Future Motion, Inc.

A method for vibrationally notifying a rider of a self-balancing electric vehicle may include: operating a self-balancing electric vehicle, receiving, at a motor controller of a self-balancing electric vehicle, a measured value corresponding to a first parameter of the self-balancing electric vehicle, and applying a first pattern of vibrational impulses to a motor of the self-balancing electric vehicle in response to the self-balancing electric vehicle satisfying a first operational threshold value.

A method for vibrationally notifying a rider of a self-balancing electric vehicle may include: operating a self-balancing electric vehicle, receiving, at a motor controller of a self-balancing electric vehicle, a measured value corresponding to a first parameter of the self-balancing electric vehicle, and applying a first pattern of vibrational impulses to a motor of the self-balancing electric vehicle in response to the self-balancing electric vehicle satisfying a first operational threshold value.

A self-propelled, one-wheeled vehicle may include a suspension system configured to dampen up and down motion of a board relative to the axle of a central wheel assembly when the vehicle encounters obstacles and bumps on a riding surface. Illustrative suspension systems include a shock absorber, a rocker, a pushrod, bell cranks, and/or a swingarm that couple the axle to the board. The suspension system may be disposed completely below a foot deck of the vehicle.

Footpad assemblies of the present disclosure include a footpad configured to be coupled to a frame of an electric vehicle and a foot engagement structure coupled to the footpad. The foot engagement structure is configured to contact the rider's foot to prevent undesired movement of the rider's foot during use of the electric vehicle. The footpad includes a recess defined in an upper surface of the footpad and an insert is disposed in the recess and coupled to the footpad. The insert is operatively coupled to the foot engagement structure. The foot engagement structure may comprise a foot stop extending above the footpad and configured to abut a side portion of the rider's foot and/or a traction insert configured to contact a bottom of the user's foot to provide grip or traction. The position and rotational orientation of the foot stop relative to the footpad is configured to be adjustable by a user.

A three-wheeled vehicle may include one rear wheel and two front wheels coupled to a tiltable chassis, such that tilting of the chassis causes a corresponding tilting of the three wheels. The tiltable chassis includes a tiltable body coupled to a non-tilting frame by a pair of rotatable joints, such that the tiltable body is configured to rotate relative to the frame. A fore-and-aft connecting beam of the tiltable body extends beneath the frame to accommodate a battery compartment or other storage on top of the frame. A front tower extends upward from a front end of the connecting beam, above the frame, to couple to a tilt linkage and seat post of the vehicle. A rear tower extends upward from a rear end of the connecting beam to retain the rear wheel.

A self-propelled, one-wheeled vehicle may include a suspension system configured to dampen up and down motion of a board relative to the axle of a central wheel assembly when the vehicle encounters obstacles and bumps on a riding surface. Illustrative suspension systems include a shock absorber, a rocker, a pushrod, bell cranks, and/or a swingarm that couple the axle to the board. The suspension system may be disposed completely below a foot deck of the vehicle.

A control system for a tiltable vehicle may include a motor controller configured to respond to backward or reverse operation of the vehicle by hindering a responsiveness of the control system (e.g., proportionally) and/or eventually disengaging a drive motor of the vehicle. Accordingly, a user may intuitively and safely dismount the vehicle by selectively commanding reverse operation. In some examples, the backward direction may be user-defined.

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.

A method for vibrationally notifying a rider of a self-balancing electric vehicle may include: operating a self-balancing electric vehicle, receiving, at a motor controller of a self-balancing electric vehicle, a measured value corresponding to a first parameter of the self-balancing electric vehicle, and applying a first pattern of vibrational impulses to a motor of the self-balancing electric vehicle in response to the self-balancing electric vehicle satisfying a first operational threshold value.