ABOUT US

Mission Statement

The mission of BOLT at Virginia Tech is to maintain the university's tradition of innovation, which spans over 150 years, by designing and building next-generation electric motorcycles and dirt bikes. Our team is focused on advancing electric vehicle technology through the design, manufacturing, and testing of high performance prototypes. As a competition team, BOLT continues to push the limits of what's possible on two wheels, using the track to demonstrate clean, zero-emission performance. By highlighting the potential of electric vehicles, we aim to illustrate the future of sustainable motorsports.

Racing Drives Innovation

BOLT is an interdisciplinary design team based in the Joseph F. Ware Jr. Advanced Engineering Lab. Our goal is to develop internationally competitive high-performance electric motorcycles while training the next generation of engineers to tackle the challenges of the future.

Since its inception, the team has designed and built seven generations of prototypes.

BOLT I (2011-2012): Went undefeated in class and secured the North American Championship after placing 3rd internationally.
BOLT II (2013-2016): Earned 1st place in its debut AHRMA eMoto sprint race.
BOLT III (2017-2018): Achieved a strong 2nd place in the AHRMA eMoto Series.
BOLT IV (2019-2021): Strong track and testing performance. Did not race due to Covid.
BOLT V (2021-2023): Achieved strong track and dyno results before the team transitioned to BOLT VI
BOLT VI (2024-2026): Currently undergoing dyno and track testing. Racing starting late 2025.

Now the team is gearing up to develop its first electric dirt bike, engineered for endurance races.

Beyond racing, BOLT offers Virginia Tech students the opportunity to apply what they learn in the classroom to hands-on, high stakes projects. Our members learn to think creatively, design original systems, and solve problems unique to high-performance EVs. Building a motorcycle that can compete at the highest level requires precision, collaboration, and relentless dedication. The skill our students learn to prepare them to be leaders in the rapidly developing world of electric vehicles.