Vehicle

Abstract

The present invention provides a vehicle other than an electric kick scooter which is classified as an exceptional specified small motorized vehicle.　An electric cart according to an embodiment of the present invention is a motor-equipped four-wheeled vehicle having a width of not more than 600 mm as stipulated for exceptional specified small motorized vehicles. The electric cart comprises a seat 15 on which a driver S sits. A seat surface 16 of the seat 15 has a height from the ground surface E so as to satisfy the condition that, when the driver S is sitting on the seat surface 16 and the heels K (bottoms of the feet A) are in contact with the ground, the thighs M are horizontal.

Description

vehicle

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle.

[0002] In Japan, from July 1, 2023, electric scooters and other vehicles that meet certain requirements are now subject to new traffic rules as specified small motorized bicycles, allowing them to be used on sidewalks, etc. (See, for example, Patent Document 1). Some specified small motorized bicycles are classified as special specified small motorized bicycles.

[0003] Jitsuto No. 3244058

[0004] However, other than electric kick scooters, there are currently no other types of specially designated small motorized bicycles that can be used.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a vehicle other than an electric kick scooter that is classified as a special specified small motorized bicycle.

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned objectives, one embodiment of the vehicle is a three- or four-wheel vehicle that meets the body dimensions specified for a specially designated small motorized bicycle, and the height of the lowest seat surface from the ground satisfies the condition that when a driver sat on the lowest seat surface, the soles of the feet touch the ground and the thighs are horizontal.

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle other than an electric kick scooter that is classified as a special specified small motorized bicycle.

[0008] 1 is a side view showing the configuration of an electric cart according to an embodiment of the vehicle of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a front view of the electric cart of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a side view showing a state in which a driver is seated in the electric cart of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a front view of the state of FIG. 3. FIG. 4 is a side view showing the posture of a driver driving the electric cart of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a front view showing the state of FIG. 5. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing examples of seating postures to explain how easy it is for a person to sit in the seat and stand up. FIG. 7(B) is a diagram specifying the height from the ground to the seat surface so as to achieve the seating posture of FIG. 7(B), which shows a posture that makes it easy to sit and stand up. FIG. 8 is a statistical table showing the growth characteristics (relationship between age and height) of general girls. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the pedal depression direction of a general racing kart and an automobile. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the preferred heel position of a driver for operating the pedal in the driving posture of FIG. 5. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the riding posture of an electric cart with the pedal position set to achieve the heel position of FIG. 11. FIG. 12 is a front view showing the driving posture of a driver in a general racing kart, particularly showing the foot rest position. FIG. 13 is a side view showing the driving posture of a driver in a general racing kart, particularly showing the foot rest position. Fig. 6 is a side view showing the driver's driving posture in a typical go-kart, particularly showing the foot placement positions. Fig. 7 is a side view showing the foot placement positions in the front-rear direction (front-rear direction perpendicular to the tire axle) of the electric carts of Fig. 1 to Fig. 6. Fig. 8 is a side view showing the foot placement positions in the height direction (up-down direction perpendicular to the tire axle) of the electric carts of Fig. 1 to Fig. 6.

[0009] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a side view showing the configuration of an electric cart as one embodiment of a vehicle according to the present invention. Fig. 2 is a front view of the electric cart of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a side view showing a state in which a driver is seated in the electric cart of Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a front view of the state of Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a side view showing a driver's posture driving the electric cart of Fig. 1. Fig. 6 is a front view of the state of Fig. 5. In the following description, the directions of front / rear, left / right, and up / down are those seen from the perspective of a passenger (driver) riding in the vehicle, unless otherwise specified.

[0010] [Correction pursuant to Rule 91, 20.09.2024] As shown in Figures 1 through 6, one embodiment of the electric cart of the present invention is a four-wheeled vehicle equipped with an electric motor that meets the body dimensions specified for a specially designated small-sized motorized bicycle. A specially designated small-sized motorized bicycle is one type of specially designated small-sized motorized bicycle. A specially designated small-sized motorized bicycle is one that meets certain standards, such as a width of 600 mm or less, a length of 1900 mm or less, a motor with a maximum output of 0.6 kW or less, and a maximum speed of 20 km / h or less (controlled by a speed control device). A specially designated small-sized motorized bicycle is one that meets certain restrictions, such as the requirement to install and flash a maximum speed indicator light and a maximum speed of 6 km / h or less (controlled by a speed control device).

[0011] The electric cart of this embodiment is classified (defined) as a special specified small motor-driven bicycle, and is equipped with a lower frame 10a, an upper frame 10b, a front tire 11a, a rear tire 11b, a floor panel 12, a brake pedal 13a, an accelerator pedal 13b, slide rails 14, a seat 15, a seat surface 16, a footrest 17, handlebars 18, a front cowl 19, a front panel 20, a guard frame 21, a rear wing 22, an indicator light 23, side guards 24, a front tire fender 25a, a rear tire fender 25b, etc.

[0012] The lower frame 10a and the upper frame 10b are the structural members of the vehicle body, and are formed in a frame shape using pipe frames. A space is provided between the lower frame 10a and the upper frame 10b to accommodate components and units of the battery, electric motor, wiring, drive system, transmission system, and control system.

[0013] Front and rear tires 11a and 11b are rotatably mounted on the lower frame 10a via axles (not shown). An electric motor is connected via gears to one of the axles that rotate the front and rear tires 11a and 11b, and the torque of the electric motor rotates either the front or rear tire 11a or 11b, causing the electric cart to travel. Note that when an in-wheel motor is used, no axles are required.

[0014] A floor panel 12 is disposed on top of the upper frame 10b. This floor panel 12 ensures a space for the driver to drive. A front tire fender 25a and a rear tire fender 25b are fixed to the floor panel 12, and the front tire 11a and the rear tire 11b are covered by the fenders, respectively. Note that the front tire fender 25a and the rear tire fender 25b may also be fixed to the frame.

[0015] A footrest 17 is fixed to the front of the floor panel 12. The footrest 17 is a place where the driver S (see FIG. 5) places the heel K of the foot A. An inclined portion is provided at the front end of the footrest 17, and the brake pedal 13a and the accelerator pedal 13b are provided so as to protrude from the inclined portion.

[0016] The brake pedal 13a and the accelerator pedal 13b are positioned so that when the driver S presses the brake pedal 13a and the accelerator pedal 13b, the height of the heel K is higher (for example, at a position higher by 50 mm or more) than the center of the front tire 11a (for example, the height of position 164 in Figure 16), and the position of the heel K is behind the center of the front tire 11a (in the opposite direction to the direction of travel of the vehicle).

[0017] This positional relationship between the front tire 11a and the brake pedal 13a and accelerator pedal 13b makes it difficult for the foot A of the driver S to be caught in the front tire 11a.

[0018] In addition, by vertically shifting the positional relationship between the front tire 11a and the brake pedal 13a and accelerator pedal 13b and providing a partition with the front tire fender 25a, the foot A does not come into direct contact with the front tire 11a, so the distance between them can be narrowed and the width of the vehicle body can be kept to 600 mm or less.

[0019] The brake pedal 13a and the accelerator pedal 13b are pedals that the driver S steps on with his / her foot A in the direction of travel (forward) of the electric cart to operate the brakes or accelerator. The brake pedal 13a and the accelerator pedal 13b each perform their respective functions when the driver S steps on them with his / her foot A. For example, the brake pedal 13a is located on the left foot side of the driver S. The accelerator pedal 13b is located on the right foot side of the driver S.

[0020] The electric cart can be braked by operating the brake pedal 13a, and can be decelerated and stopped by operating the accelerator pedal 13b.

[0021] [Correction based on Rule 91, 20.09.2024] Slide rails 14 are fixed to the floor panel 12. A seat 15 (seat) having a seat surface 16 is slidably fixed to the slide rails 14. This allows the seat 15 to be moved forward or backward to adjust the angle of the driver S's feet, shins, thighs, etc. to the driver's preferred position for easy standing, sitting, and getting in and out of the vehicle. The height of the seat surface 16 (lowest seat surface) from the ground satisfies the condition that, when a driver S (design standard driver) aged 16 or older sits on the seat surface 16 of the seat 15, the soles of the feet A (e.g., heels K in Figure 3) touch the ground and the thighs M are horizontal, as in the posture shown in Figure 7(B). Specifically, the height of the seat surface 16 from the ground is 400 mm or more. This makes the seat surface easy for the driver S to stand up and sit down.

[0022] Furthermore, the height of the seat 16 from the ground (for example, height 82 in FIG. 8 ) plus the height of a 16-year-old girl (1577 mm)×0.55=sitting height (867.35 mm) in the statistical table shown in FIG. 9 is set to be 1000 mm or more. In this embodiment, the height of the seat 16 from the ground is set to 400 mm or more, and referring to the statistical table in FIG. 9 , if the height of a 5-year-old girl is 109.5 cm (approximately 1100 mm) or more, the combined height of the seat and sitting height will exceed 1 meter (1000 mm), ensuring visibility from other vehicles.

[0023] The brake pedal 13a and the accelerator pedal 13b are arranged so that, assuming that the height of the seat surface 16 from the ground is a standard height (e.g., position 111 in FIG. 11 ), the height of the heel K of the driver S when stepping on the brake pedal 13a and the accelerator pedal 13b from the ground is within a range of up to 200 mm above the standard height (e.g., position 111 in FIG. 11 ) or within a range of up to 300 mm below the standard height (e.g., range 115 in FIG. 11 ). By arranging the brake pedal 13a and the accelerator pedal 13b in such a way that the height of the seat surface 16 from the ground and the positional relationship between the heel K of the driver S are in this way, it is possible to improve the operability of the driver S when operating the brake pedal 13a and the accelerator pedal 13b with the foot A while maintaining the ease of standing and sitting for the driver S as described above.

[0024] A handle 18 is rotatably supported on the floor panel 12 by a support member supported by the lower frame 10a and the upper frame 10b. The handle 18 is a steering unit that changes the angle of the front tires 11a by operating the handle by the driver S, thereby changing the direction of travel of the electric cart. A front panel 20 is supported on the support member that supports the handle 18.

[0025] A front cowl 19 is provided at the tip of the lower frame 10a. A guard frame 21 is also provided at the tip of the lower frame 10a to cover the front cowl 19. The guard frame 21 is a safety component that prevents the rider from being hit by anything that collides with the front of the vehicle. The front cowl 19 is provided to improve aerodynamics and the shape of the vehicle.

[0026] A rear wing 22 is provided at the rear end of the upper frame 10b. The rear wing 22 is provided to improve aerodynamics and the shape of the vehicle.

[0027] Indicator lights 23 are provided on both sides of the rear wing 22 so as to protrude from the rear wing 22. These indicator lights 23 are multiple lamps that function as a maximum speed indicator light, brake light, turn signal light, night light, etc. The indicator lights 23 are provided so that they can be seen from the side or rear.

[0028] Side guards 24 are attached to the sides of the lower frame 10a and the upper frame 10b. The side guards 24 are safety components that absorb impacts from the sides.

[0029] Next, the ease of sitting and standing up when a person sits down will be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. Figures 7(A) to 7(C) are diagrams showing examples of sitting postures to explain the ease of sitting and standing up when a person sits down, where Figure 7(A) shows an example of a chair with a low seat height, Figure 7(B) shows an example of a chair with an appropriate seat height, and Figure 7(C) shows an example of a chair with a high seat height. Figure 8 is a diagram specifying the height from the ground to the seat so that the sitting posture of Figure 7(B), which shows a posture that makes it easy to sit down and stand up, is achieved.

[0030] In the example of the seated posture shown in Figure 7(A), the chair seat height is low, and when a person sits, the backs of the knees are separated from the seat, resulting in an uncomfortable posture and making it difficult to stand up. The lower the seat, the more difficult it is to stand up. In the example of the seated posture shown in Figure 7(C), the chair seat height is high, and when a person sits, the backs of the knees touch the seat, but the soles of the feet do not touch the ground, causing the lower legs to dangle, making it an uncomfortable posture to sit in. The higher the seat, the more difficult it becomes to sit. In the example of the seated posture shown in Figure 7(B), the chair seat height is approximately the same as the length of the person's lower legs, and when a person sits, the soles of the feet touch the ground and the thighs are horizontal. A seat height that allows for such a posture can be said to make it easy to sit and stand up.

[0031] The electric cart of this embodiment is adapted to the seated posture shown in FIG. 7B described above, and as shown in FIG. 8, the height 82 from the ground E to the lowest point 81 of the seat surface of the seat 15 is set to, for example, 40 cm or more.

[0032] For example, the Japan Office Furniture Association (General Incorporated Association) has published a formula for determining the appropriate height for a desk and chair. Using the seated posture in Figure 7(B) as a reference, the formula for determining an ergonomically optimal chair height is expressed as follows (Equation 1): Appropriate seat height (centimeters) = height x 1 / 4... (Equation 1) Substituting specific values ​​into Equation 1, for example, for a person 160 cm tall, the result is 160 x 1 / 4 = 40 cm; for a person 180 cm tall, the result is 180 x 1 / 4 = 45 cm; and for a person 200 cm tall, the result is 200 x 1 / 4 = 50 cm. Since the height of Japanese people these days is in the 170 cm range, closer to 180 cm than 160 cm, the appropriate seat height is 45 cm. Including foreigners in addition to Japanese people, the range is roughly between 160 mm and 200 mm, so a seat height of 40 cm to 50 cm is considered appropriate.

[0033] In addition, for example, when referring to the recommended standards for toilets set by public institutions, it is stated that "the height of the toilet seat should be approximately 40 cm to 50 cm." Based on this guideline, it can be said that a seat height of 40 cm to 50 cm is appropriate.

[0034] As described above, with the electric cart of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 8, by setting the height 82 from the ground E to the lowest point 81 (lowest seating surface) of the seat 15 to, for example, 40 cm or more (preferably 40 cm to 50 cm), the driver S can straddle the electric cart while seated and place both feet on the ground. In this case, the thighs are horizontal, allowing the driver S to sit in a position that is easy to sit or stand up.

[0035] Next, the visibility (how visible the electric cart needs to be to others (other vehicles)) of the electric cart of the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a statistical table showing the growth characteristics (relationship between age and height) of an average girl.

[0036] A report on ensuring vehicle visibility has been made public (https: / / www.itarda.or.jp / contents / 9612 / info141.pdf, published in June 2022). The report points out that "children under the age of three are particularly difficult to see from the driver's seat of a vehicle with a high seating position, such as a minivan, as they are only about 90 cm tall and stand close to the vehicle." Of the vehicles involved in accidents, 30% were minivans, and 22% were minivans and other high-profile vehicles.

[0037] The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) made it mandatory to install a front-mounted detection device on vehicles on June 21, 2023. Specifically, if a one-meter-tall pole placed on the front of the vehicle cannot be seen directly from the driver's seat, a device using a mirror or camera monitor, or a detection system such as sonar must be installed. The pole is designed for five-year-olds, allowing drivers to see children and other pedestrians in their blind spots. In other words, a height of one meter (1,000 mm) is sufficient for visibility.

[0038] The statistical table shown in Figure 9 is statistical data on the height and weight of girls by age from a specified database. Referring to the statistical table, the height of a 5-year-old girl is approximately 110 cm, and the height of a 15-year-old girl is approximately 157 cm. A person's sitting height is generally calculated as "height x 0.55". For example, if the height is 110 cm (for a 5-year-old girl) x 0.55 = 60.5 cm, and if the height is 157 cm (for a 15-year-old girl) x 0.55 = 86.35 cm.

[0039] Adding these seat height values ​​to the minimum seat height of 40 cm (or more) of the electric cart of the embodiment, if the person is 110 cm or taller, the height from the ground to the top of the head of the person seated in the electric cart will be 1 meter or more, satisfying the 1 meter height required for visibility by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. For example, for a 15-year-old girl (height 157 cm), the height from the ground to the top of the head will be 126.35 cm, ensuring a height of 125 cm or more when seated in the electric cart. As a result, a height of 110 cm or more ensures visibility from other vehicles. Since the design standard driver of the electric cart of the embodiment is 16 years of age or older, it can be said that the visibility requirement (e.g., 1 meter) is fully met.

[0040] Next, the pedal depression direction of the electric cart of the embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 10 to 12. Figure 10 is a diagram showing the pedal depression direction of a general racing cart and a car.

[0041] As shown in Figure 10(A), the pedal depression direction 101 of a typical go-kart (racing kart) is the vehicle's forward direction (front of the vehicle). Also, as shown in Figure 10(B), the pedal depression direction 102 of a typical automobile is a downward, forward-facing direction. Therefore, the electric kart of this embodiment also adopts the pedal depression direction 101 of a typical go-kart, allowing the rider to ride with their foot A extended forward relative to the brake pedal 13a and accelerator pedal 13b (see Figures 5 and 12). This, combined with the external shape of the electric kart, gives the rider a go-kart-like appearance and allows the rider to ride in a go-kart-like manner. The brake pedal 13a and accelerator pedal 13b have a pedal structure with protruding front panels (a structure that grows from below).

[0042] Next, the heel position when operating the pedals of the electric cart of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 11 and 12. Figure 11 shows the heel position of the driver that is preferable for operating the pedals in the driving posture of Figure 5. Figure 12 shows the riding posture of the electric cart with the pedals set to the heel position of Figure 11.

[0043] As shown in Figure 11, when operating the pedals in the driving position shown in Figure 5, if the pedals are too high above the seat, it is difficult to apply force, which is not good. Also, if the pedals are too low below the seat, the riding position is no longer that of a go-kart, which is also not good.

[0044] Therefore, assuming that the knees are higher than the waist in the riding posture of a go-kart, and taking pedal operation into consideration, the pedal height was examined at three points for the heel K position: position 111, position 112, and position 113. Here, if the seat height is set to the standard height, for example, heel K position 111 is set to the same height as the seat. Heel K position 112 is set to a height above the seat. Heel K position 113 is set to a height below the seat. As a result of the examination, it was found that the upward position 112 of the heel K is preferably within a range 114 of up to 200 mm above the seat, and that no force can be applied beyond this range. Furthermore, it was found that the downward position 113 of the heel K is preferably within a range 115 of up to 300 mm below the seat, and that a position lower than this would no longer be considered a riding posture for a go-kart.

[0045] When the above results are applied to the electric cart of the embodiment, it is concluded that the preferred pedal height for operating the brake pedal 13a and accelerator pedal 13b when the driver S is in the driving posture shown in Figure 12 is, if the height 123 of the seat from the ground E is the standard height (position 111), the preferred height of the heel K from the ground when the driver S is pressing the pedal is within a range 124 of up to 200 mm above the position 111 or a range 125 of up to 300 mm below the position 111. The footrest 17 is installed so that the heel K is within this range, and the pedals (brake pedal 13a and accelerator pedal 13b) are positioned so that they protrude from the footrest 17. Note that the footrest 17 is not a required element, and the pedals may be positioned so that the heel K is in direct contact with the floor panel 12.

[0046] Next, with reference to Figures 13 to 16, pedal arrangements that prevent feet from getting caught in the tires will be described. Figure 13 is a front view showing the driver's driving posture in a typical racing kart, particularly showing the foot placement positions. Figure 14 is a side view showing the driver's driving posture in a typical racing kart, particularly showing the foot placement positions. Figure 15 is a side view showing the driver's driving posture in a typical go-kart, particularly showing the foot placement positions. Figure 16 is a side view showing the foot placement positions in the front-to-rear direction (the front-to-rear direction perpendicular to the tire axle) of the electric kart of Figures 1 to 6.

[0047] In general, in the racing karts shown in Figures 13 and 14, pedals such as a brake pedal and an accelerator pedal are located inside (close to the center of) the front tire 131 in the width direction of the vehicle body, at a position 144 that is the same height as the axle of the front tire 131 in the height direction, and at a position 143 that is forward of a position 142 of the axle (tire center) of the front tire 131 in the front-to-rear direction, so that the heel of the driver's foot A is located at these positions 143 and 144. Furthermore, the front tire 131 is exposed (no fender is attached to the front tire 131). This positional relationship between the front tire 131 and the pedals is not limited to racing karts, but is also the same for a recreational go-kart shown in Figure 15.

[0048] In general racing karts and recreational go-karts, the tire is supported directly on the frame through a cell structure (the tire axle (rotating shaft) is attached to the frame), so the height is less than 5 cm. In other words, in general racing karts and recreational go-karts, the driver's heel is positioned below or at about the center of the front tire. Although there is a gap 133 of several tens of centimeters between the front tire 131 and the pedal (in the width direction of the vehicle body) as shown in Figure 13, if the driver shifts their foot A sideways, it will come into contact with the front tire 131, so there is still a risk that their foot A will be caught in the front tire 131.

[0049] 16, the electric cart of this embodiment is configured such that the footrest 17 and the pedals (brake pedal 13a and accelerator pedal 13b) are positioned so that the height position 163 of the heel K of the driver S is 5 cm or more above the axle position 164 of the front tire 11a (center of the front wheel), and a front tire fender 25a (see FIGS. 1 and 2) is provided to cover the front tire 11a. Also, the footrest 17 and the pedals (brake pedal 13a and accelerator pedal 13b) are positioned so that the fore-and-aft position 161 of the heel K of the driver S is at least rearward of the axle position 162 of the front tire 11a (center of the front wheel).

[0050] In this way, by using the axle of the front tire 11a as a reference and locating the foot rest 17 above and behind the axle, an environment can be created in which the driver S is forced to place the heel K of the foot A above and behind the axle, making it possible to provide an electric cart with a structure that makes it difficult for the driver's foot A to be caught in the front tire 11a. Furthermore, by providing the front tire fender 25a that covers the front tire 11a, the foot A of the driver S riding on the cart will not come into contact with the front tire 11a even if there is a small distance between the front tire 11a and the foot A, making it difficult for the foot A to be caught in the front tire 11a.

[0051] Next, the frame structure of the electric cart of the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 17. Fig. 17 is a side view showing foot placement positions in the height direction (the vertical direction perpendicular to the tire axle) of the electric cart of Figs.

[0052] As shown in Figure 17, the electric cart of this embodiment uses a frame that is 3 cm or thicker, which makes it possible to create space within the frame to store the battery, to increase the height of the seat surface of the seat 15, and to position the pedals so that the position 175 of the heel K in the height direction is higher than the center 172 of the front tire 11a. Note that the frame that is 3 cm or thicker is not limited to a single frame-shaped frame, but may be configured by combining multiple frames, either above or below, as long as the frame has a certain thickness and has space within it to store the battery.

[0053] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be modified as appropriate.

[0054] In the above embodiment, a four-wheeled electric cart is exemplified as a specially designated small motorized bicycle, but the present invention is not limited to this and may be, for example, a three-wheeled one.

[0055] 1 to 6 are merely examples and are not particularly limited. In other words, the vehicle to which the present invention is applied can take various forms having the following configurations.

[0056] That is, the vehicle to which the present invention is applicable (for example, the electric carts in Figures 1 to 6) is: (1) a three- or four-wheeled vehicle (for example, the electric cart in Figure 1) that meets the body dimensions (for example, width of 600 mm or less) specified for a specially specified small motor-driven bicycle, and the height of the lowest seat surface (for example, seat surface 16 in Figure 1) from the ground satisfies the condition that when a design standard driver (for example, driver S aged 16 or older in Figure 3) sits on the lowest seat surface (for example, seat surface 16 in Figure 1), the soles of the feet (for example, heels K in Figure 3) touch the ground and the thighs (for example, thighs M in Figure 3) are in a horizontal position (for example, the position in Figure 7(B)).

[0057] In this way, even though the vehicle is 600 mm wide or less (for example, the electric cart in Figure 1), the accelerator pedal and brake pedal can be operated with foot A. Furthermore, conventional vehicles, such as electric kick scooters, have two wheels, and in such cases, when stopped, it is necessary to support the vehicle by putting your feet on the ground and supporting with your hands, making it difficult to get on and off. However, the vehicle of the embodiment (for example, the electric cart in Figure 1), although a specially designated small motorized bicycle, has three or four wheels to support the body, making it stable both when ridden and when not ridden.

[0058] (2) The height (e.g., height 82 in FIG. 8 ) of the lowest seat surface (e.g., position 81 indicating the lowest seat surface in FIG. 8 ) from the ground (e.g., ground E in FIG. 8 ) is 400 mm or more. By setting the height (e.g., height 82 in FIG. 8 ) of the lowest seat surface (e.g., position 81 indicating the lowest seat surface in FIG. 8 ) from the ground (e.g., ground E in FIG. 8 ) to 400 mm or more, the driver S can straddle the vehicle while seated and place both feet on the ground. In addition, at this time, the thighs are horizontal, allowing the driver S to sit in a position that is easy to sit and stand up.

[0059] (3) The height of the lowest seat surface (e.g., position 81 indicating the seat surface in Figure 8) from the ground (e.g., ground E in Figure 8) is set so that the height obtained by adding the design standard driver's seat height (e.g., person's height x 0.55 = seat height) to the height (e.g., height 82 in Figure 8) of the lowest seat surface (e.g., position 81 indicating the seat surface in Figure 8) from the ground (e.g., ground E in Figure 8) is 1000 mm or more.

[0060] In this way, by setting the height of the lowest seat surface so that the sum of the driver S's seat height and the ground clearance of the seat surface is 1000 mm or more when the driver S sits on the seat 15, visibility from other vehicles can be ensured.

[0061] (4) The vehicle (e.g., the electric cart of FIG. 1) further includes pedals (e.g., brake pedal 13a (and accelerator pedal 13b) in FIG. 16) that the design standard driver (e.g., driver S aged 16 or older in FIG. 16) steps on with his / her foot in the direction of travel of the vehicle to operate the brake or accelerator. When the height of the lowest seat surface from the ground (e.g., ground E in FIG. 16) is taken as the standard height, the height (e.g., the height from ground E to position 163 in FIG. 16) of the heel (e.g., heel K in FIG. 16) of the design standard driver (e.g., driver S aged 16 or older in FIG. 16) when stepping on the pedal is located above (e.g., at a position 50 mm or higher) the center of the front wheels (e.g., the height of position 164 in FIG. 16), and the position of the heel (e.g., heel K in FIG. 16) is located behind (in the opposite direction to the traveling direction of the vehicle) the center of the front wheels. The pedals (e.g., pedals 13a (and 13b) in FIG. 3) are arranged so that In this way, by locating the foot rest 17 above and behind the axle based on the height and front-to-rear position of the axle of the front tire 11a, the driver S is forced to place the heel K of his / her foot A above and behind the axle, thereby providing an electric cart with a structure that makes it difficult for the driver's foot A to get caught in the front tire 11a. Furthermore, even though the vehicle width is narrow at 600 mm, with the brake pedal and accelerator pedal located on either side of the handlebar axis, and the driver S driving with his / her foot A placed on each pedal, the structure makes it difficult for the foot A to get caught in the front tire 11a, making it possible to provide a vehicle that is safer than conventional go-karts and the like.

[0062] (5) The vehicle (e.g., the electric cart of FIG. 16) further includes a pedal (e.g., pedal 13a (and 13b) of FIG. 3) that the driver (e.g., driver S aged 16 or older in FIG. 16) steps on with foot A in the traveling direction (forward) of the vehicle (e.g., the electric cart of FIG. 16) to operate the brake or accelerator. If the height from the ground of the lowest seat surface (e.g., seat surface 16 in Figure 3) is taken as a standard height (e.g., position 111 in Figure 11), the pedal (e.g., brake pedal 13a (and accelerator pedal 13b) in Figure 3) is positioned so that the height from the ground of the heel (e.g., heel K in Figure 11) of the design standard driver (e.g., driver S in Figure 3) when stepping on the pedal (e.g., brake pedal 13a (and accelerator pedal 13b) in Figure 3) is within a range of up to 200 mm upward (e.g., range 114 in Figure 11) or a range of up to 300 mm downward (e.g., range 115 in Figure 11) from the standard height (e.g., position 111 in Figure 11).

[0063] In this way, the height of the heel (e.g., heel K in FIG. 11 ) of the design standard driver (e.g., driver S in FIG. 3 ) who presses on the pedal (e.g., brake pedal 13 a (and accelerator pedal 13 b) in FIG. 3 ) is set to a maximum of 200 mm upward (e.g., range 114 in FIG. 11 ) or a maximum of 300 mm downward (e.g., range 115 in FIG. 11 ) based on the height of the lowest seat surface (e.g., seat surface 16 in FIG. 3 ) from the ground. This allows the driver S to ride in a go-kart-like vehicle (e.g., the electric cart in FIG. 1 ) while maintaining the pedal operability (e.g., the force with which the pedal is pressed) with the driver S's foot A. That is, the driver S can board the vehicle (e.g., the electric cart in FIG. 1 ) with his / her foot A extended forward relative to the brake pedal 13 a and accelerator pedal 13 b, so that the vehicle looks like a go-kart and can be ridden in a go-kart-like manner.

[0064] S Driver M Thigh A Foot K Heel 10a Lower frame 10b Upper frame 11a Front tire 11b Rear tire 12 Floor panel 13a Brake pedal 13b Accelerator pedal 14 Slide rail 15 Seat 16 Seat surface 17 Footrest 18 Handlebar 19 Front cowl 20 Front panel 21 Guard frame 22 Rear wing 23 Maximum speed indicator light 24 Side guard 25a Front tire fender 25b Rear tire fender

Claims

1. A three- or four-wheeled vehicle that meets the body dimensions specified for a special small motorized bicycle, and the height of the lowest seat surface from the ground satisfies the condition that when a driver sits on the lowest seat surface, the soles of the feet touch the ground and the thighs are horizontal.

2. A vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the height of the lowest seat surface from the ground is 400 mm or more.

3. A vehicle as described in claim 1, wherein the height of the lowest seat surface from the ground is set so that the height obtained by adding the height of the lowest seat surface from the ground to the design standard driver's seat height is 1000 mm or more.

4. A vehicle as described in claim 1, further comprising a pedal that the design standard driver presses with his / her foot in the direction of travel of the vehicle to operate the brake or accelerator, and the pedal is positioned so that, assuming the height of the lowest seat surface from the ground to be the standard height, the height of the heel of the design standard driver's heel from the ground when pressing the pedal is within a range of a maximum of 200 mm above or a maximum of 300 mm below the standard height.

5. [Amendment under Rule 91 20.09.2024] The vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the pedal is positioned so that the height of the heel of the driver when stepping on the pedal is higher than the center of the front wheels and the position of the heel is in the opposite direction to the direction of travel from the center of the front wheels.

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