Michelin showcases airless tyre for e-cargo bikes

Michelin has developed a new version of its airless tyre concept to suit last-mile delivery vehicles.

The X Tweel airless tyre suits e-cargo trikes and aims to reduce downtime for operators, by eliminating flat tyres.

Michelin showcased the new innovation at the Consumer Electronics Show, in Las Vegas, mounted on a Coaster Cycles eCargo trike.

“Michelin is committed to innovation to solve tomorrow’s challenges in this complex and demanding market,” said Tony Marconi, Tweel business director. “We aspire to be the leader of sustainable solutions for urban fleets and know the most costly step of logistics is often the last-mile delivery.

“Our innovative Tweel has solved challenges in other segments where flat tyres are an issue. We are looking to get ahead of these obstacles in the urban mobility area and aim to deliver the best solution possible for customers to maximise uptime and minimise issues.” 

The airless radial tyre is a single unit that replaces the current tyre and wheel assembly. The poly-resin spokes help to reduce the ‘bounce’ associated with pneumatic tyres, while providing improved stability.

Michelin also claims that the new tyre has a lower rolling resistance, which can boost the range of e-cargo bikes.

Jesse Bartholomew, vice president product for Coaster Cycles, said: “The Michelin airless radial tyres will help our customers make safer, more efficient, and faster deliveries with no down-time. We’re proud to partner with Michelin on such an exciting project.” 

This particular solution is not yet commercially available, but the Michelin X Tweel portfolio of airless solutions exists for skid steers, golf carts, UTVs, and mowers.