A collapsible scooter

Abstract

A collapsible scooter 1 convertible between extended and collapsed configurations, comprises: a frame 40 extending in a plane and along a primary direction; a headtube 30; a first and second wheel ass

Description

Field The present application relates to a scooter, and in particular to a collapsible scooter. Background Scooters generally refer to a wide range of single-occupant vehicles, such as mobility scooters, mopeds and kick scooters. The scooter, according to the present invention, specifically relates to powered and unpowered scooters in the absence of a seat or a saddle, which require the rider to stand on a footplate extending between front and rear wheels during use. These scooters are often referred to as kick scooters, as they often require the rider to kick backwards to achieve forward movement. Owing to their lightness, stowability and agility, these unpowered scooters are widespread amongst urban dwellers for covering short distances on a regular basis. For longer commutes, electric kick scooters have recently experienced a surge in popularity as they require substantially less physical input from the rider, yet can travel at a much faster pace. However, due to their onboard batteries and motors, electric scooters are typically heavier and bulkier than their unpowered counterparts. In its most basic form, a kick scooter typically comprises a footplate supported by a pair of front and rear wheels, with a vertically extending headtube or steering column provided at the front end of the scooter. To improve their stowability, there are commercially available kick scooters that employ pivotable headtubes. When not in use, the headtube may fold or rotate downwardly to substantially reduce the overall height of the scooter, and may be locked in position by a locking mechanism at or adjacent to the pivot. Such a simple mechanism may lead to a degree of play at the free end of the headtube. Moreover, although the overall height of the scooter can be reduced, such a mechanism is not capable of shortening its overall length, rendering the folded scooter unsuitable for indoor storage. This forces the user to keep the folded scooter outdoors, exposing it to a greater risk of theft. In order to limit the overall size of the scooter, known scooters are often equipped with small wheels, typically measuring 100mm in diameter, which are not suitable for street terrain, i.e. such scooters are susceptible to a high level of instability when traversing over uneven surfaces and potholes. Furthermore, the footplate is typically kept narrow to reduce the footprint of the scooter, with its width barely able to accommodate the rider’s foot, i.e. during use, the rider may have to stagger his / her feet. Such an unnatural stance may cause fatigue during a long-distance commute. In addition, some commercially available foldable scooters require the user to physically lift the scooter during folding, so as to allow part of a frame or a wheel assembly to pivot sideways or downwardly. Such folding mechanisms require a degree of physical strength and delicacy from the user, and may be particularly challenging when fitted on the heavier electric kick scooters. Moreover, the common folding mechanisms often require actuating an excessive number of clamping mechanisms when switching between folded and unfolded configurations. Therefore, a collapsible scooter that maintains a good degree of structural rigidity, occupies a minimal footprint when folded, be able to accommodate larger wheels, and be able to efficiently convert between a folded and an unfolded configuration, is highly desirable. Summary According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a collapsible scooter convertible between an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration, comprising: a frame extending in a plane and along a primary direction; a headtube; a first wheel assembly mounted on a first end of the frame; a second wheel assembly mounted on a second end of the frame opposite to the first end; and a footplate connectable to the frame, wherein the footplate is rotatable about a third axis extending in the primary direction to convert between the extended configuration in which the footplate extends parallel to the plane, and the collapsed configuration in which the footplate extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the plane. The collapsible scooter, or foldable scooter, may convert between the extended or unfolded configuration during use, and the collapsed or folded configuration in which its overall dimensions are substantially reduced. For example, in the collapsed configuration the overall height, length and width of the collapsible scooter may all be reduced when compared to the extended configuration. The collapsible scooter may have a frame extending in a plane, i.e. horizontal plane, along a primary direction. The frame may extend between a first (front) wheel assembly and a second (rear) wheel assembly. Each of the first and second wheel assemblies comprises at least a wheel mount and a wheel rotatably mounted thereto. Preferably, each wheel assembly may comprise a single wheel. In some other embodiments, in particular for scooters designed for younger riders, the first and / or second wheel assemblies may each comprise a plurality of axially connected wheels. During use, in the extended configuration, the rider may stand on the footplate, which may have the same or wider width than that of the frame. Optionally, the footplate is pivotably connected to the frame and / or releasably connected to the frame. Preferably, the footplate may be pivotably connected to the top, a side or an apex of the frame and is rotatable about the third axis, which extends along the primary direction. This may allow the footplate to rotate from a substantially horizontal orientation in the extended configuration, to a substantially vertical orientation in the collapsed configuration. Advantageously, by rotating into a vertical orientation in the collapsed configuration, the footprint of the footplate may be substantially reduced, in particular for embodiments where the footplate is wider than the frame. Alternatively, the footplate may be releasably connected to the frame in both the extended and collapsed configurations, in respective horizontal and vertical orientations by any suitable releasable connection. For example, when converting between the extended and collapsed configurations, the rider may first detach the footplate from the frame and reorientating the footplate into a different orientation, before reattaching the footplate to the frame. Obviously, the detached footplate may also be stored separately to the rest of the scooter when it is put into collapsed configuration, which further reduces the overall width of the collapsed scooter. Optionally, the collapsible scooter further comprises a connection mechanism for releasably connecting, in the collapsed configuration, the footplate to at least one of the first wheel assembly, the headtube and a handlebar connected to the headtube, thereby enabling the footplate to provide structural support to the collapsible scooter when it is converted into the collapsed configuration. Preferably, the footplate is releasably connectable with the headtube in the collapsed configuration by the connection mechanism. Such an arrangement may advantageously significantly reduce the amount of play at the said free end of the headtube, and may provide structural support to the collapsed scooter. That is, by virtue of the support offered by the upright footplate, the rider may carry the collapsed scooter by the headtube, and / or stack other items on top of the horizontally extending headtube, e.g. another collapsed scooter. In preferred embodiments, the connection mechanism may comprise a clip formed on the footplate which is engageable with a corresponding slot at the first wheel assembly, the headtube or the handlebar, preferably a free end of the headtube. In other embodiments, the connection mechanism may comprise one or more of buckles, straps, loop and hook attachments, magnets, latches and ball detents. Optionally, the first wheel assembly may be pivotably connected to the first end of the frame and may be rotatable about a first axis in the plane. The first axis may extend perpendicularly to the primary direction, and thus the first wheel assembly may be pivotable upwardly / downwardly relative to the frame. Optionally, the second wheel assembly may be pivotably connected to the second end of the frame and may be rotatable about a second axis in the plane. The second axis may extend perpendicularly to the primary direction and parallel to the first axis, and thus the second wheel assembly may also be pivotable upwardly / downwardly relative to the frame. Optionally, the headtube is connected to or integrally formed with the first wheel assembly, and is rotatable about the first axis to convert between the extended configuration in which the headtube is angled to the plane, and the collapsed configuration in which the headtube extends substantially parallel to the plane. Preferably, the headtube may form integrally with the first wheel assembly and may comprise a front fork that is rotatably connected to a front wheel. In some other embodiments, the headtube may form separately from and be connected to a front fork of the first wheel assembly. The headtube may have one or more cross-sectional profiles, such as circular, oval, square, rectangular and other polygonal profiles. Preferably, the headtube has a rectangular cross-sectional profile. The headtube may have a similar or substantially the same width as the frame. The first and / or second wheel assemblies may each comprise a protrusion extending through a corresponding guiding groove opened in the frame. The guiding groove may guide the pivotal movement in the first and / or second wheel assemblies, where the ends of the guiding groove may serve as end stops for defining the range of the said pivotal movement in respective first and second wheel assemblies. In preferred embodiments, by the pivotable movement of the first wheel assembly, the headtube may rotate about the first axis to convert between the extended and collapsed configurations. In the extended configuration, the headtube may angle to the frame at an acute angle, a right angle or an obtuse angle. In the collapsed configuration, the headtube may extend substantially parallel to the frame to minimise the overall height of the folded scooter. Optionally, the first wheel assembly and / or the second wheel assembly are arranged to pivot upwardly when converting to the collapsed configuration, and optionally in the collapsed configuration, at least a part of each of the first and / or second wheel assemblies is positioned above the frame. Thus, in the collapsed configuration, the floor of the frame is arranged to rest on the ground. Optionally, the first wheel assembly comprises a second wheel securing means shaped to substantially conform to the curvature of a second wheel of the second wheel assembly, such that in the collapsed configuration, the wheel locking mechanism abuts and thereby secures the second wheel and the second wheel assembly. Specifically, the second wheel securing means may comprise a pivot arm of the first wheel assembly, which may be shaped to conform to the curvature of the second wheel to form the wheel locking mechanism. During the conversion to the collapsed configuration, once the second wheel assembly is pivoted to its collapsed position above the frame, the pivot arm may rotate with the first wheel assembly until it abuts the second wheel to secure it in place. Advantageously, such an arrangement may dispense with the need to provide a separate locking mechanism for securing the second wheel. Optionally, in the extended configuration, the opposing ends of the footplate abut their respective first and / or second wheel assemblies, thereby limiting upward pivotal movement in the first wheel assembly and / or the second wheel assembly during use. More specifically, as the footplate extends horizontally in the extended configuration, its longitudinal ends may serve as end stops for limiting upward pivotal movement in the pivot arms of the first and / or second wheel assemblies, as well as supporting the weight of the rider. Advantageously, such an arrangement may dispense with the need to provide a separate locking mechanism for securing the first and / or second wheel assemblies in the extended configuration. Optionally, during the conversion to the collapsed configuration, the footplate is arranged to move or pivot upwardly to disengage from the first and / or second wheel assemblies, thereby enabling the first and / or second wheel assemblies to pivot upwardly relative to the frame as the said frame descends under gravity. Specifically, to convert into the collapsed configuration, the rider may move or pivot the free end of the footplate upwardly to release the first and / or second wheel assemblies. With the footplate’s support withdrawn from the first and / or second wheel assemblies, the frame may drop under gravity, thereby forcing the first and / or second wheel assemblies to pivot upwardly. The rider may further pivot the first and / or second wheel assemblies upwardly until they rest on the upper surface of the frame in the collapsed configuration. Advantageously, when converting into the collapsed configuration, such an arrangement may not require the rider to lift up the scooter that is otherwise necessary in known collapsible scooters, thereby significantly reducing the physical input from the rider. Optionally, during the conversion to the extended configuration, the footplate is arranged to move or pivot downwardly to engage the first and / or second wheel assemblies, thereby driving the first and / or second wheel assemblies to pivot downwardly relative to the frame and thereby raising the said frame. Specifically, to convert into the extended configuration, the rider may first pivot the first and / or second wheel assemblies outwardly until they rest on the ground with the frame. The rider may then move, pivot or depress the free end of the footplate downwardly to engage the pivot arms of the first and / or second wheel assemblies before driving them to more or pivot downwardly to secure them in the extended configuration, simultaneously lifting the frame. Advantageously, such an arrangement combines the step of extending the collapsible scooter and securing the first and / or second wheel assemblies with a single pivoting movement at the footplate, thereby substantially improving the pace and efficiency when converting into the extended configuration. Alternatively, the first wheel assembly is pivotably mounted on the first end of the frame, wherein the first wheel assembly is pivotable about a fifth axis perpendicular to the plane, and / or the second wheel assembly pivotably mounted on the second end of the frame opposite to the first end, wherein the second wheel assembly is pivotable about a sixth axis perpendicular to the plane and parallel to the fifth axis. That is, the first and second wheel assemblies may pivot horizontally to convert between the extended and collapsed configurations, i.e. the wheel assemblies may rotate horizontally about respective vertical axes. As such, the first and second wheel assemblies may retracted sideways towards the side of the frame in the collapsed configuration. Preferably, the first and second wheel assemblies may be rotated to the same side of the frame in the collapsed configuration. Preferably, the frame may comprise cut-out portions corresponding to the profile of the respective first and second wheel assemblies, such that in the collapsed configuration, the first and second wheel assemblies may at least partially be received into, and at least partially accommodated within, the frame. Such an arrangement may advantageously minimise the width of the collapsed scooter. In some other embodiments, the first and second wheel assemblies may extend by the side of the frame in the collapsed configuration, i.e. the first and second wheel assemblies are not received into or accommodated within the frame. Either way, in the collapsed configuration, the stowed wheel assemblies shorten the overall length of the collapsed scooter compared to the extended configuration. Optionally, the collapsible scooter further comprises a handlebar having a pair of handlebar sections each pivotably connected towards an upper end of the headtube; wherein when converted into the collapsed configuration, the handlebar sections are each pivoted to extend substantially parallel to the headtube. In some embodiments, the connection mechanism may releasably connect to the pivoted handlebar section and / or the headtube, or it may releasably connect the headtube through the pivoted handlebar section. When converted into the extended configuration, the handlebar sections may each pivot to extend substantially perpendicular to the headtube and enable the rider to steer the scooter. Optionally, the headtube comprises an upper headtube section pivotally connected a lower headtube section, and is pivotable about a fourth axis parallel to the first axis or the plane; wherein in the extended configuration the upper headtube section is substantially aligned with the lower headtube section, and in the collapsed configuration, the upper and lower headtube sections extend alongside each other. In other words, the headtube may be foldable into stacked upper and lower headtube sections, substantially reducing the length of the headtube in the collapsed configuration. Alternatively, or in addition, the headtube may be telescopically extendable / retractable along its length to extend and retract when converting between the extended and collapsed configurations. In some embodiments, the headtube or the upper and / or lower headtube sections may comprise a plurality of coaxially extending nested tubes that are slidable relative to each other to extend to the extended configuration, or retract into the collapsed configuration. In other embodiments, the headtube or the upper and / or lower headtube sections may comprise a plurality of headtube members that extend alongside, and slidably relative to each other. Such an arrangement may further reduce the length of the headtube in the collapsed configuration. These features may be particularly advantageous in embodiments where the first wheel assembly and the headtube are not pivotally rotatable relative to the frame, i.e. the reduction in overall height in the collapsed configuration may be achieved by telescopically shortening of the headtube alone. Optionally, in the collapsed configuration, the footplate is positioned substantially at the side of the headtube and the frame, or between the headtube and the frame. In either arrangement, the footplate may be releasably connected to the headtube and thereby provide structural support to the collapsed scooter. Optionally, the frame comprises a longitudinally-extending channel for at least partially receiving the first wheel assembly and / or the second wheel assembly in the collapsed configuration. Specifically, the frame may form from a U-shaped section. The channel may extend along, or alongside, the longitudinal centreline of the frame. The channel may partially receive the pivot arms of the first and second wheel assemblies. Advantageously, such an arrangement may not only reduce the overall height of the collapsed scooter, but the sidewalls of the channel may also lateral sway of the wheels or the wheel assemblies. Optionally, the footplate comprises a first footplate section and a second footplate section pivotally connected with the first footplate section; wherein the footplate is foldable along a longitudinal axis such that the first and second footplate sections are stacked in the collapsed configuration in a direction, i.e. parallel to the first and second axes. For example, the footplate may be foldable in half along its longitudinal centreline, resulting in stacked first and second footplate sections. In some other embodiments, the footplate may be folded multiple times along respective longitudinal axes, resulting in multiple stacked footplate sections. Such an arrangement may significantly reduce the overall height of the collapsed scooter by virtue of narrower stacked footplate sections, and may allow the collapsed scooter to accommodate smaller wheels as required. Alternatively, the footplate comprises a first footplate section and a second footplate section connectable to respective opposing sides of the frame, e.g. the left and right side of the frame; wherein in the extended configuration the first and second footplate sections extend in the same horizontal plane, and in the collapsed configuration the first and second footplate sections extend parallelly in a direction orthogonal to the plane, i.e. in respective vertical planes. Preferably, in the extended configuration, the free ends of the first footplate section and the second footplate section may abut each other along the centreline of the frame. In some embodiments, the free ends of the first footplate section and the second footplate section may be separated by a gap in the extended configuration. Preferably, both footplate sections directly or indirectly connect between the frame and the headtube at their respective sides of the frame. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a collapsible scooter convertible between an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration, comprising: a frame extending in a plane along a primary direction; a headtube; a first wheel assembly pivotably mounted on a first end of the frame, wherein the first wheel assembly is pivotable about a first axis extending in the plane; a second wheel assembly pivotably mounted on a second end of the frame opposite to the first end, wherein the second wheel assembly is pivotable about a second axis extending in the plane and parallel to the first axis; wherein the first wheel assembly and / or the second wheel assembly are arranged to pivot upwardly when converting to the collapsed configuration, wherein in the collapsed configuration at least a part of each of the first and / or second wheel assemblies is positioned above the frame. Optionally, the collapsible scooter further comprises a footplate connectable to the frame, wherein the footplate is rotatable about a third axis extending in the primary direction, i.e. perpendicular to the first axis, to convert between the extended configuration in which the footplate extends parallel to the plane, and the collapsed configuration in which the footplate extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the plane, wherein in the extended configuration the opposing ends of the footplate abuts their respective first and second wheel assemblies, thereby limiting upward pivotal movement in the first wheel assembly and the second wheel assembly during use. Optionally, the footplate is pivotably connected to the frame and / or releasably connected to the frame. Optionally, during the conversion to the collapsed configuration, the footplate is arranged to pivot upwardly to disengage from the first and / or second wheel assemblies, thereby enabling the first and second wheel assemblies to move or pivot upwardly relative to the frame as the said frame descends under gravity; and wherein during the conversion to the extended configuration, the footplate is arranged to pivot downwardly to engage the first and / or second wheel assemblies, thereby driving the first and second wheel assemblies to move or pivot downwardly relative to the frame and thereby raising the said frame. Optionally, by the pivotal movement of the first wheel assembly, a headtube of the collapsible scooter is rotatable about the first axis to convert between the extended configuration in which the headtube is angled to the plane, and the collapsed configuration in which the headtube extends substantially parallel to the plane; and optionally the collapsible scooter further comprises a connection mechanism for releasably connecting, in the collapsed configuration, the footplate to at least one of the first wheel assembly, the headtube and a handlebar connected to the headtube, thereby enabling the footplate to provide structural support to the collapsible scooter when it is converted into the collapsed configuration. Optionally, the headtube is telescopically extendable along its length, and wherein the headtube is arranged to telescopically extend and retract to convert between the extended and collapsed configurations. In the preferred embodiments, pivotal connections connecting the upper and lower headtube sections, as well as the handlebar sections with the headtube, may each comprise a ratcheting hinge to releasably locking the said pivotal connections in either the extended or collapsed configurations. The ratcheting hinge may be releasable by a release lever. In some other embodiment, such pivotal connections may comprise any suitable locking mechanisms such as over cam / over centre / toggle latch. Optionally, the collapsible scooter of the first and second aspects is powered by one or more of a user, an onboard electric motor, and an internal combustion engine. Features from the first aspect or the second aspect of the present invention may be applicable to the other of the first aspect or the second aspect. Brief Description of the Drawings Certain embodiments of the presently-claimed invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figures 1 and 2 are respectively a perspective view and a side view of a collapsible scooter in an extended configuration according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figures 3A to 3C are different perspective views of the collapsible scooter in a collapsed configuration according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 is a side view of the collapsible scooter in a collapsed configuration according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Figures 5A to 5C are illustrations showing the key steps involved when converting the collapsible scooter of the first embodiment between the extended and collapsed configurations; Figures 6A to 6C are cross-sectional views of a collapsible scooter of a second embodiment according to the present invention, showing a footplate converting between the extended and collapsed configurations; and Figures 7A are 7B are cross-sectional views of a collapsible scooter of a third embodiment according to the present invention, showing a footplate converting between the extended and collapsed configurations. Detailed Description Figures 1 and 2 are respectively a perspective view and a side view of a collapsible scooter 1 in an extended configuration according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figures 3A to 3C are different perspective views of the collapsible scooter 1 in a collapsed configuration according to the first embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 4 is a side view of the collapsible scooter 1 in a collapsed configuration according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The scooter 1, as illustrated, is an electric scooter with an onboard battery and a motor. In the illustrated embodiment, the onboard battery is concealed in the headtube 30, with a hub motor incorporated into one or both of the wheel assemblies 10, 20. In some other embodiments, the onboard battery and the motor may be provided in other locations on the scooter. In some other embodiments, the scooter may be an unpowered scooter or a scooter powered by an internal combustion engine. The scooter 1 is convertible between an extended (or useable) configuration in which a rider may stand on a horizontally extending footplate 50 to ride the scooter 1, and a collapsed (or folded) configuration in which its wheels 12, 14 and headtube 30 are folded inwardly towards its frame, with the footplate 50 pivoted to a vertical orientation. More specifically, in the collapsed configuration, the overall dimension of the scooter 1 is substantially reduced compared to that of the extended configuration. Thus, when it is put into the collapsed configuration, the collapsed scooter may be easier to transport and store. The scooter 1 comprises a frame 40 extending along a primary direction in a horizontal plane. The frame 40 is formed from an aluminium U-shaped section, having a channel 42 opened towards the top of the frame 40. In some other embodiments, the frame 40 may be formed from any suitable rigid materials such as stainless steel, polymer, Kevlar and carbon fibre. The frame 40 further comprises a frame slot 44 at the sidewall of its channel 42 for forming releasable connection with a latching mechanism 52 at the footplate 50. The scooter 1 comprises a front (or first) wheel assembly 10 and a rear (or second) wheel assembly 20. The front wheel assembly 10 comprises a front pivot arm 14 pivotally connecting the front wheel assembly 10 to the front end of the frame 40, wherein the front wheel assembly 10 is rotatably mounted with a front wheel 12. A part 14a of the pivot arm 14 is shaped to conform to the cross-sectional profile of the rear wheel 22. The rear wheel assembly 20 is pivotally connected to the rear end of the frame 40 by its rear pivot member 24, having a rear wheel 22 rotatably mounted thereon. Thus, both the front wheel assembly 10 and rear wheel assembly 20 are pivotable about their respective horizonal axes to convert between the extended configuration and the collapsed configuration, i.e. between the two configurations the front and rear wheel assemblies are arranged to lift above the frame 40 and to lower to a position where the respective front and rear wheels 12, 22 are at least partially beneath the frame 40. The first and second wheel assemblies 10, 20 each comprise, on either side, a protrusion extending through a corresponding guiding groove opened in the frame. The guiding grooves are curved with constant curvatures about their respective pivot points. The protrusions are slidably movable relative to their respective guiding grooves. Thus, the guiding grooves guide the pivotal movement in the first and second wheel assemblies, wherein the ends of the guiding grooves serve as end stops for defining the range of the said pivotal movement. In the illustrated embodiment, the front wheel assembly 10 is integrally formed with a headtube or stem 30, which rotatably mounts the front wheel 12. In some other embodiments, the headtube may form separately to and be fixedly connected to the front wheel assembly. Either way, the front wheel assembly 10, along with the headtube 30 connected thereto, are rotatable about a horizontal axis (or a first axis) extending in the plane to convert between the extended and collapsed configurations. In the illustrated example, the headtube 30 comprises a lower headtube section 30b integrally formed with the front wheel assembly 10, and is pivotably connected to an upper headtube section 30a. Thus, the upper headtube section 30a is pivotable about a horizontal fourth axis parallel to the first axis. The upper and lower headtube sections 30a, 30b are retainable in both positions by a releasable locking mechanism (not shown), which in this example, is a ratcheting hinge releasable by a release lever. In some other embodiments, the headtube or headtube sections may alternatively or additionally be telescopically extendable along its length. In addition, a tab protrudes outwardly from the upper end of the lower headtube section 30b. The tab comprises a retaining slot 34 for receiving a clip connector 54 at the footplate 50 for forming a releasable connection therebetween. Furthermore, the free end of the upper headtube section 30a is pivotally connected with a pair of handlebar sections 32 that are rotatable between the extended configuration in which they extend perpendicular to the headtube 30, and the collapsed configuration in which they extend parallel to the headtube 30. The handlebar sections 32 are retainable in both positions by a releasable locking mechanism (not shown), which in this example, is a ratcheting hinge releasable by a release lever. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, when the scooter 1 is put into the extended configuration, the upper and lower headtube sections 30a, 30b are aligned along their length to form an extended headtube 30. More specifically, the headtube 30 extends at an angle to the frame 40, i.e. the headtube 30 extends in an upright position and substantially perpendicular to the frame 40. When put into the collapsed configuration, as shown in Figures 3A, 3B and 4, the upper and lower headtube sections 30a, 30b are folded at the pivotal connection to extend alongside each other in a stacked formation, with both extending parallel to the frame 40. The scooter further comprises a footplate 50 pivotably connected to the frame 40. The footplate 50 is rotatable about a horizontal axis, i.e. a third axis perpendicular to the first axis, between the extended configuration in which it extends horizontally and parallel to the frame 40, and the collapsed configuration in which it extends vertically and perpendicular to the frame 40. The footplate further comprises a latching mechanism 52 for latching onto the frame slot 44 of the frame in the extended configuration, and a clip connector 54 for releasably connecting the retaining slot 34 towards the upper end of the lower headtube section 30 in the collapsed configuration. When it is put into the extended configuration as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the front and rear ends of the footplate 50 abut their respective front pivot arm 14 of the front wheel assembly 10 and the rear pivot member 24 of the rear wheel assembly 20, i.e. the footplate 50 wedges between the front and rear wheel assemblies 10, 20. Thus, in the extended configuration, the horizontally extending footplate 50 immobilises both the front and rear wheel assemblies 10, 20, prohibiting any pivotal movement thereat. Such an arrangement advantages dispenses with the need for separately locking the front and rear wheel assemblies 10, 20 by discrete locking mechanisms. In some other embodiments, the footplate is alternatively or additionally releasably connected to the frame, in which the rider may first detach the footplate from the frame and reorientating the footplate to rotate, before reattaching the footplate to the frame in a different orientation. Figures 5A to 5C are illustrations showing the key steps involved when converting the collapsible scooter of the first embodiment between the extended and collapsed configurations. To convert the scooter 1 from the extended configuration to the collapsed configuration, the rider may first rotate the handlebar sections 32 from a position perpendicular to the headtube 30 to a position in which they extend parallel to the headtube 30. This reduces the overall width of the scooter 1. Subsequently, the rider may pivot the upper headtube section 30a downwardly until it stacks on the lower headtube section 30b, such that the two headtube sections 30a, 30b convert from an in-line alignment to a stacked formation. This reduces the overall length of the headtube 30. With the headtube 30 shortened and the handlebar sections 32 stowed, the rider may then release the latching mechanism 52 before lifting the footplate 50 to pivot the horizontally extending footplate 50 towards a vertical orientation, as shown in Figures 5 A and 5B. As such, the footplate 50 disengages from the front and rear wheel assemblies 10, 20, and thereby withdraws its support thereto. The rider may continue to lift the footplate until it extends substantially perpendicular to the frame, in an upright position. Without such support, the frame 40 descends under gravity, causing the front and rear wheel assemblies 10, 20 to pivot upwardly until the frame 40 rests on the ground, as shown in Figure 5C. Advantageously, when converting to the collapsed configuration, such an arrangement does not require the rider to lift up the scooter 1, nor does it require separately releasing or unlocking the front and rear wheel assemblies 10, 20. Thus, such an arrangement substantially reduces the physical work required to switch between the extended and collapsed configurations. The rider may then pivot the rear wheel assembly 20 upwardly until it rests, and is partially received, in the channel 42 of the frame 40. The front wheel assembly 20, along with folded headtube 30, is then pivoted upwardly until it rests, and is partially received, in the channel 42 of the frame 40, with the pivot arm 14 abutting the rear wheel 20. Since a part 14a of the pivot arm 14 is shaped to conform with the cross-sectional profile of the rear wheel 20, when the front wheel assembly 20 is pivoted to the collapsed configuration and abuts a part of the rear wheel 22, the pivot arm 14 of the front wheel assembly 10 secures the rear wheel 22 in place, preventing any play or excessive movement thereat. Advantageously, such an arrangement dispenses with the need to provide a separate locking mechanism for the rear wheel assembly 20. Furthermore, as the folded headtube 30 rotates downwardly with the front wheel assembly 20, the clip connector 54 of the vertically extending footplate 50 is then inserted into the retaining slot 34 of the lower headtube section 30b, which forms a releasable connection therebetween. Advantageously, such a releasable connection not only secures the front and rear wheel assemblies 10, 20 in the collapsed configuration, but it also lends structural strength to the collapsed scooter 1. That is, it secures the free end of the folded headtube 30, and thus, in comparison to known embodiments, it significantly reduces the amount of play thereat. When unfolding the collapsible scooter 1, i.e. to convert from the collapsed configuration to the extended configuration, the rider may first release the clip connector 54 from the retaining slot 34. This releases the headtube 30 and thereby allows the front and rear wheel assemblies 10, 20 to pivot outwardly away from the frame 40 until the front and rear wheels 12, 22 rest on the ground along with the frame 40, as shown in Figure 5C. The rider may then pivot the footplate 50 downwardly until its front and rear ends engage their respective front and rear wheel assemblies 10, 20. By continuing to force on the footplate 50, i.e. by stamping on or depressing the footplate 50, the downward motion of the footplate 50 drives the front and rear wheel assemblies 10, 20 to pivot downwardly, thereby lifting the frame 40 off the ground. When fully depressed, the footplate 50 wedges between the front and rear wheel assemblies 10, 20 to secure and support them in the extended configuration, as shown in Figures 5 A and 5B. The rider may further engage the latching mechanism 52 of the footplate 50 with the frame slot 44 of the frame 40 to secure the footplate in place. The rider may then upwardly rotate the upper headtube section 30a until it extends in line with the lower headtube section 30b, before pivoting the handlebar sections outward to extend perpendicular to the unfolded headtube 30, thereby fully converting the collapsible scooter 1 into the extended configuration as shown in Figure 2. Figures 6 A to 6C are cross-sectional views of a collapsible scooter 101 of a second embodiment according to the present invention, showing a footplate 150 converting between the extended and collapsed configurations. The collapsible scooter 101 of the second embodiment is structurally and functionally similar to the collapsible scooter 1 of the first embodiment, in that both its front and rear wheel assemblies are upwardly pivotable to convert between the extended and collapsed configurations. Furthermore, the footplate 150 is arranged to extend horizontally in the extended configuration to wedge between the front and rear wheel assemblies and thereby securing the two in place, and is rotatable to orient vertically in the collapsed configuration in order to reduce the footprint of the scooter 101. For conciseness, like features are not described nor shown again, but they are nevertheless present. The collapsible scooter 101 comprises a stackable footplate 150, having a first footplate section 150a and a second footplate section 150b pivotably connected along their lengths. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second footplate sections 150a, 150b are identical in size. In some other embodiments, one of the footplate sections may be wider than the other. As shown in Figure 6A where the scooter 101 is put into the extended configuration, the two footplate sections 150a, 150b are pivotally connected along the longitudinal centreline of the frame 140, i.e. each of the footplate sections 150a, 150b positions above one half of the frame 140. Similar to the first embodiment, one of the footplate sections, in this case, the second footplate section 150b, is pivotably connected to an apex of the frame 140 along its length. Thus, when converting to the collapsed configuration, the footplate 150 rotates about a horizontal axis to extend perpendicularly to the frame, as shown in Figure 6B. In contrast to the first embodiment, the first footplate section 150a is further foldable outwardly and downwardly to stack alongside the second footplate section 150b, as shown in Figure 6C. More specifically, in the collapsed configuration, the stacked footplate sections 150a, 150b stand only half the height of the footplate 50 of the first embodiment. Thus, advantageously, such an arrangement further reduces the overall height of the collapsed scooter 101 when smaller wheels are fitted to the front and rear wheel assemblies. Figures 7A are 7B are cross-sectional views of a collapsible scooter 201 according to a third embodiment of the present invention, showing a footplate converting between the extended and collapsed configurations. The collapsible scooter 201 of the third embodiment is structurally and functionally similar to the collapsible scooter 101 of the second embodiment, in that both its front and rear wheel assemblies are upwardly pivotable to convert between the extended and collapsed configurations. Furthermore, the footplate 250 is arranged to extend horizontally in the extended configuration to wedge between the front and rear wheel assemblies and thereby securing the two in place, and is rotatable to orient vertically in the collapsed configuration in order to reduce the footprint of the scooter 201. The footplate 250 is also formed from two footplate sections 250a, 250b to reduce its height when put into the collapsed configuration. For conciseness, like features are not described nor shown again, but they are nevertheless present. In contrast to the second embodiment, the collapsible scooter 201 comprises identical first and second footplate sections 250a, 250b, each pivotably connected along their lengths to a respective apex or side of the frame 240. As shown in Figure 7A where the scooter 201 is put into the extended configuration, the free ends of two footplate sections 250a, 250b abut each other along the longitudinal centreline of the frame 240, i.e. each of the footplate sections is arranged to position above one half of the frame 240. More specifically, together the two footplate sections 250a, 250b resemble a double door mechanism. Thus, when converting to the collapsed configuration, the footplate sections 250a, 250b rotate about respective horizontal axis to extend perpendicularly to the frame 240, as shown in Figure 7B. Similar to the second embodiment, in the collapsed configuration, each of the footplate sections 250a, 250b stands only half the height of the footplate 50 of the first embodiment. Thus, advantageously, such an arrangement also reduces the overall height of the collapsed scooter 201 when smaller wheels are fitted to the front and rear wheel assemblies.

Claims

25Claims1. A collapsible scooter convertible between an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration, comprising:5 a frame extending in a plane and along a primary direction;a headtube;a first wheel assembly mounted on a first end of the frame;a second wheel assembly mounted on a second end of the frame opposite to the first end; anda footplate connectable to the frame, wherein the footplate is rotatable about a third axis 10 extending in the primary direction to convert between the extended configuration in which the footplate extends parallel to the plane, and the collapsed configuration in which the footplate extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the plane,wherein the first wheel assembly is pivotably mounted on the first end of the frame, wherein the first wheel assembly is pivotable about a first axis extending in the plane, and / or the second wheel 15 assembly is pivotably mounted on the second end of the frame opposite to the first end, wherein the second wheel assembly is pivotable about a second axis extending in the plane and parallel to the first axis, and wherein the first wheel assembly and / or the second wheel assembly are arranged to pivot upwardly when converting to the collapsed configuration.20 2. The collapsible scooter of claim 1, further comprises a connection mechanism for releasablyconnecting, in the collapsed configuration, the footplate to at least one of the first wheel assembly, the headtube and a handlebar connected to the headtube, thereby enabling the footplate to provide structural support to the collapsible scooter when it is converted into the collapsed configuration.25 3. The collapsible scooter of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the footplate is pivotably connected tothe frame and / or releasably connected to the frame.

4. The collapsible scooter of claim 1, wherein in the collapsed configuration at least a part of each 30 of the first and / or second wheel assemblies is positioned above the frame.

5. The collapsible scooter of any one of the preceding claims, where the first wheel assembly comprises a second wheel securing means shaped to substantially conform to the curvature of a second wheel of the second wheel assembly, such that in the collapsed configuration the second wheel securing 35 means abuts and thereby secures the second wheel and the second wheel assembly.20 10 256. The collapsible scooter of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the headtube is connected to or integrally formed with the first wheel assembly, and is rotatable, with the first wheel assembly, about the first axis to convert between the extended configuration in which the headtube is angled to the plane, and the collapsed configuration in which the headtube extends substantially parallel to the 5 plane.

7. The collapsible scooter of any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the extendedconfiguration the opposing ends of the footplate abut their respective first and / or second wheel assemblies, thereby limiting upward pivotal movement in the first wheel assembly and / or the second 10 wheel assembly during use.

8. The collapsible scooter of claim 7, wherein during the conversion to the collapsed configuration,the footplate is arranged to move upwardly to disengage from the first and / or second wheel assemblies, thereby enabling the first and / or second wheel assemblies to pivot upwardly relative to the frame as the 15 said frame descends under gravity.

9. The collapsible scooter of claim 7 or claim 8, wherein during the conversion to the extended configuration, the footplate is arranged to move downwardly to engage the first and / or second wheel assemblies, thereby driving the first and / or second wheel assemblies to pivot downwardly relative to 20 the frame and thereby raising the said frame.

10. The collapsible scooter of any one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein the first wheel assembly is pivotably mounted on the first end of the frame, wherein the first wheel assembly is pivotable about a fifth axis perpendicular to the plane, and / or the second wheel assembly pivotably mounted on the second end of 25 the frame opposite to the first end, wherein the second wheel assembly is pivotable about a sixth axis perpendicular to the plane and parallel to the fifth axis.

11. The collapsible scooter of any one of the preceding claims, further comprises a handlebar having a pair of handlebar sections each pivotably connected towards an upper end of the headtube; 30 wherein when converted into the collapsed configuration, the handlebar sections are each pivoted to extend substantially parallel to the headtube.

12. The collapsible scooter of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the headtube comprises an upper headtube section pivotally connected a lower headtube section, and is pivotable about a fourth 35 axis parallel to the plane; wherein in the extended configuration the upper headtube section is substantially aligned with the lower headtube section, and in the collapsed configuration, the upper and lower headtube sections extend alongside each other.20 10 2513. The collapsible scooter of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the headtube is telescopically extendable along its length to extend and retract to convert between the extended and collapsed configurations.

514. The collapsible scooter of any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the collapsed configuration the footplate is positioned substantially at the side of the headtube and the frame, or between the headtube and the frame.10 15. The collapsible scooter of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame comprises alongitudinally-extending channel for at least partially receiving the first wheel assembly and / or the second wheel assembly in the collapsed configuration.

16. The collapsible scooter of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the footplate comprises a 15 first footplate section and a second footplate section pivotally connected with the first footplate section;wherein the footplate is foldable along a longitudinal axis such that the first and second footplate sections are stacked in the collapsed configuration.

17. The collapsible scooter of any one of the claims 1 to 15, wherein the footplate comprises a first 20 footplate section and a second footplate section connectable to respective opposing sides of the frame;wherein in the extended configuration the first and second footplate sections extend in the same plane, and in the collapsed configuration the first and second footplate sections extend parallelly in a direction orthogonal to the plane.25 18. The collapsible scooter of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the collapsible scooter ispowered by one or more of a user, an onboard electric motor, and an internal combustion engine.

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