Bridgestone debuts airless tire in Japan’s first public-road trial

Tokyo – Bridgestone has begun Japan’s first public-road trial of its next-generation “AirFree” tire, which eliminates the need for air filling, in cooperation with Toyama City.

The group has also signed a separate agreement with Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture – its birthplace – to conduct a second demonstration in 2026, said Bridgestone 13 Nov.

The Toyama trial, launched on 8 Nov, involves fitting AirFree tires to “Boule BaaS,” a bus-type electric vehicle used for green slow mobility in the north area of Toyama Station.

Operating on weekends and holidays until 24 Nov, the test will collect data on driving, maintenance and user response to assess ride quality, durability and practical value.

AirFree uses a recyclable thermoplastic spoke structure instead of air, reducing the risk of punctures and improving resource efficiency and maintenance.

Separately, on 13 Nov, Bridgestone signed a collaboration agreement with Kurume City to test AirFree in 2026 at locations including the Ishibashi Cultural Centre.

The partnership will help verify AirFree’s potential for “new value creation” while contributing to Kurume’s development, said Bridgestone VP Wataru Tamura.

The AirFree initiative is part of Bridgestone’s exploratory business projects aimed at creating social value through sustainable mobility solutions.