An expandable and retractable wheel assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments includes a hub structure having a circular periphery and a rim expandable in circumference from a retracted circular position to one or more expanded circular positions. The rim engages and is supported by the circular periphery of the hub structure when in the retracted position. A plurality of linear actuators is attached to and supported by the hub structure. Each linear actuator includes a piston rod and a drive system for moving the piston rod from a retracted position to one or more extended positions, wherein a distal end of the piston rod engages and moves the rim when the piston rod is extended and also supports the rim in the one or more expanded rim positions.

A bicycle disc or spider wheel including: a hub; a rim having a radially outer tire-coupling region, a first sidewall, a second sidewall; an axis of rotation; and a median plane. A pair of pretensioned disc or spider wheel-type structural elements are integral with the hub and with the rim. The first sidewall extends on a first side of the wheel, with respect to the median plane, on which a component of a motion transmission system or, when there is none, a disc of a disc brake is provided at the hub, and the second sidewall extends on the opposite side, with respect to the median plane. The first sidewall of the rim has a minimum distance from the median plane that is smaller than that of the second sidewall of the rim.

A bicycle disc or spider wheel including: a hub; a rim having a radially outer tire-coupling region, a first sidewall, a second sidewall; an axis of rotation; and a median plane. A pair of pretensioned disc or spider wheel-type structural elements are integral with the hub and with the rim. The first sidewall extends on a first side of the wheel, with respect to the median plane, on which a component of a motion transmission system or, when there is none, a disc of a disc brake is provided at the hub, and the second sidewall extends on the opposite side, with respect to the median plane. The first sidewall of the rim has a minimum distance from the median plane that is smaller than that of the second sidewall of the rim.

An airless tire includes multiple tire pieces including a first tire piece and a second tire piece such that the first and second tire pieces are integrated in alignment in tire axial direction. The first tire piece includes a first tread ring, a first inner periphery portion and first spokes such that the first ring has a cylindrical form and a ground contact surface, the first periphery portion is formed on radial direction inner side of the first ring, and the first spokes are connecting the first ring and periphery portion, and the second tire piece includes a second tread ring, a second inner periphery portion, and second spokes such that the second ring has a cylindrical form and a ground contact surface, the second periphery portion is formed on radial direction inner side of the second ring, and the second spokes are connecting the second ring and periphery portion.

A two-piece rim and tire assembly. The tire is held to the rim by fasteners extending through flanges integral with the tire main body and then into the rim. Further, the outer edges of the rim clinchably mount the tire main body thereto. A flexible overhanging portion extends outwardly of the tire main body minimizing dirt and mud accumulation on the tire and rim. A bearing is held within the rim by a ring.

A two-piece rim and tire assembly. The tire is held to the rim by fasteners extending through flanges integral with the tire main body and then into the rim. Further, the outer edges of the rim clinchably mount the tire main body thereto. A flexible overhanging portion extends outwardly of the tire main body minimizing dirt and mud accumulation on the tire and rim. A bearing is held within the rim by a ring.

An electric wheel, a remote controller, a vehicle using the electric wheel, and a method for driving a vehicle are disclosed. The electric wheel include a fixed wheel hub, a rotary wheel hub, a tire, a driving motor, and a battery and control unit. The fixed wheel hub may be connected with a vehicle shaft. The rotary wheel hub is mounted on the fixed wheel hub, with an accommodating cavity defined therebetween. The tire is attached around the rotary wheel hub. The driving motor is received in the accommodating cavity and configured to drive the rotary wheel hub. The battery and control unit is received in the accommodating cavity and configured to supply power to the driving motor and control operation of the driving motor. The battery and control unit comprising an embedded power supply to supply the power to the driving motor.

An electric wheel, a remote controller, a vehicle using the electric wheel, and a method for driving a vehicle are disclosed. The electric wheel include a fixed wheel hub, a rotary wheel hub, a tire, a driving motor, and a battery and control unit. The fixed wheel hub may be connected with a vehicle shaft. The rotary wheel hub is mounted on the fixed wheel hub, with an accommodating cavity defined therebetween. The tire is attached around the rotary wheel hub. The driving motor is received in the accommodating cavity and configured to drive the rotary wheel hub. The battery and control unit is received in the accommodating cavity and configured to supply power to the driving motor and control operation of the driving motor. The battery and control unit comprising an embedded power supply to supply the power to the driving motor.

In an aspect, there is provided a wheel for a human-powered vehicle, comprising a wheel hub (6) rotatably mountable on a central axle (5) defining a wheel rotation axis, a first cover (1) secured to the wheel hub, a circumferential rim (1c) structured to fully support a tyre (4) thereon, and a second cover (2) secured to one of the wheel hub and the first cover adjacent the wheel hub, and mating with the first cover distal from the wheel hub.

A magnetic wheel includes a rim provided with a tire and a magnet housed inside the rim. The rim defines a central rotation axis, and is characterized in that the magnet is mounted in a swinging body that rotates around the central rotation axis defined by the rim. The combination enables the size to be smaller with respect to the force it contributes, and it makes the wheel lighter.