A vehicle drive system is provided and generally includes a hub assembly, a drive assembly and a clutch assembly. The hub assembly having wheel hub upon which a wheel assembly is secured. The drive assembly is configured to selectively transmit a motive force to cause the hub to turn. The drive assembly includes a motor with a rotatable motor output shaft, a transmission assembly connected to the motor and receiving in the rotatable motor output shaft into an input opening therein, and a driveshaft connected to an output from the transmission assembly. The clutch assembly connected to the hub assembly and engagebale to the driveshaft.

A vehicle drive system is provided and generally includes a hub assembly, a drive assembly and a clutch assembly. The hub assembly having wheel hub upon which a wheel assembly is secured. The drive assembly is configured to selectively transmit a motive force to cause the hub to turn. The drive assembly includes a motor with a rotatable motor output shaft, a transmission assembly connected to the motor and receiving in the rotatable motor output shaft into an input opening therein, and a driveshaft connected to an output from the transmission assembly. The clutch assembly connected to the hub assembly and engagebale to the driveshaft.

A self-powered towable vehicle has an energy interconnection and distribution unit configured for electrical communication with a power source and an onboard computer of a primary vehicle. A wheel member of the self-powered towable vehicle is selectively movable between an unpowered mode and a powered mode. In the unpowered mode, the wheel member is free rotating. In the powered mode, the wheel member is driven. The energy interconnection and distribution unit is also configured to coordinate movement between the primary vehicle and the self-powered towable vehicle while the primary vehicle is moving. The self-powered towable vehicle is configured to move at a same speed as the primary vehicle when the wheel member of the self-powered towable vehicle is in the powered mode.

A self-powered towable vehicle has an energy interconnection and distribution unit configured for electrical communication with a power source and an onboard computer of a primary vehicle. A wheel member of the self-powered towable vehicle is selectively movable between an unpowered mode and a powered mode. In the unpowered mode, the wheel member is free rotating. In the powered mode, the wheel member is driven. The energy interconnection and distribution unit is also configured to coordinate movement between the primary vehicle and the self-powered towable vehicle while the primary vehicle is moving. The self-powered towable vehicle is configured to move at a same speed as the primary vehicle when the wheel member of the self-powered towable vehicle is in the powered mode.

A trailer for towing a power vehicle is provided and generally includes a frame and a self propelled tandem wheel assembly. The frame includes an undercarriage chassis, and the self propelled tandem wheel assembly is positioned under the undercarriage chassis. The self propelled tandem wheel assembly includes a rear wheel assembly and a front wheel assembly, and the rear wheel assembly and the front wheel assembly are equally positioned to support the undercarriage chassis.

A trailer for towing a power vehicle is provided and generally includes a frame and a self propelled tandem wheel assembly. The frame includes an undercarriage chassis, and the self propelled tandem wheel assembly is positioned under the undercarriage chassis. The self propelled tandem wheel assembly includes a rear wheel assembly and a front wheel assembly, and the rear wheel assembly and the front wheel assembly are equally positioned to support the undercarriage chassis.

A trailer to be attached to a cycle such as a bicycle, or a trailer-cycle set includes a device for controlling the steering and speed or deceleration of the trailer according to input control commands, the controlling device being equipped with means for measuring signals representing the longitudinal force and transverse force applied by the cycle to the trailer, the measuring means comprising sensors, including at least one deformation sensor for measuring the signal representing the longitudinal force applied by the cycle to the trailer and two sensors on the wheels of the trailer for measuring the signals representing the transverse force applied by the cycle to the trailer.

A trailer to be attached to a cycle such as a bicycle, or a trailer-cycle set includes a device for controlling the steering and speed or deceleration of the trailer according to input control commands, the controlling device being equipped with means for measuring signals representing the longitudinal force and transverse force applied by the cycle to the trailer, the measuring means comprising sensors, including at least one deformation sensor for measuring the signal representing the longitudinal force applied by the cycle to the trailer and two sensors on the wheels of the trailer for measuring the signals representing the transverse force applied by the cycle to the trailer.

The solar power system for auxiliary-powered brakes and power system for a tractor-trailer is a supplemental electrical system adapted for use with the trailer of a tractor-trailer. The solar power system for auxiliary-powered brakes and power system for a tractor-trailer is designed to: 1) assist in the acceleration of the trailer; 2) use braking energy to generate and store electricity; 3) supplement the stored energy with a renewable source; and, 4) distribute excess energy to the trailer electrical system. In one potential embodiment of the disclosure, the solar power system for auxiliary-powered brakes and power system for a tractor-trailer provides for tapping into the stored electrical energy for external use. The solar power system for auxiliary-powered brakes and power system for a tractor-trailer comprises a plurality of photovoltaic cells, one or more axle assist devices, an electricity storage device, and a distribution system.

A steering system for a trailer is disclosed. A drawbar is attached to an elongated slide, with the slide attached to the trailer for rotation about a pivot axis. A carriage is mounted for movement along the slide and between ends of the slide. At least one control rod extends between the carriage and a steered wheel of the trailer. With the carriage positioned to one side of the pivot axis, the trailer wheels are steered in the direction of sideways towbar displacement when towed, and with the carriage positioned to the other side of the pivot axis, the trailer wheels are steered in the opposite direction of sideways towbar displacement when backed. An electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic or manual actuator may be used to move and position the carriage on the slide.