Mobility Scooter

Abstract

A battery powered electric scooter (100) having two front wheels, a pedal (102) and a tiller (104), and a dual mode steering system that turns the wheels in response to rotation of the tiller (104) about a vertical axis and / or rotation of the pedal (102) about a horizontal axis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a motorized scooter, and more particularly to an electric scooter.

[0002] By "scooter," we mean a stand-up scooter or "step-on" scooter, not a motorcycle-type scooter. The scooter according to the present invention is characterized by a pedal generally located near and parallel to the floor and having wheels mounted thereon. A straight post or "tiller" extending vertically upward from the front end of the pedal is provided, the post or "tiller" having a handle to facilitate stability and steering.

[0003] Traditionally, such scooters are human-powered, typically using one foot to push the scooter while the other (weight-bearing) foot remains on the pedals. More recently, motorized scooters have emerged on the market. Initial designs used internal combustion engines, but since the early 2010s, battery-powered electric scooters have become increasingly popular, representing a fast, efficient, environmentally friendly, and convenient way to get around. Background Art

[0004] Some kick scooters (particularly those marketed towards the entry-level market) typically have a single front wheel and a single rear wheel. They use a simple steering system where rotating the tiller around a vertical axis using the handlebars also rotates the front wheel.

[0005] One well-known scooter is the Moove™ series. These battery-powered electric scooters are two-wheeled (front and rear wheels), with the front wheel pivoting about a substantially vertical axis for steering. Rotating the handlebars about this axis rotates the front wheel. These products are based on traditional two-wheeled "trick" scooters.

[0006] The Bajaboard(TM), while not a scooter per se, is a four-wheeled electric skateboard designed for off-road use. It can be steered by rotating the board around its longitudinal or horizontal axis (i.e., "leaning" on the board).

[0007] The Cycleboard(TM) is a three-wheeled electric scooter with a "lean-to-steer" steering system. It has two wheels in the front and one wheel in the rear. US Patent No. 9,610,988 B1 relates to the Cycleboard(TM). According to the document, "a steering transmission arm transmits lateral motion to the front wheel via a pair of steering rods, such that when the scooter pedals are tilted into one of the tilted configurations, the motion causes the steering transmission arm, via the steering rods, to turn the front wheel."

[0008] US 9,610,988 B1 discloses a scooter in which two front wheels are rotatable relative to the frame about respective wheel pivots having a vertical steering axis. The pedals are also mounted to rotate about a "rolling" or horizontal axis in the direction of travel. The upright post of the disclosed scooter is foldable toward the pedals but is otherwise rigidly attached to the pedals, allowing the upright post to be used to facilitate "rolling" or "tilting" the pedals about the rolling axis. The upright post is rotatably fixed about a vertical axis.

[0009] A mechanism is provided so that when the pedals are tilted sideways about the rolling axis, the wheels turn about their corresponding steering axes (in the same direction as the rolling axis). The mechanism has a steering transmission arm that is pivoted to the frame at a first end, coupled to the pedals at a halfway point, and attached to two steering rods at a second end. When the pedals are rotated about a horizontal axis, the steering transmission arm is driven to rotate, thereby driving the steering arm to rotate the corresponding wheel about its corresponding steering axis.

[0010] Essentially, there are two types of steering available in the prior art. One type is the "vertical pivot" steering found on most two-wheeled trick scooters. This type of steering is useful for slow-speed sports and tricks because it is highly sensitive and can provide a high degree of maneuverability. The other type is the "lean-to-steer" steering found on three-wheeled off-road and high-speed electric scooters. This type of steering is suitable for high-speed, stable "snow-cutting" turns, but lacks maneuverability at slow speeds. In fact, making sharp turns at slow speeds would require the rider to roll the pedals to a considerable extent, which would be difficult. Summary of the Invention

[0011] An object of the present invention is to overcome or at least alleviate the above-mentioned problems of the prior art.

[0012] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a scooter, comprising:

[0013] pedals, which the rider stands on;

[0014] a tiller which, in use, projects upwardly from the pedal;

[0015] two front wheels;

[0016] a steering mechanism configured to steer the two front wheels about respective steering axes; and

[0017] at least one rear wheel;

[0018] Among them, the steering system has:

[0019] a first steering mode, in which rotation of the tiller about a vertical axis steers the wheels; and,

[0020] A second steering mode, in which rotation of the pedals about a horizontal axis steers the wheels.

[0021] Advantageously, this dual-mode steering provides both the ability to provide high maneuverability at low speeds in the first mode, and a "snow-cutting" high-speed mode that uses pedal-roll steering. These two modes can be used together without having to switch any controls on the scooter.

[0022] By "first steering mode" and "second steering mode" we do not mean that positive control is required to switch between the two modes, but rather that the steering can be operated using the first mode and / or the second mode. In other words, these modes can be used independently or simultaneously at any point during the use of the scooter, depending on the rider's preference. Preferably, a center boss is provided wherein:

[0023] The tiller is mounted for rotation about a vertical axis relative to the central boss; and,

[0024] The pedal is mounted for rotation relative to the central boss about a horizontal axis.

[0025] Preferably, the steering system comprises a pair of steering arms connected to respective front wheels, the steering arms connected to steering hubs, wherein the steering hubs are configured to move with rotation of the tiller in a first steering mode and with rotation of the pedals in a second steering mode.

[0026] Preferably, the steering hub is mounted for rotation with the tiller, the tiller is mounted for rotation about a vertical axis in the tiller pivot member, and the tiller pivot member is mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis in the center boss.

[0027] Preferably, a resilient centering mechanism is provided for springing the tiller arm back into a predetermined neutral rotational position relative to the central boss.

[0028] Preferably, an anti-camber mechanism is provided for rebounding the pedal to a predetermined neutral rotational position relative to the central boss.

[0029] Preferably, the two front wheels are mounted to the center boss via a suspension system.

[0030] Preferably, the suspension system is a double wishbone suspension system.

[0031] Preferably, the rear wheel is mounted for rotation in a rear wheel mount, and wherein the pedals are rotatable about the rear wheel mount about a horizontal axis.

[0032] There are also embodiments with four wheels, in which a rear steering mechanism and a pair of rear wheels are provided, the rear steering mechanism being configured to steer the two rear wheels about respective steering axes.

[0033] Preferably, rotation of the pedals about a horizontal axis steers the wheels.

[0034] Preferably, rotation of the pedals about a horizontal axis steers the front wheels about their respective steering axes in a first direction and steers the rear wheels about their respective steering axes in an opposite second direction.

[0035] Preferably, the rear steering system is configured to steer the rear wheels in the second steering mode but not in the first steering mode.

[0036] Preferably, the rear steering mechanism is adjustable to provide at least two steering settings, wherein each steering setting steers the wheels at a different angle in response to a predetermined degree of pedal rolling.

[0037] Preferably, the rear steering mechanism is configured for Ackerman steering.

[0038] Preferably, the steering mechanism is configured for Ackermann steering.

[0039] According to a second aspect, there is provided a motorised scooter comprising:

[0040] pedals, which the rider stands on;

[0041] a tiller which, in use, projects upwardly from the pedal;

[0042] at least one front wheel;

[0043] at least one rear wheel;

[0044] wherein at least one wheel is motorized;

[0045] The tiller comprises a left-hand handle, a right-hand handle and a first control member located between the left-hand handle and the right-hand handle, wherein the control member is pivotable about a horizontal axis to control power to the wheels of the motor vehicle.

[0046] Advantageously, this provides a convenient degree of control whereby the user can simply use one or both thumbs to control the scooter.

[0047] Preferably, the first control member includes a first control area adjacent the left-hand grip and a second control area adjacent the right-hand grip.

[0048] Preferably, the control region is at least partially cylindrical.

[0049] Preferably, the first control region and the second control region are spaced apart and include a second control member located between the first control region and the second control region.

[0050] Preferably, the second control member is a push button.

[0051] Preferably, the second control member is a left turn signal control proximate the left hand control area and includes a third control member in the form of a right turn signal control located between the first and second control areas proximate the right hand control area.

[0052] Preferably, a fourth control member is provided between the first control area and the second control area, the fourth control member being a horn.

[0053] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a battery pack for a battery-powered electric scooter, comprising at least two sub-battery packs that can be assembled for use and separated for transportation.

[0054] Preferably, each sub-battery has an energy capacity of 160 Whr or less.

[0055] The present invention also provides a battery-powered electric scooter comprising the battery pack according to the third aspect.

[0056] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a scooter comprising:

[0057] pedals, which the rider stands on;

[0058] a tiller which, in use, projects from the pedals;

[0059] at least one front wheel;

[0060] The scooter has a deployed state in which the tiller projects upwardly from the pedals during use, and a folded state in which the tiller is rotated to be generally parallel with the pedals;

[0061] wherein the folded state is maintained by magnetic attraction between a first feature on the tiller and a second feature on the pedal, and wherein alignment of the first and second features is established by a mating connection between corresponding formations on the tiller and the pedal that are spaced apart from the first and second features.

[0062] Preferably, the mating connection between the corresponding formations is closer to where the pedal and tiller are connected than where the first part on the tiller and the second part on the pedal form the magnetic connection.

[0063] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a scooter comprising:

[0064] pedals, which the rider stands on;

[0065] a tiller connected to the pedal at a first end and defining a pair of spaced-apart handle portions at a second end;

[0066] at least one front wheel;

[0067] at least one rear wheel;

[0068] The tiller includes an internal spine extending from a first end of the tiller where it connects to the pedal to a second end within the handle portion, wherein the spine is Y-shaped. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0069] An exemplary scooter according to the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0070] Figure 1a is a first perspective view of a first scooter according to the present invention in an unfolded state;

[0071] Figure 1b is a second perspective view of the scooter of Figure 1;

[0072] Figure 1c is a bottom view of the scooter of Figure 1;

[0073] Figure 2a is a detailed view of a portion of the structure of the scooter of FIG1 ;

[0074] Figure 3a is a perspective view of the scooter of FIG1 in a folded flat position;

[0075] Figure 3b is a perspective view of the scooter of FIG1 in a folded upright position;

[0076] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a pedal assembly of the scooter of FIG1 ;

[0077] Figure 5a is a perspective view of a tiller of the scooter of FIG1 ;

[0078] Figure 5b yes Figure 5a A detailed view of part of the tiller's structure;

[0079] Figure 5c yes Figure 5a A detailed cross-sectional view of a portion of the tiller structure;

[0080] Figure 5d yes Figure 5a A perspective view of the hinge mechanism of the tiller in a first state;

[0081] Figure 5e yes Figure 5a A perspective view of the hinge mechanism of the tiller in a second state;

[0082] Figure 5f yes Figure 5a A perspective view of the hinge mechanism of the tiller in a third state;

[0083] Figure 5g yes Figure 5a A perspective view of the hinge mechanism of the tiller in a fourth state;

[0084] Figure 5h yes Figure 5a A perspective view of a portion of the tiller structure;

[0085] Figure 5i yes Figure 5a A partially exploded perspective view of the battery pack of the tiller;

[0086] Figure 5j yes Figure 5a A perspective detail of the tiller's control area;

[0087] Figure 5k yes Figure 5a A perspective detail of the tiller's control area;

[0088] Figure 5l yes Figure 5a A perspective view of the internal components of the tiller;

[0089] Figure 6a is a perspective view of the front wheel suspension and steering assembly of the scooter of Figure 1;

[0090] Figure 6b and Figure 6c yes Figure 6a A perspective view of a portion of the front wheel suspension and steering assembly;

[0091] Figure 6d and Figure 6e They are Figure 6a Front and rear views of the front wheel suspension and steering components;

[0092] Figure 6f yes Figure 6a A perspective view of the front wheel suspension and steering assembly;

[0093] Figure 6g They are Figure 6a Exploded views of the various front and rear parts of the front wheel suspension and steering assembly;

[0094] Figure 6h and Figure 6i They are Figure 6a perspective views of the various front and rear parts of the front wheel suspension and steering assembly;

[0095] Figure 6j They are Figure 6a Exploded views of the various front and rear parts of the front wheel suspension and steering assembly;

[0096] Figure 6k They are Figure 6aDetailed views of the various front and rear parts of the front wheel suspension and steering assembly;

[0097] Figure 6l yes Figure 6a Bottom view of the various parts of the front wheel suspension and steering assembly;

[0098] Figure 7a is a perspective view of the rear wheel assembly of the scooter of Figure 1;

[0099] Figure 7b yes Figure 7a a side view of a rear wheel assembly;

[0100] Figure 7c yes Figure 7a A perspective view of some parts of the rear wheel assembly;

[0101] Figure 7d yes Figure 7a An exploded view of some parts of the rear wheel assembly;

[0102] Figure 7e and Figure 7f yes Figure 7a a perspective view of a component of a rear wheel assembly;

[0103] Figure 7g yes Figure 7a A perspective view of some parts of the rear wheel assembly;

[0104] Figure 8a is a front view of a part of the scooter of FIG1 in a neutral state;

[0105] Figure 8b is a front view of a part of the scooter of FIG1 with the front suspension in an articulated state;

[0106] Figure 9a and Figure 9b They are respectively a front view and a bottom view of the scooter of FIG1 in a neutral state;

[0107] Figure 9c and Figure 9d are respectively a front view and a bottom view of the scooter of FIG1 in the first steering mode;

[0108] Figures 10a to 10c They are respectively a front view, a rear view and a rear cross-sectional view of the scooter of FIG1 in a neutral state;

[0109] Figures 10d to 10f They are respectively a front view, a rear view and a rear cross-sectional view of the scooter of FIG1 in the second steering mode;

[0110] Figure 11 is a first perspective view of a second scooter according to the present invention;

[0111] Figure 12a yes Figure 11 A detailed view of a portion of the scooter;

[0112] Figure 12b yes Figure 11 An exploded perspective view of the various components of the scooter;

[0113] Figure 12c and Figure 12d yes Figure 11 A perspective view of a subassembly of a scooter;

[0114] Figure 12e yes Figure 11 A perspective view of a left rear suspension assembly of a scooter;

[0115] Figure 12f yes Figure 11 A perspective view of a right rear suspension assembly of a scooter;

[0116] Figure 12g yes Figure 11 A perspective view of a rear steering assembly of a scooter;

[0117] Figure 13a yes Figure 11 A rear view of a portion of the scooter structure in a neutral state;

[0118] Figure 13b yes Figure 11 A rear view of a portion of the scooter structure with the rear suspension in an articulated state;

[0119] Figure 14a yes Figure 11 A rear view of a portion of the scooter structure in a neutral state;

[0120] Figure 14b yes Figure 11 A rear view of a portion of the scooter structure with the rear steering system articulated;

[0121] Figure 14c yes Figure 11 A plan view of the scooter in an articulated state of the rear steering system;

[0122] Figure 14d yes Figure 11 A plan view of the scooter in a tiller pivot steering mode;

[0123] Figure 14e It is a bottom view of the rear steering system;

[0124] Figure 15a yes Figure 11 a rear view of a portion of the scooter structure in a first arrangement of the steering system; and,

[0125] Figure 15b yes Figure 11 A rear view of the partial structure of the scooter in the second setting of the steering system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0126] First embodiment

[0127] Figures 1a to 1c and Figure 3b are various views of the entire electric scooter 100 according to the first aspect of the present invention. For the purposes of this disclosure, it is useful to define the global directions and axes as follows:

[0128] •The direction of forward travel along the horizontal longitudinal axis is X;

[0129] Rotation about this axis is "roll";

[0130] •The transverse direction along the horizontal axis is Y;

[0131] Rotation about this axis is "pitch";

[0132] •The vertical direction along the vertical axis is Z;

[0133] Rotation about this axis is "yaw".

[0134] Scooter 100 includes a pedal assembly 102, a tiller assembly 104, a front wheel suspension and steering assembly 106, and a rear wheel assembly 108. Figures 1a to 1c as well as Figure 3a and Figure 3b The scooter 100 is movable from an expanded state, in which the pedals 102 are on the ground and the tiller 104 is perpendicular (upright) to the ground, to a folded state, in which the pedals and tiller are parallel.

[0135] Structure of the First Embodiment

[0136] Pedal assembly 102

[0137] Reference Figure 4 , a pedal assembly 102 is shown.

[0138] The pedal assembly 102 includes a pedal panel 110 having a front portion 112, a rear portion 114, and a middle portion 116. The front portion 112 and the rear portion 114 are defined by upwardly curved regions 118 and 120, respectively, which extend at 45 degrees to a flat, planar middle portion 116. Each of the front portion 112 and the rear portion 114 is also narrower in the transverse direction than the middle portion 116, tapering at the curved regions 118 and 120. The pedal panel 110 is constructed of a lightweight and strong composite material, such as a carbon fiber reinforced polymer.

[0139] The pedal assembly 102 includes a front pedal insert 122 and a rear pedal insert 124. The pedal inserts 122, 124 are constructed of a metal material (so they can retain threads) and are embedded in the pedal panel 110 through fixing holes 126, 128, respectively, which open to the surface of the pedal assembly 102. Each pedal insert 122, 124 extends through a corresponding curved area 118, 120.

[0140] The rear step insert 124 includes a locking plate 125 constructed of a ferromagnetic material.

[0141] Tiller assembly 104

[0142] Figures 5a to 5k A tiller 104 is shown. The tiller 104 comprises:

[0143] • Tiller pivot and fold assembly 130 ( Figures 5b to 5g );

[0144] • Battery assembly 134 ( Figure 5h and Figure 5i );

[0145] • Control component 135 ( Figure 5j and Figure 5k );and,

[0146] • Spine 132 ( Figure 5l ).

[0147] The tiller pivot and fold assembly 130 is Figures 5b to 5g The assembly includes the tiller pivot 138, the tiller mount 348 and the lock 350.

[0148] The tiller pivot includes a main shaft portion 342 and a head portion 344 that define an inclined pivot hole 346 ( Figure 5c and Figure 5g ).

[0149] The tiller mount 348 is attached to the main body of the tiller and can move with it. The tiller mount 348 is pivotally mounted to the tiller pivot and fold assembly 130 via a tilt pivot 352 that engages with the tilt pivot hole 346. This enables the tiller mount 348 (and the tiller) to rotate about the fold axis FA.

[0150] The lock 350 includes two spaced apart plates located on either side of the tiller mount 348. The lock 350 includes a footrest 354 that can be positioned adjacent to the tiller mount 348 ( Figure 5d) and a deployed position rotated 90 degrees to be generally parallel to the pedals. This enables the user's foot to actuate the footrest 354. The lock 350 has a pivot pin 356 to enable rotation relative to the tiller mount 348. The lock 350 also includes an abutment shaft 358 ( Figure 5c ).

[0151] exist Figure 5h and 5i 1 shows a battery assembly 134. The battery assembly 134 includes a tiller subassembly 300 and a battery module 302. The tiller subassembly includes a power connector for transferring power from the battery module (e.g., when powering the wheel motors, lights, sound), and for transferring power to the battery module when recovering energy from, for example, braking (backdriving the wheel motors).

[0152] The battery module 302 is configured to be easily installed in and removed from the tiller's base. The module 302 includes a lever 304 that can be lifted in direction L to release a mechanical locking mechanism, thereby allowing the module 302 to be removed in direction BR. Replacing the module 302 reconnects the electrical contacts between the tiller subassembly 300 and the battery module 302.

[0153] In this particular embodiment, there are three types of battery modules 302:

[0154] • Travel battery pack (module 302);

[0155] • Standard capacity battery pack; and,

[0156] •High capacity battery pack.

[0157] Standard-capacity and high-capacity battery packs are single modules that provide a predetermined amount of energy (high-capacity packs simply contain more cells).

[0158] The travel battery pack embodiment in module 302 has an energy storage capacity of 320 Whr (watt-hours). Battery pack 302 includes a module carrier 306, a first battery submodule 308, and a second battery submodule 310. Each submodule 308, 310 has a capacity of 160 Whr. This means that the battery submodules 308, 310 can be detached (e.g., by removing them from carrier 306) and stored in a passenger's carry-on luggage in accordance with CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) regulations. This allows for authorized transportation of the scooter and associated batteries on aircraft.

[0159] The control assembly 135 is located at the uppermost portion of the tiller (furthest from the pedals in the unfolded state), as shown in FIG. Figure 5j and Figure 5kAs shown, the control assembly includes a base region 312, from which first and second arms 314, 316 project vertically upward and outward at first portions 318, 320, respectively, and project upward and inward at second portions 322, 324, respectively, to meet a crossbar portion 326 connecting the respective free ends. Thus, the control assembly forms a hexagonal shape.

[0160] The user interface 328 is provided to be mounted to the base area 312 and includes an information screen that can be used to inform the rider of information such as speed, remaining range, etc. The screen can also be used as an input device to control, for example, audio, cruise control, etc.

[0161] Crossbar 326 includes the primary actuation controls. An accelerator / brake control is provided, comprising a single rotatable control member 330 rotatable about a horizontal control axis CA (parallel to crossbar 326). Member 330 includes two spaced-apart control surfaces 332 and 334. One control surface 332 is proximate to left arm 314, while the other surface 334 is proximate to right arm 316. Surfaces 332 and 334 are cylindrical, with recesses 336 and 338 formed therein.

[0162] A button array 340 is provided between the surfaces 332 , 334 . The button array 340 includes a horn button 343 and left and right indicator buttons 345 , 347 .

[0163] Connect and operate the drive controls as follows.

[0164] The user grasps the second portions 322, 324 of the arms 314, 316 and can thereby position their thumb on one or both of the control surfaces 332, 334, the indicator buttons 345, 347, and the horn button 343. The thumb rests in the recesses 336, 338, allowing the user to rotate member 330 forward and backward. Member 330 is resiliently biased toward a neutral position. Forward rotation about axis CA transfers power from the battery to the wheel motors to accelerate the scooter. Releasing member 330 causes the scooter to idle, and reversing the direction of rotation (i.e., downward) causes braking by drawing power from the wheel motors (i.e., acting as generators and charging the batteries).

[0165] The user can also use their thumb to press the horn button 343 and the left and right indicator buttons 345, 347. Because the two surfaces 332, 334 rotate together, the user only needs to keep one thumb engaged and can rest the other thumb or use it to press one of the other buttons.

[0166] Reference Figure 5lThe tiller 104 is supported by a spine 132 that extends from a mounting structure 364 at a first end for mounting to a tiller mount 348, via an elongated U-shaped section 366, to a first arm 368 and a second arm 370 forming a "Y"-shaped spine. The arms 368 and 370 extend into the first portions 318 and 320 of the control assembly arms 314 and 316. The spine 132 is disposed within the interior of the tiller and is typically a unitary component. Therefore, it is rigid and can resist bending loads applied to the tiller by the user's hand, as well as transmit the steering torque required during riding.

[0167] Front wheel suspension and steering assembly 106

[0168] Figures 6a to 6k A front wheel suspension and steering assembly 106 is shown.

[0169] The assembly can be divided into the following parts:

[0170] • Center boss 400 ( Figure 6b and Figure 6c );

[0171] • Left suspension subassembly 402 and left wheel 404 ( Figures 6d to 6g );

[0172] • right suspension subassembly 406 and right wheel 408; and,

[0173] • Steering subassembly 410 ( Figures 6h to 6k ).

[0174] Center boss 400

[0175] Center boss 400 Figure 6b and Figure 6c . It is a unitary component made of metal. The boss 400 comprises a central cylindrical portion 412 having a through hole 414 defining a pedal pivot axis DPA oriented in the longitudinal direction (parallel to the axis X).

[0176] Reference Figure 6b A lower suspension attachment portion 416 is disposed directly below the central cylindrical portion 412. Portion 416 includes a left-hand lower suspension attachment hole 418 and a right-hand lower suspension attachment hole 420. Holes 418, 420 are offset from one another and parallel to the pedal pivot axis DPA and the longitudinal axis X. A grub screw hole is provided in communication with and perpendicular to holes 418, 420, extending from the lower surface of portion 416 (not shown).

[0177] Extending rearwardly below the central cylindrical portion 412, a pedal support portion 422 is provided. The pedal support portion 422 includes a pair of lower suspension attachment holes 424, 426, which are directly opposite and aligned with the lower suspension attachment holes 418, 420 of the lower suspension attachment portion 416, respectively. Figure 6b Only the left hand lower suspension attachment hole 424 can be seen.

[0178] The pedal support portion 422 further defines a pedal mounting bearing surface 428 shaped as a concave part cylindrical surface. On the left and right sides of the pedal support portion 422 are provided corresponding anti-camber spring support wings 430 , 432 .

[0179] A rotation limiting groove 434 is provided on the front surface of the boss 400, just above the central cylindrical portion 412, extending parallel to the pedal pivot axis DPA into the boss 400. The groove 434 is arcuate and is centered on the pedal pivot axis DPA.

[0180] A rotation limiting protrusion 436 is provided on the rear surface of the boss 400 , just above the central cylindrical portion 412 , and extending rearwardly in parallel with the pedal pivot axis DPA.

[0181] An upper suspension attachment portion 438 is disposed directly above the central cylindrical portion 412. Portion 438 includes a left-hand upper suspension attachment hole 440 and a right-hand upper suspension attachment hole 442. Holes 440, 442 are offset from one another and parallel to the pedal pivot axis DPA and the longitudinal axis X. They are located directly above the corresponding lower suspension attachment holes 424, 426. Grub screw holes 444, 446 are disposed in communication with and perpendicular to holes 440, 442, extending from the upper surface of portion 438.

[0182] Extending laterally on either side of portion 438 are two parallel left hand upper fork pole attachment flanges 448, 450 and two parallel right hand upper fork pole attachment flanges 452, 454. Each flange defines a corresponding fork pole attachment aperture 456, 458, 460, 462, respectively.

[0183] Left suspension subassembly 402 and left wheel 404

[0184] Figures 6d to 6f 4 and 5. Shown in FIG are a left suspension assembly 402 and a wheel 404. The left suspension assembly is an independent double wishbone configuration.

[0185] The assembly includes a left wheel hub 464 , a left upper wheel pivot 466 , a left lower wheel pivot 468 , a left upper wishbone 470 , a left lower wishbone 472 , and a left spring damper assembly 474 .

[0186] The left wheel hub 464 includes a body 476 configured to rotatably mount the left wheel 402 via a DC motor that is nested within the wheel itself. The DC motor is configured to apply torque to the wheel 404 to drive the wheel to rotate about the left front wheel axle FLW.

[0187] The hub 464 also includes a fender attachment flange 478 that extends rearwardly for attaching a fender 480 .

[0188] The left wheel hub includes a kingpin receiving hole 482 extending vertically therethrough. Extending forward from the hub is a steering arm 484 defining a vertical kingpin receiving hole 486.

[0189] The rotation limiting pin lug 488 is defined to be protected laterally inwardly from the hub 464 which defines a pin receiving aperture 490 .

[0190] The left upper wheel pivot 466 includes a base portion 492 defining an arcuate slot 494. Projecting upwardly from the base portion 492 is a wishbone mounting lug 496 defining a pivot hole 498.

[0191] The left lower wheel pivot 468 includes a base portion 500. Projecting downwardly from the base portion 500 is a wishbone mounting lug 502 defining a pivot hole 504.

[0192] The left upper wishbone 470 is a generally U-shaped member having a forward arm 506 and a rearward arm 508 with aligned pivot holes 510, 512 defined at the free ends of the forward arm 506 and the rearward arm 508. Opposite the free end, a pivot receiving slot 514 is defined with an intersecting through hole 516.

[0193] The left lower wishbone 472 has a main body portion 518, a forward arm 520, and a rearward arm 522, with aligned pivot holes 524, 526 defined at the free ends of the forward arm 520 and the rearward arm 522. Opposite the free ends, a pivot receiving slot 528 is defined having an intersecting through hole 530. A spring damper receiving opening 532 is provided in the main body portion intersecting the through hole 534.

[0194] The left spring damper assembly 474 is known in the art and will not be described in detail, suffice it to say that it includes a first attachment lug 536 defining a hole 538 and a second attachment lug 540 defining a hole 542. The spring damper assembly 474 has a variable length and is compressible and resilient as is known in the art. It also has damping properties.

[0195] Right suspension subassembly 406 and right wheel 408

[0196] As mentioned above, the right suspension subassembly and wheel are mirror images of the left suspension subassembly and left wheel. References to parts will be indicated by a superscript symbol ('), such as right wheel hub 464'. The right wheel 408 rotates about a right wheel axis of rotation FRW, which is parallel to the left wheel axis of rotation FLW in the neutral steering position.

[0197] Steering subassembly 410

[0198] The steering subassembly 410 includes:

[0199] •Front step mounting 544;

[0200] • Tiller pivot 546;

[0201] • Left-hand anti-camber spring assembly 548;

[0202] • Right-hand anti-camber spring assembly 550;

[0203] • Left hand steering linkage 552;

[0204] • Right hand steering link 554;

[0205] • Left hand steering linkage center pivot 556 ( Figure 6k );

[0206] • Right hand steering link center pivot 558 ( Figure 6k );

[0207] • Centering assembly 560 ( Figure 6j ).

[0208] The tiller pivot 138 of the tiller assembly 104 is also shown.

[0209] The front pedal mount 544 includes a pedal abutment surface 562 that is contoured toward the underside of the pedal panel 110. Two spaced apart alignment projections 563, 565 extend from the upper edge of the front pedal mount 544 such that they project vertically upward (see also FIG. Figure 2a ). The pedal mount 544 also includes a generally horizontally oriented axle receiving aperture 564.

[0210] The tiller pivot 546 includes a first portion 566 that is generally vertical and cylindrical, having a pivot hole 568 extending therethrough and defining a tiller pivot axis TPA. An axially extending spring abutment projection 573 is defined at an upper end of the first portion. Pivot-limiting abutments 575, 577 are provided tangentially extending to either side of the upper end of the first portion. A pedal pivot 583 extends perpendicular to the first portion 566 and is generally cylindrical with a shaped end 585.

[0211] The left-hand anti-camber spring assembly 548 and the right-hand anti-camber spring assembly 550 include compression springs.

[0212] The steering links 552 , 554 are mirror images of each other and are generally rigid and capable of transmitting both compressive and tensile loads.

[0213] Centering assembly 560 includes a steering hub 572 , a housing 581 , and a torsion spring 576 .

[0214] The steering hub 572 is generally flat and defines an axle opening 578 therethrough. A bow-shaped spring abutment 580 is provided adjacent the axle opening and projecting upwardly from the steering hub 572. A slot 582 is defined radially outwardly from the spring abutment 580. A steering lug 584 projects downwardly from the steering hub 572.

[0215] The housing 581 is generally concave, defining a cavity and a shaft opening 586 therethrough.

[0216] The torsion spring 576 includes a first spring abutment 588 and a second spring abutment 590 .

[0217] Rear wheel assembly 108

[0218] exist Figures 7a to 7g The rear wheel assembly 108 is shown in FIG.

[0219] The rear wheel assembly includes a rear wheel 700 , a rear wheel carrier 702 , a rear pedal mount 704 , and a brake subassembly 706 .

[0220] The rear wheel is generally known in the art and includes a central bearing arrangement to facilitate rotation about a rear wheel axis RW.

[0221] exist Figure 7d , the rear wheel carrier 702 is shown in greater detail. The carrier includes a rear fork 708, a left-hand cover 710, and a right-hand cover 712. The rear fork 708 is generally U-shaped and includes a left arm 714, a right arm 716, and a base portion 718. Each arm 714, 716 defines an axle receiving aperture 720, 722. The base portion 718 defines two lower lugs 724, 726, each of which defines a spring pin receiving aperture 728, 730. The base portion 718 also defines a brake spring cavity 732 therethrough, which defines a spring abutment 734 and two spaced-apart brake pivot apertures 736, 738 located on opposing walls thereof.

[0222] The rear pedal mounting member 704 includes a pedal abutment surface 740 that is contoured toward the underside of the pedal panel 110. The rear pedal mounting member 704 also defines (with reference to Figure 7f) A mounting portion 742 defines two spaced-apart wheel bracket attachment lugs 744, 746 defining corresponding apertures 748, 750. Rear abutment arms 752, 754 extending rearwardly are provided beneath the lugs 744, 746. A spring damper passage 756 is also defined forwardly of the mounting portion 742. An extendable spring damper 780 is provided.

[0223] Figure 7g The illustrated brake subassembly 706 includes a wheel-contacting brake member 758 in the form of a fender and a torsion spring 772. The brake member 758 defines a curved concave wheel-contacting portion 760 and an attachment portion 762 extending outwardly from one end thereof. The attachment portion 762 includes two spaced-apart walls 764, 766 defining spring pin holes 768, 770. The torsion spring 772 includes a first abutment 774 and a pair of second abutments 776, 778 located on either side.

[0224] Assembly and Operation of the First Embodiment

[0225] fold

[0226] The tiller has two positions, Figure 1a and Figure 3a Movement between these positions is enabled by the tiller pivot and folding assembly 130 .

[0227] from Figure 1a Starting from the position of Figure 5d Down to Figure 5e This enables the user to place his foot on the footrest 354 and thereby rotate the lock 350 in the direction C1 ( Figure 5e This allows the abutment shaft 358 to rotate out of the path of the head 344 of the shaft 138. This allows the tiller mount 348 to rotate relative to the folding axis FA. Figure 5e Move to Figure 5f (Lower the tiller to Figure 3a location).

[0228] The tiller is held in position against the pedal by permanent magnets in the tiller attracting the locking plate 125 of the rear pedal insert 124. Alignment is ensured by engagement of the convex alignment projections 563, 565 of the pedal with corresponding concave notches 360, 362 on the tiller. Figure 2a ). Manual force can be used to separate the tiller and pedals to move them back to the deployed position.

[0229] front suspension

[0230] Reference Figures 6d to 6gThe left wheel hub 464 is oriented generally vertically in use, and the wheel 404 is mounted on the left wheel hub 464 via a DC motor for rotation about the left front wheel rotation axis FLW. A fender 480 is attached to the fender attachment flange 478 to at least partially cover the wheel 404.

[0231] A kingpin (not shown) is provided that passes through a steering kingpin receiving hole 482. A left upper wheel pivot 466 is attached to the upper end of the kingpin on the upper side of the left wheel hub 464, while a left lower wheel pivot 468 is connected to the lower end of the kingpin on the opposite lower side of the left wheel hub 464. The left wheel hub 464 is rotatable about the kingpin (and pivots 466 and 468) about the left front wheel steering axis FLS. Rotation about the left front wheel steering axis FLS is limited to a predetermined range by a steering restriction pin (not shown) inserted into a pin receiving hole 490 in the hub 464 and abutting against the end of an arcuate slot 494 in the left upper wheel pivot 466.

[0232] The left upper fork-type lever 470 is mounted to the left upper wheel pivot 466 for relative rotation by a pivot pin engaged with the pivot hole 498 of the left upper wheel pivot 466 and a through hole 516 of the left upper fork-type lever 470. The mounting lug 496 is located in the pivot receiving groove 514 of the left upper fork-type lever 470.

[0233] The left lower fork-type lever 472 is mounted to the left lower wheel pivot 468 for relative rotation by a pivot pin engaged with the pivot hole 504 of the left lower wheel pivot 468 and the through hole 530 of the left lower fork-type lever 472. The mounting lug 502 is located in the pivot receiving groove 528 of the left lower fork-type lever 472.

[0234] The left spring damper assembly 474 is mounted at a first end to the inboard end of the left upper wishbone 470 by a first attachment lug 536 and at a second end to the outboard end of the left lower wishbone 472 by a second attachment lug 540 .

[0235] The assembly is attached to the center boss 400 in the following manner. The upper left wishbone 470 is mounted to the left-hand side of the boss 400 by positioning the wishbone arms on either side of the wishbone attachment flanges 448, 450. The pivot pin passes through the aligned holes 460, 462, 510, 512. The lower left wishbone 472 is mounted to the left-hand side of the boss 400 by positioning the wishbone arms on either side of the lower suspension attachment portion 416. The pivot pin passes through the aligned holes 418, 510, 512. The pivot pin extends into the lower suspension attachment hole 424, which is directly opposite and aligned with the lower suspension attachment hole 418.

[0236] In this way, a double wishbone suspension arrangement is formed to mount the left wheel to the boss 400. By rotating the wishbones 470, 472, the wheel 404 can move vertically up and down relative to the boss 400. Upward movement (i.e., downward movement of the vehicle pedal) will elastically extend the spring damper 474 to provide suspension.

[0237] It will be appreciated that the right hand wheel is mounted in the same manner.

[0238] Compare Figure 8a and Figure 8b , showing the articulation of the front suspension. Figure 8a In the middle, the suspension is in a neutral, unloaded position. The pedals are level and all three wheels are resting on the first level L1. Figure 8b , the front wheel has been raised to a higher second level L2 relative to the pedals. Thus, the two wheels 404 and 408 respectively articulate the left suspension subassembly 402 and the right suspension subassembly 406. For example, with respect to the left suspension 402, the upper wishbone 470 and the lower wishbone 472 rotate in a counterclockwise direction (see FIG. Figure 8a ) rotates to become parallel to the horizontal plane. In this way, the left spring damper assembly 474 is elastically compressed, generating a damping force opposite to the direction of motion and for restoring the wheel position to Figure 8a It should be noted that the steering links 552, 554 also rotate about their respective end mounts.

[0239] Steering

[0240] Reference Figure 6j , the pedal pivot 570 is inserted into the boss 400 ( Figure 6b and Figure 6c ) through hole 414 of the boss 400 for rotation about the pedal pivot axis DPA, thereby rotatably mounting the tiller pivot shaft 546. The front pedal mount 544 is attached to the end of the pedal pivot shaft 570 and fixed thereto so that the pedal mount 544 (and the pedal when attached) can pivot relative to the boss 400 about the horizontal pedal pivot axis DPA.

[0241] The rotational position of the pedal mount 544 and the tiller pivot 546 are rebounded to a neutral position by using two anti-camber spring assemblies 548, 550, which are compressed between the corresponding anti-camber spring support wings 430, 432 of the boss 400 at the lower end and the pedal mount 544 at the upper end.

[0242] The tiller pivot 138 is mounted to rotate about a tiller pivot axis TPA in a pivot hole 568 of the tiller pivot 546. A centering assembly 560 is also mounted on the tiller pivot. The steering hub 572 and the housing 581 encapsulate a torsion spring 576. The centering assembly 560 is mounted to rotate with the tiller pivot. The centering assembly 560 has several functions. First, a spring abutment projection 573 of the tiller pivot 546 is received in a slot 582 and serves as an abutment for either of spring abutments 588, 590. When the tiller pivot rotates about the tiller pivot axis TPA, the separation of the (fixed) spring abutment projection and a moving spring abutment 580 of the steering hub 572 serves to tension the spring, which attempts to realign them. Second, the steering hub 572 serves as a rotational limit stop at a predetermined rotational limit (in either direction), and a steering lug 584 will abut either of fixed pivot limit abutments 575, 577.

[0243] Referring Figure 6h , the steering links 552, 554 are mounted to rotate about a vertical axis from the lower side of a steering lug 584 of the steering hub 572. The steering links 552, 554 are each connected to the steering lug 584 at a respective first end and to respective steering arms of the wheel hubs at respective second ends. They are pivotally attached to the steering hub by engagement with a pivot pin receiving hole 486 (such as on an arm 484 of the left hand hub).

[0244] As described above, the wheel hubs are rotatable about respective vertical steering axes. Thus, a lateral movement of the steering lug to the right or left will have the effect of rotating the wheels about their respective steering axes. Referring Figure 6l ( Figure 6l is a view seen from under the vehicle, with the lower wishbone bar removed), the horizontal distance F1 between the steering axes FLS, FRS is less than the distance F2 between the axes of rotation between the steering links 552, 554 and the respective steering lugs 584, 584'. This provides a so-called "Ackermann" steering, i.e., when the wheels are turned in a particular direction, the innermost wheel (closest to the center of the turning circle) will rotate more about the steering axis than the outer wheel. In the present embodiment, F1 < F2 because the steering links are in front of the kingpin. It is noted that if the steering links were behind the kingpin, then for Ackermann steering, F1 > F2.

[0245] This lateral movement of the steering lug 584 relative to the boss 400 (to which the suspension is connected) occurs in two ways or steering modes:

[0246] The first mode is "tiller rotation". Figures 9a to 9d This is shown. In Figure 9a and Figure 9b , the scooter 100 is in a neutral "wheels forward" position.

[0247] Rotating the tiller assembly 104 with the rider's hand rotates the tiller pivot relative to the tiller pivot 546 and therefore relative to the boss 400 about the tiller pivot axis TPA. This rotates the steering hub 572, which causes a lateral arcuate motion of the steering lugs 584, which acts to simultaneously steer the wheel. Figure 9a and Figure 9b and Figure 9c and Figure 9d This movement can be observed by comparison. In particular, Figure 9d , the steering links 552, 554 have been moved to the right (when viewed, or left from the rider's perspective) because they are attached to the lug 584 at a location offset from the tiller pivot axis TPA.

[0248] The second mode is "pedal rolling". Figures 10a to 10f This pattern is shown. Note that Figure 10c and Figure 10f A cross section through the center of the pedal panel 110 is shown. Figures 10a to 10c The scooter 100 is shown in a neutral position.

[0249] In this mode, the pedal deck 110 and pedal mount 544 are rotated by the rider's feet (much like a skateboard or snowboard), thereby rotating the pedal deck 110 and pedal tiller pivot 546 about the pedal pivot axis DPA (note that for clarity, Figure 9b ). This causes lateral arcuate movement of the steering lugs 584 which serves to simultaneously steer the wheels about their respective steering axes FLS, FRS.

[0250] The above mechanisms support these modes individually or in combination. Importantly, both modes are used to actuate the steering lugs 584 that steer the wheels. Figure 6h It may be noted that the horizontal distance between the tiller pivot axis TPA and the steering lug 584 is smaller than the vertical distance between the pedal pivot axis DPA and the steering lug 584 .

[0251] rear suspension

[0252] The rear wheel 700 is mounted for rotation about the rear wheel axis RW between the arms 714, 716 of the rear fork 708. The entire rear wheel carrier 702 (of which the fork 708 is a component) is mounted on the rear pedal mount 704 for rotation about the rear wheel suspension axis RWS. The spring damper 780 is nested within the spring damper channel 756 and is attached to the rear pedal mount 704 at a first end and to the fork 708 at a second end (particularly via the spring rotation receiving holes 728, 730).

[0253] When Figure 7bWhen viewed in the middle, downward pressure on the pedal deck 110 relative to the wheel 700 (or conversely, upward force on the wheel 700 relative to the pedal deck 110) causes the wheel carrier 702 to rotate in a clockwise direction about the rear wheel suspension axis RWS. This acts to extend the spring damper 780, which provides a damping force to resist the motion as well as a resilient spring force to try and restore the neutral position of the rear wheel.

[0254] The rear brake 706 can press against the rear wheel 700 against the bias of the spring 772 to provide friction braking as is known in the art. This is typically used as "emergency" braking, as most braking is performed by back-driving the front wheel motor to recover energy into the battery.

[0255] Second embodiment

[0256] Go to Figure 11 , shows a second scooter 1100 according to the present invention. For the purposes of this disclosure, it is useful to define the global directions and axes as follows:

[0257] •The direction of forward travel along the horizontal longitudinal axis is X;

[0258] oRotation about this axis is "roll";

[0259] •The transverse direction along the horizontal axis is Y;

[0260] oRotation about this axis is "pitch";

[0261] •The vertical direction along the vertical axis is Z;

[0262] oRotation about this axis is "yaw".

[0263] Scooter 1100 includes a pedal assembly 1102 , a tiller assembly 1104 , a front wheel suspension and steering assembly 1106 , and a rear wheel assembly 1108 .

[0264] Structure of the Second Embodiment

[0265] The second embodiment is identical to the first embodiment except for the rear wheel assembly 1108. Therefore, reference numerals associated with features of the pedal assembly 1102, tiller assembly 1104, and front wheel suspension and steering assembly 1106 will be numbered according to scooter 100, but 1000 greater.

[0266] Rear wheel assembly 1108

[0267] Figures 12a to 12g Rear wheel assembly 1108 is shown.

[0268] The assembly can be divided into the following parts:

[0269] • Install subassembly 1800 ( Figures 12b to 12d );

[0270] • Left suspension subassembly 1802 and left rear wheel 1804 ( Figure 12e );

[0271] • Right suspension subassembly 1806 and right rear wheel 1808 ( Figure 12f );and,

[0272] • Steering subassembly 1810 ( Figure 12g ).

[0273] Install subcomponent 1800

[0274] Go to Figures 12b to 12d The mounting subassembly 1800 includes a rear pedal mounting member 1812 , a rear boss 1814 , a pedal pivot 1816 , and a left anti-camber spring 1818 and a right anti-camber spring 1820 .

[0275] The pedal mount 1812 includes a pedal abutment surface 1822 that is contoured toward the underside of the pedal panel 1110. The rear pedal mount 1812 also defines a pedal pivot opening 1824 that extends in a generally longitudinal direction along the pedal pivot axis DPA. The pedal mount 1822 also defines two downwardly facing camber spring attachment points 1826, 1828.

[0276] The rear boss 1814 includes a pivot through-hole 1830 extending along the pedal pivot axis DPA. The rear boss also defines two spaced-apart, upward-facing, camber spring attachment points 1832, 1834 on each side of the axis DPA. The boss 1814 defines a lower wishbone attachment lug 1836, an upper wishbone attachment lug 1838, and two spaced-apart spring damper attachment flanges 1840, 1842, 1844, 1846 located on either side of the upper wishbone attachment lug 1838.

[0277] The pedal pivot 1816 is generally hollow and cylindrical, having a tapered front end 1848 and a flat rear end 1850 into which a plug 1852 is inserted.

[0278] Left suspension subassembly 1802 and left rear wheel 1804

[0279] Go to Figure 12e , shows a left suspension subassembly 1802. The left suspension subassembly 1802 has an independent double wishbone structure. The assembly includes a left wheel hub 1854, a left upper wheel pivot 1856, a left lower wheel pivot 1858, a left upper wishbone 1860, a left lower wishbone 1862, and a left spring damper assembly 1864.

[0280] The left wheel hub 1854 includes a body 1866 configured to rotatably mount the left wheel 1804 about a left rear wheel axis RLW. The body 1866 defines a steering arm 1868 extending rearwardly therefrom.

[0281] Pivots 1856, 1858 are mounted above and below the body 1866 and are connected via a steering kingpin for rotation relative to the body about the left rear wheel steering axis RLS.

[0282] The upper wishbone 1860, lower wishbone 1862 and spring damper assembly 1864 are similar to those on the front suspension and will not be described in detail.

[0283] Right suspension subassembly and right rear wheel 1808

[0284] As mentioned above, the right suspension subassembly and wheel are mirror images of the left suspension subassembly and left wheel. References to parts will be made with superscript symbols (') - for example, right wheel hub 1866'. The right wheel 1804' rotates about a right wheel rotation axis RRW, which is parallel to the left wheel rotation axis RLW in the neutral steering position.

[0285] Steering subassembly

[0286] Steering subassembly 1806 includes:

[0287] • Pedal pivot cam 1870;

[0288] • Left hand steering linkage 1872; and,

[0289] •Right hand steering linkage 1874.

[0290] Reference Figure 12g , the pedal pivot cam 1870 is a generally flat plate having a pivot receiving structure 1876 and an eccentric portion 1878 that includes a first set of link openings 1880 at a first radius r1 from the pedal pivot axis DPA and a second set of link openings 1882 at a larger second radius from the pedal pivot axis DPA.

[0291] The left-hand steering link 1872 and the right-hand steering link 1874 include respective ball joints 1884, 1886 at the inboard ends and respective ball joints 1888, 1890 at the outboard ends.

[0292] Assembly and Operation of the Second Embodiment

[0293] Reference Figures 12b to 12d, the pedal pivot 1816 is attached to the pedal mount 1812 by attaching within the opening 1824. The pedal pivot is then inserted into the through hole 1830 in the boss 1814 so that the pedal mount 1812 (and the pedal deck 1110 attached thereto) can rotate about the pedal pivot axis DPA.

[0294] The relative rotation between the pedal mount 1812 and the boss 1814 is controlled by two anti-camber springs 1818, 1820 extending between points 1826, 1832 and 1828, 1834, respectively. In this way, the mount 1812 and the boss 1814 are resiliently biased to a neutral position (according to Figure 12a ).

[0295] The left and right suspension subassemblies 1802, 1806 are attached to bosses 1814. Upper wishbones 1860, 1860' are attached to upper wishbone lugs 1838, and lower wishbones 1862, 1862' are attached to lower wishbone lugs 1836. The wishbones are mounted for rotation relative to the bosses about an axis parallel to the direction of travel X.

[0296] The spring damper assemblies 1864 , 1864 ′ are positioned to extend between the spring damper attachment flanges 1840 , 1842 , 1844 , 1846 of the boss 1814 and the lower wishbone 1862 , 1862 ′.

[0297] Pedal pivot cam 1870 is mounted on the side of boss 1814 opposite pedal panel 1110 and rotates with shaft 1816. Steering links 1872, 1874 extend in opposite directions from the second set of link openings 1882 to the upper side of steering arms 1868, 1868' on each respective hub 1854, 1854'.

[0298] Compare Figure 13a and Figure 13b , showing the articulation of the rear suspension. Figure 13a In the middle, the suspension is in a neutral, unloaded position. The pedals are level and all four wheels are resting on the first level L1. Figure 13b , the rear wheel has been raised to a higher second level L2 relative to the pedals. Thus, the two wheels 1804 and 1808 respectively cause the left suspension subassembly 1802 and the right suspension subassembly 1806 to articulate. For example, relative to the left suspension 1802, the upper wishbone 1860 and the lower wishbone 1860 rotate in a clockwise direction (see FIG. Figure 13a ), to become parallel to the horizontal plane ( Figure 13b ). In this way, the left spring damper assembly 1864 is elastically compressed, generating a damping force opposite to the direction of motion and serving to restore the wheel position to Figure 13aThe elastic force. It will be noted that the steering linkages 1872, 1874 also rotate about their respective end mounts.

[0299] The rear steering ability only responds to pedal roll (unlike the front wheels that respond to pedal roll and tiller pivot). Compare Figure 14a and Figure 14b , the clockwise rotation of the pedal about the pedal pivot axis DPA causes the pedal pivot 1816 in the boss 1814 to rotate against the biasing of the anti - roll springs 1818, 1820. It can be noted from the above that this right - hand tilt (in the travel direction) causes the front wheels to rotate to turn right (i.e., clockwise about their respective steering axes FLS, FRS in the plane). This movement is used to move the eccentric portion 1878 of the pedal pivot cam 1870. This also moves the steering linkages 1872, 1874 to the right, causing the hubs 1854, 1854 (and the wheels) to rotate counter - clockwise about the rear steering axes RLS, RRS in the plane. In other words, the rear wheels turn to the left. Figure 14c Shows the steering movement of the wheels 1804, 1808 during board tilt. Figure 14d Shows the wheel positions during the tiller pivot mode of steering. The rear wheels 1804, 1808 are not affected by this mode and remain facing forward.

[0300] Refer to Figure 14e ( Figure 14e is a view observed from under the vehicle with the lower wishbone removed), the horizontal distance R1 between the steering axes RLS, RRS is less than the distance R2 between the axes of rotation between the steering linkages 1872, 1874 and the corresponding steering arms 1868, 1868'. This provides the so - called "Ackermann" steering, that is, when the wheels turn in a specific direction, the innermost wheel (closest to the center of the turning circle) will rotate more about the steering axis than the outermost wheel. In the present embodiment, since the steering linkages are in front of the kingpin, R1 < R2. It is worth noting that if the steering linkages are behind the kingpin, then for Ackermann steering, R1 > R2.

[0301] Adjustment of rear steering in the second embodiment

[0302] The rear - steering sub - assembly 1810 can be adjusted to provide different levels of rear - steering assistance to the rider. Compare Figure 15a and Figure 15b , Figure 15a has the same construction as above, that is, the steering linkages 1872, 1874 extend in opposite directions from the second set of link openings 1882 to the upper sides of the steering arms 1868, 1868' on each respective hub 1854, 1854'. In Figure 15bIn the 1990s, links 1872, 1874 have been removed and replaced, extending in opposite directions from a first set of link openings 1880 to the underside of steering arms 1868, 1868' on each respective wheel hub 1854, 1854'. The smaller radius of first openings 1880 means that pedal rotation provides a much lower degree of motion to links 1872, 1874, resulting in less rearward steering effect. This is particularly useful for beginners and those less interested in using the pedal-leaning steering mode for "snow-cutting" turns.

Claims

1. A scooter, comprising: A pedal, on which a rider stands; a tiller which, in use, projects upwardly from the pedal; two front wheels; a steering mechanism configured to steer the two front wheels about corresponding steering axes; as well as at least one rear wheel; The steering system is characterized in that: a first steering mode, wherein rotation of the tiller arm about a vertical axis steers the wheel; and, a second steering mode, wherein rotation of the pedal about a horizontal axis steers the wheel; The scooter further comprises a center boss; The tiller arm is mounted for rotation about the vertical axis relative to the central boss; and, The pedal is mounted for rotation relative to the central boss about the horizontal axis.

2. The scooter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The steering system includes a pair of steering arms connected to respective front wheels, the steering arms connected to a steering hub, wherein the steering hub is configured to move with rotation of the tiller in the first steering mode and to move with rotation of the pedal in the second steering mode.

3. The scooter according to claim 2, characterized in that: The steering hub is mounted for rotation with the tiller, the tiller is mounted for rotation about the vertical axis in a tiller pivot member, and the tiller pivot member is mounted for rotation about the horizontal axis in the center boss.

4. The scooter according to claim 3, characterized in that: An elastic centering mechanism is included, and the elastic centering mechanism is used to rebound the tiller handle relative to the central boss to a predetermined neutral rotation position.

5. The scooter according to claim 4, characterized in that: An anti-camber mechanism is included, and the anti-camber mechanism is used to rebound the pedal to a predetermined neutral rotation position relative to the central boss.

6. The scooter according to claim 5, characterized in that: The two front wheels are mounted to the center boss via a suspension system.

7. The scooter according to claim 6, characterized in that: The suspension system is a double wishbone suspension system.

8. The scooter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rear wheel is mounted for rotation in a rear wheel mount, and wherein the pedal is rotatable about the rear wheel mount about the horizontal axis.

9. The scooter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The invention comprises a rear steering mechanism and a pair of rear wheels, wherein the rear steering mechanism is configured to steer the two rear wheels around corresponding steering axes.

10. The scooter according to claim 9, characterized in that: Rotation of the pedals about the horizontal axis steers the wheels.

11. The scooter according to claim 10, characterized in that: Rotation of the pedals about the horizontal axis steers the front wheels about their respective steering axes in a first direction and steers the rear wheels about their respective steering axes in an opposite second direction.

12. The scooter according to claim 11, characterized in that: The rear steering system is configured to steer the rear wheels in the second steering mode but not in the first steering mode.

13. The scooter according to claim 12, characterized in that: The rear steering mechanism is adjustable to provide at least two steering settings, wherein each steering mechanism steers the wheels at a different angle in response to a predetermined degree of pedal rolling.

14. The scooter according to claim 13, characterized in that: The rear steering mechanism is configured for Ackerman steering.

15. The scooter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The steering mechanism is configured for Ackerman steering.

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