Priority launches Skyline e-bike with high-end Pinion gearbox, Gates belt drive, and surprising price
Priority Bicycles just pulled the wraps off its most advanced electric bike yet, and it’s got some serious hardware under the hood – or rather, in the bottom bracket. Say hello to the absurdly high-end for a direct-to-consumer (D2C) e-bike, the Priority Skyline.
The newly launched Skyline combines the company’s signature low-maintenance design philosophy with one of the most sophisticated drivetrains in the bike world: a Pinion C1.12i Smart.Shift gearbox, paired with a Gates Carbon Drive belt and 750W torque-sensing rear hub motor.
And if you’re thinking that sounds like a US $6,000+ setup, you wouldn’t be wrong. That Pinion gearbox alone probably costs half the price of the bike or more when sold as a standalone unit. But somehow, Priority has managed to bundle it all together, even including integrated lighting, hydraulic disc brakes, a 720Wh battery, throttle, front suspension, and commuter-ready accessories. And all of that for just $3,999 (or $3,699 with a limited-time launch discount).
And referencing a $6,000 figure makes sense when you look at other brands. High-end German e-bikes like Stadtfuchs and Waldwiesel.E that also use this drivetrain cost between $5,600 to $6,500, to put things in perspective. Are they the same thing? Of course not. Don’t be insulting. Those bikes are half as fast and with a third the power of the Skyline.
But none of this should really come as a surprise. This combination of bike-shop-level quality and direct-to-consumer pricing is classic Priority, a company that continues to carve out its own niche in the e-bike world (as well as the pedal bike world, for those with more stamina than I).
While most D2C brands cut corners on components to hit budget price points, Priority has built a reputation around spec’ing top-shelf parts like belt drives and internally geared hubs, and delivering them at prices that feel like they snuck past a spreadsheet somewhere.
But this time, they’ve outdone themselves.
A drivetrain you’d expect on a high-dollar Euro e-bike
At the heart of the Skyline is that Pinion C1.12i Smart.Shift system. If you’re not familiar, think of it like a car transmission for your bike. The sealed gearbox sits at the crank, offering 12 electronically actuated gears across a massive 600% gear range. It of course lets you shift at a standstill, while coasting, or even under load, but there’s so much more to it than that.
What really sets it apart is the automatic shifting technology. With Pinion’s Pre-Select feature, you set your ideal cadence and the bike handles the rest, changing gears between pedal strokes to keep you spinning at your sweet spot. No more gear mashing or hunting for the right sprocket. There’s even a Start-Select mode that resets your gear when you come to a stop, so you’re always ready to accelerate smoothly when the light turns green. And it’s doing all this behind the scenes without you ever knowing it.
Plus, since it’s paired with a Gates Carbon Belt Drive, the whole system runs whisper-quiet, grease-free, and nearly maintenance-free. This is the same tech you’ll find on expensive European trekking bikes, but here it’s part of a package that’s priced like a mid-tier commuter. Except that this bike is anything but mid-tier.
Real power, real-world rideability
Backing up the drivetrain is a 750W rear hub motor with both torque-sensing pedal assist and a thumb throttle for when you just want to cruise. The system delivers smooth, intuitive acceleration up to 28 mph for full class 3 performance, with impressive responsiveness thanks to the torque sensor and the gearbox’s finely spaced ratios.
The hub motor might sound like a strange choice for a higher end e-bike, but they’re becoming more common as higher end motor makers create attractive models for bike companies to choose from. These types of sophisticated gearboxes like Pinion’s take up the typical mid-drive motor’s place in the bottom bracket, leaving a rear hub motor as the best option. You pay for it in extra rear weight, but you make up for it in the pleasurable ride feel that the drivetrain provides.
And the Skyline isn’t just about power, it’s about control. That means hydraulic disc brakes with motor cutoff, wide 650x50c Maxxis tires, and a suspension fork with 80 mm of travel to soak up potholes, curbs, and unexpected detours.
Battery range should be solid too, thanks to a 720Wh downtube-integrated battery, giving the bike a clean, streamlined look while offering ample juice for long commutes or weekend rides.
And yes, all the commuter-ready features are here: full fenders, an integrated rear rack, integrated 500-lumen front light, brake-sensing rear light, and a comfortable sport saddle.
While this certainly isn’t a trail-oriented bike, it should be able to handle moderate trekking duties and gravel trails while still holding a strong position as an everyday commuter e-bike. And while the throttle is obviously there to support the North American need for one, a bike with this kind of beautiful transmission technology should really have its throttle tapped sparingly. The pedal assist on this thing is going to feel so good that I can see the throttle going neglected most of the time.
The Priority Skyline is available now for pre-order, with shipping expected soon. And if you’re even remotely interested, that $300 launch discount runs through August 18, so now’s probably the time to stop gawking and start clicking.
Electrek’s Take
Priority is a fascinating company in the e-bike space. Unlike some of the flashier D2C brands chasing viral hits, they’ve quietly built a loyal following by obsessing over the rider experience, particularly for folks who want a bike that just works, without the mess or hassle of traditional drivetrains. Low-maintenance is their fetish and they don’t do anything else.
I bought my first Priority e-bike back in 2020 and I’ve ridden several models since. I’ve become a huge fan of the brand simply because I haven’t found another company that does high-quality at reasonable prices better than them. Of course $3,699 isn’t low-cost, but it’s very low for what you’re getting with the Skyline. And Priority has solid e-bikes for as low as $1,799 as well, if going this far up-shelf isn’t in the stars.
But the Skyline is their new top-end electric bike and it feels like the culmination of everything they’ve been working toward: clean design, incredible components, real-world performance, and a price that makes you wonder how they pulled it off. Previously, Lectric eBikes was the only brand that could get Pinion gear on an e-bike and make it affordable, yet they only went with the 6-speed, not to mention cut a few other corners. Don’t get me wrong, the Lectric One is an incredible bike, but the Skyline is a full-size, multi-terrain commuter with a true torque sensor, more battery, and higher-end parts.
Is it heavy? Sure. A whopping 68 pounds is a lot. And the total color options of… one, well that’s not exactly tickling my creativity bone. But hey, it comes in three sizes and just how many SKUs can you stock at this price? And the fact that this e-bike has an automatic electronic 12-speed Pinion gearbox, a Gates belt, plus a throttle-enabled and torque-sensing 750W motor – all for under $4K – is borderline absurd. It’s the kind of thing you’d expect from a boutique European brand with a much higher price tag, not from a US company selling direct to consumers.
Priority says the Skyline is meant to “blur the line between rider and bike,” and after looking at the spec sheet, I believe them. This is more than a commuter, it’s a serious piece of gear for anyone who values seamless performance, low maintenance, and a joy-to-ride experience.
I’ll be reviewing this model soon and despite my expectations being sky high, I’m pretty darn sure Priority is going to be there like they always are.
Until I’m back with a review article and video on my experience with the bike, let’s hear what you think of the Skyline. Sound off in the comments section below!
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It’s Labor Day weekend, which means big deals on car lots across America – especially if you’re shopping for a new electric vehicle to help with your labor. We’ve rounded up the best offers on electric pickups, vans, and even a great option for ride share drivers!
Sure, there’s a bit of irony in pitching “work vehicles” on a holiday meant for not working – but for many small business owners, work is part of who they are. And with the $7,500 federal EV tax credit set to expire, plus a wave of great Labor Day deals on work-ready EVs, now might be the best time yet to plug into a new electric ride.
Here are some of the standout electric vehicles offers we found this Labor Day weekend (2025), organized by vehicle type.
Electric pickup | F-150 Lightning
The “Ford for America,” summer sales event continues through Labor Day with interest-free 0% financing, $0 down payment, and zero payments for up to 90 days for retail customers. Ford is also throwing in $0 maintenance for 24 months.
But wait, there’s more! Ford Authority is reporting that a complimentary home charger and standard installation might also be included as part of the Ford Power Promise promotion happening at participating dealers in select markets with the purchase of a new F-150 Lightning pickup through the end of September.
Lease customers aren’t being left out, either. You can lease a 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning XLT 4P 311A pickup at $399 per month for 36 months, with “just” $399 due at signing (basically your first month’s payment).
Electric van | Chevy Brightdrop
The best electric vehicle deal in the business keeps on truckin’ into Labor Day weekend, with new 2025 Brightdrop models currently eligible for up to $21,500 in manufacturer rebates before any Federal, state, local utility, or even Costco membership incentives kick in.
For your money, you get a capable, Ultium-based electric cargo van with more room than your college dorm and a nationwide dealer network to keep it up and running when you need it most.
Electric van (hon. mention) | Mercedes eSprinter
Despite being based on the company’s existing diesel platform, Mercedes’ eSprinter has proven itself a capable urban hauler in the hands of Amazon, DHL, and countless European tradespeople. Despite that, there are still a handful of leftover 2024 models hanging around dealer lots – enough that Mercedes is offering up to $30,000 (!) Customer Cash on any new ’24MY eSprinter purchased from dealer stock.
That discount is enough to bring the price of this 2024 eSprinter in Chicago from $87,823 all the way down to $57,823 this Labor Day weekend – and that’s before you factor in state and local utility incentives that can bring the price down even further.
As you can imagine, there’s some fine print on that Customer Cash deal. It can’t be combined with Special APR programs through Mercedes-Benz Financial Services (MBFS), but it can be combined with the Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles Medium Fleet Program.
Ride share ride | VW ID.4
Ride share drivers looking for comfortable seats, room for five adults and their luggage, proven battery life, and lickety-quick charging speeds can stop looking. Volkswagen is offering a sweet ID.4 lease at nearly half the cost of an entry-level Jetta with payments starting at just $129/mo. – that’s despite the ID.4 carrying a significantly higher MSRP.
And, while we’re at it, it’s probably worth noting that serious road warriors will probably save more than $129/mo. in fuel alone.
If you prefer to own your vehicles after making payments on them for a few years, you can also get 0% interest financing on select ID.4s for up to 72 months. It’s important to note here that Volkswagen’s deals can vary wildly by region. That $129/mo. offer is available in California and a few other West Coast states, for example, but the electric crossover’s listed at $329 for 24 months with $4,499 due at signing in others.
Disclaimer: the vehicle models and financing deals above were sourced from CarsDirect, CarEdge, and (where mentioned) the OEM websites – and were current as of 29AUG2025. These deals may not be available in every market, with every discount, or for every buyer (the standard “with approved credit” fine print should be considered implied). Check with your local dealer(s) for more information.
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Sustainable construction experts McKinstry have teamed up with leading BESS developers Viridi and the Denver Public Library to deploy a first-of-its-kind solar and battery storage system that sets a new standard for fire safety.
The Denver Public Library sought a battery energy storage system (BESS) that could deliver cost savings without compromising safety for staff, visitors, or the architecturally significant, Michael Graves–designed structure itself. That required a battery backup solution that not only met the city’s fire safety standards, but also addressed public fears about the risk of lithium-ion battery fires.
That unique set of project priorities led the library to Viridi, makers of the RPSLinkEX battery solution that’s equipped with a unique, “passive Fail-Safe thermal management and anti-propagation technology” designed to prevent the sort of thermal runaway that leads to li-ion battery fires.
“Public facilities like the Denver Public Library are at the forefront of demonstrating that energy resilience and safety can go hand in hand,” said Jon M. Williams, CEO at Viridi. “This installation highlights how fail-safe battery storage can empower communities to maximize renewable energy, reduce costs, and maintain reliability – all without compromise.”
Keeping it safe
Viridi doesn’t talk too much about how its passive Fail-Safe thermal management system works, but if you’re picturing heat-dissipating layers, fire-resistant insulation, and strategically-placed phase change materials (or PCMs) limiting the transfer of heat from one cell to another if it begins to overheat, you’ve probably cracked it.
These passive safety features enable safer deployment scenarios in occupied buildings or near critical infrastructure by reducing dependence on active fire suppression systems like sprinklers or fire extinguishers, and convinced the City of Denver to move forward with the project, which is the city’s first-ever solar + battery storage system.
“The entire McKinstry team is very excited about developing and constructing the first Solar + BESS project for the City and County of Denver,” said Jon Ensley, Sr. Construction Project Engineer at McKinstry. “We are appreciative of all our partners and stakeholders who helped to achieve this goal. We value Viridi’s expertise in deploying this technology and the whole team has been great to work with.”
McKinstry says this latest solar project sets, “a new benchmark for how cities can combine renewable energy and battery storage without compromising safety.” And, with solutions like the RPSLinkEX building systems that meet city planners and politicians where they are, instead of trying to educated them about the objective, proven safety of li-ion batteries, Viridi is helping communities adopt cleaner, more resilient clean energy solutions sooner rather than later.
READ MORE
SOURCE | IMAGES: Viridi, via PV Magazine; Michael Graves.
If you’re considering going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.
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China’s Dongfang Electric has installed a 26-megawatt offshore wind turbine, snatching the title of world’s most powerful from Siemens Gamesa’s 21.5 turbine in Denmark.
The Chinese state-owned manufacturer announced today that it has installed the world’s most powerful wind turbine prototype at a testing and certification base. This turbine, the world’s largest for capacity and size, boasts a blade wheel diameter of more than 310 meters (1,107 feet) and a hub height of 185 meters (607 feet). Dongfang shipped the turbine’s nacelle earlier this month – the world’s heaviest – along with three blades.
This offshore wind turbine is designed for areas with wind speeds of 8 meters per second and above. With average winds of 10 meters per second, just one of these giants can generate 100 GWh of power annually, which is enough to power 55,000 homes. That’s enough to cut standard coal consumption by 30,000 tons and reduce CO2 emissions by 80,000 tons. Dongfang says it’s wind resistant up to 17 (200 km/h) on the extended Beaufort scale.
In May, Dongfang said it had completed static load testing on the turbine’s blades, and the turbine is now undergoing fatigue testing, which could take up to a year before the turbine is fully certified.
Read more: Trump just killed all offshore wind zones as US power needs surge
The 30% federal solar tax credit is ending this year. If you’ve ever considered going solar, now’s the time to act. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
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