Lightning Teases 250-mph E-Bike – Next-Gen LS-218 Prototype Aims for a New Speed Record

Lightning Motorcycles, makers of the famed LS-218 electric superbike, are back in the news with an audacious goal: breaking their own land-speed record. The company has teased a next-generation prototype of their LS-218 that’s gunning for a 250 mph top speed, a figure that would shatter current electric motorcycle records (and even challenge gasoline bikes in certain classes). Dubbed informally as the “LS-218X” by insiders (name TBD), this prototype is an evolution of Lightning’s existing platform, loaded with performance upgrades and aerodynamic wizardry. The mere hint of a 250-mph run has the motorcycle world buzzing – is Lightning about to snatch back the crown of world’s fastest production electric bike, and perhaps set a new benchmark that approaches gas-powered streamliner territory? Here’s what we know about the project and what Lightning is aiming to achieve.

Background – Chasing 250 mph: The number “218” in the LS-218 name comes from the bike’s famous Bonneville Salt Flats top speed run of 218 mph (in 2011, rider Paul Thede). That made the LS-218 the fastest production motorcycle (electric or otherwise) at the time of its release, and it has held the title of fastest production electric motorcycle for years. However, in the interim, other efforts – like the Voxan Wattman (a specialized electric streamliner ridden by Max Biaggi) – have achieved even higher speeds in the electric category (the Voxan hit 254 mph in a one-way run with a streamlined bike). Lightning clearly wants to up the ante and reclaim bragging rights by pushing the LS design to the next level.

Prototype Upgrades: Lightning’s 250-mph prototype is believed to feature:

A More Powerful Electric Motor: The current LS-218 uses a liquid-cooled IPM (internal permanent magnet) motor around 150 kW (200 hp). To approach 250 mph, Lightning likely developed a motor capable of significantly more power, perhaps in the 200-250 kW (roughly 270-335 hp) range. Alternatively, they could be increasing voltage and RPM to raise top speed without massively increasing power (higher speed gearing etc.). The teaser hints that “the Strike motor is capable of extremely high power when paired with appropriate batteries and controllers,” implying they might leverage tech from their newer Strike model (which has an axial flux motor variant) and soup it up. In any case, to overcome aerodynamic drag at 250 mph, roughly on par with what a 300+hp gas bike would need, so expect the prototype to boast some jaw-dropping electric horsepower.
Higher Voltage Battery & Advanced Cooling: To feed such a motor, Lightning has likely built a new battery pack with higher voltage (maybe 450-500V versus LS-218’s ~380V pack) and very high discharge rates. Possibly using high-performance cells (with lower total capacity but higher C-rate for output). The capacity might not be huge – a land-speed bike only needs a few minutes of full power operation – but it must be able to dump energy extremely fast. Liquid cooling for both the battery and motor/inverter is a given. Lightning’s CEO, Richard Hatfield, mentioned in an interview that the limiter for high speed runs has been keeping batteries and controller cool enough on the salt flats; so they’ve been engineering improved cooling jackets and even exploring active cooling (maybe phase-change or refrigerated cooling for brief runs).
Aerodynamic Streamlining (“Streetliner” fairing): The biggest visual change is aerodynamic bodywork. The LS-218 production bike is fast but not fully streamlined – it’s a conventional superbike silhouette. For 250 mph, Lightning is developing what they call a “Bonneville fairing” in partnership with a company like Corbin (as hinted by a Cycle World piece). This likely means a long front fairing with a tall windscreen, possibly enclosing the rider more (like a partial “dustbin” fairing) and a streamlined tail section to reduce drag. Spy images showed a prototype with an extended nose and tail, more akin to a land-speed racer. They refer to it as a “streetliner” because the dream is to incorporate streamlining into a rideable (though not street-legal in that form) bike shape that still resembles a motorcycle rather than a full capsule. If they hit 250 mph, it might be in this semi-streamlined form rather than the naked LS form. Regardless, the drag coefficient will be dramatically improved.
Chassis & Wheels: At such speeds, stability is key. The prototype likely has a longer wheelbase, perhaps lowered suspension, and might run on special tires rated for 250+ mph (if such tires exist – sometimes land speed bikes use aircraft tires or custom rubber). We might see carbon fiber wheels or even solid wheels (less turbulence) on the record-attempt version. Lightning could also use a slightly more relaxed steering geometry to keep it rock steady nearing 400 km/h. Extended swingarm, steering dampers – all the typical modifications for a high-speed run.
Weight & Other Factors: The LS-218 base bike weighs around 495 lbs. The prototype may weigh more due to extra battery and fairing, but Lightning might also strip any unnecessary road-going components. In land-speed, weight can actually aid stability, so being heavy isn’t a huge drawback as long as they have the power. The prototype might top 550-600 lbs fully outfitted, but with an insane power-to-weight ratio courtesy of electric torque.

Lightning has teased that their team is heading back to Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah for an attempt, likely during a land-speed event (like SCTA Speed Week or a private session). They’ve indicated that in past attempts “salt was not good” – a common complaint, as track conditions can limit speeds due to slippage or bumpiness. They’re looking for that perfect combo of weather and salt conditions to crack 250. Possibly, they’ll first aim to beat their own 218 mph officially, then ramp up incrementally.

Record Implications: If Lightning hits 250 mph and it’s officially recorded (two-way average etc.), it could set a new electric motorcycle record (unless you count the Voxan’s one-way 254; Voxan’s two-way average was lower). It would definitely reaffirm LS-218’s position as the fastest production based bike, although to call the 250-mph variant “production” might be a stretch; it’s more of a prototype for now. However, Lightning has hinted they could offer the “Bonneville fairing and high-power kit” as a sort of customer option or limited edition for those who want the ultimate LS. It wouldn’t likely be street-legal in that trim, but it could be sold to track enthusiasts or collectors.

This push also has PR value. Lightning, while respected, has been quieter the past few years focusing on their more affordable Strike model and dealing with competition from companies like Energica and Zero in the street market. By doing something dramatic like a 250-mph run, they reclaim a bit of the cutting-edge mantle – showing they’re still pursuing the limits. It can also inspire confidence that their core tech is robust (if it can handle 250 mph on the salt, it must be solid).

Challenges: Shooting for 250 mph is perilous. The power required goes up with the cube of velocity (double speed requires ~8x power overcoming drag). Minor aerodynamic instability can be catastrophic. Conditions need to be perfect (no crosswind, firm salt). Lightning’s rider (possibly a professional racer or experienced land-speed rider) will have a lot at stake. But the company has done this before, albeit at lower speeds, so they know the ropes. They’ll likely do gradual test runs (220, 230, etc.) to ensure everything holds together (especially battery and tires).

Why 250? There’s a bit of symbolism – 400 km/h is 248.5 mph, so 250 mph would break the 400 km/h barrier for an electric bike. That’s a nice round achievement. It also might exceed any unfaired gas bike record. For context, the fastest production gas bikes (like turbo Hayabusas or Kawasaki H2R in hands of privaters) have touched around 250 in one-way runs, but not as official records due to requiring two-way averages. The outright motorcycle record (streamliner) is much higher (over 350 mph). Lightning’s goal is specific to their class (likely “electric motorcycle, partially streamlined”).

The Tease and Public Reaction: Lightning shared images and details to media indicating this project, but not full specs – likely to build excitement and perhaps attract sponsors or partners. The motorcycling community is both excited and a bit skeptical. Can they really hit 250 mph? If the Voxan (with twice the power and fully enclosed shape) did 254 one-way on a perfect airfield in zero wind, Lightning going 250 on salt (less traction) with presumably somewhat less power is a tall order. But even if they hit 230-240, that could still be an electric world record under certain categories. They may attempt runs at multiple venues – Bonneville and perhaps a paved runway (e.g., at the Spaceport in Nevada where Voxan ran, or Kennedy Space Center runway events).

If successful, Lightning would likely produce a video and lots of press around it: imagine a sleek red and white Lightning bike streaking across the salt, silent except for wind noise, as it breaks 4 football fields per second. It’s the kind of story that crosses into mainstream tech news, not just motorcycle circles – “Electric motorcycle breaks 250 mph barrier” is a headline that underscores how far EV tech has come.

Future Impact: Beyond the record, elements of this next-gen LS could influence Lightning’s future production bikes. For example, improvements in the motor design or cooling could trickle into a new LS-218 consumer version or upgrades for the Strike. A more aerodynamic fairing design might become an option for track users or a possible sports tourer variant. It also continues the friendly rivalry in the EV speed arena – perhaps Voxan or other teams will respond, pushing things further. Ultimately, it all drives innovation.

Conclusion: Lightning’s teased 250-mph e-bike is a bold combination of engineering and daredevil ambition. It shows that even as they work on more practical models, the company hasn’t lost its appetite for breaking records. The next-gen LS-218 prototype is poised to be the fastest electric motorcycle ever built, aiming for a mark that was unthinkable for EVs a decade ago. As Lightning prepares for the attempt, the motorcycling world will be watching. Succeed or not, the effort will yield valuable data and push the boundaries of electric performance. And if that magical 250 mph number lights up on the timing slip, Lightning Motorcycles will etch its name in the history books once again – proving that quiet lightning can strike with astonishing force, and speed records aren’t just the domain of gasoline and flames, but also of batteries and electrons harnessed with visionary zeal.

Here are the top 5 best-selling Lightning Teases 250-mph E-Bike – Next-Gen LS-218 Prototype Aims for a New Speed Record products currently available on Amazon: