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priority current shimano

The Priority Current quickly became one of my favorite commuter electric bikes soon after its release, thanks in large part to its high-quality design and higher-end components all offered for a reasonable price. Now that I’ve tested the second version of the bike with a 5-speed drivetrain and other new add-ons, I’m even more sold on this comfortable commuter electric bike.

The Priority Current straddles the line between the fancier bike shop models like those from Specialized, Trek, and other high-end brands, and the more entry-level offerings from direct-to-consumer companies.

The NYC-based bicycle brand Priority got its start in pedal bikes, so it knows a thing or two about high-end bike shop models. But it’s still a direct-to-consumer brand that focuses on offering attractive prices for average riders.

That’s where the Priority Current lives, as a happy middle-ground e-bike that gives many riders a nicer setup than they’re used to, yet keeps it approachable for us normies that ride in jeans instead of a spandex cycling jersey.

Check the bike out in my video review below to see it in action. Then keep reading for more on this awesome model.

Priority Current 5-speed video review

Priority Current tech specs

  • Motor: 500W mid-drive motor with torque sensor
  • Torque: 140 Nm
  • Top speed: 28 mph (45 km/h) or 20 mph (32 km/h) user-selectable
  • Range: 20-50 miles (32-80 km)
  • Battery: 500 Wh frame-integrated and removable battery
  • Weight: 24 kg (53 lb)
  • Frame: 6061 aluminum mid-step
  • Brakes: Tektro dual-piston hydraulic disc brakes
  • Extras: Shimano Nexus 5 internally geared read hub & shifter, Gates Carbon Drive belt-drive system, composite fenders, braze-ons for mounting front and rear racks/accessories, bright center-mount display, automatic front and rear LED lights, USB charging for phone/accessories, adjustable stem, gel comfort saddle, touch-up paint included
priority current shimano

What sets it apart?

Originally, my first experience with the Priority Current was on the Enviolo version. Now, I’ve been able to test this 5-speed Shimano Nexus version, with the main difference being the transmission type.

Unlike the Enviolo’s CVT setup with stepless shifting across a range of gear ratios, the Shimano internally geared hub gives five gear ratios. It’s a bit like that old beach cruiser you had with the three-speed rear hub, except now you’ve got five speeds. Oh, and a belt drive.

That’s right, the bike features a Gates carbon drive system with a reinforced belt that lasts longer than a chain, is cleaner, and operates silently. I’m a huge fan of belt-drive e-bikes because they are just nicer to use.

priority current shimano

The only downside is that they are often single-speeds due to the inability to run a derailleur with a belt. If you want multiple gears, that means you need some type of alternative transmission. Usually, that’s going to be an internally geared hub, which is what the Shimano Nexus 5 offers. The transmission gives you five gears so that you can still downshift to climb a steep hill or upshift when you want to push the bike hard up to 28 mph (45 km/h), or even faster if you don’t mind the electric power tapering off above 28 mph.

The Shimano 5-speed transmission feels like a nice balance to me. While I appreciate the engineering that goes into the Enivolo CVT, the massive 380% range seemed more geared to the lower end, meaning if you live in a flat city like me then you don’t use a lot of the potential gear range. With the Shimano, the five gears all feel more usable, though to be honest I still find myself spending most of my time in higher gear.

Both have the handy benefit of being able to shift when you’re at a stop, unlike chain drives.

The design of the bike is a real winner for me. It’s a commuter, there’s no doubt about that. But it’s not as tucked and hunched as on some models. I’m a more relaxed rider, even in the city, and so I don’t like to be hunched over too far. Some bikes make me feel like I can steer with my teeth, and that’s not a desirable seating position for me.

Here with the Priority Current, the urban-oriented geometry still feels comfortable enough, though I do find myself letting go of the bars and leaning back to stretch sometimes on wide open paths. With an adjustable stem, riders can actually dial in that comfort level to match their desires. The bars can be raised up more for someone who wants a taller ride, or lowered back down for someone who wants a streamlined city tuck.

Extra touches like that adjustable stem speak to similar design choices around the bike. It doesn’t feel like any corners were cut here. The bike uses solid hardware, has a beautifully welded frame, includes powerful dual-piston hydraulic disc brakes, features a thru-axle wheel for rugged mounting, a bright headlight and visible tail light, and even mounts that tail light directly into the rear fender so you have fewer wires and obstructions junking up the aesthetics.

Then there’s that mid-drive motor, which is the real differentiator compared to cheaper budget bikes. The motor includes a torque sensor, which means it has some excellent, responsive pedal assist. There’s a bit more motor noise than some models – it’s not a fancy German-made Brose motor or anything like that – but it still works wonderfully and gives good power with intuitive-feeling pedal assist. For a bike without a throttle, good pedal assist is a must.

Plus there’s the fact that the Priority Current comes in three frame sizes (S, M, L). It’s another example of how the bike goes beyond the typical one-size-fits-most models from budget-priced e-bike brands. As folks who actually bike everywhere, the Priority team knows that being able to size a bike as closely as possible to your personal needs is going to give you a better cycling experience.

priority current shimano

Extra features and accessories

The Priority Current is an excellent bike, but it’s the extra stuff that can sometimes help set many different models of e-bikes apart.

For example, I tested out the add-on battery option that doubles the capacity of the bike to give riders twice as much range. From my experience, the single battery is probably enough for many people. I was often getting 40-ish miles (65 km) of range per charge when I kept the pedal assist in a reasonable level 2 or 3 out of 5. But when I put it in level 5 and crank the speed up to the limit of 28 mph (45, km/h), my range could easily cut in half. So for anyone who wants to ride quickly, that additional battery is a nice add-on.

The other advantage is that it gives you a rear rack. For riders who want to add a basket, panniers, or other cargo carriers on the rear of the bike, the battery does double duty by giving you the rack space you’ll need.

Another accessory I tested out was the Pinhead wheel and seat lock set. I recently had my bike stolen (unfortunately, not for the first time), and so I’ve been feeling the pain of theft all over again. The Pinhead wheel and seat lock set aren’t going to keep your bike where you left it, but they will protect certain easy-to-steal components like the wheels and seat.

They come with their own little driver tool that removes theft of opportunity. Sure, if a thief comes prepared with a Pinhead tool then they can snag your nice saddle. But most opportunity theft occurs in the moment, from a thief who just saw something nice and made quick work of a quick-release lever or happened to have a 5mm Allen wrench on them. So the Pinhead system gives you a slick-looking fastener and means that 99.9% of people aren’t going to be able to make off with your gear.

For a more secure full-bike lock, I still recommend something like a FoldyLock Forever as one of multiple locks used on a bike.

Sum it up

Basically, the Priority Current still lives up to exactly what I want in a higher-end commuter or metro e-bike. At US $3,299, it’s priced short of the $4-5k bike shop e-bikes, yet still has the quality parts and manufacturing to stand with those high-dollar rides.

On the flip side, you can get it shipped directly to your door and save a few g’s at the same time.

That makes it feel like the right balance to me, offering the quality that more serious riders desire to ensure the bike will last for many years, yet with pricing and convenience more in line with the upper end of the direct-to-consumer market.

While it’s pricier than many more cost-effective commuter e-bikes, the nicer parts like the torque sensor-equipped mid-drive motor and 5-speed Gates belt drivetrain are bound to entice riders looking for a step up. They sure did for me.

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Tesla leads price cuts as US EV sales post 2nd-best month ever

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2 hours ago

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August 11, 2025

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Tesla leads price cuts as US EV sales post 2nd-best month ever

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Image: Tesla.com

US EV sales are surging as prices dip and automakers pile on record incentives to clear out inventory before the $7,500 EV tax credit vanishes, according to Kelley Blue Book’s latest numbers.

The average price for a new EV in July was $55,689, down 2.2% from June and 4.2% lower than a year ago. Leading the price drop was Tesla, which averaged $52,949 last month, down 2.4% from June and a hefty 9.1% year-over-year.

Tesla sweetened the deal with bigger incentives in July, which helped boost sales compared to June, though they still trailed last year’s numbers. A higher share of the more affordable Model 3 and Model Y also helped push Tesla’s average price down.

Across the industry, EV incentives hit their highest level ever, averaging 17.5% of the vehicle’s price – a more than 40% jump from last year. Automakers and dealers have been racing to move EVs before federal incentives expire on October 1.

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The strategy is working. Cox Automotive says July EV sales topped 130,000 – up 20% year-over-year – making it the second-strongest month for US EV sales on record.

Stephanie Valdez Streaty, senior analyst at Cox Automotive, said, “The urgency created by the [Trump] administration’s decision to sunset government-backed, IRA-era EV incentives was expected to create serious demand for EVs in the short term. If last month is any measure, Mission Accomplished. July sales were near an all-time monthly record. At this pace, Q3 will be the best ever and then some, as buyers jump in before the big incentives dry up.”

Read more: EV deals are heating up – buyers now save over $8K on average

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.

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Lucid is about to drop a ‘bold’ new EV concept this week

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3 hours ago

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August 11, 2025

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Lucid is about to drop a 'bold' new EV concept this week

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Lucid is teasing what it calls a “bold new concept of electric exploration” ahead of its debut on Thursday. What exactly does that mean?

What bold new EV is Lucid revealing?

After launching the Gravity in late 2024, Lucid now offers two of the most efficient and luxurious electric vehicles on the market.

The Lucid Air was the best-selling electric luxury sedan in the US in the first half of the year. After overcoming a few hiccups, production is expected to “significantly increase” in the second half of the year.

Meanwhile, Lucid is hinting at another new EV model after teasing what it calls “a bold new concept of electric exploration” on social media.

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Although the details are still pretty slim, you can see a few interesting features in the teaser. One of the biggest giveaways is what appears to be a roof-mounted light. As an exploration EV, this will likely be one of the few added upgrades. It will also feature rugged, blacked-out wheels and other off-road elements.

Given what we know so far, all signs point to an off-road Gravity variant. Lucid could be preparing its version of the souped-up Rivian “California Dune Edition” trims for the R1S and R1T.

The special edition Dune models feature Rivian’s Tri-Motor powertrain and added off-road upgrades like a unique sand-color paint, 20″ All-Terrain wheels, and reinforced underbody shields. The R1T electric pickup also gets an added powered tonneau cover.

Lucid-new-EV-concept
Lucid Gravity Grand Touring in Aurora Green (Source: Lucid)

The only other Lucid Gravity model due out is the lower-priced Touring. It’s set to arrive later this year, starting at $79,900. However, with the upgrades, it’s unlikely to be the new EV concept Lucid will unveil later this week.

For now, the Lucid Gravity Grand Touring is available starting at $94,900 with an impressive range of up to 450 miles. Lucid also sells a limited number of Dream Edition models, boasting over 1,000 horsepower.

Lucid-Gravity-SUV
Lucid Gravity (Source: Lucid)

Could it be the midsize EV that’s scheduled to launch in the second half of 2026? Again, it’s not likely. We will have to wait until Thursday to learn more, when Lucid reveals the bold new EV concept at Monterey Car Week on August 14. Check back later this week for the unveiling.

What do you think it will be? An off-road Gravity? Drop us a comment below and let us know your thoughts.

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Velotric Breeze 1 e-bike first discount with $150 in free gear from $1,699, Navee Back to School Sale, EcoFlow 48-hour flash sale, more

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August 11, 2025

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Velotric Breeze 1 e-bike first discount with 0 in free gear from ,699, Navee Back to School Sale, EcoFlow 48-hour flash sale, more

We’re kicking off this week’s Green Deals with the first-ever cash discount on Velotric’s new Breeze 1 Cruiser e-bike in a red colorway with $150 in free gear at $1,699. Right behind it is Navee’s Back to School Sale that is offering a bunch of e-scooters at up to $600 off with bonus 15%, 20%, and 30% savings, like on the new flagship ST3 Pro Electric Scooter starting from $684. We also have another EcoFlow 48-hour flash sale that is offering the DELTA 2 Max Portable Power Station with a protective bag at its best rate, as well as expansion battery and solar panel bundles too – all starting from $319. We also have Worx’s Nitro 20V 5-inch Cordless Chainsaw sitting $1 above its all-time low, as well as a new one-day-only low price on the Greenworks 80V 17-inch Cordless String Trimmer. Plus, all the hangover savings from last week are at the bottom of the page, rounded together in our Electrified Weekly coverage.

Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.

Velotric’s 70-mile cruising Breeze 1 e-bike with SensorSwap tech, Apple Find My, more gets first savings and free gear from $1,699

Velotric is offering a collection of seasonal promotion bundles with many of its newest e-bikes, while also providing some select price cuts. Of the models seeing discounts, we spotted the very first cash savings on Velotric’s new Breeze 1 Cruiser e-bike in its red colorway that is coming with $150 in free gear at $1,699 shipped, while the others are just getting the bundle for free. It was released back in March but has been keeping up at its full $1,799 price tag in the time since, with only some bundle packages ever being offered towards savings. Now, not only are you continuing to get the rear cargo rack and fenders from before, but you’ll also get $100 off the price tag for the best deal we have yet seen.

The new Velotric Breeze 1 e-bike is a 48-pound commuter that is perfect to get through daily appointments as much as it’s ready to cruise the boardwalk. The streamlined and light-weight frame houses a 750W rear hub motor paired with a 627Wh battery in order to max out at 20 MPH speeds (or 28 MPH if your local laws allow it) for up to 70 miles of travel when its PAS is activated (with three modes and five levels each). One innovation that we’re seeing included more in the newest models from this brand is the SensorSwap technology, which lets you switch between a cadence or torque sensor, depending on your preferences and the terrains you’ll be travelling across.

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It’s also nice to see Apple Find My integrations for added security and peace of mind, which comes alongside the usual array of remote companion app smart controls. From there, the experience is only further heightened as you’ll enjoy Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, KENDA puncture-resistant tires, integrated headlighting and taillight with both braking and turn signals, as well as an 8-speed Shimano derailleur, a removable trigger-control throttle, a 3.5-inch full color display sporting a USB-C port, an IPX6 waterproof construction, and more.

You can check out the full lineup of Velotric’s seasonal promotions on the landing page here.

man pops wheelie on Navee ST3 Pro electric scooter with city in background

Head to classes on Navee’s ST3 Pro e-scooter with free carbon fiber bag starting from $684 in latest sale

Navee is having a Back to School Sale running through August 25 with up to $600 in discounts across a solid lineup of electric scooters – plus, there’s bonus 15%, 20%, and 30% savings you can take advantage of too. Among the offers, my personal favorite is the new Navee flagship ST3 Pro Electric Scooter that is coming with a free carbon fiber riser bag and is initially falling to $726.75 shipped, after using the code SCHOOL15 at checkout for an extra 15% off your order, beating out Amazon by $128. While this is a solid drop from its usual $950 pricing, the costs can go even lower if you’re a student or teacher with exclusive 20% discounts to $683.99 shipped, after verifying on the landing page here and receiving the appropriate code to use at checkout. We’ve mostly been seeing discounts drop the price to $760, though we have seen it go as low as $660. Depending on which of these extra savings you can pick up, you’re looking at scoring a highly advanced ride with $223 to $266 in savings at some of the lowest prices we have tracked. Head below for more on this scooter and the others in this sale.

If you want to learn more about this new flagship model or the other e-scooters seeing back to school savings, be sure to check out our original coverage of this sale here.

EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max portable power station sitting on counter next to toaster oven and condiment bottles

Save up to 60% on EcoFlow bundles for solar panels, extra batteries, and a DELTA 2 Max station from $319 for 48 hours

As part of its ongoing Home Backup Sale through August 17, EcoFlow has launched the next of its scheduled 48-hour flash sales that are taking up to 60% off a power station bundle, an expansion battery bundle, and a solar panel bundle. The only of these offers to include a station comes with a DELTA 2 Max Portable Power Station and a protective bag for $999 shipped. This bundle would normally cost you $1,978 at full price, with discounts seen on the bundles that usually include some solar paneling over the lone bag. While you won’t find this package at Amazon, you can currently find the station on its own for $1,099, making this deal with the included bag (valued at $79) all the better, saving you $979 in total off the tag for the best rate we have tracked.

If you want to learn more about this power station or the other bundle deals, be sure to check out our original coverage of this 48-hour sale here.

man sawing off tree branch with Worx Nitro 20V 5-inch cordless chainsaw

Make up to 160 cuts, even in tight spaces, using Worx’s Nitro 20V 5-inch cordless chainsaw kit at $100

Running parallel to Best Buy’s Deals of the Day offer, Amazon is bringing the price down on the Worx Nitro 20V 5-inch Cordless Chainsaw to $99.99 shipped, with it matching in price at Best Buy for only the rest of the day. This model usually fetches $150 at full price these days, which fell to $104 during last month’s Prime Day event and then dropped lower to this same rate the following week. You’re looking at another shot at the second-lowest price we have tracked, giving you $50 off the going rate and landing just $1 above the all-time low that last appeared in February.

If you want to learn more about this compact chainsaw, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

man cleaning edges of lawn against sidewalk with greenworks 80V 17-inch cordless string trimmer

Tackle up to 3/4 acres with this Greenworks 80V 17-inch cordless string trimmer kit at new $171 low (Today only)

As part of its Deals of the Day, Best Buy is offering the Greenworks 80V 17-inch Cordless String Trimmer with 2.0Ah battery at $170.99 shipped. Normally, you’d have to shell out $250 for this kit at full price, which is only available in a renewed condition directly from the brand’s website at $9 more, while at Amazon, you can only find the 16-inch model sitting at full price. We’ve seen this kit go as low as $180 in the past (last seen in May), with the one-day-only deal here giving you $79 in savings at the best new price we have tracked.

If you want to learn more about this 80V string trimmer, be sure to check out our original coverage of this one-day-only deal here.

Best Summer EV deals!

Best new Green Deals landing this week

The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.

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