Method and apparatus directed to cushioned traction pads for self-balancing vehicles. The method and apparatus is comprised of a front cushioned traction pad that has a top surface and a bottom surface; attaching the bottom surface of the front cushioned traction pad to a first deck portion disposed at a first end of a frame, the top surface of the front cushioned traction pad configured to receive a left or right foot of a rider; selecting a rear cushioned traction pad that has a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface of the rear cushioned traction pad further has a rear kicktail extending integrally upwardly and rearwardly. The method and apparatus further include attaching the bottom surface of the rear cushioned traction pad to a second deck portion disposed at a second end of the frame for receiving the left or right foot of a rider.

The present invention provides a portable gyroscopic device for the transportation of objects or individuals which comprises: a portable receptacle (A) which comprises: a frame (1) on which an axis (3) of a gyroscopic element comprising one or more masses or flywheel units (2) is mounted; at least one electric motor (8) which actuates at least one mass or flywheel unit of said gyroscopic element mentioned, a source of electric power (5); and electronic control means (6) to operate said electric motor. Besides, the invention provides a set of portable gyroscopic device and accessories for the transportation of objects or individuals which comprises the portable gyroscopic device according to claims 1 to 1 and a transportation platform (11) which comprises elements for the transportation of said platform which are selected between mechanical bearings, drones, an air cushion and an electromagnetic field.

A scooter has a load-carrying deck, a steering rod for steering a front wheel, two outriggers arranged on opposite sides to be pivotable between retracted stowed positions and extended support positions. Each outrigger has a wheel mounted movably on the outrigger to move between a stowed position and a ground-contacting support position. The outriggers when in their support position form a wider loading surface than the deck alone. A control arm is attached to the steering rod for movement between a folded/stowed position lying adjacent to the rod and an operating position extending forward from the steering rod. A sensor detects movement of at least a section of the control arm and, in response thereto, provides control inputs to an electric motor driving a rear wheel.

A ski having vents for venting snow from beneath the ski to a location above the ski and a modified keel that provides for greater and easier directional control over the ski relative to a conventional ski.

A torque stick apparatus for driving a personal transporter across a transport surface by positioning the torque stick apparatus against a drive surface is described. The torque stick apparatus includes a tubular housing, throttle control, battery pack, motor coupled to a wheel, and motor controller. The motor controller is coupled to the motor, the battery pack, and the throttle control. The motor controller determines whether to select regenerative braking mode based at least in part on the position of the throttle control. The motor controller supplies power from the battery pack to the motor in accordance with the throttle control when regenerative braking mode is not selected. The motor controller provides power from the motor to the battery pack when regenerative braking is selected. The battery pack and the motor controller are contained within the housing.

A torque stick apparatus for driving a personal transporter across a transport surface by positioning the torque stick apparatus against a drive surface is described. The torque stick apparatus includes a tubular housing, throttle control, battery pack, motor coupled to a wheel, and motor controller. The motor controller is coupled to the motor, the battery pack, and the throttle control. The motor controller determines whether to select regenerative braking mode based at least in part on the position of the throttle control. The motor controller supplies power from the battery pack to the motor in accordance with the throttle control when regenerative braking mode is not selected. The motor controller provides power from the motor to the battery pack when regenerative braking is selected. The battery pack and the motor controller are contained within the housing.

A movement assistance device comprising a first element for rigidly connecting the device to one foot of a user and transmitting a thrust force to said foot; and a second element linked to the first element by link means and intended to be in contact with the ground; the device further comprises means for transmitting a force from an exogenous energy source, to the first element and/or to the second element, in order to separate them from each other.

A movement assistance device comprising a first element for rigidly connecting the device to one foot of a user and transmitting a thrust force to said foot; and a second element linked to the first element by link means and intended to be in contact with the ground; the device further comprises means for transmitting a force from an exogenous energy source, to the first element and/or to the second element, in order to separate them from each other.

A self-propelled, one-wheeled vehicle may include a board having two deck portions each having a concave front footpad configured to receive a foot of a rider, and a wheel assembly disposed between the deck portions. The concave front footpad has a rider detection sensor in the form of a membrane switch conforming to the shape of the footpad (e.g., facilitated by one or more slots formed in the membrane switch). A motor assembly drives the vehicle in response to board orientation and rider detection information.

Sports equipment comprising a ski (1) and a lift group (G); the ski (1) comprises a longitudinal axis (Z), a tip (11), a tail (12), two lateral edges (13) and a bridge-like structure (15), arranged between the tail (12) and the tip (11), above the ski (1); the bridge-like structure (15) comprises a hooking surface (15a) for bindings (AT) of a user's boot and defining, on a lower side, a duct (16); said lift group (G) comprising an engine unit (M) comprising a motor (2) and a drum (4) moved by the motor (2), a management and control unit (U) connected to the motor (2), a first roller (51) arranged on the tip (11) of the ski (1), a second roller (52) arranged on the tail (12) of the ski (1) and a belt (6) closed on itself and wound longitudinally around the ski under a condition for which it slides around the two rollers (51, 52), being dragged in rotation by the above-mentioned drum (4) and being slidingly inserted on the duct (16); the belt (6) is equipped with a rib sliding in a groove of the ski (1).