To achieve this, experts developed airless tires, which are also called solid tires. Unlike traditional bicycle tires and tubes, which are made of rubber and need to be inflated, airless tires are made of various materials, depending on the manufacturers. As expanded TPU and expanded polypropylene, which is another material used in Air Fom, are lightweight, Air Fom tires weigh 280g to 320g per wheel, he said. Air Fom tires simulate air pressure of 40 to 70 pounds per square inch, which is close to the range in inflated tires used in commuter bikes, he said, adding that the company can manufacture products with different simulated air pressures. While regular consumers have yet to appreciate the benefits of Air Fom tires, some bike-sharing operators in Europe already have.

Source: Taipei Times February 21, 2021 15:56 UTC