Metzeler debuts Feelgreen electric scooter tyre at Games

Two-wheel tyre specialist Metzeler has launched a new scooter product at the Olympic Games. The Feelgreen is being used by some journalists as they move around the London venues; the tyre has been chosen as original equipment by BMW for its electric C evolution scooter, which was introduced at an international press conference on the opening day of the Games. The new scooter will be fitted with the Metzeler Feelgreen in size 120/70 R15 on the front and 160/60 R15 on the rear, and will be sold from 2014 as exclusive original equipment on the BMW electric scooter, as well as in the replacement market.

Metzeler says its Feelgreen was designed to decrease energy dissipation, with engineers reducing the weight of the tyre by 17 per cent and the rolling resistance by more than 25 per cent compared to its previous Feelfree tyre. Additionally the company predicts that the rolling resistance figure could be higher once the current perfecting phase ends. In terms of riding performance, the Feelgreen is designed for quick warm-up and excellent handling – characteristics the manufacturer says are indispensable for city riding. Feelgreen is also designed with the aid of Finite Elements Analysis to define the best combination of deformation state, material choice and geometries to ensure the least possible dissipation of energy.
 
The tyre has a high silica compound, a new tread pattern and a new profile, designed to favour a reduction in rolling resistance. The tread area geometry and pattern are described as fundamental looking from the ecological standpoint at extending the life of the scooter’s battery pack. It is designed to favour rolling, defining geometry and positioning of the longitudinal and transversal grooves in such a way so as to guarantee maximum safety even in wet conditions.