The power transmission mechanism includes a non-contact power transmission mechanism and a mechanical power transmission mechanism, both of which are provided in parallel on a power unit side or a rear wheel side. The mechanical power transmission mechanism has a crown gear and a pinion that are meshed at the time of low-speed rotation of the engine and are separated at the time of medium-high speed rotation thereof.

The power transmission mechanism includes a non-contact power transmission mechanism and a mechanical power transmission mechanism, both of which are provided in parallel on a power unit side or a rear wheel side. The mechanical power transmission mechanism has a crown gear and a pinion that are meshed at the time of low-speed rotation of the engine and are separated at the time of medium-high speed rotation thereof.

A motorcycle includes a front wheel drive train that supplies power to a front wheel and a rear wheel drive train that supplies power to a rear wheel. The front wheel drive train is configured to drive the front wheel at a selected rate that is faster than a rate at which the rear wheel drive train drives the rear wheel. Driving the front wheel at the selected faster rate relative to the rear wheel provides enhanced steering capabilities in soft terrain, as the front wheel pulls the motorcycle in a direction that the front wheel is pointed.

A motorcycle includes a front wheel drive train that supplies power to a front wheel and a rear wheel drive train that supplies power to a rear wheel. The front wheel drive train is configured to drive the front wheel at a selected rate that is faster than a rate at which the rear wheel drive train drives the rear wheel. Driving the front wheel at the selected faster rate relative to the rear wheel provides enhanced steering capabilities in soft terrain, as the front wheel pulls the motorcycle in a direction that the front wheel is pointed.

A transmission device includes a plurality of guide pins, a first plate having multiple first guide slots, a second plate having multiple second guide slots, and a third plate having multiple third guide slots. A projection of each of the first guide slots on the third plate is deviated from a respective one of the third guide slots in a first rotational direction. A projection of each of the second guide slots is deviated from a respective one of the third guide slots in a second rotational direction which is opposite to the first rotational direction. The guide pins are respectively and slidably disposed in the second guide slots. When the first plate rotates, the guide pins slide synchronously and are equidistant from an axis.

A compound power mechanism and an electric bicycle are provided. The compound power mechanism includes a motor casing fixed to the bicycle, a motor drive shaft coupled with a rotor, and a stator provided in the motor casing. A crank drive shaft is disposed in the motor drive shaft. Two ends of the crank drive shaft extend out of the two ends of the motor drive shaft and are coupled with pedal cranks. A freewheel is coupled to a respective end of the motor drive shaft and the crank drive shaft. A drive sprocket is located between and coupled to the two freewheels and adapted to bring a bicycle chain to turn. The drive sprocket can be driven by the motor drive shaft or by the crank drive shaft when pedaled. The size of the motor is reduced and the cost of manufacture is lowered.

A compound power mechanism and an electric bicycle are provided. The compound power mechanism includes a motor casing fixed to the bicycle, a motor drive shaft coupled with a rotor, and a stator provided in the motor casing. A crank drive shaft is disposed in the motor drive shaft. Two ends of the crank drive shaft extend out of the two ends of the motor drive shaft and are coupled with pedal cranks. A freewheel is coupled to a respective end of the motor drive shaft and the crank drive shaft. A drive sprocket is located between and coupled to the two freewheels and adapted to bring a bicycle chain to turn. The drive sprocket can be driven by the motor drive shaft or by the crank drive shaft when pedaled. The size of the motor is reduced and the cost of manufacture is lowered.

A bicycle configurable for operating using a speed based control system and scheme or a torque based control system and scheme. A speed sensor or a torque sensor may detect an operating characteristic of the bicycle and a controller may determine whether to operate using a speed based control system and scheme or a torque based control system and scheme based on the operating characteristic. A signal from a speed sensor or a torque sensor may be used for determining the mechanical limits of a CVT range and when to incorporate an electric motor.

Vehicle including a frame, a seat mounted to the frame, wheels rotatably mounted on the frame, and drive mechanisms for causing rotation of one wheel. Each drive mechanism includes an arm pivotally attached to the frame at one end, a weight and attached pedal at an opposite end of the arm, and a guide member including a bump and that moves in conjunction with movement of the weight. The guide member has a first end region at which the guide member is pivotally attached to the frame and a second, opposite end region which is free. A roller attached to the arm moves along the guide member during pivotal movement of the arm to cause pivoting of the guide member as the roller engages with the bump. An energy transfer system converts pivotal movement of the guide member into motive power to rotate the wheel.

A drive unit includes a decelerator rotatably supported by a housing, the decelerator including a first transmission gear, a second transmission gear having teeth of a smaller number than that of the first transmission gear, and a transmission shaft to transmit a rotation of the first transmission gear to the second transmission gear; and a bearing supporting the first transmission gear in the housing such that the first transmission gear is rotatable. A distance, in a first direction in which the transmission shaft extends in the housing, from a reference plane to teeth of the first transmission gear is less than a distance in the first direction from the reference plane to an innermost portion of the bearing, in which the reference plane passes through an outermost portion of the bearing and is perpendicular to the first direction.