Both the Faraday Porteur and Sinclair Babel Bike are new electric bicycles born from crowd funding, but each is radically different from the other.
The Faraday Porteur is an electric bicycle Inspired by the classic European delivery bikes of the 1940s and 50s updated with state-of-the-art components and construction techniques. The Babel bike is an electric recumbent with roll-cage, which promises to make cycling safer.
The Faraday Porteur is designed to look and ride just like a familiar, high-quality bicycle. As with most electric bicycles, the Faraday lets you put in as much, or as little, effort as you want. The bike features a discreet battery, integrated front and rear lights, wood mudguards, an 8-speed internal hub with belt drive, and multiple options for carrying cargo. If part of the challenge to get more people on two wheels is the portrayal of cycling as stylish, fun and efficient then the Porteur is surely the bike for the job. The Faraday Porteur has just gone on sale in America priced at $3,500. Faraday website.
If the Porteur presents cycling in the European tradition of stylish and care-free travel, the Babel Bike could not be more different.
Crispin Sinclair believes the answer to making cycling safer is to give the rider a seat belt and protect her within a roll cage. The theory is that if struck by a lorry, the Babel Bike and rider are pushed aside rather than crushed. The bike is currently seeking deposits via crowd-funding website Indiegogo. The non-electric Babel Bike costs £1,999, with the electric motor adding another £1,500. Babel Bike website
Is the world ready for recumbents?
Recumbent bikes offer more comfort and greater efficiency, but they are not popular. When Clive Sinclair launched the C-5, he believed it was going to revolutionise personal transport. Unfortunately the electric recumbent was too low and unusual looking to gain popular appeal. The same may prove true of the Babel Bike.
Cycle insurance from the ETA
For 25 years we have been providing straightforward, affordable bicycle insurance. Whether you use your bike to commute, shop, race or amble in the park, ETA Cycle Insurance has you covered. Electric bikes up to 250 W are covered as standard (including third party, accidental damage, cycle breakdown and battery cover).
Many cycle insurers offer very limited cover, charging extra for features we believe should come as standard – such as third party cover, personal accident or extension of your cover to family and friends. ETA Cycle Insurance provides one fully-comprehensive package for total peace of mind, whatever your cycling needs.
Every cycle insurance policy you buy helps support the work of the ETA Trust, our charity campaigning for a cleaner, safer transport future.
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