In Eclipse Phase, trains and bicycles remain the most common form of ground transportation, especially on habitats. In larger habitats and on moons and planets, cycles and cars are used as well.
- Cycle: Because of the high cost of enclosing a habitat and providing life support, space is at a premium in all cities except some of the newest cities on Mars. As a result, there is rarely room for large roads or the cars that once carpeted the roads of Earthly cities. Instead, the ubiquitous modern vehicle is the cycle, which is designed to drive down narrow streets only a little wider than sidewalks in Earth cities. There are many different varieties of cycle. Some have only a single wheel and are gyro-stabilized, but most have two wheels and resemble old Earth motorcycles. In some, the driver and passenger are enclosed by a streamlined pod. These vehicles are powered by superconducting batteries, have a range of 600 km and a top speed of 120 kph, but must usually drive more slowly in crowded streets. Cycles are all equipped with radio boosters, headlights, and a portable radar sensor. Tires are solid state (not inflated), or in some cases smart spokes capable of handling stairs. Some luxury versions have limited life-support in the small cabin, capable of providing air for the passengers for up to 10 hours. [Moderate]
- Mars Buggy: One of the most ubiquitous vehicles on Mars is the so-called Mars buggy, a four-wheeled vehicle with large balloon tires that is designed for use both on roads and on almost any terrain. Mars buggies can travel at speed of up to 110 kph on roads, 90 kph over relatively flat terrain, and up to 40 kph on jagged and rocky terrain. They can maintain these speeds because smart materials in both the suspension and the tires reshape themselves to adapt to uneven conditions and their nuclear batteries give them an effectively unlimited range. Most Mars buggies are enclosed but unpressurized. Similar vehicles are used on Luna and Titan, however, though the passenger compartments of these vehicles includes life support. [High]
| Groundcraft | Passenger Capacity | Handling | Movement Rate | Max Velocity | Armor | Durability | Wound Threshold |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cycle | 1–3 | +20 | 4/40 | 120 | 12/10 | 50 | 10 |
| Mars Buggy | 2–6 | +10 | 8/32 | 40/90/110 | 30/20 | 150 | 30 |