Electric vehicles, electric vehicle systems, and methods for controlling the electric vehicles or electric vehicle systems are described. In one implementation, an electric vehicle includes a main body for carrying a user, a plurality of electric wheels mounted on the main body, and a controller mounted on the main body. The main body includes a front main body and a rear main body removably connected to the front main body. The front main body can move independently when disconnected from the rear main body. In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of electric wheels is mounted on the front main body. The controller is configured to send drive signals to the plurality of electric wheels according to input of the user. The plurality of electric wheels are configured to rotate according to the drive signals. The electric vehicles and the electric vehicle systems described in the present disclosure have a separable main body, advantageously allowing for short or medium distance transportation at low cost, flexibility in turning, and great potential for expanding their functionality.

A steering wheel grip detection device includes a positive electrode terminal electrically connected to a positive electrode of a power source and a negative electrode terminal electrically connected to a negative electrode of the power source. The steering wheel grip detection device further includes a thermostat, a heater, and an inductance element that are electrically connected with one another in this order in series wiring from the positive electrode terminal to the negative electrode terminal, as well as a capacitor through which a wiring path from the thermostat to the heater is electrically connected with the negative electrode terminal. The steering wheel grip detection device has an electrostatic sensor circuit that is electrically connected with a wiring path from the inductance element to the heater and that detects a grip on a steering wheel by a capacitance value of the heater.

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.

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 brake handle device includes a seat body, a microswitch, a wrench and an elastic piece, wherein the microswitch is electrically connected with a driving motor and a power supply, and includes a main body part and a braking part; the main body part is arranged on the seat body; the braking part extends into the main body part and can elastically expand and contract relative to the main body part; the wrench is rotatably arranged on the seat body and can be abutted against the braking part; and the elastic piece is arranged on the seat body and connected with the wrench. The wrench is held to drive the wrench to rotate in the direction close to a handlebar; and the wrench is released to make the wrench rotate and reset.

The disclosure provides a non-contact switch device for use on material handling equipment, including a reed switch and a magnet, wherein the non-contact switch device has on and off positions achieved by the presence or absence of magnetic induction between the magnet and the reed switch. The non-contact switch devices are disclosed in the form of a main power switch, an interlock switch, a limit switch.

The disclosure provides a non-contact switch device for use on material handling equipment, including a reed switch and a magnet, wherein the non-contact switch device has on and off positions achieved by the presence or absence of magnetic induction between the magnet and the reed switch. The non-contact switch devices are disclosed in the form of a main power switch, an interlock switch, a limit switch.

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 working machine has a frame, a ground engaging propulsion system, a drive arrangement for providing motive power to the ground engaging propulsion system, an operator platform pivotally connected to the frame and moveable between a deployed position for supporting an operator thereon and a stowed position; and a sensor arrangement configured to sense when an external force is applied to the operator platform when said operator platform is in the deployed position. The machine prevents movement of the ground engaging propulsion system when the sensor arrangement does not sense an external force applied to the operator platform when said operator platform is in the deployed position.

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.