A hydraulic device is provided for a human powered vehicle. The hydraulic device includes a piston, a base member, and a hydraulic cylinder. The base member is made of a first non-metallic material. The hydraulic cylinder is provided to the base member and defines a cylinder bore. The hydraulic cylinder includes a main portion in which the piston is movably arranged. The main portion is made of a second non-metallic material that is different from the first non-metallic material.

A hydraulic device is provided for a human powered vehicle. The hydraulic device includes a piston, a base member, and a hydraulic cylinder. The base member is made of a first non-metallic material. The hydraulic cylinder is provided to the base member and defines a cylinder bore. The hydraulic cylinder includes a main portion in which the piston is movably arranged. The main portion is made of a second non-metallic material that is different from the first non-metallic material.

An autonomous electronic bicycle comprises a frame, a wheel that can be powered by a first electronic motor, and a pedal assembly connected to a pedal motor. The pedal assembly is not mechanically connected to the wheel, but the autonomous electronic bicycle simulates a mechanical connection by powering the rear wheel proportional to the user's pedaling force. The autonomous electronic bicycle uses a virtual gear ratio based on the cadence of the rider, the current incline of the bicycle, and the current speed of the bicycle. The virtual gear ratio can be a ratio between a torque of the set of pedals and a torque of the wheel.

The modular bike is a chainless biking device that may be quickly converted from a road bike to an all-off-the-road bike or a racing bike. To accomplish this, the device includes a frame, a drive box, and a plurality of wheels that are detachably attached to one another in an efficient and stable fashion. The device utilizes a hydraulic drive mechanism, which is more efficient than a chain drive mechanism. Further, a quick release mechanism associated with the wheel hubs of the modular bike enable users to quickly change the wheels from the frame for tire and/or spoke repairs. Additionally, the offset arrangement of the drive box and the frame along with the quick release mechanism of the wheels enable users to transform the bike to various configurations to match to the purpose/terrain of the ride etc.

The modular bike is a chainless biking device that may be quickly converted from a road bike to an all-off-the-road bike or a racing bike. To accomplish this, the device includes a frame, a drive box, and a plurality of wheels that are detachably attached to one another in an efficient and stable fashion. The device utilizes a hydraulic drive mechanism, which is more efficient than a chain drive mechanism. Further, a quick release mechanism associated with the wheel hubs of the modular bike enable users to quickly change the wheels from the frame for tire and/or spoke repairs. Additionally, the offset arrangement of the drive box and the frame along with the quick release mechanism of the wheels enable users to transform the bike to various configurations to match to the purpose/terrain of the ride etc.

A system for assisting a user in moving a device relative to a structure comprises a magnetorheological (MR) fluid actuator unit including at least one torque source and at least one MR fluid clutch apparatus having an input coupled to the at least one torque source to receive torque from the at least one torque source, the MR fluid clutch apparatus controllable to transmit a variable amount of assistance force via an output thereof. An interface is configured for coupling the output of the at least one MR fluid clutch apparatus to the device or surrounding structure. At least one sensor provides information about a movement of the device. A processor unit for controlling the at least one MR fluid clutch apparatus in exerting the variable amount of assistance force as a function of said information, wherein the system is configured for one of the MR fluid actuator unit and the interface to be coupled to the structure, and for the other of the MR fluid actuator unit and the interface to be coupled to the device for the assistance force from the MR fluid actuator unit to assist in moving the device.

A system for assisting a user in moving a device relative to a structure comprises a magnetorheological (MR) fluid actuator unit including at least one torque source and at least one MR fluid clutch apparatus having an input coupled to the at least one torque source to receive torque from the at least one torque source, the MR fluid clutch apparatus controllable to transmit a variable amount of assistance force via an output thereof. An interface is configured for coupling the output of the at least one MR fluid clutch apparatus to the device or surrounding structure. At least one sensor provides information about a movement of the device. A processor unit for controlling the at least one MR fluid clutch apparatus in exerting the variable amount of assistance force as a function of said information, wherein the system is configured for one of the MR fluid actuator unit and the interface to be coupled to the structure, and for the other of the MR fluid actuator unit and the interface to be coupled to the device for the assistance force from the MR fluid actuator unit to assist in moving the device.

A system for providing a movement assistance to an electric cycle is provided. The system includes circuitry communicatively coupled to an electronically-actuated driving mechanism and a sensor system of the electric cycle. The circuitry receives sensor information associated with the electric cycle through the sensor system and determines an inclination of the electric cycle with respect to an inclination-reference based on the received sensor information. The circuitry further determines occupancy information associated with a seat of the electric cycle based on the received sensor information. Based on the determined inclination and the determined occupancy information, the circuitry controls the electronically-actuated driving mechanism to drive at least one wheel of the electric cycle.

A system for providing a movement assistance to an electric cycle is provided. The system includes circuitry communicatively coupled to an electronically-actuated driving mechanism and a sensor system of the electric cycle. The circuitry receives sensor information associated with the electric cycle through the sensor system and determines an inclination of the electric cycle with respect to an inclination-reference based on the received sensor information. The circuitry further determines occupancy information associated with a seat of the electric cycle based on the received sensor information. Based on the determined inclination and the determined occupancy information, the circuitry controls the electronically-actuated driving mechanism to drive at least one wheel of the electric cycle.

An autonomous electronic bicycle comprises a frame, a wheel that can be powered by a first electronic motor, and a pedal assembly connected to a pedal motor. The pedal assembly is not mechanically connected to the wheel, but the autonomous electronic bicycle simulates a mechanical connection by powering the rear wheel proportional to the user's pedaling force. The autonomous electronic bicycle uses a virtual gear ratio based on the cadence of the rider, the current incline of the bicycle, and the current speed of the bicycle. The virtual gear ratio can be a ratio between a torque of the set of pedals and a torque of the wheel.