Asteroid design
Cargo Bikes have evolved from analogue, human powered, bicycles which have been adapted by bicycle brands and frame builders. Electric Cargo Bikes have changed the ability to carry a heavy load by bicycle, using mid-powered e-motors and derailleur or hub gears. Asteroid took it further, engineering innovative solutions to steering and frame design.
Cargo bikes come as either "long-tails" or "front-loaders". Both of these formats are long and have difficult handling, compared to a normal bicycle. Asteroid have developed our own hub steering system and modular split frame. Hub Steering makes handling easier and the modular split frame makes the bikes more versatile.
Asteroid have partnered with Intra-Drive adopting the GD8 electric drivetrain with no need for a derailleur or hub gears. This allows Intra-Drive to provide 95Nm or torque & 600W peak power.
Combining human with electric power creates a low maintenance, high power drivetrain with and no pollutants. Consider quick, easy rides that make everyday cycling accessible to people of all fitness levels. Being practically silent increases your respect for your surroundings, whether they are other hikers, wild animals, or even your neighbours.
Asteroid core values
Asteroid is about moving things around with the minimum carbon impact.
Asteroid Cargo Bikes was started to address a huge problem. If the UK is to hit its Net-Zero targets it needs to shift quickly to low and zero carbon transport options. Most UK towns and villages are constrained by space and layout and consequently, many roads in the UK are narrow, congested and create an unsafe pedestrian environment.
Moving to electric automobiles is not going to solve the climate crisis.
Asteroid are supportive of active travel for human health (both physical and mental), but by including human power, we can also create other NetZero benefits. Human power also reduces the size of the battery needed to move the vehicle and also reducing the carbon footprint.
Going fossil free is about more than how vehicles are fuelled; it's about eradicating carbon emissions from the entire manufacturing, transportation, and assembly process. While electric vehicles are a fantastic start, they won't get us far enough.
Asteroid have brought its manufacturing back to the UK, using local suppliers to reduce the processing and shipping miles.
Asteroid Aim
Choose life, choose active travel:
Asteroid Cargo Bikes have chosen to develop EAPC electric Cargo Bikes as human power supplements available wattage. Without pedal assist, Asteroid would need an 11kW e-motor and a 7,2kWh battery. This 11kW drivetrain has a 432kg CO2 cost to be manufactured. Asteroid 250W Cargo bikes has 2x 500Wh (36V 14.5Ah) batteries This 250W drivetrain has a 60kg CO2 manufacturing cost.
Asteroid Mission
Both human power and speed restriction helps to reduce the manufactured carbon footprint, but also carbon running costs. As a consequence, adding the human power offers a chance to switch to human power on the flat to increase the milage. Riders to not need a drivers license, however the speed is restricted to 15.5 mph. This makes it safer for pedestrians and the rider, contributing to a positive impact to the local environment.
Asteroid Plan
Asteroid took what the cargo bike has to offer and has reinvented it. We are looking at every component and how it works as a system. We are proud of our innovation as this gives us control over the handling and versatility. It also means that we can adjust the ride for you.
For most of us an Electric Cargo Bike offers a fun alternative to daily transporting.