World’s fastest motorbike is electric

THE FASTEST motorcycle in the world that you can ride on the road is now a battery-powered machine from Lightning.

Built in the USA, the Lightning LS-218 has a top speed of 218mph and is based on the company’s racing motorbike.

An electric motor that produces 200bhp powers the LS-218 and offers maximum power from almost tickover all the way to the motor’s 10,500rpm limit. Charging takes as little as 30 minutes and the LS-218 has a 100 mile range on a full charge.

The company is now looking to sell road-going versions of the LS-218, with a starting price from £23,000. For that, buyers get a hand-built motorcycle to their specification with race-spec suspension, brakes and wheels.

Lightning has tested its technology in circuit racing and also at the Pikes Peak Hillclimb. Company founder Richard Hatfield said: ‘The Lightning LS-218′s can compete with the best petrol-powered alternatives today. Lightning achieved the goal we set in 2009 to compete against and win against the best race bikes. In June 2013, at Pikes Peak, Lighting won first overall competing against 93 other motorcycle teams by more 20 seconds. Now you can ride this motorcycle on the road.’

By Press Association reporters