The Faraday Porteur E-Bike Is an Unassuming Rocket
I didn't set out to be deceitful. But my target was so gullible.
"Wow! Is that one-a them electric bikes?" my neighbor Ron asked. I opened my mouth before my conscience could kick in. "Um, no," I said, as I reached around and pushed the button that turns on the Faraday Porteur. "Hop on. Check it out." Ron climbed aboard, turned the crank—and took off like a shot. Through my garden. Over a stone path. Back into the mulch. And right through the center of my Blue Angel hosta that was just beginning to stretch its new growth into the spring air. Then he wobbled across my yard, trying to regain control, cursing me the whole way—and laughing.
Ever since the Faraday Porteur appeared in our office, it's been an unignorable distraction and an object of desire. It's one of those rare bicycles everyone wants to ride. With its leather grips, steam-bent bamboo fenders, and classic steel tubes, the Faraday will have you at hello before it even reveals its electric secret. And when it does, you'll be hooked. Not only will you revel in your discovery, you'll want others to feel what you feel.
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I've been here before. In 2013, I was zipping around my block on a pretty blue e-bike with a step-through frame. It was the first pedal-assist bike I'd ever ridden, and I wanted to share my excitement. I live in a throwback neighborhood where people still knock on doors to borrow sugar and know where each other's hide-a-keys are stashed. That day, more than a dozen of my neighbors (including Ron) gathered to try the step-through.
Now, here I am two years later with a different e-bike that elicits the same fascination. But this one's better: It's lighter, more elegant, and practically silent. An e-bike in stealth mode. It has smart, modern components like an eight-speed Shimano Alfine internally geared hub, Gates Carbon Drive belt, Avid mechanical disc brakes, and integrated LED lighting. It has almost every desirable trait one could want in a utility bike, rolled into a sleek, battery-operated package. The same curious neighbors are lining up to try it, and I find it notable that even they, who aren't avid cyclists, can see that the Faraday is superior. This Kickstarter sensation is no ordinary city bike.
Of all the e-bikes we've tested, the Porteur looks and rides most like a normal bike. The 250-watt front-hub motor is discreet, as is the sleek controller located behind the dual top tubes. Staring at this image and trying to find the 240 WH battery? Don't bother. It's tucked inside the down tube. A switch next to the left grip controls the level of assist without the use of an unsightly digital display unit. When you pedal, the motor kicks in instantly (sorry, Ron) but smoothly. The harder you push, the faster it goes. I could feel a slight lull in power when I exceeded 20 mph and the pedal assist cut out. But at 42 pounds, the Faraday, unlike other e-bikes, didn't become a beast when the motor stopped. I simply slowed to 20 mph, and the assist kicked in. After a while, I barely noticed the transitions. This bike is on point.
During a time when it seems like nothing is ever good enough, when someone, somewhere, is always looking to make great things greater, I find comfort in my belief that this bicycle is exactly where it needs to be: confident in its beauty and secure in its technology. It's already a timeless treasure—just like my neighborhood.
What Your Need to Know
A full charge takes three hours and provides about 20 miles of assisted riding
Accessories, such as front and rear racks, cost extra
Available in S, M, and L
The lower-priced Porteur S sacrifices a few features, but saves you $700
Price: $3,500
Weight: 42 lb. (M)
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