Lotus, the legendary British automotive manufacturer, has taken a bold leap into the world of high-performance electric road bikes with the launch of its stunning Lotus Type 136. In an era where electrified two-wheelers have gained traction, Lotus is making a resounding statement by introducing a cutting-edge electric road bike that sets a new standard in both design and performance.
Inspired by the design of the Hope HB.T track bike developed in collaboration with the Great Britain cycling team for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the Lotus Type 136 boasts an aesthetic that is both sleek and streamlined. With contoured lines and a radical integrated cockpit design, the visual appeal of this electric road bike is unmistakably lightweight, echoing the true essence of speed and precision.
Performance is at the core of the Lotus Type 136, thanks to its integration of the HPS Watt Assist Pro motor. This groundbreaking motor is touted as the lightest of its kind globally, weighing in at a mere 1.2 kilograms. The HPS system provides riders with a significant advantage on climbs, offering up to 35% assistance while maintaining the balance and pedal feel of a non-electric bicycle. Discreetly housed within the bottom bracket shell, the motor seamlessly blends into the bike's design.
The compact 193-watt-hour battery, weighing only 300 grams, resembles a water bottle and can be easily removed for charging. Furthermore, the HPS system incorporates ANT+ connectivity, enabling users to pair it with various bike computers to display the assist mode. The system can also be calibrated to adjust pedal assist based on the rider's heart rate, facilitating prolonged training within specific heart rate zones.
The Lotus Type 136 doesn't compromise on components, featuring the Sram Red eTap AXS groupset, DT Swiss ARC 1100 wheels, and race-ready Pirelli P Zero Race TLR tires. However, the pièce de résistance is the exceptionally lightweight carbon frame, meticulously handmade in Italy. While the exact size is unspecified, the entire build boasts a featherweight of 9.8 kilograms, making the Type 136 one of the lightest electric road bikes on the market.
As is often the case with exceptional lightweight performance, the Lotus Type 136 comes with a significant price tag. The initial release of this model will be limited to 136 units, each priced at a substantial 25,000 euros, equivalent to approximately $26,574 based on current exchange rates. Following this exclusive release, a standard model will be available for purchase in the spring of 2024.
Lotus has undeniably ventured into the electric road bike realm with a product that not only captivates with its design but redefines the standards of performance and innovation in the world of two-wheeled transportation.
