A Completely Enclosed All-Electric Bike? Lightning Motorcycles' Patent Hints At It

Having grabbed global attention with its world record for the 'Fastest production electric motorcycle' in 2011, Lightning Motorcycles has managed to make a reputation for itself in the EV industry. Building on it, the company might just aim for an entirely unique product going forward - an all electric bike that is completely enclosed.

The California-based EV major has filed a patent for a new, unique design of an electric motorcycle. Resembling the shape of a tear-drop, the bike is seen to completely cover the rider inside with a continuous shell framed over the design of a conventional motorcycle.

From its design, the bike looks aerodynamic and we can hence assume that Lightning Motorcycles will be going for high speeds with this EV. Looking at what seems like an extended wheelbase, a possible riding position inside the electric vehicle will be that of a car instead of a bike. The long wheelbase can also suggest more room for batteries for an extended range.

The bike is yet unnamed and leaves a lot of associated questions unanswered. A puzzling one is how the electric bike is supposed to balance itself in a still position, since the rider will definitely not be able to put his/ her feet at the ground while riding this bike.

Other mysteries revolve around the material used for its shell and even what the bike looks like from the inside. At present, one can only guess as to how the electric bike will pan out. Maybe something with a door that opens up to let the rider in and a car-like seat to ride in.

If so, Lightning Motorcycles unique EV can be the start of a whole new era of motorcycles, one wherein bike riders will not be exposed to the environment outside the bike, thus avoiding the wrath of unfavourable weather conditions. Just like cars, bike owners will be able to commute in almost all conditions, with the rider being safe within the vehicle’s shell the whole time.

Lightning Motorcycles Concept Bike

Note that the patent images were observed in China. The company has not revealed any information about the unique electric bike yet and it is yet to be seen if the concept makes it to a production model or not.

Rest assured, we know through its previous launches that Lightning Motorcycles has, in the past, pursued difficult EVs to bring to the market. Its electric superbike ‘Strike’ launched earlier promised to reach up to a top speed of 322 kmph. With a design of a superbike, it is clear with just a look at the bike that the firm wasn’t going for anything mainstream at all. Maybe that will be the case with this concept too.