Why Asteroids
Why Cargo Bicycles?
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.
Asteroid Cargo Bikes have chosen to develop EAPC electric Cargo Bikes for several reasons. 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. We 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.
Half Human Power vehicle:
Its easier than riding a bike... At Asteroid Bikes HQ we were surprised to find out that a resting person produces 100 watts of power. Unlock your human power and you will find that you can easily match the 250 watts of your motor output totalling 500 watts of combined power. Depending on terrain and usage, a 250W e-bike can cover 25-60 miles per charge. Adding the human power offers a chance to switch to human power on the flat to increase the milage.
Choose life, choose active travel:
Asteroid could have developed an e-Motorbike or e-Scooter to offer a NetZero product. Without pedal assist, Asteroid Bikes would have needed to develop an 11kW electric cargo motorbike. Asteroid 250W Cargo bikes has 2x 500Wh (36V 14.5Ah) batteries (60kg CO2 cost together). Any 11kW e-bikes would have a 7,2kWh battery (432kg CO2 cost). Like the sugar and salt labels on food, these CO2 figures are how much CO2 to manufacture the batteries only and needs to be paid off against the lifecycle of the end product.
Both human power and speed restriction help to reduce the manufactured carbon footprint, but also carbon running costs. This also contributes to a positive impact to the local environment. For most of us an Electric Cargo Bike offers a fun alternative to daily transporting.
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.