A control method for an electric vehicle equipped with an electric motor as a driving source, the method including: setting a torque target value as a target value related to a driving torque of the electric vehicle based on vehicle information; calculating a basic feedback compensation value based on a parameter indicating a rotation state of the electric motor and a vehicle model of the electric vehicle; calculating a first feedback compensation value by multiplying the basic feedback compensation value by a first gain; calculating a second feedback compensation value by extracting a predetermined specific frequency component from the basic feedback compensation value and multiplying the specific frequency component by a second gain; calculating a torque command value by correcting the torque target value by the first feedback compensation value and the second feedback compensation value; and driving the electric motor based on the torque command value.

A self-stabilizing, one-wheeled electric skateboard may include improved features. In some examples, the vehicle includes a status indicator viewable through a slot formed in an upper surface of the board. In some examples, the vehicle includes a convertible carrying handle transitionable between stowed and deployed positions. In some examples, the vehicle includes an interchangeable fender and fender substitute that may be removably coupled to an upper surface of the board. In some examples, a motor controller of the vehicle may operate a field-oriented control (FOC) scheme configured to control the electric motor by manipulating a direct current aligned with a rotating rotor flux angle and a quadrature current defined at ninety degrees from the rotating rotor flux angle. In some examples, the motor controller may be configured to permit intuitive dismounting of the vehicle by tilting and/or moving the vehicle backward.

Provided is an inverted pendulum vehicle including a display unit for providing a guide on an operation for putting the vehicle body into the tilted position from the upright position or into the upright position from the tilted position according to a state of the vehicle. In particular, the display unit indicates a direction in which the vehicle body is required to be moved when placing the vehicle body from the tilted position to the upright position and from the upright position to the tilted position.

Vehicles are disclosed that are configured to carry loads in a stabilized manner, such that the load is maintained in a substantially constant position or orientation relative to a predetermined reference point or frame even as the vehicle moves. A stabilization controller in such a vehicle receives information about movement of the vehicle relative to the reference point or plane from one or more sensors on the vehicle, and uses the information to control one or more movable objects by which the load is secured to the vehicle so as to maintain a relatively constant relationship between the load and the reference point or plane.

An apparatus controller for prompting a rider to be positioned on a vehicle in such a manner as to reduce lateral instability due to lateral acceleration of the vehicle. The apparatus has an input for receiving specification from the rider of a desired direction of travel, and indicating means for reflecting to the rider a propitious instantaneous body orientation to enhance stability in the face of lateral acceleration. The indicating may include a handlebar that is pivotable with respect to the vehicle and that is driven in response to vehicle turning.

A powered skateboard having a powered wheel. The performance of the powered wheel can be modified based on one or more signals from one or more sensors on the powered vehicle and/or on a user of the powered vehicle.

An apparatus controller for prompting a rider to be positioned on a vehicle in such a manner as to reduce lateral instability due to lateral acceleration of the vehicle. The apparatus has an input for receiving specification from the rider of a desired direction of travel, and indicating means for reflecting to the rider a propitious instantaneous body orientation to enhance stability in the face of lateral acceleration. The indicating may include a handlebar that is pivotable with respect to the vehicle and that is driven in response to vehicle turning.

A self-balancing powered unicycle is disclosed. The unicycle comprises: a single wheel; a motor adapted to drive the wheel; a balance control system adapted to maintain fore-aft balance of the unicycle device; a foot platform for supporting a user of the unicycle device, wherein the foot platform is movable between a stowed position and an active position; and an actuator coupled to the foot platform and adapted to move the foot platform between the stowed position and active position. The actuator comprises: a guide member; and a connecting element connected to the foot platform and slidably coupled to the guide member at a coupling position such that the coupling position moves relative to the guide member as the foot platform is moved between the stowed position and active position.

A self-propelled, one-wheeled vehicle may include a suspension system configured to provide arcuate, generally vertical motion of a board relative to an axle of a central wheel assembly when the vehicle encounters obstacles and bumps on a riding surface. Illustrative suspension systems may include a shock absorber and a swingarm that couple the wheel assembly to the board.

Control for an auto-balancing transportation device and the transportation devices having such controls. The controls monitoring system power and power use and generating a corrective response when the difference between system (or device or available) power and power use is below a given threshold. Power use may be calculated using a velocity parameter which provides a measure that more accurately reflects the environment conditions in which the device is being use, and provides benefits over a one-speed speed limit. Various corrective responses including pitch back and alarms, including those to a user-borne device are disclosed.