Michelin debuts airless tyre prototype for last-mile delivery eCargo trikes

Michelin has introduced a prototype of its airless radial tyre for eCargo trikes, which has debuted at the 2022 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. 

The Micehlin X TWEEL airless radial tyre is a single unit that replaces the current tyre and wheel assembly. There is no need for mounting equipment and once they are bolted on there is no air pressure to maintain. Michelin state that its unique energy transfer within the poly-resin spokes helps reduce the “bounce” associated with pneumatic tyres, while providing “outstanding” handling characteristics. They are designed to perform like pneumatic tires, without the inconvenience and downtime caused by flat tyres. 

With efficient urban mobility and last-mile delivery key to sustainable transport solutions in the future, Michelin North America will now develop products, offers and services for safer, more accessible, cleaner and more connected mobility. 

“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 costliest 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 maximize uptime and minimize issues.”  

Michelin lists the main advantages of an airless tire solution on eCargo trikes for last-mile delivery as: 

• Reduced downtime (late deliveries, cost of repair, inefficient operators) by eliminating flat tyres. 
• Improved safety/stability: Tweels provide more stability when going around corners, allowing faster last-mile deliveries. 
• Potential to increase carrying capacity over pneumatic tyres. 
• No tyre maintenance or flat repairs. 
• Efficient changeability – fewer parts, fewer problems (on and off). 
• Extended range due to lower rolling resistance. 
• Improved end-of-life reuse and recyclability. 
• Improved tyre wear. 

Attendees to the Las Vegas hosted show will find the Michelin X Tweel tyre mounted on the Coaster Cycles eCargo trike in their booth in the eMobility Experience and Test Track area. 

“Coaster has been pushing the limits of what’s possible in e-mobility and leading the way in innovative solutions for last mile delivery providers,” said Jesse Bartholomew, vice president Product for Coaster Cycles. “The Michelin airless radial tires 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.” 

Although this particular solution is not yet commercially available, the portfolio of airless solutions for skid steers, golf carts, UTVs, and mowers is available immediately for online sale or through the MICHELIN TWEEL dealer network. In the UK, Silverfish distributes the brand to the cycling market.