- Lightning Motorcycle working an enclosed electric bike concept
- Actual prototype spotted testing on public roads
- Enclosed design is meant to deliver excellent aerodynamic efficiency
The California-based electric two-wheeler manufacturer, Lighting Motorcycle, is working on a unique concept of an enclosed electric bike. The motorcycle features a car-like body shell for a fairing which fully cocoons the rider. After the concept appeared in Chinese patent illustrations last month, a new video shows Lighting testing the e-bike out on the open roads.
The video shows the enclosed electric motorcycle prototype passing by on a public road, boasting of a large fairing which looks profoundly sleek from the front while bears a tear-dropped shape from the side. And of course, the typical high-pitched electric motor whine accompanies the test mule.
Now, some of you may think that the main purpose of this enclosure is to protect the rider during crashes and from rain and other surrounding elements. While these could be the secondary perks, the primary objective of the shell is to allow the motorcycle to efficiently cut through the wind. This type of design is meant to deliver excellent aerodynamic efficiency which, in turn, will aid in improving the top speed and battery range due to low wind resistance.
The US-based EV maker reportedly has its own small size wind tunnel testing equipment which is used to examine the 3D printed scale model of the enclosed electric bike. Meanwhile, Lightning also a large wind tunnel testing facility at its disposal in which it scrutinises the actual prototype.
As revealed by the CEO of the company, Richard Hatfield, during an interview, the project is still in its early stages and he isn’t yet sure if it will become a commercial product and what will be its target market. Nevertheless, he believes “if a fully enclosed electric motorcycle is done right, it could be both the fastest vehicle sold for daily use as well as the most efficient.”
Source – Electrek
