Lotus’s new e-bike has a battery so small it looks like a water bottle

More than a quarter-century ago Lotus, best-known for its super-sporty automobiles, designed a bicycle that Chris Boardman rode to a Gold Medal at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain. Now, Lotus has introduced its latest innovation, an e-bike named the Type 136, designed with a focus on minimizing weight.

Drawing on three decades of Lotus’s cycling expertise, the Type 136 follows the company’s initial venture into the realm of two-wheelers with the Type 108, developed by Lotus Engineering for the 1992 Games.

The Type 136 incorporates cutting-edge technology, utilizing a lightweight carbon fibre frame and custom components manufactured in Italy. Designed by Lotus Chief Aerodynamicist Richard Hill, the bike features V-shaped handlebars and vaulted chain stays for enhanced aerodynamics. Weighing a mere 9.8kg, the Type 136 maintains Lotus’s commitment to lightweight design, assisted by the HPS e-bike system, adding only 1.2kg. The electric motor, a lightweight 300g component, shares similarities with the technology employed in the Mars Lander project.

To facilitate ease of use, the battery pack cleverly disguises itself as a water bottle and can be effortlessly removed from the frame with the push of a button for convenient charging. When fully charged, the battery can complement pedal power for up to three hours.

Lotus has introduced the Type 136 with a limited-production First Edition, featuring an iconic black and gold motorsport livery. Limited to 136 individually numbered units, each priced at £20,000, interested buyers can register now.

Established in 1948 and celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, Lotus stands out as a renowned global luxury performance brand. Widely recognized for its expertise in designing, engineering, and crafting exhilarating two-seater sports cars like the Esprit, Elise, and Elite, Lotus has expanded its portfolio to include cutting-edge all-electric models such as the Emeya hyper-GT and Eletre hyper-SUV. At the pinnacle of the brand’s offerings is the Evija, hailed as the world’s most powerful series production road car.

What sets Lotus apart in the automotive realm is its notable achievements in track cycling, showcasing a pioneering spirit and an unwavering passion for pushing boundaries. The Type 108, a groundbreaking bicycle, revolutionized bike design, earning its place as one of the most iconic machines in history. Its influence resonates through generations, inspiring professional cyclists like Sir Chris Hoy.

The six-time Olympic Champion is now a Lotus brand ambassador.

“This is an incredible bike, which says so much about the pioneering endeavours of Lotus and the iconic status of its bikes over the years,” Hoy says. “As a teenager I vividly remember watching Chris Boardman powering Type 108 to a gold medal in Barcelona in 1992 and smashing records on Type 110 to wear the yellow jersey in the Tour de France two years later.”

The standard Type 136 will be available for purchase in early 2024, with a starting price of £16,999.