An electric weight sensing skateboard using one or more strain gauge systems to detect rider-induced strain on one or both trucks, an inertial sensor to detect accelerations and balance position, and wheel speed sensors. Throttle is controlled by rider position, for example, lean forward to increase speed, lean back to slow down. Several drive methods include a rider position detection velocity setpoint control, torque setpoint control, and direct velocity/torque control. A throttle remote is not required. Rider weight activates the motors.

An energy recovery system for a machine, and particularly a multi-wheeled vehicle, includes an energy generation component housed within one of said wheel assemblies, coupled to an energy storage component which selectively receives energy from said vehicle motion effect on said energy generation component and delivers said energy to a said energy storage component. In one embodiment, said energy generation is an electric generator, and said storage component is an electric battery.

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.

A motor vehicle having an auxiliary stowage compartment for transporting a compact scooter. The motor vehicle having an engine compartment, a passenger compartment, a luggage compartment in addition to the auxiliary stowage compartment. The auxiliary stowage compartment is accessible from the outside of the motor vehicle, and is opened and closed by a cover that is part of the outer skin of the vehicle wherein the additional stowage compartment is configured to receive a compact scooter.

A gear drive balancing scooter is provided that has a left side, a right side, and a center section located between the left and right side. The center section is coupled to the right and left sides through a gear. As the left side moves with respect to the center section, the right side moves in an opposite direction with respect to the center section. Both sides have a respective wheel motor assembly that is used to balance the scooter. To steer the scooter, the user angles one side differently than the other side. The angle of each side determines the rate and direction that each wheel motor assembly rotates. An optional staff extends upwardly from the center section to provide stability.

A motorized wheel assembly adaptable to skateboards provides drive motor and power sources and controls for the directed control of forward or backward propulsion of the skateboard using throttle and braking controls, the motorized wheel, and all skateboard wheels. Weight transfer assemblies for the motorized wheel transfer a portion of a skateboard rider's weight through the front mounted motorized wheel to the ground surface creating sufficient traction for the motorized wheel to propel the skateboard. One weight transfer assembly embodiment provides a pivoting, compression based mounting bracket. Separate embodiments of the weight transfer assemblies include single or dual shock absorbers.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to an electronic drive system for a battery powered ride-on toy vehicle.

A ride-on vehicle is provided that has drive and spin functionalities. The ride-on vehicle comprises a first motor for a first drive wheel, and a second motor for a second drive wheel. The vehicle has a steering wheel having a go selector and a spin selector. A sensor obtains an output of the angular rotation location of the steering wheel. A controller is electrically connected to the first and second motors, the go selector, the spin selector, and the steering wheel sensor, wherein engaging the go selector and turning the steering wheel causes the vehicle to move forward, left or right, depending on the angular location of the steering wheel, and wherein engaging the spin selector and turning the steering wheel causes the vehicle to spin left or spin right, depending on the angular location of the steering wheel. The vehicle may also be controlled remotely by a remote control.

The present invention generally relates to two-wheel, three-wheel or four-wheel electric boards, methods of making and using the boards, and power sources used to propel the boards. In one aspect the present invention provides a two-wheel, three-wheel or four-wheel electric board. The board includes: at least one truck and one battery case attached to a deck; at least two wheels attached to the at least one truck; an electric motor operably connected to at least one wheel and electrically connected to the battery case, wherein there is at least one battery in the battery pack, and wherein the at least one battery comprises a lithium-titanate-based anode.

Electromechanical systems using magnetic fields to induce eddy currents and generate lift are described. Magnet configurations which can be employed in the systems are illustrated. The magnet configuration can be used to generate lift and/or thrust. Arrangements of hover engines, which can employ the magnet configurations, are described. Further, vehicles, which employ the hover engines and associated hover engines are described.