Uniquely foldable electric scooter with safer and smoother steering technology

Summary

 Quick description:  With increasing fuel costs and environmental concerns, it is increasingly desirable to look for alternative means of personal transportation. An electric scooter can provide a practical solution that meets the needs of urban commuters, university students and children at play.
 Posted by:  Lakehead University
 Published:  23 April 2008
 Patent:  PCT/CA2007/000799 filed May 8, 2007 Pending
 Primary sector:  Physical Sciences
 Seeking / Offering:  Collaboration or Partnership, Non-Exclusive Licensing, Exclusive Licensing
 Areas of interest:  engineering, physics, science and technology
 Website:  visit website


Description

The present technology refers to an electric scooter with a novel combination of features creating a practical personal travel alternative. First, safety is improved over traditional scooters via a novel concept of angled forks in the front end. This allows for a smoother and slower turning radius while not compromising efficiency or overall speed. Additionally, the entire scooter folds in a unique manner to a much smaller volume than that which is commercially available, allowing for easy storage at work or in school. Finally, the design incorporates a friction drive electric motor that can be easily disengaged should the rider wish to push the scooter by traditional foot power. The rider may conveniently choose to recharge the batteries by pushing as well.

Potential Applications

This vehicle provides an advantage to those looking for an environmentally friendly and enjoyable travel alternative — a fast, safe and fun scooter that is able to fold up for compact storage or carrying. Advantages: - A scooter with unique angled forks, allowing for improved safety and handling; - A unique and simple folding method, giving a collapsed volume of less than 0.0457 m3; - An electric friction drive that can be conveniently disengaged and recharged by foot power

State of Development

Working prototype of first version exists. Improved prototype is in development.
 

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Lakehead University
Thunder Bay, Canada

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Barb Eccles
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