Lotus, the iconic British brand celebrated for its legendary sports cars and motorsport success, is taking a bold leap into the world of cycling with the unveiling of the Lotus Type 136 – a groundbreaking electrified road bike that marries decades of cycling heritage with cutting-edge technology. This innovative e-bike promises to redefine the way riders experience the road, offering a new level of performance, design, and convenience.
Inspired by Success
The Lotus Type 136 is more than just a bike; it’s a fusion of history, design, and engineering excellence. Drawing from over 30 years of road and track cycling success, Lotus has created an e-bike that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible. The design of the Type 136 takes inspiration from Lotus’ gold medal-winning performance in Olympic velodromes worldwide. From the iconic Type 108 bike at the 1992 Barcelona Games to the recent Hope/Lotus track bike that helped the Great Britain track cycling team top the event medal table in Tokyo 2020, Lotus’ cycling legacy is one of continuous success.
Handmade in Italy, the Type 136 boasts a lightweight carbon fibre frame that ensures it weighs in at an astonishingly light 9.8 kilograms. Its V-shaped handlebars, wing-shaped forks, and vaulted chain stays all contribute to an aerodynamic design that slices through the air with ease and efficiency. This bike is engineered to be a performance powerhouse.
Elegant and Innovative
The Lotus Type 136 takes innovation a step further with its battery system, which is cleverly concealed as a water bottle and can be detached from the frame at the push of a button. This design not only maintains the bike’s sleek aesthetic but also enhances its user-friendliness.
The heart of the Type 136 is its Watt Assist Pro Motor system, inspired by the Mars Lander Project, where weight and maintenance were crucial factors. This motor system is not only exceptionally light, weighing just 1.2 kilograms, but it also integrates seamlessly into the bike’s frame, with the motor itself weighing a mere 300 grams.
Limited First Edition
In keeping with Lotus’ tradition of Type numbers for its new models, the Type 136 will be available as an exclusive limited first edition launch production run, limited to just 136 bikes. Each bike will be individually numbered and adorned with an iconic motorsport livery. For those who miss out on this exclusive release, the standard model will be available for purchase in spring 2024.
Lotus Continues to Innovate
As Lotus celebrates its 75th anniversary, the Type 136 is yet another testament to the brand’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation. Lotus is renowned for its luxury sports cars, and their venture into cycling with the Type 136 showcases their unwavering dedication to excellence.
The Lotus Type 136 was unveiled at an exclusive VIP event at the Lotus London brand store and will be showcased at Rouleur LIVE in London from 2-4 November 2023.
Whether you’re a cycling enthusiast or simply appreciate cutting-edge design and technology, the Lotus Type 136 promises a revolution in road cycling that’s worth exploring. For more information, visit Lotus Type 136.
Price Information: First Edition RRP £20,000 / €25,000
