Lotus has launched the Type 136, an electric road bicycle with a price tag of £20,000, featuring a carbon frame that resembles the shape of the track bike used by the British cycling team.
The Type 136 is equipped with the innovative HPS electric motor system for bicycles, claimed by the French brand to be the world’s lightest, weighing just 1.2 kg.
The frame design was inspired by the Hope HB.T track bike, which was created in collaboration with Lotus for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
The initial edition of the Type 136 will be entirely exclusive, limited to just 136 units, each individually numbered and painted in Lotus’ distinctive gold and black colors. The price to acquire one of these bicycles is £20,000 or €25,000.
The standard version will be available for sale in 2024.
The motor resembles a water bottle.
The HPS system integrates into the bottom bracket shell. The 193Wh battery (300g, claimed weight) can provide up to three hours of assistance during climbing, according to HPS. It resembles a water bottle and can be removed for charging.
The HPS system has ANT+ connectivity so it can connect to bike computers and display the assistance mode. HPS claims that the Watt Assist Pro can be calibrated to increase assistance when your heart rate rises to keep you within certain training zones.
Componentry included with the bike
The top-of-the-line build includes a SRAM Red eTap AXS groupset, DT Swiss ARC 1100 wheels, and Pirelli P Zero Race TLR tires.
Lotus claims the carbon frame of the Type 136 is handmade in Italy and states that the complete bike weighs 9.8 kg in an unspecified size. This would make it one of the lightest electric road bikes on the market.
