Lotus (sure, that Lotus) has simply launched the lightest-ever street e-bike, the Sort 136, with an ultralight HPS motor and battery device that’s simply 1,200g all-in. Blended with a light-weight carbon body, the entire motorcycle is solely 9.8kg (21.61lb). And it’ll run you about $2,600 in keeping with kilo.
The body’s design is a nod to the Olympic track-winning Lotus 108 that raced on the 1998 Barcelona video games and the newer Hope/Lotus collaboration for Sir Chris Hoy. This means that it’s greater than gentle, it’s additionally aerodynamic.
The Sort 136 used to be designed by way of Lotus clothier and aerodynamicist Richard Hill, getting the similar V-shaped handlebars, wing-shaped fork, and vaulted chainstays because the music newest music motorcycles. No break up seatpost even though, however this one does get an built-in tail gentle flowing out of the saddle clamp house.
The HPS (Prime Efficiency Techniques) Watt Help Professional motor is minuscule, borrowing tech designed for the Mars rover. As such, it’s gentle (simply 300g) and compact, becoming in a standard-looking backside bracket shell. It simplest places out 136 watts, so it’s in point of fact there to lend a hand no longer dominate.
Lotus suggests it doesn’t create a lot if any drag when it’s no longer helping, both. Which is to hand, since the battery is disguised as a water bottle – simply disconnect it and experience like commonplace. Totally charged they are saying it’s excellent for roughly 3 hours of driving.
This release version motorcycle prices £20,000 (€25,000) and is proscribed to 136 gadgets, all signed and numbered. They’re painted in vintage Lotus racing livery and spec’d with Campagnolo Tremendous File Wi-fi. An ordinary version will practice in early 2024 with motorcycles from £15,199 to £16,999 (€17,950 to €19,950) with SRAM drivetrains.
