Airbag of a scooter-type vehicle

Abstract

A scooter-type vehicle is described. This scooter-type vehicle comprises a main part with a front part and a rear part, wherein a free space is provided between the rear part and the front part and at least one foot rest is provided between the front part and the rear part. A steering arrangement is supported on the front part and the rear part comprises a seating. In order to protect the rider during a frontal crash, the front part comprises a protection device with an inflator and an inflatable airbag (21) being fluid communication with the inflator and being configured to deploy from an initial state to a deployed state towards a rider riding the vehicle when filled with gas by the inflator. The protection device additionally comprises a guiding means (28) configured to guide the deploying airbag (21) in a substantially upward direction (d) towards the rider's upper body, such that an improved deployment behavior and positioning of the inflatable airbag is achieved.

Description

[0001] AIRBAG OF A SCOOTER-TYPE VEHICLE

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to a scooter-type vehicle according to claim 1 and to a protection device according to claim 20.

[0004] It is common and widespread to equip passenger vehicles with protection devices in order to enhance the passenger safety during use of the vehicle. For instance, it is known to provide protection devices comprising an inflatable airbag which forms a protective barrier and a restraining element for the passenger in case of a critical event, e.g. an accident. Over time, the protection devices have been optimized for several vehicle types with the object to adapt the protection devices to specific vehicle characteristics and particular passenger orientations in vehicles. For instance, special protection devices have been developed for motorcycle vehicles in order to provide improved airbag protection for motorcycle riders.

[0005] However, the technology still offers potential for optimization with regard to specific vehicle types, e.g. for scooter-type vehicles as motor scooters. Although protection devices with inflatable airbags have already been suggested for scooter-type vehicles in general, further potential exists to improve the effectiveness and performance of these protection devices. Scooter-type vehicles commonly comprise a main part with a step-through design, such that it comprises a front part and a rear part with a free space being provided between the front part and the rear part. The main part usually comprises a rigid main frame, such that the front part comprises a front frame part, the rear part comprises a rear frame part and the front frame part and the rear frame part are connected by a middle frame part below the free space. At least one footrest is supported by this middle frame part. The rear part comprises a seating and the front part supports a steering arrangement which supports at least one front wheel. Due to the free space between the rear part and the front part, scooter-type vehicles have a different frame form compared to motorcycles and accordingly a different rider geometry on the vehicle, for instance regarding the rider’s legs positioned substantially in front of the rider between the seating and the front part.

[0006] It is known to provide a protection device with a folded airbag at the front part of a scooter-type vehicle such that the airbag deploys towards the rider when filled with gas. Depending on the seating position of the rider, there is the risk that the airbag gets stuck at the rider’s knees and / or shins such that the upper part of the rider’s body remains essentially unprotected.

[0007] In EP 1354791 A2 it is proposed to store the airbag in its folded condition in the vehicle seat in front of the rider. A drawback of this location of the protection device is that the overall geometry must make sure that the knees of the rider are spaced from one another such that the airbag can deploy between the knees.

[0008] It is an object of the invention to provide refined protection technology for scooter-type vehicles, in particular with a focus on improved performance and reliability of protection devices for vehicles of the described type.

[0009] The above-mentioned object is achieved by a scooter-type vehicle as defined in claim 1 and by a protection device according to claim 1 1 . Advantageous embodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0010] According to the invention, a scooter-type vehicle is provided comprising a main part with a front part, a rear part with a seating, and at least one foot rest between the front part and the frame part, wherein a free space is provided between the rear part and the front part, wherein the front part supports a steering arrangement and wherein the front part comprises a protection device with an inflatable airbag configured to deploy upon inflation in the direction of a rider riding the vehicle, wherein the protection device comprises guiding means configured to guide the deploying airbag in a substantially upward direction towards the rider’s upper body.

[0011] In other words, a scooter-type vehicle is suggested which comprises a protection device with guiding means intended to ensure proper unfolding of the airbag in front of the rider’s upper body. With the aid of guiding means, unintentional blockage of the unfolding airbag by vehicle parts or the rider’s lower body parts positioned next to the protection device, e.g. legs or knees, can be avoided. By this, a scooter-type vehicle with a very reliable and well-performing protection device is provided.

[0012] The scooter-type vehicle may generally refer to any motorized cycle vehicle with a step-through or similar frame. The scooter-type vehicle is conceptually different to kickscooters or e-scooters which usually do not comprise a seating. For instance, the scooter-type vehicle may be a motorcycle with limited power, e.g. up to 1 1 kW or up to 56 kW, or with limited speed, e.g. up to 25 km / h or up to 45 km / h. A step-through frame, also known as an open frame, a drop frame or a low-step frame, is a type of cycle frame with a low frame part allowing a person to step through between the front frame part and the rear frame part. Thus, a free space is provided between the rear part and the front part which is commonly used to place a rider’s legs behind the front part when the rider is sitting on the seating at the rear part. The at least one foot rest can be a substantially flat platform between the front part and the rear part for the rider’s feet, but it is also conceivable to provide constructively separated foot rests for each foot between the front part and the frame part.

[0013] The protection device comprises an inflatable airbag. The airbag is inflated and thus unfolded (deployed) upon activation of the inflator of the protection device. The airbag may be manufactured from textile material or other flexible material to allow the airbag to be folded and unfolded. The protection device may further comprise a sensing which, for instance, comprises an acceleration sensor. The sensing assembly is configured to activate the inflator of the protection device by triggering the inflator upon detecting a predetermined acceleration being equal to or greater than a defined threshold value based on a signal from the acceleration sensor. The inflator may be a pyrotechnic and / or compressed gas device which releases inflation gas at a high volumetric flow rate, such that the airbag is rapidly inflated. The protection device is configured to release the deploying airbag in the direction of a rider riding the vehicle, thus allowing the airbag to perform a shielding and restraining function for the rider in case of a critical event.

[0014] In accordance with the invention, the protection device comprises guiding means configured to guide the airbag in a substantially upward direction towards the rider’s upper body upon unfolding. In this context, a substantially upward direction of the airbag can be understood as an unfolding movement of the airbag with a larger upward component than a horizontal component. In other words, the guiding means are configured to limit the horizontal unfolding of the airbag to a predefined extent. In terms of vehicle parts of the scooter-type vehicle, substantially upwards can be defined as an opposite direction of a direction substantially downwards towards the at least one foot rest. The unfolded airbag may comprise a rather strictly vertical extension or alternatively an inclination towards the rider’s upper body. The unfolded airbag may cover an airbag area in front of the rider predominantly distributed in front of the upper body compared to a lower body, e.g. the legs of the rider. For instance, the unfolded airbag may comprise at least 60% or at least 70% of airbag volume arranged in front of the upper body.

[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment, the steering arrangement comprises a handlebar and the protection device is arranged at the front part in a position between the handlebar and the at least one foot rest. By this, a suitable position is provided for the protection device which allows the unfolding airbag to be securely guided by the guiding means towards the rider’s upper body. Furthermore, an unintended collision between the unfolding airbag and vehicle parts or the rider’s lower body parts may be avoided due to the selected position of the protection device and due to the advantageous guiding means. Preferably, the protection device is positioned closer to the handlebar than to the foot rest. For instance, the protection device may be arranged adjacent to the handlebar in a position below the handlebar.

[0016] In most cases, the protection device comprises an accommodation unit, often in form of a housing. This accommodation unit defines an accommodation space. This accommodation unit comprises a door, which is configured to be opened or removed upon inflation of the airbag. The accommodation unit may comprise a base opposite to the door, and the airbag and the guiding means may be mounted to said base. Upon activation of the protection device, it is required to remove the door at least partially, thus allowing the unfolding airbag to extend towards the rider. In one embodiment, the door is connected to the remaining accommodation unit by means of at least one hinge and at least one split-line as is generally known from frontal airbag units of passenger cars. The hinge and the split-line are usually grooves in the plastic material of a part of the accommodation unit.

[0017] According to a first embodiment, the guiding means are in form of a guiding element being made of flexible material, for example a fabric. This flexible guiding element is in the initial state folded. Thus, the flexible guiding element can be stowed in the protection device in a compact state. Furthermore, a guiding element made of textile material can be advantageous for providing a lightweight protection device.

[0018] The deployment of the airbag should of course not be slowed down substantially be the guiding element. For this reason, the inner cross section of the guiding element should not be too small. So, it is preferred that at least a section of the unfolded guiding element is located outside of the accommodation space.

[0019] In order to make sure that the flexible guiding element unfolds together with the deploying airbag, it is preferred that at least a section of the folded guiding element is located between the folded airbag and the door of the accommodation unit.

[0020] So, it is especially preferred that the protection device comprises a housing in which the flexible guiding element and the airbag are stored in an initial, folded state when the airbag is not deployed. Thus, the guiding element and the airbag are both configured to be folded for compact storage in a standby state of the protection device, and the guiding element and the airbag are both unfolded upon activation of the protection device. By folding and storing the guiding element and the airbag in the housing, a compact arrangement can be provided with beneficial protection of the airbag and the guiding element against environmental impacts.

[0021] According to preferable example of the first embodiment, the unfolded guiding element has a part-shell shape. A guiding element with a part-shell shape provides a smooth and reliable guiding function for an unfolding airbag. The part-shell shape comprises an open cross-section, wherein the opening of the half-shell is directed upwards. The part-shell shape may comprise a hammock-like shape, thus providing a spherical segment which can have a smaller circumference than a semi-spherical shape. With a hammock-like shape, an efficient guiding function can be provided with a compact and lean guiding element shape.

[0022] According to another preferred example of the first embodiment, the guiding element comprises a half-conical or half-cylindrical section. A guiding element with a half- conical or half-cylindrical section provides a smooth and reliable guiding function for an unfolding airbag with a substantially regular guiding shape. The cross-section of a half-conical or half-cylindrical section may continuously widen towards the opening of the guiding element, which is directed upwards. By means of the widening crosssection, the unfolding airbag is smoothly guided and unfolded towards the rider’s upper body.

[0023] According to an alternative example of the first embodiment, the guiding element comprises a tube-like shape. A tube-like guiding element provides a guiding channel with a closed cross-section and may thus beneficially prevent interferences of the unfolding airbag with vehicle parts, e.g. with the front part or a housing of the protection device.

[0024] The above-mentioned shapes of the guiding element as the half-shell shape, the half- conical or half-cylindrical section or the tube-like shape may generally refer to a deployed state of the guiding element.

[0025] According to a second embodiment, the guiding means comprises an essentially rigid part and connection means connecting the essentially rigid part to the accommodation unit, such that the essentially rigid part can also move to some extend when the airbag deploys, especially in such a way that when the airbag is deployed, at least a section of the essentially rigid part is located outside the accommodation unit. Like in the first embodiment, this makes it possible to design the protection device in a compact manner and still to provide enough space for the deploying airbag. The rigid part can for example be a plate-shaped plastic part.

[0026] The connection means can comprise a hinge connecting the essentially rigid part to the accommodation unit. In this case, the essentially rigid part can be one-pieced with the housing and the hinge can be in form of a groove as is known from hinges that connect the door of an accommodation unit to the remaining housing.

[0027] In order to ensure that the essentially rigid part has a defined position for guiding the airbag, the guiding means can additionally comprise a pivot-limiting-means limiting the pivot angle between the essentially rigid part and the accommodation unit. This pivotlimiting-means can for example comprise at least one tethering strap.

[0028] According to a third embodiment, the guiding means are embodied in form of an essentially rigid part being rigidly connected to the accommodation unit or being integral with the accommodation unit. This configuration has the advantage of a very simple and thus cost-effective design and can especially be chosen if the space available for the accommodation unit is not strongly limited.

[0029] According to a fourth embodiment, the door forms at least a part of the guiding means. This has the advantage that no, or only few additional parts are necessary and a compact design is possible. Similar like in the second embodiment, the door can be connected to the remaining part of the accommodation unit by means of a hinge. Also like in the second embodiment, a pivot-limiting-means - for example in form of a tethering strap - limiting the pivot angle between the door and the remaining accommodation unit can additionally be provided.

[0030] The invention further relates to a protection device configured to be mounted to a front part of a scooter-type vehicle, wherein the protection device comprises: an inflator, an accommodation unit,

[0031] - an inflatable airbag configured to deploy when filled with gas by the inflator, flexible guiding means configured to guide the unfolding airbag in an essentially upward direction.

[0032] Thus, it is possible to provide a protection device for scooter-type vehicles by which proper unfolding of the inflatable airbag can be ensured. With the aid of the guiding element, unintentional blockage of the unfolding airbag by vehicle parts or of a rider’s lower body parts positioned next to the protection device, e.g. legs or knees, can be avoided. By providing a defined guiding function to the unfolding airbag, the suggested protection device is very reliable and allows for a smooth and well-defined airbag deployment.

[0033] Preferably, the guiding element is essentially made of textile material, for example an airbag-type fabric such that the guiding element is lightweight and sturdy.

[0034] In the following, the invention is described by means of example embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying schematic drawings. Functionally similar elements illustrated in the drawings are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals, and the description thereof is not repeated.

[0035] The figures show:

[0036] Fig. 1 a schematic side views of a scooter-type vehicle with a protection device according to a first embodiment, in a standby state,

[0037] Fig. 2 the scooter-type vehicle with the protection device being activated such that its airbag is in a deployed state,

[0038] Fig. 3 the protection device of the scooter-type vehicle of Figures 1 and

[0039] 2 in a schematic cross-sectional representation in the standby state of Figure 1 , in which the airbag of the protection device is in an initial state,

[0040] Fig. 4 the protection device of Figure 3 after its inflator has been triggered such that the airbag is in its deployed state,

[0041] Fig. 5 a part of what is shown in Figure 4 in a view from direction R in Figure 4, and Fig. 6 a very schematic representation of parts of a further example of the first embodiment, namely a deployed airbag and a tubeshaped guiding element,

[0042] Fig. 7 a second embodiment of the protection device in a representation according to Figure 3,

[0043] Fig. 8 the protection device of Figure 7 in a deployed state (according to the representation of Figure 4),

[0044] Fig. 9 a third embodiment of the protection device in a representation according to Figures 3 and 7,

[0045] Fig. 10 the protection device of Figure 9 in a deployed state (according to the representations of Figure 4 and 8),

[0046] Fig. 1 1 a fourth embodiment of the protection device in a representation according to the Figures 3, 7 and 9, and

[0047] Fig. 12 the protection device of Figure 1 1 in a deployed state.

[0048] Figs. 1 and 2 schematically illustrate a scooter-type vehicle 10 according to the invention with a rider R riding the scooter-type vehicle 10. The scooter-type vehicle 10 comprises a step-through main part 1 1 with a front part 12 and a rear part 13. The rear part 13 comprises a seating 14 on which the rider 30 is sitting according to the illustration. The front part 12 supports a steering arrangement 17 with a handlebar 18 which is configured to be used by the rider 30 for steering the front wheel of the scootertype vehicle 10. The front part comprises a front frame part which is usually at least in section covered. For this reason, a front panel 19 facing towards the rider can be provided. This front panel 19 can for example be made of a plastic material and can, for example comprise a glove department. Since the main part 1 1 is configured in a step-through design, a free space 16 is provided between the rear part 13 and the front part 12. The free space 16 may be used by the rider 10 to step on and off the scooter- type vehicle 10 in a comfortable manner and to place at least a part of a lower body 32, e.g. legs or knees, of the rider 30 in front of the seating 14 when the rider 30 is riding the scooter-type vehicle 10. Thus, at least a part of the rider’s lower body 32 may be placed between the front part 12 and the rear part 13 in use of the scooter-type vehicle 10. Furthermore, the scooter-type vehicle 10 comprises at least one foot rest 15 on which the rider 30 may rest his feet. In the depicted embodiment, the foot rest is divided into a section for the left foot and a section for the right foot, but in an alternative embodiment, a substantially flat platform for both feet of the rider 30 could be provided.

[0049] In addition, the scooter-type vehicle 10, namely its front part 12, comprises a protection device 20. The protection device 20 comprises an inflatable airbag 21 configured to unfold upon inflation in a substantially upward direction d of the rider 30. In Fig. 1 , a standby state of the protection device 20 is depicted in which the airbag 21 is stored in an initial, folded state in a housing 23 of the protection device 20. In Fig. 2, an activated state of the protection device 20 is depicted in which the airbag 21 is deployed in front of the rider 30. In the activated state of the protection device 20, the airbag 21 forms a protective barrier and a restraining element for the rider 30. The protection device 20 is commonly activated upon detection of a critical event, e.g. an accident. For this, the protection device 20 may comprise a sensing assembly (not shown) configured to monitor acceleration of the scooter-type vehicle 10 or a comparable indicative parameter and to trigger inflation of the airbag 21 upon detection of a critical acceleration value.

[0050] In accordance with the invention, the protection device 10 comprises guiding means configured to guide the airbag 21 in the substantially upward direction d towards the rider’s upper body 31 , as indicated in Fig. 2. The guiding means of this embodiment are comprised of a guiding element 28 that limits a horizontal unfolding direction d of the airbag 21 and ensures that a predominant part of the unfolded airbag 21 is positioned in front of the rider’s upper body 31 and does not get stuck at the rider’s knees or shins, thus improving body protection for the rider 30. By this, a scooter-type vehicle 10 with a very reliable and well-performing protection device 20 is provided.

[0051] As illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, the protection device 20 can be arranged at or in a front panel 19 attached to the front frame part in a position between the handlebar 18 and the at least one foot rest 15, right below the handlebar 18, thus providing a beneficial position for guiding the airbag 21 in a direction d towards the rider’s upper body 31 . The protection device comprises an accommodation unit, here in form of a housing 23. This housing can be a separate part or it can be integral with the front panel 19.

[0052] Turning now to Figs. 3 to 5 showing the protection device 20 in more detail. Figures 3 and 4 are schematic cross-sectional representations and Figure 5 shows some elements of Figure 4 in a view from direction R in Figure 4. Fig. 3 depicts the protection device 20 in a standby state and Figs. 4 and 5 depict the protection device 20 in an activated state.

[0053] The protection device 20 comprises an accommodation unit in form of a housing 23 which comprises a base 23c, a sidewall 23b and a door 23a. In the initial state of the airbag, the door 23a is connected to the remaining part of the housing 23 by a hinge 24 and at least one split-line 25 (usually grooves in a plastic part) as is generally known from airbag unitsThe hinge 24 is drawn very schematically as a functional part in the figures (not as a groove which is usually is) for clarity reasons.

[0054] The housing 23 accommodates the airbag 21 , an inflator 26 configured to inflate the airbag 21 , and the guiding element 28. In the embodiment shown, the folded, nondeployed airbag 21 is enclosed by a tearable wrapper 22. This is not mandatory but can ease the assembly and can help to clearly define the position of the folded airbag 21 relative to the guiding element. In the embodiment shown, the inflator 26 is connected to the base 23c via a flange 27 which also connects the airbag 21 to the base, as is generally known. The guiding element 22 is mounted to the base 23c of the housing 23 via an attachment element 29, which is here in form of an open ring.

[0055] As can best be seen in Figure 3, the folded guiding element 28 covers at least a section of the airbag 21 such that the deploying airbag 21 unfolds the guiding element 28 and pushes a section of the same out of the housing 23 (or to be more precise, the remaining part of the housing to which the door 23a is or was connected). Further, the door 23a is opened by the deploying airbag 21 . The unfolded guiding element 28 has a “quarter-shell” shape in such a way that the unfolded guiding element 28 and the base 23c of the housing 23 together form a half-shell with an opening at its upper end, thus allowing for a smooth guiding of the airbag 21 in the upward direction d. The unfolded guiding element alone forms substantially a chute or a “hammock” (Figures 4 and 5).

[0056] Figure 6 shows a second example of the first embodiment in an even more schematic representation. Here, only the base 23c of the housing 23 (or another base to which the airbag 21 , the inflator 26 and the guiding element 28 are mounted) is shown. In this embodiment, the unfolded guiding element 28 is in form of a hose encircling a section of the deployed airbag 21 completely, thus forming a full “guiding channel”. By this measure, the guiding can in some configurations be even more precise. In order to direct the airbag upward, the end of the tube-shaped guiding element 28 being attached to the base 23c is slanted. The attachment element 29 is here in form of a full ring.

[0057] Thus, it is possible to provide a protection device 20 for scooter-type vehicles 10 by which proper unfolding of the inflatable airbag 21 can be ensured. With the aid of the guiding element 28, unintentional blockage of the unfolding airbag 21 by vehicle parts or of a rider’s lower body parts positioned next to the protection device 20, e.g. legs or knees, can be avoided. By providing a defined guiding function to the unfolding airbag 21 , the suggested protection device 20 is very reliable and allows for a smooth and well-defined airbag deployment.

[0058] Figures 7 and 8 show a second embodiment of the inventive protection device in a representation according to Figures 3 and 4, meaning that Figure 7 shows the protection device in a schematic cross sectional view with the gas generator not being triggered such that the airbag is not deployed.

[0059] The accommodation unit 23 of this second embodiment has substantially the same structure as the accommodation unit of the first embodiment, but the guiding means are embodied in a different way: Here, the guiding means comprise a rigid part 30, which can for example be in form of a plastic plate which is connected to the accommodation unit 23, especially to its lower sidewall 23b’ by means of a hinge 32. Like the hinge 24 connecting the door 23a to the remaining accommodation unit 23, the hinge 32 is shown in a very schematic and functional manner. Like the hinge 24 connecting the door 23a to the remaining accommodation unit, this hinge 32 can be in form of a wall section with reduced thickness (for example in form of a groove). This means that the rigid part 30 of the guiding means can be one-pieced (integral) with the accommodation unit 32, especially with its lower sidewall 23b’. The guiding means of this embodiment further comprise a pivot limiting means which is here in form of the tethering strap 35 which connects the rigid part 30 to a part of the accommodation unit 23, for example its base 23c. In the not triggered state, as is shown in Figure 7, this tethering strap 35 is not tight such that it allows a movement of the rigid part 30.

[0060] Figure 8 shows the deployed state of the protection device of Figure 7: The rigid part 30 is moved by the deploying airbag 21 in a pivoting manner until the tethering strap 35 is tensioned such that it limits the angle of the rigid part 30. Like in the first embodiment, a part of the guiding means (namely a part of the rigid part 30) is located outside the accommodation unit 23 when the airbag is fully deployed. For this reason, also here the accommodation unit 23 can be rather compact and the guiding means still give the deploying airbag enough space to deploy.

[0061] Figure 9 shows a third embodiment which is to some respect similar to the just described second embodiment. The difference is that a fully rigid guiding part 34 being rigidly connected to the accommodation unit 23 is provided, such that this fully rigid guiding part 34 forms a none-movable ramp. The contact surface 34a of this ramp-type fully rigid guiding part 44 is slanted towards the vertical direction, for example in an angle similar to the rigid part 30 of the second embodiment in its deployed state. The fully rigid guiding part 44 can be one-pieced with the accommodation unit 23 such that this embodiment of the protection device is very simple to manufacture. Usually this embodiment is especially useful if the available space is not too limited.

[0062] Figure 11 and 12 show a fourth embodiment which is similar to the second embodiment. Here, the door 23a itself serves as a part of the guiding means and its maximum pivot angle is limited by a limiting means, here also in form of a tethering strap 35 as in the second embodiment. In relation to the second embodiment, the number of parts can be reduced. List of reference numbers

[0063] 10 scooter-type vehicle

[0064] 11 main part

[0065] 12 front part

[0066] 13 rear part

[0067] 14 seating

[0068] 15 foot rest

[0069] 16 free space

[0070] 17 steering arrangement

[0071] 18 handlebar

[0072] 19 front panel

[0073] 20 protection device

[0074] 21 airbag

[0075] 22 wrapper

[0076] 23 accommodation unit (Housing)

[0077] 23a door

[0078] 23b sidewall

[0079] 23b’ lower sidewall

[0080] 23c base

[0081] 24 hinge connecting the door to the remaining accommodation unit

[0082] 25 split-line

[0083] 26 inflator

[0084] 27 flange

[0085] 28 flexible guiding element

[0086] 29 attachment element

[0087] 30 rigid part of guiding means

[0088] 32 hinge connecting rigid part of guiding means to accommodation unit

[0089] 34 fully rigid guiding part (forming the guiding means)

[0090] 34a contact surface

[0091] 35 tethering strap

[0092] R rider d unfolding direction

Claims

Claims1 . A scooter-type vehicle (10) comprising a main part (1 1 ) with a front part (12) and a rear part (13), wherein a free space (16) is provided between the rear part (13) and the front part (12), at least one foot rest (15) between the front part (12) and the rear part (13), and a steering arrangement (17) being supported on the front part (12), wherein the rear part (13) comprises a seating (14), and the front part comprises a protection device (20) with an inflator (26) and an inflatable airbag (21 ) being fluid communication with the inflator (26) and being configured to deploy from an initial state to a deployed state towards a rider (30) riding the vehicle (10) when filled with gas by the inflator (26), characterized in that the protection device (20) comprises guiding means configured to guide the deploying airbag (21 ) in a substantially upward direction (d) towards the rider’s upper body (31 ).

2. The scooter-type vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the main part (1 1 ) of the vehicle defines a step-through design.

3. The scooter-type vehicle (10) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the front part (12) comprises a front panel (19) and that the protection device (20) is arranged in or at the front panel (19).

4. The scooter-type vehicle of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the airbag (21 ) is in its initial state enclosed by a tearable wrapper (22).

5. The scooter-type vehicle (10) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protection device (20) comprises an accommodation unit (23) defining an accommodation space in which the airbag (21 ) is in the initial state stored, saidaccommodation unit (23) comprising a door (23a) being configured to be opened or removed when the airbag (21 ) deploys.

6. The scooter-type vehicle of claim 5, wherein the guiding means are located inside the accommodation space, at least when the airbag is in its initial state and the door is closed.

7. The scooter-type vehicle of claim 6, wherein the guiding means are at least in sections located outside the accommodation space when the airbag (21 ) is deployed.

8. The scooter-type vehicle (10) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the guiding means comprise a guiding element (22) that is at least partially, preferably completely, made of a flexible material, preferably a textile material, and the guiding element (22) is in an initial state of the airbag folded and unfolds when the airbag deploys.

9. The scooter-type vehicle (10) of claim 8, wherein the unfolded guiding element (22) has a part-shell shape.

10. The scooter-type vehicle (10) of claim 9, wherein the unfolded guiding element (22) comprises a half-conical or half-cylindrical section.11 . The scooter-type vehicle (10) of claim 8, wherein the unfolded guiding element (22) has a tube-like shape.

12. The scooter-type vehicle of any one of claims 8 to 11 , as long as referring to claim 6 or 7, wherein the guiding element (28) is connected to the accommodation unit (23), preferably to a base (23c) of the accommodation unit being located essentially opposite the door (23a).

13. The scooter-type vehicle of any one of claims 6 or 7, wherein the guiding means comprise an essentially rigid part (30) and connection means connecting the essentially rigid part (30) to the accommodation unit (23).

14. The scooter-type vehicle of claim 13, wherein the guiding means comprise a hinge (32) connecting the essentially rigid part (30) to the accommodation unit (24).

15. The scooter-type vehicle of claim 14, wherein the guiding means further comprise a pivot-limiting-means limiting the pivot angle between the essentially rigid part (30) and the accommodation unit (23).

16. The scooter-type vehicle of claim 6, wherein the guiding means are in form of an essentially rigid part (34) being rigidly connected to the accommodation unit (23) or being integral with the accommodation unit (23).

17. The scooter-type vehicle of claim 5, wherein the door (23a) forms at least a part of the guiding means.

18. The scooter-type vehicle of claim 17, wherein the door (23a) is connected to the remaining part of the accommodation unit (23) by means of a hinge (24).

19. The scooter-type vehicle of claim 18, wherein the guiding means further comprise a pivot-limiting-means limiting the pivot angle between the door (23a) and the remaining accommodation unit (23).

20. A protection device (20) configured to be mounted to a front frame part (12) of a scooter-type vehicle (10) of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the protection device (20) comprises: an inflator, an accommodation unit,- an inflatable airbag (21 ) configured to deploy when filled with gas by the inflator, and guiding means ) arranged for guiding the deploying airbag in an essentially upward direction.

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