We’ve seen various other ways so as to add cargo capabilities to an everyday bike, however not like this. Convoy is a formidable new cargo trailer that’s launching this winter. However simply calling it a trailer isn’t actually truthful since Convoy may rework your bike into an ebike and steers itself.
The product of a design group that features a former engineer from Dyson, Convoy looks like a superb resolution to carrying extra by bike whereas additionally addressing the day by day wants of storage. To not point out these instances you need to journey an everyday bike as an alternative of your cargo bike.
At its core, Convoy is a motorbike trailer, however not like several that you simply’re used to. Using a inflexible mount to the rear axle, the trailer may be put in and eliminated simply so you need to use it when it’s worthwhile to carry cargo, and go away it once you don’t.
The flexibility to take away the trailer clearly makes for simpler storage, but it surely may also be left on the bike and flipped up on its finish to reduce the house wanted for bike parking.
After the axle attachments are initially fitted, the connection of the trailer to the bike is tool-free. For the reason that early prototype proven on the model’s web site, it seems that the connection and launch mechanism has shrunk considerably, now with only a small lever to launch.
Whereas most trailers have a versatile mount to permit the trailer to maneuver whereas turning, the Convoy goes about issues otherwise. To make the entire journey extra maneuverable, the Convoy steers itself! To perform that, there’s a sensor that can mount to the bike’s steerer, and when it detects the handlebar turning, the rear wheel turns in the wrong way to make it deal with extra like an everyday bike.
The practical prototype proven at Eurobike included a wired sensor, however we’re advised that the manufacturing model might be wi-fi.
eBike Help or Not
Carrying cargo on a motorbike may be exhausting work, so the Convoy could have the choice of including a hub motor to help a standard bike. For those who plan on utilizing the Convoy for an ebike, you gained’t need the additional help, so there might be a non-assisted model as nicely. The non-assisted model will nonetheless have rear wheel steering, although.
Convoy may even have built-in lighting to extend visibility.
Bike Match & Cargo Capability Specs
We’re advised that the manufacturing Convoy body ought to weigh in round 12kg (26.46 lb). It will likely be suitable with bikes which have wheel sizes from 26″ to 29″, and as much as a 2.5″ rear tire. Three totally different axle mounts might be included to suit QR to Increase 148mm via axles.
In line with Convoy, the trailer could have a 50kg (110lb) cargo capability, or two youngsters as much as 6 or 7 years outdated. The Convoy rack will be capable of mount as much as two youngsters’ seats, and there might be optionally available equipment like pannier mounting rails, and waterproof plastic ‘tubs’ that ought to make carrying free cargo easy.
A single cost is predicted to supply as much as 30km of help for the ebike model, and Convoy is promising an app that can let you observe battery ranges, CO2 stats, and use the anti-theft digital lock.
A preorder might be obtainable quickly with Convoy providing a restricted variety of preliminary trailers known as the Origin 500. Pricing is predicted to be round $2200, with the trailers first launching in Europe over the winter and within the U.S. subsequent Could or June.
You possibly can join on the hyperlink under to get notified when the preorder is open.
ridewithconvoy.com
