We’ve seen numerous 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 also rework your bike into an ebike and steers itself.
The product of a design crew that features a former engineer from Dyson, Convoy looks like a superb answer to carrying extra by bike whereas additionally addressing the every day wants of storage. To not point out these instances you wish to trip an everyday bike as an alternative of your cargo bike.
At its core, Convoy is a motorcycle trailer, however not like all that you simply’re used to. Using a inflexible mount to the rear axle, the trailer could be put in and eliminated simply so you should use it when it’s good to carry cargo, and go away it once you don’t.
The power to take away the trailer clearly makes for simpler storage, however it will 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 trip 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 practical prototype proven at Eurobike included a wired sensor, however we’re informed that the manufacturing model might be wi-fi.
eBike Help or Not
Carrying cargo on a motorcycle could be laborious work, so the Convoy may have the choice of including a hub motor to help a standard bike. When 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 can even have built-in lighting to extend visibility.
Bike Match & Cargo Capability Specs
We’re informed that the manufacturing Convoy body ought to weigh in round 12kg (26.46 lb). Will probably be appropriate 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 via axles.
In keeping with Convoy, the trailer may have a 50kg (110lb) cargo capability, or two youngsters as much as 6 or 7 years outdated. The Convoy rack will be capable to mount as much as two youngsters’ seats, and there might be elective equipment like pannier mounting rails, and waterproof plastic ‘tubs’ that ought to make carrying free cargo easy.
A single cost is anticipated to offer as much as 30km of help for the ebike model, and Convoy is promising an app that may assist you to 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 referred to 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 possibly can join on the hyperlink under to get notified when the preorder is open.