In a market full of complicated tech, sky-high torque specs, and smartphone apps to control an e-bike, New York-based Priority Bicycles is going in the opposite direction with the launch of its newest model: the Priority Glide, a lightweight, fuss-free e-bike that brings belt drive simplicity to the masses.

Unveiled yesterday, the Glide appears to be built for riders who want a clean, low-maintenance electric bike without the intimidating menus or mechanical clutter.

It sticks with the same game plan that has come to define Priority Bicycles: rolling out high-end bicycles designed to be almost entirely maintenance free, yet at prices well below the typical bike shop sticker shock.

In this case, with an MSRP of $1,799 plus a $400 off launch discount until August 4 (discount code RIDEAGLIDE), it also happens to be one of the most affordable electric bikes on the market featuring a Gates Carbon Drive belt system paired with an internally geared rear hub transmission. We’ve seen low-cost belt drive e-bikes before, but they are generally single-speed bikes.

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With the Priority Glide, you not only get the much-lauded maintenance-free Gates carbon belt drive system, but you also get the equally maintenance-free Nexus 3 rear hub transmission, which replaces a derailleur for simpler, cleaner, and hassle-free shifting – even at a stop.

The Glide slots in below Priority’s existing E-Classic Plus, maintaining the company’s signature style: classic lines, upright posture, and zero grease. The frame uses a dropped top tube for an easier step-over design, which strikes a balance between traditional geometry and easy on-off access. Add in dual-piston hydraulic disc brakes on 180mm rotors, 700c x 38mm puncture-resistant tires, double center kickstand for stable upright parking, front and rear LED lights, full composite fenders, and a thumb throttle, and you’ve got a commuter-friendly package designed to keep things simple, clean, and easy to ride on either pedal assist or throttle operation.

With a max payload of 300 lb (136 kg) and available in two different frame sizes, the Glide is designed to better fit a range of riders. And with two color offerings of blue and black, it’s also hoping to fit a range of tastes.

The Glide is powered by a 350W front hub motor paired with a 374Wh removable battery tucked into the downtube. Together, they help the bike reach a top assisted speed of 20 mph (32 km/h). Range is listed as 20 miles (32 km) on throttle or up to 60 miles (96 km) with pedal assist.

It’s a modestly powerful setup, but one that should be enough for neighborhood rides, errands, or a short daily commute. The reduced motor and battery size also help the bike tip the scales at just 49 lb (22.2 kg), making it one of the few sub-50 lb direct-to-consumer e-bikes on the market these days.

With the lower power motor, the somewhat lower capacity battery should last a bit longer, providing modest assist that doesn’t overwhelm. Riders get three pedal assist levels to choose from, at least when they’re not making use of that thumb throttle, and the bike’s Shimano Nexus 3-speed internal hub helps keep shifting smooth. One of the best features of an internally geared rear hub is that shifting can be done while standing still, such as when a rider has forgotten to downshift after a speedy section (which seems to happen at least once a week to me).

The other major advantage of internally geared hubs is of course that there’s no derailleur to fiddle with, no chain to lube (thanks to the belt drive), and no overly complicated electronic shifting. Just hop on, tap the throttle if you feel like cheating a hill, and cruise.

“Riding should be simple, enjoyable, and something people look forward to every day,” said Priority co-founder and CMO Connor Swegle. “Our goal with the Glide is to remove the barriers that keep people from riding more—whether that’s complicated maintenance, intimidating tech, or bulky designs.”

Electrek’s Take

I’ve become a big fan of Priority Bicycles since I bought my first one back in 2020. They’re well known for building with higher quality parts (they don’t rust because they use non-corroding hardware, for example), let alone the fact that they always opt for Gates belt drives and other high-end drive components. And the reason they can offer such good bikes at reasonable prices is because they offer a hybrid model. Founded and run by true cyclists, they have their traditional bike shop in Manhattan yet also operate as a direct-to-consumer company, allowing them to cut out the bike shop model and offer lower costs to consumers. In this case, they’ve demonstrated that advantage quite well with the Priority Glide.

In a world of carbon-framed fancy bikes that cost an arm and a leg, or torque monsters that can lay down a rubber snake in the bike lane, it’s refreshing to see a company lean into the simple joy of riding. The Priority Glide won’t win drag races or cross mountain ranges, but that’s not the point. It’s a clean, practical, approachable ride designed especially for folks who want an electric bike that looks and feels like a regular bike, but that doesn’t require the maintenance of a regular bike. And with parts like a Gates belt drive, nice hydraulic brakes, and a Shimano Nexus 3 at this price, it’s hard not to be impressed.

The cherry on top would have been a torque sensor, which would have had me over the moon, but hey – I guess they have to leave me something to whine about!