Provided is an automobile front body structure configured such that a reinforcement member is joined to a cowl panel. The cowl panel includes an upper surface portion, a forwardly bulging portion, a rearwardly bulging portion, and a lower surface portion. The reinforcement member includes a reinforcement member body which has a substantially squared U-shaped section which is bent and extends along the cowl panel, a first joint portion and a second joint portion. The reinforcement member body includes a wide portion of a substantially squared U-shaped section which is wide in the vehicle width direction and extending along the forwardly bulging portion, and a narrow portion such that a substantially squared U-shaped section is narrowed in the vehicle width direction toward the vehicle lower side. A sectional depth of the narrow portion is larger than a sectional depth of the wide portion.

Provided is an automobile front body structure configured such that a reinforcement member is joined to a cowl panel. The cowl panel includes an upper surface portion, a forwardly bulging portion, a rearwardly bulging portion, and a lower surface portion. The reinforcement member includes a reinforcement member body which has a substantially squared U-shaped section which is bent and extends along the cowl panel, a first joint portion and a second joint portion. The reinforcement member body includes a wide portion of a substantially squared U-shaped section which is wide in the vehicle width direction and extending along the forwardly bulging portion, and a narrow portion such that a substantially squared U-shaped section is narrowed in the vehicle width direction toward the vehicle lower side. A sectional depth of the narrow portion is larger than a sectional depth of the wide portion.

Some implementations can include a zero turn radius utility vehicle that is operated in a standing position by an operator using foot controls provided on the utility vehicle. Accordingly, the operator's hands are free to operate handheld equipment (e.g., a line trimmer, edger, blower, etc.) while the operator controls the utility vehicle via the foot controls. Further, the utility vehicle may have a single third wheel (and no mower deck or other deck or protrusion) extending from the front of the vehicle frame so as to minimize any protrusions to the front of the vehicle, which can permit the operator to work on the ground in front of the utility vehicle using handheld equipment without interference from a mower deck, while remaining in a standing position on the utility vehicle and being able to simultaneously control the utility vehicle (via foot controls) and perform work with handheld equipment.

Some implementations can include a zero turn radius utility vehicle that is operated in a standing position by an operator using foot controls provided on the utility vehicle. Accordingly, the operator's hands are free to operate handheld equipment (e.g., a line trimmer, edger, blower, etc.) while the operator controls the utility vehicle via the foot controls. Further, the utility vehicle may have a single third wheel (and no mower deck or other deck or protrusion) extending from the front of the vehicle frame so as to minimize any protrusions to the front of the vehicle, which can permit the operator to work on the ground in front of the utility vehicle using handheld equipment without interference from a mower deck, while remaining in a standing position on the utility vehicle and being able to simultaneously control the utility vehicle (via foot controls) and perform work with handheld equipment.

Methods, systems, and vehicles are provided for controlling a direction of a vehicle using aerodynamic forces. A rudder is positioned on a body of the vehicle. A control system is coupled to the rudder, and comprises a detection unit and a processor. The detection unit is configured to obtain sensor data for the vehicle. The processor is coupled to the detection unit, and is configured to at least facilitate obtaining a measured yaw rate for the vehicle using the sensor data, determining an intended yaw rate for the vehicle using the sensor data, and moving the rudder based at least in part on a comparison between the measured yaw rate and the intended yaw rate.

A method, system and apparatus for carrying a user including a board for supporting the user, a ground-contacting member coupled with the board, a motorized drive assembly coupled with the ground-contacting member and one or more sensors coupled with the drive assembly. In operation, the drive assembly adjusts the velocity of the ground-contacting member based on one or more distances of the board from a surface below the board as detected by the sensors. As a result, the system is able to maintain a desired velocity when ascending, descending or traversing uneven ground without the need for excessive and sometimes impossible tilting of the board.

An apparatus controller for prompting a rider to be positioned on a vehicle in such a manner as to reduce lateral instability due to lateral acceleration of the vehicle. The apparatus has an input for receiving specification from the rider of a desired direction of travel, and indicating means for reflecting to the rider a propitious instantaneous body orientation to enhance stability in the face of lateral acceleration. The indicating may include a handlebar that is pivotable with respect to the vehicle and that is driven in response to vehicle turning.

An electric vehicle may comprise a board including deck portions each configured to receive a foot of a rider, and a wheel assembly disposed between the deck portions. A motor assembly may be mounted to the board and configured to propel the electric vehicle using the wheel assembly. At least one orientation sensor may be configured to measure orientation information of the board, and at least one pressure-sensing transducer may be configured to determine rider presence information. A motor controller may be configured to receive the orientation information and the rider presence information, and to cause the motor assembly to propel the electric vehicle based on the orientation and presence information.

An electric vehicle may comprise a board including deck portions each configured to receive a foot of a rider, and a wheel assembly disposed between the deck portions. A motor assembly may be mounted to the board and configured to propel the electric vehicle using the wheel assembly. At least one orientation sensor may be configured to measure orientation information of the board, and at least one pressure-sensing transducer may be configured to determine rider presence information. A motor controller may be configured to receive the orientation information and the rider presence information, and to cause the motor assembly to propel the electric vehicle based on the orientation and presence information.

A device for transporting a payload (to include a human user) over varied terrain. A platform accommodates the payload. A pair of wheel clusters are mounted to opposite ends of the platform and are powered in rotation relative thereto. Each includes at least two co-planar wheels powered by electric motors. A latch is hand-operable (without tools) to secure the cluster to the platform and, alternatively, allow the cluster to be detached from the platform and rotated 90 to lie parallel thereto. An electrical connector conducts electric power from the platform to the cluster when the latch is operated/actuated to secure the cluster to the platform, and is configured such that it does not impede or obstruct detaching the wheel cluster from the platform, with no requirement that the user take any additional step (other than actuating the latch) to detach the wheel cluster.