We’ve seen quite a lot of 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 honest since Convoy also can remodel your bike into an ebike and steers itself.
The product of a design staff that features a former engineer from Dyson, Convoy looks as if a superb answer to carrying extra by bike whereas additionally addressing the each day wants of storage. To not point out these occasions you need to experience an everyday bike as a substitute of your cargo bike.
At its core, Convoy is a motorbike trailer, however not like several that you just’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 is advisable to carry cargo, and go away it while you don’t.
The power 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 area wanted for bike parking.
After the axle attachments are initially fitted, the connection of the trailer to the bike is tool-free. Because the 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 in a different way. To make the entire experience extra maneuverable, the Convoy steers itself! To perform that, there’s a sensor that may mount to the bike’s steerer, and when it detects the handlebar turning, the rear wheel turns in the other way to make it deal with extra like an everyday bike.
The purposeful 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 laborious work, so the Convoy can have the choice of including a hub motor to help a traditional bike. In the event you plan on utilizing the Convoy for an ebike, you gained’t need the additional help, so there might be a non-assisted model as effectively. The non-assisted model will nonetheless have rear wheel steering, although.
Convoy may also 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 completely different axle mounts might be included to suit QR to Increase 148mm through axles.
In keeping with Convoy, the trailer can have a 50kg (110lb) cargo capability, or two youngsters as much as 6 or 7 years previous. The Convoy rack will be capable to 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 unfastened cargo easy.
A single cost is anticipated to supply as much as 30km of help for the ebike model, and Convoy is promising an app that may help you monitor 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 anticipated to be round $2200, with the trailers first launching in Europe over the winter and within the U.S. subsequent Might or June.
You’ll be able to enroll on the hyperlink beneath to get notified when the preorder is open.