Certainly! Here’s a third-person rendition of the article:
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An individual with a long-standing passion for biking reflects on their journey with bicycles. As a child, they enjoyed riding a BMX around town, cherishing the sense of freedom and independence it offered. Years later, their exploration of the electric bike (ebike) market has reignited those nostalgic feelings for the open road.
As a newcomer to ebikes, their experience over the past year has primarily involved more affordable models such as the Propella 9S and Priority’s e-Classic Plus. Therefore, when given the opportunity by Priority to test the more expensive Current Plus, they questioned what benefits an ebike priced over three thousand dollars could offer.
The response is clear: range, style, features, and power, with the latter being a standout element. The Current Plus, a throttle-equipped Class 2 ebike convertible to Class 3, can reach speeds of up to 28 mph with pedal assist. Hills present little challenge.
Notably, the bike’s powerful motor provides safety in difficult situations. Increasing the motor speed can easily navigate through traffic or busy roads. Although the motor was rarely pushed beyond the midpoint, when additional power was required, it was readily available, facilitating travel across the streets of Portland, Oregon.
The impressive battery range further contributes to the bike’s versatility, allowing carefree rides for days without needing a recharge. This freedom echoes the individual’s earlier BMX experiences, transforming them from an ebike novice to a seasoned commuter.
As a direct-to-consumer product, the Current Plus requires some assembly upon arrival. While assembling the bike oneself is an option, a local bike shop will perform the task for approximately $150-200, which is advisable for beginners. Even for the more adventurous, it is recommended to have a shop inspect the assembly for safety.
Maintenance of the Current Plus is minimal. Its Gates Carbon Drive belt requires no lubrication and promises to last two to three times longer than chains. Testing of the 750 Wh battery indicated a range of up to 90 miles per charge at the lowest pedal-assist speed. Even with vigorous use across Portland’s hilly terrain, the range was still an impressive 60 miles per charge.
The bike was tested with a five-speed Shimano Nexus gear system, though there is an option to upgrade to the Enviolo CVT for an additional $200. This upgrade could be beneficial for those transporting heavy loads, as it allows for precise torque adjustments.
While the bike’s mid-drive motor offers a smoother experience compared to the front-mounted eClassic, some pedal buzz was noted when starting in higher gears. Shifting to lower-tension gears eliminated this issue, and the belt drive facilitated smooth gear transitions from a standstill. Frequent use led to effortless shifting, akin to driving a manual transmission car.
Over time, the individual became proficient at navigating the city, often opting for the bike over a car, especially as the weather improved from Portland’s rainy winter to spring. The bike’s ability to accelerate swiftly from a stop, reaching speeds just below the Class 3 limit, was appreciated. The transformation to Class 3 is possible via display settings, subject to local regulations. Nonetheless, speeds around 26 mph on flat terrain were deemed sufficient.
Most rides were conducted at the first or second pedal-assist speeds. However, increasing to higher speeds provided a thrilling experience. The bike’s capability to conquer hills effortlessly granted users the flexibility to choose any route. Whether catching up after a delay or distancing from traffic, the bike’s speed options created a sense of liberation and joy.