Airless tires can be mainly classified into solid tires, hollow tires, honeycomb (perforated) tires, lightweight tires, and open-structure tires based on their internal support structure.
Solid tires are the oldest type of airless tire. Their carcass is made of solid rubber, offering high load-bearing capacity, but also suffers from high weight, poor elasticity, high rolling resistance, and weak cushioning. These tires are primarily used in low-speed, heavy-duty vehicles such as forklifts, port machinery, and explosion-proof robots.
Hollow tires have a hollow structure in the center, reducing tire weight and providing some cushioning against road bumps. However, due to their closed internal structure, heat dissipation is a concern; prolonged high-speed operation may cause the tire material to soften due to heat, potentially leading to tire slippage.
Honeycomb (perforated) tires utilize a honeycomb-like perforated structure. The perforated design achieves weight reduction, heat dissipation, and cushioning, improving riding comfort. This type of tire was initially developed with funding from the U.S. Department of Defense, primarily for military vehicles, and is now widely used in various vehicle types, including shared bicycles, wheelchairs, electric vehicles, and scooters.
Lightweight spring tires are developed based on the honeycomb structure, using a new LCRB material combined with an internally hollowed-out honeycomb structure to further reduce weight and optimize elasticity.
Open-structure tires are made of polyurethane material, utilizing an open tubular interlaced three-dimensional shock-absorbing structure. They have the advantages of an attractive appearance and light weight, but may not be resistant to high temperatures.