Lotus Type 136
The e-bike industry has witnessed transformative innovations, with automobile giants stepping into the realm of electrified two-wheelers. Amidst the existing high-end models, the Lotus Type 136 electric road bike stands out as an epitome of design and engineering brilliance. Drawing inspiration from iconic track bikes and integrating state-of-the-art features, this bike sets new standards in e-bike performance.
Key features:
- Lightweight carbon frame
- HPS Watt Assist Pro motor (1.2 kilograms)
- Compact 193-watt-hour battery (300 grams)
- Sram Red eTap AXS groupset
- DT Swiss ARC 1100 wheels
- Pirelli P Zero Race TLR tires
Electric Road Bike
Design and Inspiration:
- Inspired by the Hope HB.T of the Great Britain cycling team designed for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
- Designed in partnership with Lotus.
- Sleek, streamlined appearance with contoured lines and an integrated cockpit design.
Build and Weight:
- Emphasis on lightweight design and build.
- The total weight of the bike is approximately 9.8 kilograms, making it one of the lightest electric road bikes available.
HPS Watt Assist Pro motor
Performance and Technical Features:
- Equipped with the HPS Watt Assist Pro motor, renowned for being the lightest in the world at only 1.2 kilograms.
- Provides up to 35% advantage on climbs while maintaining the balance and pedal feel of a non-electric bicycle.
- The motor is discreetly housed in the bottom bracket shell.
- The compact 193-watt-hour battery weighs a mere 300 grams and is designed to resemble a water bottle, facilitating easy removal and charging.
Connectivity and Customization:
- Features ANT+ connectivity, making it compatible with a variety of bike computers to display the assist mode.
- The system can be calibrated to alter pedal assist based on the rider’s heart rate, optimizing training zones.
Sram Red eTap AXS groupset
Components and Hardware:
- Fitted with high-quality components such as the Sram Red eTap AXS groupset and DT Swiss ARC 1100 wheels.
- Sports race-ready Pirelli P Zero Race TLR tires.
- The frame, which is the centrepiece of the bike, is an ultra-lightweight carbon frame handmade in Italy.
Pricing and Availability:
- The limited initial release of only 136 units, followed by the release of a standard model in spring 2024.
- Priced at 25,000 euros (approximately $26,574 as per current exchange rates).
Pros:
- Lightweight carbon frame
- HPS Watt Assist Pro motor (one of the lightest in the world)
- Compact battery (designed to look like a water bottle)
- Top-notch components (Sram Red eTap AXS groupset, DT Swiss ARC 1100 wheels, Pirelli P Zero Race TLR tires)
- High performance
Cons:
- Expensive
- Limited availability (only 136 units will be produced in the initial release)
Conclusion:
In the ever-evolving world of e-bikes, the Lotus Type 136 emerges as a masterclass in design, performance, and innovation. Its limited availability and premium price tag not only reflect its exclusivity but also its unparalleled features and capabilities. It is, without a doubt, a landmark product in the high-performance e-bike market, further solidifying Lotus’s legacy in two-wheeled innovation.
The Lotus Type 136 electric road bike represents the pinnacle of e-bike engineering and design. With its race-inspired aesthetics, cutting-edge technology, and elite components, it’s no wonder that it commands a premium price. It’s a testament to Lotus’s commitment to innovation and performance in the world of two-wheelers.
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