Lexus shows off new hybrid concept… bicycle?

Filed under: Hybrid, Etc., Tokyo Motor Show, Lexus

Lexus hybrid bicycle concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

When we think of the term “hybrid,” at least in its vehicular sense, we tend to conjure up images of cars like the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight. These machines are so named due to their dual powertrains, most generally consisting of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor and battery.

Really, though, a hybrid could be any vehicle that gets its motive force through multiple sources… no matter what those sources may be. Hence, Lexus‘ newest hybrid concept proudly carries its moniker despite the complete lack of an engine. It does, however, have a 240-Watt electric motor powered by a 25.9-volt lithium battery pack, along with… pedals?

That’s right. Though it managed to escape our attention up to this point, Lexus actually displayed a duo of hybrid electric bicycles at last year’s Tokyo Motor Show, and the Japanese automaker is now touting the bike as part of its sponsorship of the Great British Bike Ride.

According to Lexus, the frame is constructed of carbon fiber (the same composite that makes up Valentino Rossi’s MotoGP bike, gushes Lexus) and uses an eight-speed internal gear system sourced from Shimano, in reference to the LS 600h’s eight-speed automatic. There are no plans to put the bike into production. Want to know more? Check out the high-res image gallery below and see the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Lexus hybrid bicycle concept