An electric vehicle includes a lateral self-stabilization system and may further include a fore-aft self-stabilization system. The lateral self-stabilization system may include a controller configured to cause an actuator to laterally tilt a frame of the vehicle based on sensed information relating to an orientation of the vehicle, or portion thereof, about a roll axis. The frame of the vehicle may include any suitable structure configured to be laterally tilted by the actuator relative to an axle of the vehicle. The fore-aft stabilization system may include a motor controller configured to drive a motor of the vehicle based on sensed information relating to a pitch angle of the vehicle. In some examples, the vehicle is a robotic vehicle.

An electric vehicle includes a lateral self-stabilization system and may further include a fore-aft self-stabilization system. The lateral self-stabilization system may include a controller configured to cause an actuator to laterally tilt a frame of the vehicle based on sensed information relating to an orientation of the vehicle, or portion thereof, about a roll axis. The frame of the vehicle may include any suitable structure configured to be laterally tilted by the actuator relative to an axle of the vehicle. The fore-aft stabilization system may include a motor controller configured to drive a motor of the vehicle based on sensed information relating to a pitch angle of the vehicle. In some examples, the vehicle is a robotic vehicle.

A self-propelled, one-wheeled vehicle may include a board having two deck portions each having a concave front footpad configured to receive a foot of a rider, and a wheel assembly disposed between the deck portions. The concave front footpad has a rider detection sensor in the form of a membrane switch conforming to the shape of the footpad (e.g., facilitated by one or more slots formed in the membrane switch). A motor assembly drives the vehicle in response to board orientation and rider detection information. The vehicle may have a secondary battery chargeable via a three-pin charging port including an input pin, a ground pin, and an identification pin configured to receive an expected identification signal from an external charging circuit.

An electric vehicle includes a lateral self-stabilization system and may further include a fore-aft self-stabilization system. The lateral self-stabilization system may include a controller configured to cause an actuator to laterally tilt a frame of the vehicle based on sensed information relating to an orientation of the vehicle, or portion thereof, about a roll axis. The frame of the vehicle may include any suitable structure configured to be laterally tilted by the actuator relative to an axle of the vehicle. The fore-aft stabilization system may include a motor controller configured to drive a motor of the vehicle based on sensed information relating to a pitch angle of the vehicle. In some examples, the vehicle is a robotic vehicle.

An electric vehicle includes a lateral self-stabilization system and may further include a fore-aft self-stabilization system. The lateral self-stabilization system may include a controller configured to cause an actuator to laterally tilt a frame of the vehicle based on sensed information relating to an orientation of the vehicle, or portion thereof, about a roll axis. The frame of the vehicle may include any suitable structure configured to be laterally tilted by the actuator relative to an axle of the vehicle. The fore-aft stabilization system may include a motor controller configured to drive a motor of the vehicle based on sensed information relating to a pitch angle of the vehicle. In some examples, the vehicle is a robotic vehicle.

A method, system and apparatus for carrying a user including a board for supporting the user, a plurality of ground-contacting members coupled with the board, a motorized drive assembly coupled with the ground-contacting members 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.

A method, system and apparatus for carrying a user including a board for supporting the user, a plurality of ground-contacting members coupled with the board, a motorized drive assembly coupled with the ground-contacting members 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.

Method and apparatus directed to cushioned concave pads, cushioned traction pads, and/or grip tape for self-balancing vehicles. The method and apparatus includes front cushioned pads and/or front cushioned traction pads having top surfaces and bottom surfaces; attaching the bottom surfaces of the front cushioned pads and/or the front cushioned traction pads to a first deck portion disposed at a first end of a frame; selecting rear cushioned pads and/or rear cushioned traction pads having top and bottom surfaces. The top surfaces of the rear cushioned pads and/or rear cushioned traction pads can have a rear kicktail extending integrally upwardly and rearwardly. The method and apparatus further include attaching the bottom surfaces of the rear cushioned pads and/or the rear cushioned traction pads to a second deck portion disposed at a second end of the frame.

Method and apparatus directed to cushioned concave pads, cushioned traction pads, and/or grip tape for self-balancing vehicles. The method and apparatus includes front cushioned pads and/or front cushioned traction pads having top surfaces and bottom surfaces; attaching the bottom surfaces of the front cushioned pads and/or the front cushioned traction pads to a first deck portion disposed at a first end of a frame; selecting rear cushioned pads and/or rear cushioned traction pads having top and bottom surfaces. The top surfaces of the rear cushioned pads and/or rear cushioned traction pads can have a rear kicktail extending integrally upwardly and rearwardly. The method and apparatus further include attaching the bottom surfaces of the rear cushioned pads and/or the rear cushioned traction pads to a second deck portion disposed at a second end of the frame.

An electric vehicle may include a board having two deck portions each configured to receive a foot of a rider, and a wheel assembly disposed between the deck portions. A motor assembly may drive the wheel assembly in response to board orientation and rider presence information. A rider detection mechanism may include one or more strain gauges, and may be configured to detect rider presence and rider weight information. A responsiveness of the motor may be automatically adjusted based on the rider weight information.