Future Motion, Inc.

Fender assemblies are disclosed, each including a rectangular frame defining a central aperture. The perimeter of the central aperture may have a rounded-rectangle shape. A fender arch in the form of an arcuate sheet, e.g., of carbon fiber (CF), terminates on either end at respective first and second flanges extending outward to form a planar base. The arcuate sheet extends through the central aperture to reach above a top side of the frame and the flanges abut a bottom side of the frame. A mud guard is coupled to the rectangular frame through the first flange of the arcuate sheet, such that the mud guard extends from the first flange away from the second side of the frame. The frame and mud guard may be made of plastic, and may be configured to absorb assembly forces to avoid damaging the CF fender arch.

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.

An electric weight sensing skateboard using one or more strain gauge systems to detect rider-induced strain on one or both trucks, an inertial sensor to detect accelerations and balance position, and wheel speed sensors. Throttle is controlled by rider position, for example, lean forward to increase speed, lean back to slow down. Several drive methods include a driver position detection velocity setpoint control, torque setpoint control, and direct velocity/torque control. A throttle remote is note required. Rider weight activates the motors.

An electric vehicle includes a lateral self-stabilization system and may further include a fore-aft self-stabilization system. The lateral self-stabilization system may include a controller configured to cause an actuator to laterally tilt a frame of the vehicle based on sensed information relating to an orientation of the vehicle, or portion thereof, about a roll axis. The frame of the vehicle may include any suitable structure configured to be laterally tilted by the actuator relative to an axle of the vehicle. The fore-aft stabilization system may include a motor controller configured to drive a motor of the vehicle based on sensed information relating to a pitch angle of the vehicle. In some examples, the vehicle is a robotic vehicle.

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 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. The vehicle may have a secondary battery chargeable via a three-pin charging port including an input pin, a ground pin, and an identification pin configured to receive an expected identification signal from an external charging circuit.

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 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.

An electric weight sensing skateboard using one or more strain gauge systems to detect rider-induced strain on one or both trucks, an inertial sensor to detect accelerations and balance position, and wheel speed sensors. Throttle is controlled by rider position, for example, lean forward to increase speed, lean back to slow down. Several drive methods include a driver position detection velocity setpoint control, torque setpoint control, and direct velocity/torque control. A throttle remote is note required. Rider weight activates the motors.

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.