Electric scooter

Abstract

The battery-powered electric scooter (100) has two front wheels, a deck (102), a tiller (104), a dual-mode steering system responsive to turning the wheels in response to rotation of the tiller (104) about a vertical axis and / or rotation of the deck about a horizontal axis, and includes a central boss (400), with the tiller (104) mounted for rotation about a vertical axis relative to the central boss (400) and the deck (102) mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis relative to the central boss (400).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to motorized scooters, more particularly to electric scooters. [Background technology]

[0002] By "scooter" we mean a stand-up or "kick" scooter, rather than a motorcycle-type scooter. A scooter according to the invention is generally distinguished in that it has a deck close to and parallel to the floor on which the wheels are mounted. An upright or "tiller" extends vertically upward from the front end of the deck to form a handlebar and aid in stability and steering.

[0003] Traditionally, such scooters have been powered by human power, specifically by pushing the scooter with one foot while keeping the other on the deck. More recently, electric scooters have entered the market. While the original designs utilized internal combustion engines, battery-powered electric scooters have become popular since the early 2010s, offering a fast, efficient, environmentally friendly and convenient form of transportation.

[0004] Prior Art Some kick scooters, particularly those targeted at the junior market, typically have a single front wheel and a single rear wheel. They utilize a simple steering system in which rotation of the tiller about a vertical axis using the handlebars also causes the front wheel to rotate.

[0005] One such known scooter is the Moove™ range of scooters. These battery-powered electric scooters are a two-wheel design (front and rear wheels) that steer by pivoting the front wheel about a generally vertical axis. Rotation of the handlebars about that axis causes the front wheel to turn. These products are based on traditional two-wheeled "trick" scooters.

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

[0007] The Cycleboard™ is a three-wheeled electric scooter that features a "tilt-and-steer" steering system. It has two wheels at the front and one at the rear. US Patent No. 5,399,633 relates to the Cycleboard™. It states that "a steering transmission arm transmits lateral motion to the front wheels via a pair of steering rods so that when the scooter deck is tilted to one of the leaning configurations, that motion causes the steering transmission arm to turn the front wheels via the steering rods."

[0008] The '1999 patent discloses a scooter in which two front wheels are rotatable relative to the frame about respective wheel pivots having vertical steering axes. The deck is equipped for "roll" in the direction of travel, i.e., rotation about a horizontal axis. The uprights of the disclosed scooter are foldable towards the deck, but are rigidly attached to the deck such that they can be used to help "roll" or "tilt" the deck about the roll axis. The uprights are fixed for rotation about a vertical axis.

[0009] A mechanism is provided such that when the deck is tilted laterally about the roll axis, the wheels turn about their respective steering axes (in the same direction as the roll). The mechanism has a steering transmission arm pivoted relative to the frame at a first end, coupled to the deck at an intermediate point and attached to two steering rods at a second end. When the deck is rotated about the horizontal axis, the steering transmission arm is driven in rotation, thus driving the steering arms to rotate each of the wheels about their respective steering axes.

[0010] Essentially, the prior art offers two types of steering. One type is the "vertical turn" steering found on most two-wheeled trick scooters. This type of steering is useful for low-speed travel and trick scooters, as it is very sensitive and can provide a high degree of maneuverability. The other type is the "lean and steer" steering found on three-wheeled off-road and high-speed electric scooters. This type of steering is good for high-speed stable "carving" turns, but lacks maneuverability at low speeds. Of course, to make small turns at low speeds, the rider needs to roll the deck a lot, which can be difficult. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0011] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Pat. No. 9,610,988 Summary of the Invention

[0012] It is an object of the present invention to overcome or at least mitigate the above-mentioned problems of the prior art.

[0013] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a scooter, A deck for the rider to stand on, A tiller that protrudes upward from the deck when in use; Two front wheels and a steering mechanism configured to steer the two front wheels about respective steering axes; at least one rear wheel; Equipped with The steering system is a first steering mode in which rotation of the tiller about a vertical axis steers the wheels; a second steering mode in which rotation of the deck about a horizontal axis steers the wheels; A scooter is provided having the following features:

[0014] Advantageously, this dual mode steering provides the ability to use deck roll to provide high maneuverability in both a first mode for slow speed steering and a "carving" higher speed mode, both of which can be used together without the need to switch any controls on the scooter.

[0015] By "first steering mode" and "second steering mode" we do not mean that active control is required to switch between the two modes, but rather that steering is operable using the first mode and / or the second mode, in other words, the modes are available independently or simultaneously at any point during use of the scooter at the rider's preference.

[0016] Preferably, a central boss is provided; The tiller is mounted for rotation about a vertical axis relative to the central boss; The deck is mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis relative to a central boss.

[0017] Preferably, the steering system includes a pair of steering arms connected to respective front wheels, the steering arms connected to a steering hub configured to move with rotation of the tiller in the first steering mode and to move with rotation of the deck in the second steering mode.

[0018] Preferably, a tiller is mounted for rotation on the steering hub, the tiller is mounted for rotation on a tiller pivot member about a vertical axis, and the tiller pivot member is mounted for rotation on a central boss about a horizontal axis.

[0019] Preferably, a resilient centering mechanism is provided to resiliently return the tiller to a predetermined neutral rotational position relative to the central boss.

[0020] Preferably, an anti-camber mechanism is provided to resiliently return the deck to a predetermined neutral rotational position relative to the central boss.

[0021] Preferably, the two front wheels are mounted on the central boss via a suspension system.

[0022] Preferably, the suspension system is a double wishbone suspension system.

[0023] Preferably, the rear wheels are mounted for rotation on the rear wheel mounts and the deck is rotatable about a horizontal axis relative to the rear wheel mounts.

[0024] In some embodiments having four wheels, a pair of rear wheels and a rear steering mechanism are provided and configured to steer the two rear wheels about respective steering axes.

[0025] Preferably, rotation of the deck about a horizontal axis steers the wheels.

[0026] Preferably, rotation of the deck about a horizontal axis causes the front wheels to steer in a first direction about their respective steering axes and the rear wheels to steer in a second opposite direction about their respective steering axes.

[0027] Preferably, the rear steering mechanism is configured to steer the rear wheels in the second steering mode but not in the first steering mode.

[0028] Preferably, the rear steering mechanism is adjustable to provide at least two steering settings, each steering the wheels at a different angle for a given degree of deck roll.

[0029] Preferably, the rear steering mechanism is configured for Ackermann steering.

[0030] Preferably, the front steering mechanism is configured for Ackermann steering.

[0031] According to a second aspect, there is provided an electric scooter, A deck for the rider to stand on, A tiller that protrudes upward from the deck when in use; at least one front wheel; at least one rear wheel; Equipped with At least one wheel is electrified, An electric scooter is provided, the tiller having a left hand grip, a right hand grip, and a first control member between the left hand grip and the right hand grip, the control member being pivotable about a horizontal axis to control power to the motorized wheels.

[0032] Advantageously, this provides easy control allowing the user to control the scooter using only one or two thumbs.

[0033] 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.

[0034] Preferably, the control region is at least partially cylindrical.

[0035] Preferably, the first control region and the second control region are spaced apart with a second control member between the first control region and the second control region.

[0036] Preferably, the second control member is a button.

[0037] Preferably, the second control member is a left turn signal control adjacent the left hand control area and a third control member in the form of a right turn signal control adjacent the right hand control area between the first and second control areas.

[0038] Preferably, a fourth control member is provided between the first control region and the second control region, the fourth control member being a horn.

[0039] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a battery powered electric scooter battery pack comprising at least two sub-battery packs that are assemblable for use and separable for switchover.

[0040] Preferably, each of the sub-battery packs has an energy capacity of 160 Whr or less.

[0041] The present invention also provides a battery-powered electric scooter comprising a battery pack according to the third aspect.

[0042] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a scooter, A deck for the rider to stand on, A tiller that protrudes upward from the deck when in use; at least one front wheel; Equipped with In use, the tiller has an unfolded state in which it protrudes upward from the deck, and a folded state in which the tiller is rotated so as to be substantially parallel to the deck; A scooter is provided in which the folded state is maintained by magnetic attraction between a first component on the tiller and a second component on the deck, and alignment of the first and second components is established by a mating connection between corresponding formations on the tiller and deck spaced from the first and second components.

[0043] Preferably, the mating connection between the corresponding formations is closer to where the deck and tiller are joined than a first component on the tiller and a second component on the deck that forms a magnetic connection.

[0044] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a scooter, A deck for the rider to stand on, a tiller connected to the deck at a first end and defining a pair of spaced apart handle portions at a second end; at least one front wheel; at least one rear wheel; Equipped with A scooter is provided in which the tiller has an internal spine extending from a first end where the tiller reaches the deck to a second end within the handle portion, the spine being Y-shaped.

[0045] An exemplary scooter in accordance with the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0046] [Figure 1] Figure 1a shows a first perspective view of a first scooter according to the invention in a folded state (Figure 1b), Figure 1b shows a second perspective view of the scooter of Figure 1, and Figure 1c shows an underside view of the scooter of Figure 1; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2a is a detailed view of a portion of the scooter of FIG. 1; [Diagram 3] 3a is a perspective view of the scooter of FIG. 1 in a folded, lying flat position (FIG. 3a), and in a folded, upright position (FIG. 3b). [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a deck assembly of the scooter of FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] 5a is a perspective view of the tiller of the scooter of FIG. 1 (FIG. 5a); FIG. 5b is a detailed view of a portion of the tiller of FIG. 5a (FIG. 5c); FIG. 5d is a perspective view of a hinge mechanism of the tiller of FIG. 5a in a first state (FIG. 5d); FIG. 5e is a perspective view of a hinge mechanism of the tiller of FIG. 5a in a second state (FIG. 5e); FIG. 5f is a perspective view of a hinge mechanism of the tiller of FIG. 5a in a third state (FIG. 5f); FIG. 5g is a perspective view of a hinge mechanism of the tiller of FIG. 5a in a fourth state (FIG. 5g); FIG. 5h is a perspective view of a portion of the tiller of FIG. 5a (FIG. 5h); FIG. 5i is a partially exploded perspective view of a battery pack of the tiller of FIG. 5a (FIG. 5i); FIG. 5j is a detailed view of a control area of ​​the tiller of FIG. 5a (FIG. 5j); FIG. 5k is a detailed view of a control area of ​​the tiller of FIG. 5a (FIG. 5k); FIG. 5l is a perspective view of the internal components of the tiller of FIG. 5a (FIG. 5l). [Figure 6]6a is a perspective view of a front wheel suspension and steering assembly of the scooter of FIG. 1 (FIG. 6a); FIGs. 6b and 6c are perspective views of a portion of the front wheel suspension and steering assembly of FIG. 6a (FIGS. 6d and 6e); FIGs. 6f are a perspective view of the front wheel suspension and steering assembly of FIG. 6a (FIG. 6f); FIGs. 6g are exploded views of various components at the front and rear of the front wheel suspension and steering assembly of FIG. 6a (FIGS. 6h and 6i); FIGs. 6j are exploded views of various components at the front and rear of the front wheel suspension and steering assembly of FIG. 6a (FIG. 6j); FIGs. 6k are detailed views of various components at the front and rear of the front wheel suspension and steering assembly of FIG. 6a (FIG. 6l); [Figure 7] 7a is a perspective view of the rear wheel assembly of the scooter of FIG. 1; FIG. 7b is a side view of the rear wheel assembly of FIG. 7a; FIG. 7c is a perspective view of some parts of the rear wheel assembly of FIG. 7a; FIG. 7d is an exploded view of some parts of the rear wheel assembly of FIG. 7a; FIG. 7e and FIG. 7f are perspective views of some parts of the rear wheel assembly of FIG. 7a; FIG. 7g is a perspective view of some parts of the rear wheel assembly of FIG. 7a. [Figure 8] 8a is a front view of a portion of the scooter of FIG. 1 in a neutral condition, and FIG. 8b is a front view of a portion of the scooter of FIG. 1 in a front suspension articulated condition. [Figure 9] 9a) and 9b) are front (FIG. 9c) and bottom (FIG. 9d) views, respectively, of the scooter of FIG. 1 in a neutral condition and in a first steering mode; [Figure 10]10a, 10b and 10c are respectively a front view, a rear view, a rear view, and a rear cross-sectional view of the scooter of FIG. 1 in a neutral state, and a front view, a rear view, a rear view, and a rear cross-sectional view of the scooter of FIG. 1 in a second steering mode, respectively; [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a first perspective view of a second scooter according to the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12a is a detailed view of a portion of the scooter of FIG. 11; FIG. 12b is an exploded perspective view of various components of the scooter of FIG. 11; FIG. 12c and FIG. 12d are perspective views of a sub-assembly of the scooter of FIG. 11; FIG. 12e is a perspective view of a rear left suspension assembly of the scooter of FIG. 11; FIG. 12f is a perspective view of a rear right suspension assembly of the scooter of FIG. 11; and FIG. 12g is a perspective view of a rear steering assembly of the scooter of FIG. 11. [Figure 13] 13a and 13b are rear views of a portion of the scooter of FIG. 11 in a neutral position and in a rear suspension articulated position, respectively. [Figure 14] 14a) is a rear view of a portion of the scooter of FIG. 11 in a neutral position (FIG. 14a); a rear view of a portion of the scooter of FIG. 11 in an articulated position of the rear steering system (FIG. 14b); a plan view of the scooter of FIG. 11 in an articulated position of the rear steering system (FIG. 14c); a plan view of the scooter of FIG. 11 in a tiller turn steering mode (FIG. 14d); and an underside view of the rear steering system (FIG. 14e). [Figure 15] 15a) and 15b) are rear views of a portion of the scooter of FIG. 11 in a first setting of the steering system and a second setting of the steering system, respectively. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0047] First embodiment Figures 1a-c and 2b are various views of an overall electric scooter 100 according to a first aspect of the present invention. For the purposes of this disclosure, it is useful to define the general directions and axes as follows. - Forward travel direction along the horizontal longitudinal axis X The rotation around this axis is called "roll." - Lateral along the horizontal axis Y The rotation around this axis is called "pitch." Vertical direction along the vertical axis Z The rotation around this axis is called "yaw."

[0048] Scooter 100 includes a deck assembly 102, a tiller assembly 104, a front wheel suspension and steering assembly 106, and a rear wheel assembly 108. Comparing Figures 1a-1c and 3a-3b, scooter 100 is capable of transitioning from an unfolded state in which deck 102 rests on the ground with tiller 104 perpendicular (upright) thereto, to a folded state in which the deck and tiller are parallel.

[0049] Structure of the First Embodiment Deck Assembly 102 Referring to FIG. 4, the deck assembly 102 is shown.

[0050] The deck assembly 102 comprises a deck panel 110 having a forward portion 112, an aft portion 114 and a central portion 116. The forward and aft portions 112, 114 are defined by upwardly curved regions 118, 120, respectively, that extend at 45 degrees relative to a flat, planar central portion 116. Each of the forward and aft portions 112, 114 is laterally narrower than the central portion 116 and is also tapered at the curved regions 118, 120. The deck panel 110 is constructed from a composite material (e.g., carbon fiber reinforced polymer) so as to be lightweight and stiff.

[0051] The deck assembly 102 includes a front deck insert 122 and an aft deck insert 124. The deck inserts 122, 124 are constructed from a metallic material (capable of holding screws) and are recessed into the panel 110 with fastening holes 126, 128, respectively, opening into the surface of the deck assembly 102. Each deck insert 122, 124 extends through a respective curved region 118, 120.

[0052] The rear deck insert 124 includes a locking plate 125 constructed from a ferromagnetic material.

[0053] Tiller Assembly 104 5a to 5k show the tiller 104. The tiller 104 is Tiller pivot and fold subassembly 130 (FIGS. 5b to 5g); battery assembly 134 (FIGS. 5h and 5i), a control assembly 135 (FIGS. 5j and 5k), and Spine 132 (Fig. 5l) Equipped with.

[0054] The tiller pivot and fold subassembly 130 is shown in Figures 5b to 5g. The assembly includes the tiller pivot shaft 138, the tiller mount 348 and a fastener 350.

[0055] The tiller pivot shaft includes a main shaft portion 342 and a head 344 that defines a tilt pivot shaft bore 346 (FIGS. 5c and 5g).

[0056] The tiller mount 348 is attached to the tiller main section and is movable therewith. The tiller mount 348 is pivotally mounted to the tiller pivot shaft 138 via a tilt pivot shaft 352 that engages the tilt pivot shaft hole 346. This allows the tiller mount 348 (and the tiller) to rotate about the folding axis FA.

[0057] The fastener 350 comprises two spaced apart plates on either side of the tiller mount 348. The fastener 350 comprises a pedal 354 which is rotatable between a stowed position (FIG. 5d) where it is flush with the tiller mount 348, and a deployed position rotated 90 degrees so that it projects generally parallel to the deck. This allows the pedal 354 to be actuated by the user's foot. The fastener 350 has a pivot pin 356 which allows it to rotate relative to the tiller mount 348. The fastener 350 further comprises an abutment shaft 358 (FIG. 5c).

[0058] The battery assembly 134 is shown in Figures 5d and 5e. The battery assembly 134 comprises a tiller subassembly 300 and a battery module 302. The tiller subassembly comprises power connectors for the transfer of electrical energy from the battery module (e.g., for powering wheel motors, lights, sound) and to the battery module (e.g., for regenerating energy from braking (backdriving the wheel motors)).

[0059] The battery module 302 is configured to be easily installed and removed from the base of the tiller. The module 302 includes a lever 304 that can be lifted in direction L to release a mechanical locking mechanism and allow removal of the module 302 in direction BR. Replacement of the module 302 reconnects the electrical connections between the tiller subassembly 300 and the battery module 302.

[0060] In this particular embodiment, there are three types of battery modules 302: - a mobile pack (module 302), Standard capacity packs, and Large capacity pack.

[0061] Standard and high capacity packs are multiple unit modules that provide a given amount of energy (high capacity packs simply contain more cells).

[0062] The mobility pack embodiment of the module 302 has an energy storage capacity of 320 Whr (Watt-hours). The pack 302 comprises a module carrier 306, a first battery sub-module 308 and a second battery sub-module 310. Each sub-module 308, 310 has a capacity of 160 Whr. This means that the battery sub-modules 308, 310 are independent (e.g. by removing both from the carrier 306) and can be accommodated in passenger carry-on luggage under CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) regulations. This allows permitted transportation of the scooter and associated batteries on aircraft.

[0063] The control assembly 135 is located at the top of the tiller (furthest from the deck in the deployed state) and is shown in Figures 5j and 5k. The control assembly comprises a base region 312 from which first and second arms 314, 316 project vertically upwardly and outwardly at first portions 318, 320 respectively and upwardly and inwardly at second portions 322, 324 respectively, culminating in a crossbar portion 326 joining their respective free ends. The control assembly thus forms a hexagon.

[0064] A user interface 328 is provided mounted on the base region 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 function as an input device to control, for example, sound, ride controls, etc.

[0065] The crossbar 326 provides the main drive control. An accelerator / brake control 328 is provided with a single rotatable control member 330 rotatable about a horizontal control axis CA (parallel to the crossbar 326). The member 330 has two spaced apart control faces 332, 334. One control face 332 is adjacent the left hand arm 314 and the other face 334 is adjacent the right hand arm 316. The faces 332, 334 are cylindrical in shape with recesses 336, 338 formed therein.

[0066] A button array 340 is provided between the surface 332 and the surface 334. The button array 340 includes a horn button 342 and left and right indicator buttons 344, 346.

[0067] The drive control unit is connected and operates as follows.

[0068] A user grasps the second portions 322, 324 of the arms 314, 316, thereby allowing his or her thumbs to rest on one or both of the control surfaces 332, 334 and the buttons 344, 346, 348. The thumbs rest in the recesses 336, 338, allowing the user to rotate the member 330 forwards and backwards. The member 330 is resiliently biased towards a neutral position. Forward rotation about axis CA provides power from the battery to the wheel motor to accelerate the scooter. Releasing the member 330 causes the scooter to freewheel and braking is provided by reversing the direction of rotation (i.e. downwards) to recover electrical energy from the wheel motor (i.e. acting as a generator to charge the battery).

[0069] A user can also use their thumbs to press the horn 348 and the left and right indicators 344, 346. Because the two faces 332, 334 rotate together, the user only needs to keep one thumb pressed down while the other can rest or be used to press one of the other buttons.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 5l, the tiller 104 is supported by a spine 132 that extends from a mounting formation 364 at a first end for mounting to the tiller mount 348, through an elongated U-shaped portion 366 to a first arm 368 and a second arm 370 that form a "Y" shaped spine. The arms 368, 370 extend into first portions 318, 320 of the arms 314, 316 of the control assembly. The spine 132 is mounted inside the tiller and is a substantially unitary component. It is therefore rigid and capable of reacting to both bending loads applied to the tiller by the user's hands and transmitting steering torques required during riding.

[0071] Front wheel suspension and steering assembly 106 6a-6k show the front wheel suspension and steering assembly 106.

[0072] The assembly can be separated into the following parts: a central boss 400 (FIGS. 6b and 6c), Left suspension sub-assembly 402 and left wheel 404 (FIGS. 6d-6g), Right suspension subassembly 406 and right wheel 408; and · Steering sub-assembly 410 (Figures 6h to 6k).

[0073] Central Boss 400 The central boss 400 is shown in detail in Figures 6b and 6c. It is a unitary component constructed from metal. The boss 400 comprises a central cylindrical portion 412 having a through hole 414 that defines a longitudinally oriented deck pivot axis DPA (parallel to axis X).

[0074] 6b, a lower suspension mounting portion 416 is provided immediately below the central cylindrical portion 412. Portion 416 includes left hand lower suspension mounting hole 418 and right hand lower suspension mounting hole 420. Holes 418, 420 are offset from one another and are parallel to deck pivot axis DPA and longitudinal axis X. Grub screw holes are provided in communication with and perpendicular to holes 418, 420 and extend from an underside (not shown) of portion 416.

[0075] Extending downwardly and rearwardly from the central cylindrical portion 412 is a deck support portion 422. The deck support portion 422 includes a pair of lower suspension mounting holes 424, 426 that are aligned directly opposite lower suspension mounting holes 418, 420, respectively, in the lower suspension mounting portion 416. In Figure 6b, only the left-hand lower suspension mounting hole 424 is visible.

[0076] The deck support portion 422 further defines a deck mount bearing surface 428 formed as a concave partial cylindrical surface. The left and right hand sides of the deck support portion 422 are provided with respective anti-camber spring support wings 430, 432.

[0077] A rotation limiting slot 434 is provided on the front surface of the boss 400, directly above the central cylindrical portion 412, and extending parallel to the deck pivot axis DPA and into the boss 400. The slot 434 is arcuate and centered about the deck pivot axis DPA.

[0078] A rotation limiting projection 436 is provided on the rear surface of the boss 400, directly above the central cylindrical portion 412, and extending rearward in parallel with the deck pivot axis DPA.

[0079] An upper suspension mounting portion 438 is provided immediately above the central cylindrical portion 412. Portion 438 includes left and right upper suspension mounting holes 440, 442. Holes 440, 442 are offset from one another and parallel to deck pivot axis DPA and longitudinal axis X. They are directly above the respective lower suspension mounting holes 424, 426. Grub screw holes 444, 446 are provided in communication with and perpendicular to holes 440, 442 and extend from the top surface of portion 438.

[0080] Extending laterally from opposite sides of portion 438 are two parallel left upper wishbone mounting flanges 448, 450 and two parallel right upper wishbone mounting flanges 452, 454. Each flange defines a respective wishbone mounting hole 456, 458, 460, 462, respectively.

[0081] Left suspension subassembly 402 and left wheel 404 The left suspension sub-assembly 402 and wheel 404 are shown in Figures 6d-6f. The left suspension sub-assembly is of an independent double wishbone configuration.

[0082] The assembly includes a left wheel hub 464 , an upper left wheel pivot 466 , a lower left wheel pivot 468 , an upper left wishbone 470 , a lower left wishbone 472 and a left spring damper assembly 474 .

[0083] The left wheel hub 464 includes a body 476 configured for rotational mounting of the left wheel 402 via a DC electric motor mounted within the wheel itself. The DC electric motor is configured to apply torque to the wheel 404 to drive it in rotation about the left front wheel axis FLW.

[0084] The hub 464 further includes a rearwardly extending mudguard mounting flange 478 for mounting a mudguard 480 .

[0085] The left wheel hub has a vertically extending central steering pin receiving hole 482 extending therethrough. Extending forward of the hub is a steering arm 484 which defines a vertical steering pin receiving hole 486.

[0086] A rotation-limiting pin lug 488 is defined projecting laterally inwardly from the hub 464 which defines a pin receiving bore 490 .

[0087] The upper left wheel pivot 466 includes a base portion 492 that defines an arcuate slot 494. A wishbone mounting lug 496 that defines a pivot hole 498 projects upwardly from the base portion 492.

[0088] The lower left wheel pivot 468 includes a base portion 500. A wishbone mounting lug 502 that defines a pivot hole 504 projects downwardly from the base portion 500.

[0089] The left upper wishbone 470 is a generally U-shaped member having a front arm 506 and a rear arm 508 with aligned pivot holes 510, 512 defined in their free ends. Opposite the free end a pivot receiving slot 514 is defined having an intersecting through hole 516.

[0090] The left lower wishbone 472 has a body portion 518, a front arm 520 and a rear arm 522 with aligned pivot holes 524, 526 defined at their free ends. Opposite the free end a pivot receiving slot 528 is defined having an intersecting through hole 530. A spring damper receiving opening 532 is provided in the body portion intersected by a through hole 534.

[0091] The left spring-damper assembly 474 is well known in the art and will not be described in detail. Suffice it to say that it includes a first mounting lug 536 that defines an aperture 538 and a second mounting lug 540 that defines an aperture 542. The spring-damper assembly 474 is of variable length and is compressible and elastically returnable as is well known in the art. It also has damping properties.

[0092] Right suspension subassembly 406 and right wheel 408 The right suspension subassembly and wheel are mirror images of the left suspension subassembly and left wheel as described above. Component references are primed, such as right wheel hub 464'. The right wheel 408 rotates about a right wheel rotation axis FRW and is parallel to the left wheel rotation axis FLW in the neutral steering position.

[0093] Steering Subassembly 410 The steering subassembly 410 includes: Forward deck mount 544, Tiller swivel unit 546, Left Hand Anti-Camber Spring Assembly 548, Right hand anti-camber spring assembly 550, Left hand steering link 552, Right hand steering link 554, · Left-hand steering link central pivot 556 (Fig. 6k), Right-hand steering link central pivot 558 (Fig. 6k), Centering assembly 560 (Fig. 6j) Equipped with.

[0094] The tiller pivot shaft 138 of the tiller assembly 104 is also shown.

[0095] The front deck mount 544 includes a profiled deck abutment surface 562 on the underside of the deck 110. Two spaced apart alignment projections 563, 565 extend from an upper edge of the front deck mount 544 so as to project vertically upward (see also FIG. 2a). The deck mount 544 further includes a shaft receiving aperture 564 that is generally horizontally oriented.

[0096] The tiller pivot section 546 includes a first portion 566 of generally vertical and cylindrical form having a pivot shaft bore 568 extending therethrough to define a tiller pivot axis TPA. At an upper end of the first portion an axially extending spring abutment projection 573 is defined. Extending tangentially on either side of the upper end of the first portion are pivot limit abutments 575, 577. The deck pivot shaft 573 extends perpendicular to the first portion 566 and is generally cylindrical with a profiled end 575.

[0097] The left and right hand anti-camber spring assemblies 548, 550 comprise compression springs.

[0098] The steering links 552, 554 are mirror images of each other, are generally rigid, and are capable of transmitting compressive and tensile loads.

[0099] The centering assembly 560 includes a steering hub 577 , a housing 581 and a torsion spring 576 .

[0100] The steering hub 577 is generally planar and defines a shaft opening 578 therethrough. An arcuate spring abutment 580 is provided adjacent the shaft opening and projecting upwardly from the steering hub 577. A slot 582 is defined radially outwardly from the spring abutment 580. A steering lug 584 is provided projecting downwardly from the steering hub 577.

[0101] Housing 581 is generally concave defining a cavity and a shaft opening 586 therethrough.

[0102] The torsion spring 576 includes a first spring abutment portion 588 and a second spring abutment portion 590 .

[0103] Rear Wheel Assembly 108 The rear wheel assembly 108 is shown in Figures 7a to 7g.

[0104] The rear wheel assembly includes a rear wheel 700 , a rear wheel carriage 702 , a rear deck mount 704 , and a brake subassembly 706 .

[0105] The rear wheels (rear wheels) are generally well known in the art and include a central bearing arrangement that facilitates rotation about the rear wheel axis RW.

[0106] The rear wheel carriage 702 is shown in more detail in Figure 7d. The carriage 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 hole 720, 722. The base portion 718 defines two lower lugs 724, 726 each defining a spring pin receiving hole 728, 730. The base portion 718 also defines a brake spring cavity 732 therethrough and defines a spring abutment portion 734 and two spaced apart brake pivot holes 736, 738 in its opposing wall.

[0107] The aft deck mount 704 includes a profiled deck abutment surface 740 on the underside of the deck 110. The aft deck mount 704 further defines a mounting portion 742 defining two spaced apart wheel carrier mounting lugs 744, 746 which define respective holes 748, 750 (see FIG. 7f). Aft-extending aft abutment arms 752, 754 are provided at the bottom of the lugs 744, 746. A spring damper channel 756 is also defined forward of the mounting portion 742. An extendable spring damper 780 is provided.

[0108] Brake subassembly 706 is shown in Figure 7g. It comprises a wheel contacting brake member 758 in the form of a mudguard and a torsion spring 772. The brake member 758 defines a curved recessed wheel contacting portion 760 and a mounting portion 762 extending outwardly therefrom at one end. The mounting portion 762 has two spaced apart walls 764, 766 which define spring pin holes 768, 770. The torsion spring 772 comprises a first abutment portion 774 and a pair of second abutment portions 776, 778 on either side thereof.

[0109] Assembly and Operation of the First Embodiment Folding The tiller has two positions as shown by comparing Figures 1a and 3a. Transition between these positions is made possible by the tiller pivot and fold subassembly 130.

[0110] Rotation of the tiller is effected by starting in the position of Figure 1a and first lowering the pedal 354 to the deployed position from Figure 5d to Figure 5e. This allows the user to rotate the catch 350 in the direction C1 by placing his / her foot on the pedal 354 (Figure 5e). This rotates the abutment shaft 358 out of interference with the head 344 of the shaft 138. This allows relative rotation of the tiller mount 348 about the folding axis FA, moving from Figure 5e to Figure 5f (lowering the tiller to the position of Figure 3a).

[0111] The tiller is fixed in position relative to the deck by attractive force from a permanent magnet on the tiller attracting the locking plate 125 of the aft deck insert 124. Alignment is assured by engagement of male alignment projections 563, 565 on the deck with corresponding female recesses 360, 362 on the tiller (FIG. 2a). Manual force is used to separate the tiller and deck and return them to the deployed state.

[0112] Front suspension 6d-6g, the left wheel hub 464 is oriented substantially vertically in use, with the wheel 404 mounted thereto via a DC electric motor for rotation about the left front wheel axis FLW. A mudguard 480 is attached to the mudguard mounting flange 478 so as to at least partially cover the wheel 404.

[0113] A center pin (not shown) is provided through the steering center pin receiving hole 482. The upper left wheel pivot section 466 is attached to the upper end of the center pin on the upper side of the left wheel hub 464, and the lower left wheel pivot section 468 is connected to the lower end of the center pin on the opposite side of the left wheel hub 464. The left wheel hub 464 is rotatable about the center pin (and pivot sections 466, 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 limit pin (not shown) inserted into a pin receiving hole 490 of the hub 464 abutting against an end of an arc-shaped elongated hole 494 in the upper left wheel pivot section 466.

[0114] The left upper wishbone 470 is mounted to the left upper wheel pivot 466 for relative rotation via a pivot pin engaged in a pivot hole 498 in the left upper wheel pivot 466 and a through hole 516 in the left upper wishbone 470. A mounting lug 496 sits in the pivot receiving slot 514 of the left upper wishbone 470.

[0115] The left lower wishbone 472 is mounted to the left lower wheel pivot 468 for relative rotation via a pivot pin engaged in a pivot hole 504 in the left lower wheel pivot 468 and a through hole 530 in the left lower wishbone 472. A mounting lug 502 sits in a pivot receiving slot 528 in the left lower wishbone 472.

[0116] The left spring-damper assembly 474 is mounted at a first end to the inboard end of the left upper wishbone 470 via a first mounting lug 536 and at a second end to the outboard end of the left lower wishbone 472 via a second mounting lug 540.

[0117] This assembly is mounted to the central boss 400 as follows: The left upper wishbone 470 is installed on the left hand side of the boss 400 by positioning the wishbone arms on either side of the wishbone mounting flanges 448, 450. The pivot pin passes through alignment holes 460, 462, 510, 512. The left lower wishbone 472 is installed on the left hand side of the boss 400 by positioning the wishbone arms on either side of the lower suspension mounting portion 416. The pivot pin passes through alignment holes 418, 510, 512. The pivot pin extends into the lower suspension mounting hole 424 which is aligned directly opposite the lower suspension mounting hole 418.

[0118] In this manner, a double wishbone suspension arrangement is formed to mount the left wheel on the boss 400. The wheel 404 can move vertically up and down relative to the boss 400 by rotation of the wishbones 470, 472. Upward movement (i.e. downward movement of the vehicle deck) elastically expands the spring damper 474 to provide suspension.

[0119] It should be understood that the right hand wheels are installed in a similar manner.

[0120] Comparing Figures 8a and 8b, the articulation of the front suspension is shown. In Figure 8a, the suspension is in a neutral, unloaded position. The deck is level and all three wheels are at a first height L1. Moving on to Figure 8b, the front wheels (front wheels) are raised relative to the deck to a higher, second height L2. In doing so, both the wheels 404, 408 articulate the left and right suspension subassemblies 402, 406, respectively. For example, for the left suspension 402, the upper and lower wishbones 470, 472 rotate in a counterclockwise direction (towards Figure 8a) to be parallel to the horizontal plane. In doing so, the left spring-damper assembly 474 resiliently compresses, providing a damping force opposite the direction of travel and a resilient restoring force acting to return the wheel position to Figure 8a. Note that the steering links 552, 554 also rotate about their respective end mountings.

[0121] Steering Referring to Figure 6j, a deck pivot shaft 573 is inserted into through hole 414 (Figures 6b and 6c) in boss 400 for rotation about deck pivot axis DPA to pivotally mount tiller pivot 546. A forward deck mount 544 is attached to and secured to the end of deck pivot shaft 573 such that deck mount 544 (and deck, if attached) can pivot relative to boss 400 about the horizontal deck pivot axis DPA.

[0122] The rotational positions of the deck mount 544 and tiller swivel 546 are rebounded back to a neutral position by the use of two anti-camber spring assemblies 548, 550 positioned in compression between the respective anti-camber spring support wings 430, 432 of the boss 400 at the lower end and the deck mount 544 at the upper end.

[0123] The tiller pivot shaft 138 is mounted for rotation about the tiller pivot axis TPA in a pivot shaft bore 568 of the tiller pivot part 546. The tiller pivot shaft also has a centering assembly 560 mounted thereon. A steering hub 577 and a housing 581 encapsulate a torsion spring 576. The tiller pivot part is mounted for rotation in the centering assembly 560. The centering assembly 560 has several functions. First, the spring abutment projection 573 of the tiller pivot part 546 is received in the slot 582 and acts as an abutment for one of the spring abutments 588, 590. As the tiller pivot shaft is rotated about the tiller pivot axis TPA, the separation of the (stationary) spring abutment projection of the steering hub 572 and the moving spring abutment 580 acts to pull on the springs which tend to reposition them. Secondly, the steering hub 572 acts as a rotation limit stop at a given rotation limit (in either direction) and the steering lug 584 abuts against either of the stationary pivot limit abutments 575, 577.

[0124] 6h, steering links 552, 554 are mounted for rotation about a vertical axis from the underside of steering lug 584 of steering hub 572. Both steering links 552, 554 are connected at respective first ends to steering lug 584 and at respective second ends to respective steering arms of the wheel hub. Attachment to the steering hub is via a pivot shaft (e.g., in arm 484 of the left hand hub) that engages a steering pin receiving hole 486.

[0125] As described above, the wheel hubs are rotatable about their respective vertical steering axes. Therefore, the lateral movement of the steering racks to the right or left has the effect of rotating the wheels about their respective steering axes. Referring to FIG. 6l (a view from below the vehicle with the lower wishbones removed), the horizontal distance F1 between the steering axes FLS and FRS is less than the distance F2 between the axes of rotation between the steering links 552, 554 and the respective steering racks 584, 584'. This provides so-called "Ackermann" steering, i.e., when the wheels are turned in a particular direction (closest to the center of the turning circle), the innermost wheel rotates more about the steering axis than the outer wheel. In the present embodiment, since the steering links are in front of the center pins, F1 < F2. Note that when the steering links are behind the center pins, F1 > F2 for Ackermann steering.

[0126] The lateral movement of the steering rack 584 relative to such a boss 400 (to which the suspension is attached) occurs in two modes, namely the steering modes.

[0127] The first mode is "tiller rotation". FIGS. 9a - 9d show this. In FIGS. 9a and 9b, the scooter 100 is in a neutral "ahead of the wheels" position.

[0128] Rotation of the tiller assembly 104 by the rider's hand rotates the tiller shaft about the tiller pivot axis TPA relative to the tiller pivot portion 546 and thus the boss 400. This rotates the steering hub 572, which results in an arcuate lateral movement of the steering rack 584, which acts to steer the wheels simultaneously. This movement can be confirmed by comparing FIGS. 9a and 9b with FIGS. 9c and 9d. In particular, in FIG. 9d, the steering links 552, 554 are moved to the right (or to the left as seen from or towards the rider's perspective) since they are attached to the rack 584 at positions offset from the tiller pivot axis TPA.

[0129] The second mode is "deck roll." Figures 10a to 10f show this mode. Note that Figures 10c and 10f show cross sections passing through the center of the deck 110. Figures 10a to 10c show the scooter 100 in a neutral position.

[0130] In this mode, the deck 110 and therefore the deck mount 544 are rotated by the rider's feet (much like a skateboard or snowboard) to cause rotation of the deck 110 and tiller pivot 546 about the deck pivot axis DPA (noted clearly in FIG. 9b). This results in a sideways arcing motion of the steering lugs 584, which acts to simultaneously steer the wheels about their respective steering axes FLS, FRS.

[0131] The above mechanism supports each mode individually or in combination. Importantly, both modes act to actuate the steering lug 584 which steers the wheels. Note, referring to FIG. 6h, that the horizontal distance between the tiller pivot axis TPA and the steering lug 584 is less than the vertical distance between the deck pivot axis DPA and the steering lug 584.

[0132] Rear suspension The rear wheel 700 is mounted for rotation about the rear wheel axis RW between arms 714, 716 of the rear fork 708. The entire rear wheel carriage 702 (of which the fork 708 is a part) is mounted to the rear deck mount 704 for rotation about the rear wheel suspension axis RWS. A spring damper 780 is recessed within the spring damper channel 756 and is attached at a first end to the rear deck mount 704 and at a second end to the fork 708 (specifically via spring pin receiving holes 728, 730).

[0133] Downward pressure on the deck 110 against the wheel 700 (or a counter-inflected upward force on the wheel 700 against the deck 110) causes the wheel carriage 702 to rotate clockwise about the rear wheel suspension axis RWS as viewed in Figure 7b. This acts to extend the spring damper 780, which provides a damping force opposing the movement as well as a rebound spring force tending to return the rear wheel to its neutral position.

[0134] The rear brake 706 can be pressed against the rear wheel 700 against the bias of a spring 772 to provide frictional braking as is well known in the art. This is typically used as an "emergency" brake since most braking is performed by backdriving the front wheel motor to regenerate energy into the battery.

[0135] Second embodiment 11, a second scooter 1100 in accordance with the present invention is shown. For the purposes of this disclosure, it is useful to define the general directions and axes as follows. - Forward travel direction along the horizontal longitudinal axis X The rotation around this axis is called "roll." - Lateral along the horizontal axis Y The rotation around this axis is called "pitch." Vertical direction along the vertical axis Z The rotation around this axis is called "yaw."

[0136] The scooter 1100 includes a deck assembly 1102, a tiller assembly 1104, a front wheel suspension and steering assembly 1106, and a rear wheel assembly 1108.

[0137] Structure of the second embodiment The second embodiment is identical to the first embodiment with the exception of the rear wheel assembly 1108. As such, the reference numbers for the deck assembly 1102, tiller assembly 1104 and front wheel suspension and steering assembly 1106 are numbered according to the scooter 100, but 1000 higher.

[0138] Rear Wheel Assembly 1108 12a-12g show the rear suspension and steering assembly 1108.

[0139] The assembly can be separated into the following parts: Installation subassembly 1800 (FIGS. 12b-12d); · left suspension subassembly 1802 and left rear wheel 1804 (Fig. 12e), Right suspension subassembly 1806 and right rear wheel 1808 (FIG. 12f), and · Steering subassembly 1810 (Figure 12g).

[0140] Installation Subassembly 1800 12b-12d, the installation subassembly 1800 includes a rear deck mount 1812, a rear boss 1814, a deck pivot shaft 1816 and left and right anti-camber springs 1818,1820.

[0141] The deck mount 1812 includes a profiled deck abutment surface 1822 on the underside of the deck 110. The aft deck mount 1812 further defines a deck pivot shaft opening 1824 that extends generally longitudinally along the deck pivot axis DPA. The deck mount 1812 further defines two downward camber spring attachment points 1826, 1828.

[0142] The aft boss 1814 includes a pivot shaft through hole 1830 that extends along the deck pivot axis DPA. It also defines two spaced apart upward camber spring mounting points 1832, 1834 on either side of the axis DPA. The boss 1814 defines a lower wishbone mounting lug 1836, an upper wishbone mounting lug 1838, and two spaced apart spring damper mounting flanges 1840, 1842, 1844, 1846 on either side of the upper wishbone mounting lug 1838.

[0143] The deck pivot shaft 1816 is generally hollow and cylindrical with a tapered forward end 1848 and a flat rear end 1850 into which a plug 1852 is inserted.

[0144] Left suspension subassembly 1802 and left rear wheel 1804 12e, the left suspension subassembly 1802 is shown. The left suspension subassembly 1802 is of an independent double wishbone configuration. The assembly includes a left wheel hub 1854, an upper left wheel pivot 1856, a lower left wheel pivot 1858, an upper left wishbone 1860, a lower left wishbone 1862, and a left spring damper assembly 1864.

[0145] The left wheel hub 1854 includes a body 1866 configured for rotational mounting of the left wheel 1804 about the left rear wheel axis RLW. The body 1866 defines a steering arm 1868 extending rearwardly therefrom.

[0146] Pivot sections 1856, 1858 are mounted above and below body 1866 and are joined by a steering center pin for rotation therewith about the left rear wheel steering axis RLS.

[0147] The upper and lower wishbones 1860, 1862 and spring damper assembly 1864 are similar to those of the front suspension and will not be described in detail.

[0148] Right suspension sub-assembly and right rear wheel 1808 The right suspension subassembly and wheel are mirror images of the left suspension subassembly and left wheel as described above. The reference numbers for the components are primed, such as right wheel hub 1866'. The right wheel 1804' rotates about a right wheel rotation axis RRW and is parallel to the left wheel rotation axis RLW in the neutral steering position.

[0149] Steering Sub-Assembly The steering subassembly 1806 includes: Deck swivel cam 1870, Left hand steering link 1872, and Right hand steering link 1874 Equipped with.

[0150] Proceeding to FIG. 12g, the deck pivot cam 1870 is a generally flat plate having a pivot shaft receiving formation 1876 and an eccentric portion 1878 with a first set of link openings 1880 at a first radius r1 from the deck pivot axis DPA and a second set of link openings 1882 at a larger second radius r2 from the deck pivot axis DPA.

[0151] Left and right hand steering links 1872, 1874 include respective ball joints 1884, 1886 at their inboard ends and respective ball joints 1888, 1890 at their lateral ends.

[0152] Assembly and Operation of the Second Embodiment 12b-12d, the deck pivot shaft 1816 is attached to the deck mount 1812 by mounting within the aperture 1824. It is then inserted into a through hole 1830 in the boss 1814 such that the deck mount 1812 (and the deck 110 attached thereto) can rotate about the deck pivot axis DPA.

[0153] Relative rotation between the deck mount 1812 and the boss 1814 is controlled by two anti-camber springs 1818, 1820 extending between points 1826, 1832 and points 1828, 1834, respectively. In this manner, the mount 1812 and the boss 1814 are resiliently biased to a neutral position (per FIG. 12a).

[0154] The left and right suspension subassemblies 1802, 1806 are mounted to bosses 1814. An upper wishbone 1860, 1860' is attached to upper wishbone lugs 1838 and a lower wishbone 1862, 1862' is 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.

[0155] The spring damper assemblies 1864, 1864' are positioned to extend between the spring damper mounting flanges 1840, 1842, 1844, 1846 of the boss 1814 and the lower wishbone 1862, 1862'.

[0156] A deck pivot cam 1870 is mounted for rotation with the shaft 1816 on the opposite side of the boss 1814 relative to the deck 110. Steering links 1872, 1874 extend in opposite directions up the steering arms 1868, 1868' from a second set of link openings 1882 in each respective hub 1854, 1854'.

[0157] Comparing Figures 13a and 13b, rear suspension articulation is shown. In Figure 13a, the suspension is in a neutral, unloaded position. The deck is level and all four wheels are at a first height L1. Moving on to Figure 13b, the rear wheels are raised relative to the deck to a higher, second height L2. In doing so, both the wheels 1804, 1808 articulate the left and right suspension subassemblies 1802, 1806, respectively. For example, for the left suspension 1802, the upper and lower wishbones 1860, 1860 rotate in a clockwise direction (towards Figure 13a) to be parallel to the horizontal plane (Figure 13b). In doing so, the left spring-damper assembly 1864 resiliently compresses, providing a damping force opposite the direction of travel and a reaction force acting to return the wheel position to Figure 13a. Note that the steering links 1872, 1874 have also rotated about their respective end mountings.

[0158] The rear steering ability responds only to deck roll (unlike the front wheels that respond to deck roll and tiller turning). Comparing FIGS. 14a and 14b, the rotation of the deck in the clockwise direction around the deck pivot axis DPA causes the deck pivot shaft 1816 in the boss 1814 to rotate against the biasing of the camber prevention springs 1818, 1820. From the above, this inclination to the right (in the traveling direction) causes the front wheels to rotate so as to move to the right (i.e., in the clockwise direction around their respective steering axes FLS, FRS in plan view). Such an operation acts to move the eccentric portion 1878 of the deck pivot cam 1870. Thereby, the steering links 1872, 1874 also move to the right and the hubs 1854, 1854' (and thus the wheels) rotate in the counterclockwise direction in plan view around the rear steering axes RLS, RRS. In other words, the rear wheels move to the left. FIG. 14c shows the steering operation of the wheels 1804, 1808 when the board is tilted. FIG. 14d shows the wheel positions in the tiller turning mode of steering, and the rear wheels 1804, 1808 are not affected by this mode and remain facing forward.

[0159] Referring to FIG. 14e (a view from below the vehicle with the lower wishbones 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 links 1872, 1874 and the respective steering lugs 1868, 1868'. This provides so-called "Ackermann" steering, that is, when the wheels are turned in a specific direction, the innermost wheel (the one closest to the center of the turning circle) rotates more around the steering axis than the outer wheel. In this embodiment, since the steering link is in front of the center pin, R1 < R2. Note that if the steering link is behind the center pin, R1 > R2 for Ackermann steering.

[0160] Adjustment of rear steering in the second embodiment The rear steering subassembly 1810 is adjustable to provide different levels of rear steering assistance to the rider. Comparing Figures 15a and 15b, Figure 15a is configured as described above, i.e., the steering links 1872, 1874 extend in opposite directions above the steering arms 1868, 1868' from a second set of link openings 1882 at each respective hub 1854, 1854'. In Figure 15b, the links 1872, 1874 have been removed and replaced, extending in opposite directions below the steering arms 1868, 1868' from a first set of link openings 1880 at each respective hub 1854, 1854'. The lower radius of the first openings 1880 means that deck rotation provides a very low degree of movement to the links 1872, 1874, resulting in less rear steering effect. This is useful, for example, for beginners and those who are less interested in "carving" turns with deck tilt mode steering.

Claims

1. It is a scooter, A deck for the rider to stand on, a tiller extending upwardly from said deck in use; Two front wheels, a steering system configured to steer the two front wheels about respective steering axes, the steering system including a central boss; at least one rear wheel; Equipped with the tiller is mounted for rotation about a vertical axis relative to the central boss such that the steering system has a first steering mode in which rotation of the tiller about a vertical axis steers the wheels; The deck is mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis relative to the central boss such that the steering system has a second steering mode in which rotation of the deck about a horizontal axis steers the wheels. Scooter.

2. the steering system includes a pair of steering arms connected to each of the front wheels; The steering arm is connected to a steering hub, the steering hub is configured to move with rotation of the tiller in the first steering mode and to move with rotation of the deck in the second steering mode. The scooter according to claim 1.

3. the tiller is mounted on the steering hub for rotation; the tiller is mounted for rotation on a tiller pivot member about the vertical axis; the tiller pivot member is mounted for rotation in the central boss about the horizontal axis; The scooter according to claim 2.

4. 4. A scooter as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, including a resilient centreing mechanism for urging the tiller to a predetermined neutral rotational position relative to the central boss.

5. an anti-camber mechanism for rebounding the deck to a predetermined neutral rotational position relative to the central boss; A scooter according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The two front wheels are mounted on the central boss via a suspension system. A scooter according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The suspension system is a double wishbone suspension system. The scooter according to claim 6.

8. the rear wheels are mounted for rotation in rear wheel mounts; the deck is rotatable about the horizontal axis relative to the rear wheel mount; A scooter according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A pair of the rear wheels; a rear steering mechanism configured to steer the two rear wheels about respective steering axes; Equipped with A scooter according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. Rotation of the deck about the horizontal axis steers the wheels.

10. The scooter according to claim 9.

11. rotation of the deck about the horizontal axis causes the front wheels to steer in a first direction about their respective steering axes and the rear wheels to steer in a second opposite direction about their respective steering axes; The scooter according to claim 10.

12. the rear steering mechanism is configured to steer the rear wheels in the second steering mode but not in the first steering mode; A scooter as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 11.

13. the rear steering mechanism is adjustable to provide at least two steering settings, each steering setting steering the wheels at a different angle in response to a predetermined degree of deck roll; A scooter as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 12.

14. the rear steering mechanism is configured for Ackermann steering; A scooter as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 13.

15. The front steering mechanism is configured for Ackermann steering. A scooter as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14.

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