The drive assembly according to the invention for vehicles comprises a motor support which is mounted movably on the vehicle and which has an electric motor which is connected drivingly to a driving gear. A drive wheel is assigned to the wheel of the vehicle and, for example, is designed as a ring arranged concentrically to the rotation axis of the wheel. The driving gear and the drive wheel are connected to one another drivingly via a traction means, for example a closed toothed belt, a closed chain, a closed band, or the like. The motor support has at least one support wheel, preferably a plurality of support wheels, and optionally a support roller, via which the motor support runs similarly to a rail vehicle on the annular drive wheel. The radial position of the motor support in relation to the rotation axis of the wheel and also the axial position (towards and away from the wheel) are determined by the cooperation of the support wheels and corresponding tracks and optionally a running surface of the drive wheel. The drive assembly described in this regard is particularly smooth-running in this regard, easily accessible, and insensitive to fouling.

The drive assembly according to the invention for vehicles comprises a motor support which is mounted movably on the vehicle and which has an electric motor which is connected drivingly to a driving gear. A drive wheel is assigned to the wheel of the vehicle and, for example, is designed as a ring arranged concentrically to the rotation axis of the wheel. The driving gear and the drive wheel are connected to one another drivingly via a traction means, for example a closed toothed belt, a closed chain, a closed band, or the like. The motor support has at least one support wheel, preferably a plurality of support wheels, and optionally a support roller, via which the motor support runs similarly to a rail vehicle on the annular drive wheel. The radial position of the motor support in relation to the rotation axis of the wheel and also the axial position (towards and away from the wheel) are determined by the cooperation of the support wheels and corresponding tracks and optionally a running surface of the drive wheel. The drive assembly described in this regard is particularly smooth-running in this regard, easily accessible, and insensitive to fouling.

A portable, multi-platform friction drive system with a retractable motor drive assembly (12), containing all needed components of an electric friction drive system in a portable handheld case (10), including motor (18), batteries (34), and all associated electronics (36), as well as a mounting system (30) that enables use on popular bike share bicycles (20), personal bicycles, and kick scooters. Its mounting system (30) enables the friction drive system to be easily installed in seconds on many varieties of bicycles or kick scooters, and to be removed just as easily when no longer needed. And by means of its retractable motor assembly (12), the present invention enables the friction drive system to be as compact, clean, and safe as possible so as to be easily carried and stored when not in use.

A portable, multi-platform friction drive system with a retractable motor drive assembly (12), containing all needed components of an electric friction drive system in a portable handheld case (10), including motor (18), batteries (34), and all associated electronics (36), as well as a mounting system (30) that enables use on popular bike share bicycles (20), personal bicycles, and kick scooters. Its mounting system (30) enables the friction drive system to be easily installed in seconds on many varieties of bicycles or kick scooters, and to be removed just as easily when no longer needed. And by means of its retractable motor assembly (12), the present invention enables the friction drive system to be as compact, clean, and safe as possible so as to be easily carried and stored when not in use.

Powered wheel assemblies and methods of manufacturing and operating such assemblies are provided.

Powered wheel assemblies and methods of manufacturing and operating such assemblies are provided.

A foldable bicycle (100) having a riding configuration and a folded configuration includes a first wheel (102) and a second wheel (104) interconnected by a frame (106). At least the first wheel (102) has an open centre (108) and includes an annular rotor (110) engageable with the ground in the riding configuration of the bicycle (100) and an annular stator (114) carrying the annular rotor (110), and the frame (106) has a pivotal connection with the stator (114) of the first wheel (102) whereby the frame (106) is pivotable relative to the first wheel (102) for folding the bicycle (100). The frame (106) and the second wheel (104) connected thereto are together so dimensioned and arranged to fit within the open centre (108) of the first wheel (102) in the folded configuration of the bicycle (100).

A foldable bicycle (100) having a riding configuration and a folded configuration includes a first wheel (102) and a second wheel (104) interconnected by a frame (106). At least the first wheel (102) has an open centre (108) and includes an annular rotor (110) engageable with the ground in the riding configuration of the bicycle (100) and an annular stator (114) carrying the annular rotor (110), and the frame (106) has a pivotal connection with the stator (114) of the first wheel (102) whereby the frame (106) is pivotable relative to the first wheel (102) for folding the bicycle (100). The frame (106) and the second wheel (104) connected thereto are together so dimensioned and arranged to fit within the open centre (108) of the first wheel (102) in the folded configuration of the bicycle (100).

A propulsion device for a two-wheeled vehicle , in particular for an e-bike, includes: a mechanism for the bottom bracket, provided with cranks and pedals, suitable for providing traction to a rear wheel for manual advancement of the vehicle, a first epicyclic gear reducer coupled with the mechanism for the bottom bracket, drivable by a first control device configured for varying the geometric configuration of the first epicyclic gear reducer and thus the gear ratio, a motor for assisting pedalling interposed between the mechanism for the bottom bracket and the rear wheel, coupled with a second epicyclic gear reducer, drivable by a second control device configured for varying the geometric configuration of the second epicyclic gear reducer and thus the corresponding gear ratio, the second epicyclic gear reducer being coupled and directly in contact with the rear wheel, in order to transmit the movement from the propulsion device thereto.

A propulsion device for a two-wheeled vehicle , in particular for an e-bike, includes: a mechanism for the bottom bracket, provided with cranks and pedals, suitable for providing traction to a rear wheel for manual advancement of the vehicle, a first epicyclic gear reducer coupled with the mechanism for the bottom bracket, drivable by a first control device configured for varying the geometric configuration of the first epicyclic gear reducer and thus the gear ratio, a motor for assisting pedalling interposed between the mechanism for the bottom bracket and the rear wheel, coupled with a second epicyclic gear reducer, drivable by a second control device configured for varying the geometric configuration of the second epicyclic gear reducer and thus the corresponding gear ratio, the second epicyclic gear reducer being coupled and directly in contact with the rear wheel, in order to transmit the movement from the propulsion device thereto.