Electric road bike revealed by Lotus

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【Summary】Lotus has unveiled its new type 136 e-bike, inspired by their winning track bikes. The bike features an aero design, V-shaped handlebars, and a frame "carved by air." It is described as a dual-use bike, functioning as both a mechanical road bike and a lightweight e-bike. The entire bike, including the battery, weighs 9.8kg, making it the lightest e-bike on the market. The motor provides up to three hours of all-electric ride time.

FutureCar Staff Nov 02, 2023 9:28 AM PT

Lotus has recently unveiled its new type 136 e-bike, which is scheduled to be released in 2024. Described as an electrified, track-inspired performance bike, the type 136 draws inspiration from Lotus' gold medal-winning track bikes, including the iconic Type 108 bike from the 1992 Barcelona Games and the Hope/Lotus track bike used by the GB track cycling team in Tokyo 2020.

The handmade bike showcases V-shaped handlebars and wing-shaped forks, both designed in-house by Lotus. The frame is constructed using a full carbon monocoque frame, a design pioneered in the development of the type 108 and 110. One of the standout features of the type 136 is its dual-use functionality, serving as both a thoroughbred mechanical road bike and a lightweight e-bike.

Lotus claims that the entire bike, including the battery, weighs just 9.8kg, making it the lightest e-bike currently available on the market. The motor weighs 300g and offers 125W/kg, providing up to three hours of all-electric ride time. The bike's battery is cleverly disguised as a detachable water bottle, while the "Watt Assist Pro Motor system" is derived from the Mars Lander Project, ensuring minimal weight and zero maintenance.

During the launch event for the type 136, Lotus announced that the bike will be priced at £20,000 and will have an exclusive limited first edition run of just 136 bikes. The standard model is expected to be released for sale in the spring of 2024.

Sir Chris Hoy, a brand ambassador for Lotus, expressed his excitement for the type 136, stating that the impact of the Lotus type 108 on his career and life cannot be overstated. Hoy praised the bike for its lightweight and high-performance feel, even without utilizing the motor, making it a truly impressive ride. Danny Barnes, project lead for the type 136, emphasized the importance of rider feedback in developing the bike's technology, highlighting the extensive testing conducted to ensure the bike's performance and design are top-notch.