Lotus launches e-bike

Luxury mobility manufacturer Lotus has launched a light-weight performance e-bike called Type 136.

A first edition production run of 136 individually numbered bikes with Lotus motorsport-inspired livery comes with a hefty NZ$45,104 (25,000 euro) price tag, the standard model on sale from late 2024.

Handmade in Italy, the lightweight carbon fibre frame and state-of-the-art components mean the e-bike weighs 9.8kg – including the 300gram motor from High Performance System (HPS) for dual-use functionality.

The Type 136 is inspired by bikes from the Type 108 at the 1992 Barcelona Games to the Tokyo 2020 competition where the Hope/Lotus track bike helped the Great Britain track cycling team top the medal table, says Lotus.

It features V-shaped handlebars, wing-shaped forks, and vaulted chain stays, while the battery is disguised as a water bottle and detaches from the frame at the push of a button.

The bike’s Watt Assist Pro Motor system, weighing 1.2kg, is derived from the Mars Lander Project, Lotus explains.

Lotus is known mainly for its two-seater sports cars such as Evija, Esprit, Elise and Elite, with the latest range of electric models including the Emeya hyper-GT and Eletre hyper-SUV.

“For the past 75 years, Lotus has been relentlessly pushing the boundaries of innovation on the road and track,” says Lotus Group chief executive Feng Qingfeng.  

“Type 136 shows that we continue to do so. Launching alongside Eletre, Emeya and Evija, it will further expand global perceptions of what to expect from Lotus.”

The Lotus Type 136 e-bike was unveiled at an event at the Lotus London brand store and will be showcased at Rouleur LIVE in London until November 4.

Click here for more information on HPS bikes, or visit the Lotus Cars website.