CleanTechnica Tested: The Priority e-Coast E-Bike

Priority Bicycles made a name for itself by bringing the promise of low maintenance, belt-drive bicycles built with higher quality materials to the market, commanding slightly higher price points as a result. This same philosophy informed its move into the world of electric bikes with the Priority Current, and all signs point to the trend continuing to the newest member of the Priority family, the e-Coast.

The Priority e-Coast follows behind the impressive mid-drive, belt-driven Current with a simplified approach that translates to a much more affordable bike. At $1,999, the e-Coast is almost half the price of the Current, while still carrying forward the promise of high quality and lower maintenance that Priority Bicycles stands for.

Images credit: Kyle Field, CleanTechnica

For the e-Coast, Priority opted for a rear hub motor and a single speed mechanical drivetrain. This configuration helps pin a lower price point and translates to a much more casual riding experience. The single speed brings the simplicity of riding down a beachfront promenade to any ride. Just lock in the pedal assist and go, with the throttle ready to step in for a bit of extra boost if you need it. It’s not about the destination. It’s about the journey on this bike.

The e-Coast is offered in both a traditional beach cruiser “diamond” style frame as well as a step-through frame to accommodate different rider preferences. Both come in a range of fun, casual colors from a nice sharp gloss white and a slightly more formal gloss indigo. The step-through also comes in a fun gloss mint while the diamond frame has an exclusive, sophisticated gloss charcoal to set it apart.  They sent ours in white with oversized brown rubber tires that give it a real classic look. A basket up front completes the look that seems like it could almost take you to the beach or to the park just by looking at it.

Images credit: Kyle Field, CleanTechnica

From a riding standpoint, the aforementioned oversized 26″ x 3″ tires provide a nice bit of cushion while riding and are considerable improvement on the traditional beach cruiser experience. They absorb most of the smaller bumps in the road and, paired with the comfortable saddle and laid back riding position, make for a comfortable ride.

An integrated rear rack makes it easy to clip on a basket for your favorite pet, strap on a picnic basket, or add a set of more utilitarian panniers to the bike. The battery for the bike slots into the rear rack with a few cables that run forward into the frame. Priority Bicycles offers a range of accessories for the bike, including a cute wicker style basket that clips on to the handlebars with a pair of vintage looking straps. The basket up front really rounds out the look and makes the e-Coast feel like a complete package that would be equally at home at a boutique inn and spa tucked away in the foothills or on a bustling beach boardwalk in San Diego.

Priority opted for a rear hub motor on the e-Coast, which offers a slightly less refined experience than the mid-drive motor used on the Current. This doesn’t feel like a compromise, as it’s still more than capable of providing plenty of smooth power when you need it, while helping to keep the price point down a bit.

The motor and handlebar-mounted display work together to provide seamless pedal assist, and as a rear hub motor, comes with the added benefit of a throttle on the e-Coast. That’s a nice improvement that’s sure to put smiles on many people’s faces. Electric bike throttles are fantastic for helping to get moving from a stoplight and up steep hills.

Image credit: Kyle Field, CleanTechnica

Riding the e-Coast, the single speed Gates Carbon belt drive drivetrain is immediately noticeable because of its silence. It glides along and adds an element of peace by taking away the noise and vibration of the chain and gears of bikes gone past. That’s great for your summer dress, because it means no greasy chain to worry about, and it also eliminates the need to go in for service for yet another squeaky chain.

The geometry of the bike results in a nice upright seating position that provides sweeping views of the world around. For taller riders, the stem is adjustable, meaning you can angle it upward, pulling the cruiser style handlebars back towards the rider. This enables a more upright posture and accommodates a wider range of rider sizes.

For more information about the e-Coast or to purchase one for yourself, head over to Priority Bicycle’s website for the e-Coast.

Priority Bicycles e-Coast Specs

• Motor: Priority 500w Rear Hub Motor
• Battery: removable 576 Watt-hour pack can charge on or off the bike
• Range Per Charge: 20-60 miles depending on rider weight, assist level, terrain, & temperature
• Tires: 26″ x 3″ CST Big Boat
• Brakes: 174HUDSON Full Hydraulic Disc with Brake Sensing Motor Cutoff, 180mm Rotors
• Frame/Fork: Aluminum with Integrated Rear Rack, Disc Brake Mount, Internal Cable Routing Headset
• Kickstand: Alloy, Double-Leg (Included)
• Lights: Front & Rear with Brake Sensing (Included)
• Frame Styles: Diamond (Step-Over) & Step-Through
• Weight: 56 pounds (Including Battery, Pedals, Fenders, Double-Leg Kickstand)
• E-bike Class: Class 2, max speed of 20mph. Can be user reprogrammed to Class 3 if allowed by local regulations.

Disclaimer: Priority Bicycles provided the e-Coast to the author free of charge for the purposes of this review.