A motorized vehicle assembly includes an axle comprising a channel extending along a central axis of the axle, a socket positioned within the channel of the axle, and a motorized wheel configured to be mounted on an end the axle. The motorized wheel includes a boss configured to engage the end of the axle when the motorized wheel is mounted on the axle, an electric motor, a tire mounted on the rotor, and a plug positioned within the boss, the plug configured to engage with the socket when the motorized wheel is mounted on the axle. The electric motor includes a stator fixed to the boss and a rotor surrounding the stator, the rotor configured to rotate relative to the stator. The electric motor is configured to cause the rotor to rotate relative to the stator to cause the tire to rotate.

A system, method and apparatus for a digitally Controlled Variable Stiffness item of athletic equipment, such as a Ski, Snowboard, and Boots. A core of thermally responsive metal alloy, such as Nitinol is disposed within the athletic equipment. A thermal control module and controller permit the athlete to program the athletic equipment to a desired stiffness parameter. The controller may include an app operable via a mobile computing device in communication with the thermal control module.

A retractable surface system, which is installed within an opening in a surface and a method of installing the retractable surface system within the opening in the surface. A mat is introduced into the opening. Secured within the mat are inner piers, which include a vertical sleeve to facilitate the lowering of a retractable surface within the opening, and outer piers, which include a vertical support column with upper and lower stops, which stabilize the retractable surface in a raised or lowered position within the opening. Supporting the retractable surface in the opening is a platform. A drive motor is secured to the platform and drives one or more systems for raising and lowering the platform within the opening.

A powered skateboard having a powered wheel. The powered wheel formed of a motor within tire of the wheel. The powered wheel fixed to a truck of the powered skateboard. The powered skateboard including at least one onboard battery to provide electrical power to the powered wheel.

A method for the continuous ranking of a competitor during a race of a slalom skiing type sports discipline includes the following iterative steps: a step of measuring the variation in the lateral angle of the gliding board about a predefined axis, a step of detecting the moment when the angle passes through a predefined value, a step of recording the competitor's run time corresponding to the detected moment, a step of comparing the stored run time with those of the preceding competitors for the corresponding detected moment, and a step of ranking the competitor with respect to the preceding competitors as a function of the run time of each competitor. A ranking system implements the method.

Smart grips for use on ski poles and handlebars are disclosed herein. A smart grip can include a grip body having an opening mateable to a tubular member. A speaker can be disposed in the grip body and a display can be at least partially contained in the grip body. A controller can be disposed in the grip body and includes at least one processor and at least one memory device storing instructions for causing the at least one processor to receive incoming audio data and output said incoming audio data via the speaker. One or more buttons can be positioned on the grip and coupled to the controller. A battery can be disposed in the grip body and coupled to at least the controller.

Presented is an apparatus and system for an artificial turf system. The artificial turf system includes a backing layer having a plurality of fibers extending therefrom. The artificial turf system further includes a plurality of impact sensors located at least partially on, in, and/or beneath the backing layer, wherein the plurality of impact sensors are operable to detect a force or pressure applied to the backing layer.

A retractable surface system, which is installed within an opening in a surface and a method of installing the retractable surface system within the opening in the surface. A mat is introduced into the opening. Secured within the mat are inner piers, which include a vertical sleeve to facilitate the lowering of a retractable surface within the opening, and outer piers, which include a vertical support column with upper and lower stops, which stabilize the retractable surface in a raised or lowered position within the opening. Supporting the retractable surface in the opening is a platform. A drive motor is secured to the platform and drives one or more systems for raising and lowering the platform within the opening.

An electric skateboard comprising: a deck; a front truck and a rear truck; a pair of wheels rotatably connected to each truck, wherein one or both pairs of wheels are driven by sensored motors; a communications module configured to receive control instructions from a wireless remote control and to transmit data to one or more external devices; a controller in communication with the communication module and the motors; and a battery supplying power to the motors, communications module and controller.

In an aspect, a powered vehicle is provided, and includes a body to support a rider. At least one wheel is rotatably coupled to the body to enable travel of the body over a travel surface. At least one motor is coupled to at least one of the at least one wheel to drive rotation thereof. A power source is coupled to the at least one motor to power the at least one motor. A remote sensor unit is wearable by the rider and configured to detect at least one of an orientation, a position, and movement of the rider and transmit sensor data generated therefrom. A motor control unit is coupled to the at least one motor and is configured to receive the sensor data and control the operation of the at least one motor based at least in part on the sensor data.