority Current has an MSRP of $2,999 and is actually on sale now with a promotional price of just $2,699!


priority current
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Weight of the bike?
 
I wonder if this bike has the same motor as the DOST ebikes. Seems like a decent bike for the price. As for weight, somewhere in the 55-60 pounds range would be my guess?
 
I wonder if this bike has the same motor as the DOST ebikes. Seems like a decent bike for the price. As for weight, somewhere in the 55-60 pounds range would be my guess?

Not a Bafang product, certainly not a BBS. Nm figure seems a bit unrealistic but no doubt it is a 48v system at least.

Weight on Electrek is estimated to be in the 45lb. range.
 
the range is pretty high with that size motor. I know my dapu mid drive 500 % sucked on range even with a larger battery then my bosch.
 
Hey guys,

This is not a Dapu or Bafang motor. Those are fairly common.

It's made by a company called Wuxi (they also make brakes, throttle wiring, sensors etc.)

This particular motor has a funny name " Truck-run" TMO1. They simply state it is >100 Nm but I highly doubt it.

Nm numbers are used by motor manufacturers to market themselves and it can be quite misleading. 75,000 Watts Harley Davidson Livewire produces less than 120 Nm and we see so many motor manufacturers in the E-bike space touting 100 Nm and frankly it is embarrassing. But, this is part of the marketing blurb.

Interested parties can read more here about this particular motor.



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Hey guys,
This is not a Dapu or Bafang motor. Those are fairly common. It's made by a company called Wuxi (they also make brakes, throttle wiring, sensors etc.)
This particular motor has a funny name " Truck-run" TMO1. They simply state it is >100 Nm but I highly doubt it.
Nm numbers are used by motor manufacturers to market themselves and it can be quite misleading. 75,000 Watts Harley Davidson Livewire produces less than 120 Nm and we see so many motor manufacturers in the E-bike space touting 100 Nm and frankly it is embarrassing. But, this is part of the marketing blurb.
Interested parties can read more here about this particular motor.
View attachment 67271 View attachment 67272

Ravi, thanks for sharing the motor link... interesting specs to say the least.

Keep on Truckin'! ;)

Truck Run TM01product information
  • Size L*W*H(mm) 205.5*135.5*103
  • Rated Voltage(DCV) - 36/48
    Rated Power(W) - 250/350
    Rated Speed(RPM) - 92±5/85±5
    n0(RPM) - 101±6
    Max Torque(N.M) - ≥100
    Efficiency(% - ≥80
    Weight(Kg) - 3.6
    Speed Signal - 1 Pulse/Cycle
    Noise Grade(dB) - <55
    Color - MATTE-BLACK
    Operating Temperature(℃) -20-55
  • Sensor - Speed and torque sensor
    E-Brake - Optional
    Light(DCV/W) - DCV6V3W
  • Ingress Protection IP65
  • Test&Certification EN15194/CE/ROHS
 
Hard to believe.

The hub gear and motor must be heavy. Cannondale's Neo Canvas 1 is 44 lbs with bigger wheels and tires, and fenders, kickstand, Deore

Seems like a pretty nice kit at a good price, from a company with a great reputation for customer service and durability, unlike all the relevant competition at this price or below.

Not a big fan of the mid step frame but at least they have multiple sizes. The stem is ugly and the handlebars stupid wide for an urban bike (NYC no less! where they're based), but that's easily fixed.

It has an enviolo continuously variable transmission, which I've found rather uninspiring to pedal on, but that was on shared bikes (Boston/DC) so maybe it was something else on the bike like the cranks. Enviolos are supposed to have the best durability in their class (vs Shimano Nexus)
 
Priority says the bike weighs 52 lbs.
From the Priority FB page: Just got my new Current yesterday. Charged the battery after assembly and went for a 20 mile ride today. 10 miles downhill (700 foot elevation change) in PAS 0 & 1. Ten miles up the same route ~50% in PAS 2 10-12MPH, 30% in PAS 3 12-15MPH, and the last 20% (Steepest part of the climb back to my house) in PAS 5 at 18-20MPH. Got home with 8 out of 10 bars remaining. I LOVE THIS Thing!
 
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