Aeris

Aeris Bike

Introduction

Aeris is a possibility study: a bicycle that stores a small fraction of pedalling energy as compressed air and returns it as short, on-demand boosts. The goal is not to replace the rider’s power, but to ease starts, ramps, and headwinds with a clean and plausibly feasible method.

  • A compact pedal-driven compressor stores air in an integrated tank.
  • A proportional valve meters the flow (≈ 6–10 bar) to an actuator at the bottom bracket for short assists.
  • The rider always drives the wheel mechanically; air is support only.

Overall efficiency depends on the quality of each component’s design. For now, it remains an idea to explore, not a finished product.

Preferred equipment includes puncture-proof airless tyres, a centered front hub dynamo with a small buffer battery for lights and services, and an integrated key lock with alarm.

AERIS — Pneumatic-Assist Bicycle (Idea)

A human-powered bicycle that stores a small fraction of pedalling energy as compressed air and returns it as short, on-demand boosts. The rider always propels the bike mechanically; air only assists for starts, ramps, and headwinds.

AERIS concept bicycle — hero image
Concept · Idea-only Pneumatic assist 5-spoke wheels Airless tyres
Download PDF (v1.0) Concept details
This page expands the idea brief with additional narrative and indicative specs. It is not a manufacturing drawing.

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17219975

Concept & architecture · Indicative specs · Structural lock · Cite & license

Concept & architecture

Energy path

  • Pedals drive a compact two-stage micro-compressor.
  • Air stored in a Slim-Swap composite tank in the downtube (keyed hatch).
  • Regulator (~6–10 bar) + proportional valve feed a vane motor in the bottom bracket.
  • 1:12 reduction + sprag clutch add torque to the crank spindle; rider always drives the wheel mechanically.

Electrical (minimal)

  • Centered front hub dynamo powers lights and a small buffer (no traction).
  • Integrated lights; field-serviceable twist-lock LED modules.
  • Optional low-power ECU for valve mapping & interlocks.

Indicative specifications (unvalidated)

Tank

0.45–0.70 L · ~250–300 bar

Composite vessel, visible and swappable; HP quick-connect with check; keyed hatch.

Assist

~200 W × 60–70 s

Multiple 10–15 s spurts; net assist torque at BB ≈ 9–10 N·m after gearing.

Wheels & tyres

5-spoke · airless

Tread + shear-band + lightweight lattice; RR target ≤ ~15 W/tyre @ 30 km/h (to be verified).

Safety & noise

Muffler · interlocks

Exhaust silencing; tank extraction interlock if residual pressure > 1 bar.

Structural wheel lock (“SpokePin”)

A keyed pin (Ø10 mm) engages repeated Ø11 mm holes on any of the 5 spokes to immobilise the wheel. Can be paired with an audible alarm. Final geometry and shear rating to be validated.

Safety & scope

Idea-only. Values are indicative and unvalidated. Any prototype must use certified pressure vessels, validated regulators/valves, interlocks, and comply with applicable standards and regulations.

Cite & license

Zenodo: 10.5281/zenodo.17219975 — License: CC BY 4.0

Ferragina, S. (2025). AERIS — Pneumatic-Assist Bicycle (Idea Brief v1.0). Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17219975