GB2614334A

GB2614334A - Hybrid vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2614334A
Application number: GB2200032.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Morris Ian
Original assignee: E Pedd Ltd
Current assignee: E Pedd Ltd
Priority date: 2022-01-04
Filing date: 2022-01-04
Publication date: 2023-07-05
Also published as: GB202200032D0

Abstract

A vehicle comprises a body 12 capable of supporting at least three wheels 14 and having a steering device 16 for steering the vehicle, a motor configured to drive one or more of the wheels 14, a power source providing power to the motor, and a set of rotational pedals 22 manually drivable by a user. The pedals 22 may drive a generator 24 which supplies power to the motor and/or a power storage unit such as a battery. Pedal resistance may be varied by a controller. The vehicle may be foldable (figure 19) and may further include stability wheels 34, folding floor plates 30, and a luggage platform 36.

Description

A VEHICLE

FIELD

This invention relates to a vehicle and in particular to a vehicle of the type suitable for use on a golf course, or suitable as a mobility vehicle for a mobility-impaired person. Such vehicles may be used as a golf buggy, for example, or for travelling on pavements and/or roads.

BACKGROUND

Golf is a game that requires a significant amount of walking, and it is well known for golf carts or buggies to be used by players to move around a golf course. It is a game played by a wide demographic, including all ages, and by people with a wide range of physiques and physical fitness. In particular, golf is seen as a sport and pastime that can be enjoyed by people in middle age or later life.

For those players that find it tiring to walk around a golf course, or who have injuries or conditions that make walking long distances difficult, it is common for those players to use a golf buggy vehicle. Such vehicles are typically suitable for carrying one (or more) passengers and their respective sets of clubs.

Golf buggies are typically provided with electric motors in order to drive the vehicle around the course. In this way, a passenger need expend little or no energy in moving around the 25 course.

Outside of the area of golf, mobility vehicles are commonly used by patients in the rehabilitation phase of recovering from injury, and by the elderly, in order to reduce the effort required to travel. When a patient is undergoing rehabilitation from injury or surgery it may not be possible for them to walk medium to long distances. However, medical advice for recovering from such conditions is usually to stay active. For example, a patient recovering from a knee surgery may be asked to ensure that the leg is flexed and used, in order to benefit the recovery process. While limitations on a person's activity may be required, the avoidance of exercise completely can exacerbate the underlying health conditions.

When a person is faced with such challenges, mobility aids such as mobility scooters or buggies are commonly used to allow a user to travel relatively short distances at relatively low speeds.

The present invention seeks to reduce or overcome one or more of the deficiencies associated with the prior art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the invention we provide a vehicle comprising: a body supporting at least three wheels and providing a steering device for steering the vehicle, a motor configured to drive one or more of the wheels, a power source providing power to the motor, and a set of rotational pedals manually drivable by a user.

Additional features of the invention are set out in the numbered claim set appended to this description.

Further embodiments of the invention are set out below by way of example, with reference to the accompanying figures.

It has been recognised that there is a broad category of people for whom either pedalling a vehicle, or using a vehicle that is entirely electric-powered, is inappropriate.

For example, electric golf buggies allow users to travel around a golf course without expending any effort themselves, aided by an electric motor powered by a battery. However, such vehicles prevent the user from exercising, as they would do when walking around the golf course. It is not possible both to move the electric vehicle from one place to another whilst also walking to obtain exercise; a user must choose between the two. For golfers wanting to expend energy yet still use a vehicle, there is currently no satisfactory option to assist those who are recovering from injury, are elderly, or generally less able to move around a golf course.

In relation to mobility vehicles, electric mobility vehicles are suitable for use on pavements and in pedestrianised areas, and such vehicles provide a means of transport for people who are have difficulty walking. However, those using electric vehicles do not have the option to exercise themselves at the same time as using the vehicle. There is therefore a danger that those people relying on an electric mobility vehicle may exacerbate the problems they are experiencing by doing less exercise than they should be doing. Furthermore, such vehicles are often not designed to carry large items and their use is often limited to paved areas since they are not suitable for driving 'off road'.

The present invention seeks to address these issues by providing a 'hybrid' approach.

The vehicle of the present invention includes an electric motor to drive the vehicle, but also provides a set of rotational pedals that are manually operable by a user. The various modes of usage this allows for enable a user to benefit from the provision of an electric motor while at the same time having the option to expend an amount of energy themselves while using the vehicle.

The vehicle of the present invention also provides an environmentally friendly option for anyone wanting to use an electric vehicle, since it provides a mechanism by which a user may generate power, manually, by pedalling. In this way a user may manually charge the battery, or manually contribute to the drive of the vehicle, by pedalling.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In order that the present disclosure may be more readily understood, preferable embodiments of the vehicle will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side view of an embodiment of the vehicle; Figure 2 is a front view of the vehicle of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a rear view of the vehicle of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the vehicle of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a detailed view of a front wheel of a vehicle according to embodiments of the described technology; Figure 6 is a detailed view of a set of handlebars and a dashboard of embodiments of the described technology; Figure? is a further detailed view of the handlebars and dashboard of Figure 6; Figure 8 is a further detailed view of the handlebars and dashboard of Figure 6 from the underside; Figure 9 is a detailed view of a pedal arrangement of a vehicle of embodiments of the described technology; Figure 10 is a perspective view of the pedal arrangement; Figure 11 is a perspective view of an alternative vehicle, according to embodiments of the described technology; Figure 12 is a perspective view of another vehicle according to embodiments of the described technology; Figure 13 is a detailed view of a set of stability wheels; Figure 14 is a perspective view of the underside of the vehicle of Figure 11; Figure 15 is a detailed view of a seat; Figure 16 is a detailed view of a seat mounting bracket; Figure 17 is a perspective view of a seat in a folded position, detached from the vehicle; Figure 18 is a perspective view of portions of a vehicle in a collapsed configuration; and Figure 19 is a further perspective view of the portions of the vehicle in a collapsed configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The figures illustrate a vehicle 10 in accordance with the present disclosure. With reference to the Figures, the vehicle comprises a body 12 supporting at least three wheels 14a, 14b, 14c and provides a steering device 16 for steering the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 also provides a motor 18 configured to drive one or more of the wheels 14a, 14b, 14c, and a power source 20 for providing power to the motor 18. The vehicle 10 further provides a set of pedals 22 manually drivable by a user.

As can be seen in the drawings, the "pedals" are rotational pedals of the type commonly used on a bicycle, rather than foot-lever pedals of the type used in a vehicle to control the operation of a gearbox, engine and brakes (i.e. an accelerator pedal, clutch pedal and brake pedal). References herein to 'pedals' are references to rotational pedals.

With reference to Figures 1 to 4, the body 12 of the vehicle 10 supports a set of vehicle components, including the motor 18, power source 20, and the set of pedals 22, in addition to a seat 32 for supporting the user. The body 12 is designed to support the components of the vehicle 10 and the weight of a user seated in the vehicle 10.

The body 12 may be formed substantially of aluminium, for example, or other suitable materials may be used as would be known to the skilled person in this field. Suitable materials are those that are sufficiently strong to support the weight of the components and user, while being relatively light-weight. For example, the body 12 may be constructed of a composite material, for instance carbon fibre reinforced plastic or glass fibre reinforced plastic. Such components can be manufactured using known composite moulding techniques.

In the embodiments described and illustrated, the vehicle 10 comprises three wheels 14a, 14b, 14c. Importantly, the vehicle 10 provides at least three wheels 14a, 14b, 14c, at least two of those being spaced apart widthways of the vehicle to balance the vehicle. In this way, the vehicle 10 remains upright when unsupported (as opposed to a motorbike or bicycle, which requires support by a user when stationary). In other embodiments, the vehicle 10 comprises four or more wheels. For example, the vehicle 10 may be a four-wheel buggy having two front wheels and two rear wheels, each pair being spaced apart widthways of the vehicle 10.

Preferably, the wheels 14a, 14b, 14c are interchangeable. In embodiments of the disclosure, different types of wheels, having different widths and/or different depths of tread may be used. For example, a first set of wheels may be suitable for driving on a golf course, in which environment the vehicle 10 may need to travel primarily on a grass surface, and over undulating ground. Suitable wheels must be used for this purpose in order to prevent the vehicle 10 from causing damage to the course (for example, by spreading the load of the vehicle 10 across a wider contact area with the surface than might be required for road use, for example). In addition, deeper wheel tread provides better grip for the vehicle 10 when used in damp conditions. A different second set of wheels may be provided for an alternative use. For example, wheels having a narrower wheel base with a shallow tread may be preferred on flat road surfaces or on pavements.

A steering device 16 is used to manoeuvre the vehicle 10. In the example shown in the drawings, the steering device 16 consists of a set of handlebars. Alternatively, a steering wheel (or another appropriate type of steering mechanism) is provided.

With reference to Figure 5, the steering device 16 is connected by means of a shaft 24 formed at the front of the body 12, to the front wheel 14a. The shaft 24 is preferably telescopic, allowing the height of the steering device 16 to be adjusted relative to a base of the body 12 and/or relative to a position of the seat 32, for example. In embodiments and as shown On Figure 2, for example), the shaft 24 is pivotally connected to the body 12 about a pivoting connection 19.

The front wheel 14a is held in position by a bracket 25. The bracket is fixed to the lower end of the shaft 24. In embodiments and as shown, the bracket 25 provides two parallel members, between which the wheel 14a is located. The members each provide a slot that allows an axle of the wheel 14a to be held in position and secured by a nut or the like. In use, the user steers the vehicle 10 by using the steering device 16 to direct the front wheel 14a.

In the embodiments shown in the drawings, the wheels 14 are retained using common fasteners such as nuts (e.g. hexagonal nuts). A quick release arrangement may be used, allowing the wheels 14a, 14b, 14c to be changed quickly without tools. For example, the quick release mechanism may provide a clamping arrangement such as those known for use on bicycles, using a lever movement to clamp and unclamp the wheel 14a, 14b, 14c.

In embodiments in which more than one wheel 14a is provided at the front of the vehicle 10, the steering device 16 may be adapted to steer both of the front wheels using a conventional steering mechanism, such as a rack and pinion or other methods known in the art.

Drive is provided to the vehicle 10 by the motor 18. In embodiments one or more motors 18 are used to provide drive to the vehicle 10. In the embodiment shown, the motor 18 provides drive to the rear wheels 14b, 14c. Alternatively, or in addition, the motor 18 may provide drive to the front wheel 14a.

In embodiments and as shown in the Figures, the motor 18 drives the vehicle 10 through a direct connection to the driven wheels 14b 14c. Alternatively, a gearbox (not shown) can be used to transmit power to the driven wheels 14b, 14c. In the embodiments described, the motor 18 is a DC electric motor and is powered by direct current from the power source 20. It should be understood that the motor 18 might alternatively be an AC motor powered by an AC power source using an electrical inverter.

A power source 20 provides electrical power to the motor 18. In embodiments, and as shown, the power source is a battery 20 comprising one or more cells (of a lithium-ion type for example). In other embodiments the battery 20 may be a lead acid battery or alternatively a nickel-cadmium based battery. In embodiments, the battery 20 is detachable from the vehicle 10. For example, the battery 20 may be rechargeable, and may be removed to be mounted in a charging dock for example, so as to recharge remote from the vehicle 10. In other embodiments, the battery 20 remains in situ on the vehicle and is charged whilst connected to the vehicle 10 by using a charging cable or the like.

A controller is provided, which in embodiments provides electronic control circuitry and a storage device for storing settings. In embodiments, the controller is positioned with or next to the battery 20.

In embodiments, the controller controls the vehicle 10 in accordance with one or more of the following settings: a speed of the vehicle 10, a resistance to rotation of the pedals, or a responsiveness of the pedals to controlling the speed of the vehicle 10. For example, the controller may control the speed of the motor, either directly, or by processing an output rate of rotation of the pedals 22 in order to determine a corresponding speed at which to drive the vehicle.

In embodiments in which a throttle is provided, the controller may be operable to receive control signals representing a throttle position, so as to control the speed of the vehicle 10 while regulating the power flow from the battery to the motor. Therefore the controller is able to vary the speed of the vehicle 10 based on a user input, by adjusting the power delivered to the motors accordingly. In other embodiments in which the user controls speed by varying the rotational speed of the pedals 22, the controller may determine an appropriate motor setting based on their rotational speed.

With reference to Figures 6 to 8, the vehicle 10 comprises a user interface providing a display 46. The display 46 comprises a screen (preferably an LCD display), which is preferably waterproof.

In embodiments of the technology, a user can interact with the interface through the use of push button switches (not shown). Alternatively, the display 46 may be a touch screen. The display 46 may provide the user with information on the speed of the vehicle 10, the battery charge level and/or distance travelled by the vehicle, for example. The display 46 may also provide the user with information on the calories burned while turning the pedals. In embodiments, the display may provide an indication of the percentage of a predefined distance that the user has completed, or a percentage of a predetermined number of calories burned.

In some embodiments of the technology, a user is able to set the level of assistance provided by the motor 18, the resistance of the pedals 22, and/or the mode of operation of the vehicle 10, and/or for example the mechanism of selecting the speed of the vehicle 10 -i.e. via twist grip input or the force that the user applies to the pedals 22, or rotational speed of the pedals 22.

Again with reference to Figure 6 to 8, in embodiments the vehicle 10 comprises one or more mirrors to allow a user to see behind the vehicle 10. For example, a set of wing mirrors 48 may be provided. In the embodiments shown in the drawings, the wing mirrors 48 are attached to the steering device 16-in this case a set of handlebars. In embodiments, the wing mirrors 48 are detachable from the vehicle 10, so that they can be attached when the vehicle 10 is in use on a road or in an urban environment, and can be removed for use on a golf course, for example.

In embodiments of the technology the vehicle 10 comprises a braking mechanism ("brakes"). The brakes may be operated via a brake lever 50 located on or adjacent the steering device 16. The brake may be a frictional brake such as a rim or disc brake located on one or more wheels 14a, 14b, 14c of the vehicle 10. Alternatively, the brake may be an electronic brake, which may automatically engage and disengage when the user starts or stops the vehicle 10.

With reference to Figures 9 and 10, the pedals 22 are now described in more detail. In general, two pedals 22 are provided as is standard in a pedalled vehicle; herein for simplicity we refer to there being two pedals 22. The two pedals 22 move in a circular path around a central axis of rotation. Supporting each pedal, a crank arm extends radially from the central axis of rotation. In embodiments, the crank arm comprises a first arm part 42a and a second arm part 42b which is connected to it by way of one or more fasteners 44. Each of the arm parts 42a, 42b provides a row of apertures, configured to be aligned with one another in multiple positions, each providing a different length of overlap between the first arm part 42a and second arm part 42b. In this way, the user may select an appropriate length of the crank arm, to position the pedal appropriately, align the respective rows of apertures, and secure the first and second arm parts 42a, 42b at that length by inserting the fasteners 44 through a pair of aligned apertures.

In embodiments shown in the drawings, the pedal 22 arrangement comprises an integrated generator unit 28. Alternatively, the generator could be located elsewhere on the vehicle 10 and can be driven by the pedals 22 via a conventional sprocket and chain arrangement, for example.

The vehicle 10 may be operable in one of three modes, discussed below. In embodiments, the mode of operation is selectable by the user, between any two of the three modes, or between all three modes. This selection may be made via the user interface, or via a manual setting on the controller, for example. In other embodiments, the vehicle 10 is configured to operate in only one of the first, second or the third modes.

In a first mode the vehicle 10 uses only the power generated by the pedalling action of the user (and not the battery 20). The power generated may be used directly to power the motors 18 and/or to charge the battery 20. The user simply operates the pedals 22 in order to provide power to the motors 18 and therefore drive the vehicle 10. The user will need to apply more force to the pedals 22, for instance, when an increase in speed is required or when climbing hills. Conversely, the vehicle 10 will slow down or stop if the user reduces the amount of force that is applied to the pedals 22.

In a second mode the power output of the pedals 22 is supplemented by the power supplied by the battery 20, such that the speed of the vehicle 10 may be independent of the power generated when the user turns pedals 22. In this mode, the pedalling action is used as a means of controlling the speed of the vehicle 10. A sensor may be used to monitor the angular position, or RPM of the pedals 22, so that the controller may determine a speed at which to control the motor 18. Alternatively, the relative power output of the generator 28 may be monitored, and used as the basis to determine a desired speed.

When the user pedals, the power generated by the pedals 22 is supplemented by power from the battery 20, allowing the user to move the vehicle 10 with a reduced effort when compared to operation of the vehicle 10 in the first mode at the same speed. The level of assistance provided by the motor 18, and/or the resistance of the pedals 22, may be selected (i.e. increased or decreased) by the user via the display and user interface. For instance, a percentage value may be assigned to the assistance provided by the motor 18 (or an arbitrary setting 'out of 10', for example), giving the user full control of the pedal effort required.

In a third mode the speed of the vehicle 10 is independent of the operation of the pedals 22. In this embodiment the motors are powered by the battery 20 alone. The speed of the vehicle 10 can be controlled through the twist grip input On embodiments providing a twist grip), or via a user interface setting.

In this mode the user is able to use the pedals 22 in order to exercise. However, when operating in the third operating mode, the use of the pedals has no effect on the speed of the vehicle 10 or how the vehicle 10 is powered.

Optionally, when in this third mode, the vehicle 10 may be operated in a configuration in which the vehicle 10 remains stationary while the user operates the pedals 22. In embodiments of the technology, in this configuration, the power generated when the user pedals can be used to charge the battery 20. In alternative embodiments, this configuration of the vehicle 10 allows a user simply to use the pedals for exercise, for example, without use of the generator.

As mentioned above, in embodiments of the technology, the resistance of the pedals 22 may be altered, to make it easier or more difficult for a user to rotate the pedals 22. One of multiple resistance setting can be selected by a user. Optionally, this adjustment can be made either via the user interface or by a manual adjustment of a switch or knob. By altering the resistance setting, this allows the user to increase or decrease the force required to turn the pedals 22. The resistance may be altered using a brake-based system, or through altering direct-contact resistance or via magnetic resistance; mechanisms known in the art for altering resistance on exercise equipment, for example.

With reference to Figures 2, 11 and 12, the vehicle 10 comprises one or more footboards 30 moveable between a first position (shown in Figure 2) and a second position (shown in Figures 11 and 12). In the first position each footboard 30 provides a footrest, and in the second position each footboard 30 is stowed, providing access to the pedals 22 so that the user is able to operate the pedals 22 when seated in the vehicle 10.

When in the first position, the footboards 30 are either substantially horizontal or held at a shallow angle suitable for supporting the feet of a user in a comfortable position. In the first position, the footboard may cover the pedals 22 or cover a portion of the pedals 22.

The footboards 30, in their first position, are held in position by a locking pin (not shown). The locking pin may be actuated by a lever (not shown) located on the vehicle 10, and/or may be manually operable by a user simply inserting or detaching the pin as required. In embodiments, the lever is provided on the handlebars, and in other embodiments the lever is provided on the base 12 or on a portion of the seat 32. Operating the lever causes a cable-actuator to release the locking pin, releasing the footboards 30 from their first position. The footboards 30, once released, may be pushed down by the user's feet if seated, so as to move the or each footboard 30 into their second position. Releasing the level allows a latch to secure the footboards 30 in the second position.

In embodiments, the footboards 30 are returned to their first position by using the lever to release the latch mechanism. The footboards 30 are spring-biased from the second position to the first position, so that releasing the latch mechanism results in the footboards 30 moving to the first position. When returned to the first position, the footboards 30 are once again secured by the locking pin.

In this way, when the user requires the pedals 22, the footboards 30 can be placed in the second position -so as to avoid interfering with the user's ability to pedal when the user is seated in the vehicle. When the pedals 22 are not in use, the footboards 30 may be moved back into their first position to provide a surface for the user to support their feet.

In embodiments of the technology, and with reference to Figures 11 to 14 the vehicle 10 further comprises one or more stability wheels 34. The stability wheels 34 assist in preventing the vehicle 10 from tipping over when driven over uneven terrain.

In embodiments of the technology, the or each stability wheel 34 is moveable between a first position relatively close to the body 12, and a second position relatively spaced from the body 12. In other words, the stability wheels 34 can be moved between a stowed (first) position (shown in Figure 11) and a deployed (second) position (shown in Figure 12). In the first position the stability wheels 34 are stowed so as not to contact the ground beneath the vehicle 10. When in the second position the stability wheels 34 are deployed for contacting the ground.

The wheels 14a, 14b, 14c of the vehicle 10 are aligned in a ground-contacting plane, so that on a level surface each of the wheels 14a, 14b, 14c contacts the ground in that plane.

In embodiments, the stability wheels are disposed at a position raised above the ground contacting plane, when deployed, i.e. the stability wheels 34 do not contact the floor when the vehicle 10 is on level ground. In such an embodiment, the stability wheels 34 are held slightly above the ground when the vehicle 10 is on a flat surface, and provide support to the vehicle when the vehicle 10 inclines on uneven ground. In this way, the stability wheels 34 assist the vehicle 10 in remaining substantially upright, and reduce the risk of the vehicle 10 rolling. It is preferable that the lowest point on stability wheels 34 remain no more than 25mm above the floor when the vehicle 10 is on level ground. It is more preferable that the lowest point on the stability wheel 34 is in the range of 15-25mm above the floor when the vehicle 10 is on level ground.

Also with reference to Figures 11 and 12, we illustrate various configurations of a luggage platform 36. The luggage platform 36 may be movable between a first stowed position (shown in Figure 11) and a second deployed position (shown in Figure 12). The luggage platform is pivotable between these positions about a pivoting connection 35 with a portion of the seat 32 or a portion of the body 12.

In the first position the luggage platform 36 is stowed away behind the seat as shown in Figure 11, so as to lie approximately flat against the seat so as to provide access to the battery 20 and other components in that region of the vehicle 10, for example. In the second position the luggage platform 36 is deployed to a substantially horizontal orientation in which items can be placed and stored a surface of the luggage platform 36. In certain configurations of the vehicle, the luggage platform 36 can be replaced with or accompanied by a securable volume 38. In the configuration as shown in Figure 2 the securable volume comprises an enclosure such as a box or cabinet 38, which may be secured with a lock arrangement. When deployed as illustrated in Figure 12, the luggage platform may support a golf bag 40 or the like. In embodiments, a holding formation is provided for receiving and retaining a golf bag and/or a set of golf clubs, or a golf bag 40 is provided as a component of the vehicle 10.

In embodiments of the technology, the vehicle 10 comprises one or more lights 15. The lights may be illuminated when the vehicle 10 is being used on the road at night or in poor visibility conditions. Operation of the lights 15 may allow other road users to see the vehicle 10 in these conditions. In further embodiments the vehicle 10 may have lights 15 located on the front and/or the back of the vehicle 10. In embodiments the light may be operated via the user interface or alternatively, the light may be operated by a physical switch on the vehicle 10 or by a photoelectric sensor so as to turn on automatically when environmental lighting is insufficient.

With reference to Figures 15, 16 and 17, the seat 32 can be adjusted relative to a base of the body 12 (and/or relative to the position of the steering device 16, for example). The seat 32 may be adjusted so as to alter its height relative to the body 12 of the vehicle 10, and/or to alter its position lengthwise of the body 12 of the vehicle 10, and/or to alter the angle of a portion of the seat 32 relative to the body 12 of the vehicle 10.

In embodiments, the seat 32 is detachable from the vehicle 10. For example, the seat 32 may be removed from the vehicle 10, before the body 12 is collapsed (as discussed below). When fixed to the vehicle 10 the seat 32 is preferably fastened in place using a locking pin 33. In embodiments, the seat 32 may be electrically heated (and therefore connected electrically to the power source). Either a base of the seat 32 (the portion on which the user sits) may be heated, or a back rest portion may be heated, or both. Preferably, either or both of the base and the back rest portion of the seat 32 are padded.

With reference to Figures 18 and 19, the body 12 of the vehicle 10 can be moved between a collapsed configuration (shown in Figure 18 for example) and an in use" configuration (generally shown in Figures 1-4). When in the collapsed configuration, the pedals 22, battery 20 and seat 32 are removed from the vehicle 10, to allow the body 12 to be folded into a compact form. In other embodiments, one or more of the pedals 22, battery 20 and seat 32 may remain attached to the vehicle 10 when the vehicle 10 is collapsed.

In embodiments and as shown in Figure 1 for example, the body 12 is formed of a front portion 12a and a rear portion 12b. The front and rear portions 12a, 12b are joined by a hinged connection 17, as illustrated in Figure 13. When the vehicle 10 is in its "in use" configuration, the front portion 12a and rear portion 12b of the body are aligned in a plane, and locked in that position relative to one another via a locking mechanism such as a twisting or sliding latch, or use of locking bolts, for example. In this way the portions are prevented from pivoting about the hinge 17. The hinge 17, and the join between the front portion 12a and rear portion 12b of the body 12 is disposed at approximately the lengthwise midpoint of the vehicle 10.

Preferably, in embodiments of the vehicle 10 providing stability wheels 34, the stability wheels 34 provided at or around the lengthwise midpoint of the vehicle 10, and adjacent the hinge 17.

To move the body 12 to its collapsed configuration, the locking mechanism is released, and the front portion 12a and rear portion 12b pivoted relative to one another, so as to lie against one another (i.e. offset by an angle less than 15 degrees, and preferably approaching the portions being substantially parallel to one another), forming a compact configuration.

In addition, since the front portion 12a of the body is connected to the shaft 24 at the front of the vehicle 10 by a pivoting connection 19, the shaft can be pivoted relative to the body 12 so that it lies substantially flat against the front portion 12 when the body 12 is collapsed. When in use, the shaft 24 is locked in position by a latch or bolt, for example, to secure the shaft 24 relative to the front portion 12a of the body 12.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The invention may also broadly consist in the parts, elements, steps, examples and/or features referred to or indicated in the specification individually or collectively in any and all combinations of two or more said parts, elements, steps, examples and/or features. In particular, one or more features in any of the embodiments described herein may be combined with one or more features from any other embodiment(s) described herein.

Although certain example embodiments of the invention have been described, the scope of the appended claims is not intended to be limited solely to these embodiments. The claims are to be construed literally, purposively, and/or to encompass equivalents.

Representative features are set out in the following clauses, which stand alone or may be combined, in any combination, with one or more features disclosed in the text and/or

drawings of the specification.

1 A vehicle comprising: a body supporting at least three wheels and providing a steering device for steering the vehicle, a motor configured to drive one or more of the wheels, a power source providing power to the motor, and a set of rotational pedals manually drivable by a user.

2 A vehicle according to clause 1, wherein the pedals are drivingly connected to a generator unit so as to generate power based on rotational drive of the pedals.

3 A vehicle according to clause 2 wherein the pedals, when driven, provide power to the motor or charge the power source or a combination of the two.

4 A vehicle according to any preceding clause wherein the speed of the vehicle is dependent on rotational drive of the pedals.

A vehicle according to any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the speed of the vehicle is independent of rotational drive of the pedals.

6 A vehicle according to clause 2, configured to operate in two or more of the following modes of operation, wherein the mode of operation is selectable by a user, the modes comprising: a first mode in which the motor is powered solely by the pedalling action of the user a second mode in which the motor is powered by the power output of the pedals supplemented by power from the power source; and a third mode in which the motor is powered solely by the power source.

7 A vehicle according to any preceding clause configured so that the resistance of the pedals is variable.

8 A vehicle according to any preceding clause in which the power source is a battery.

9 A vehicle according to any preceding clause, further comprising a footboard moveable between a first position and a second position, so that in the first position the footboard provides a footrest, and in the second position the footboard is stowed providing access to the pedals.

A vehicle according to any preceding clause wherein the body of the vehicle is moveable from a first configuration in which the vehicle may be driven, to a second configuration in which the vehicle is compact for storage or transport.

11 A vehicle according to clause 10 in which the body comprises a front portion and a rear portion, joined by a hinged connection, movable relative to one another between a first configuration of the vehicle in which the front portion and rear portion of the body are aligned in a plane, and a second configuration of the vehicle in which the front portion and rear portion lie against or adjacent one another.

12 A vehicle according to clause 10 or clause 11, wherein at least one of: the pedals, the power source, and the seat, is disconnectable from the body of the vehicle.

13 A vehicle according to any preceding clause further comprising one or more stability wheels for contacting the ground.

14. A vehicle according to clause 13, wherein the wheels of the vehicle are aligned in a ground contacting plane, and wherein the stability wheels are disposed at a position raised above the ground contacting plane.

A vehicle according to clause 13 or clause 14, wherein the or each stability wheel is moveable between a stowed position relatively close to the body, and a deployed position relatively spaced from the body.

16 A vehicle according to any preceding clause further comprising a seat.

17 A vehicle according to any preceding clause further comprising a luggage platform moveable from a stowed position to a deployed position for supporting an object.

18 A vehicle according to clause 16, further comprising a luggage platform pivotably connected to the seat, and moveable from a stowed position in which the luggage platform lies adjacent and substantially parallel to a back rest portion of the seat, to a deployed position for supporting an object.

19 A vehicle according to any preceding clause, where the steering device is a set of handlebars.

A vehicle according to any preceding clause, comprising an interactive user interface providing a display screen.

21 A kit comprising a vehicle according to any one of clauses 1 to 20, having a first set of wheels, and a second set of wheels that is different to the first set, wherein the first set of wheels is interchangeable with the second set of wheels.

Claims

CLAIMS1 A vehicle comprising: a body supporting at least three wheels and providing a steering device for steering the vehicle, a motor configured to drive one or more of the wheels, a power source providing power to the motor, and a set of rotational pedals manually drivable by a user.
2 A vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the pedals are drivingly connected to a generator unit so as to generate power based on rotational drive of the pedals.
3 A vehicle according to claim 2 wherein the pedals, when driven, provide power to the motor or charge the power source or a combination of the two.
4 A vehicle according to any preceding claim wherein the speed of the vehicle is dependent on rotational drive of the pedals.
A vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the speed of the vehicle is independent of rotational drive of the pedals.
6 A vehicle according to claim 2, configured to operate in two or more of the following modes of operation, wherein the mode of operation is selectable by a user, the modes comprising: a first mode in which the motor is powered solely by the pedalling action of the user; a second mode in which the motor is powered by the power output of the pedals supplemented by power from the power source; and a third mode in which the motor is powered solely by the power source.
7 A vehicle according to any preceding claim configured so that the resistance of the pedals is variable.
8 A vehicle according to any preceding claim in which the power source is a battery.
9 A vehicle according to any preceding claim, further comprising a footboard moveable between a first position and a second position, so that in the first position the footboard provides a footrest, and in the second position the footboard is stowed providing access to the pedals.
A vehicle according to any preceding claim wherein the body of the vehicle is moveable from a first configuration in which the vehicle may be driven, to a second configuration in which the vehicle is compact for storage or transport.
11 A vehicle according to claim 10 in which the body comprises a front portion and a rear portion, joined by a hinged connection, movable relative to one another between a first configuration of the vehicle in which the front portion and rear portion of the body are aligned in a plane, and a second configuration of the vehicle in which the front portion and rear portion lie against or adjacent one another.
12 A vehicle according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein at least one of: the pedals, the power source, and the seat, is disconnectable from the body of the vehicle.
13 A vehicle according to any preceding claim further comprising one or more stability wheels for contacting the ground.
14. A vehicle according to claim 13, wherein the wheels of the vehicle are aligned in a ground contacting plane, and wherein the stability wheels are disposed at a position raised above the ground contacting plane.
A vehicle according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the or each stability wheel is moveable between a stowed position relatively close to the body, and a deployed position relatively spaced from the body.
16 A vehicle according to any preceding claim further comprising a seat.
17 A vehicle according to any preceding claim further comprising a luggage platform moveable from a stowed position to a deployed position for supporting an object.
18 A vehicle according to claim 16, further comprising a luggage platform pivotably connected to the seat, and moveable from a stowed position in which the luggage platform lies adjacent and substantially parallel to a back rest portion of the seat, to a deployed position for supporting an object.
19 A vehicle according to any preceding claim, where the steering device is a set of handlebars.
A vehicle according to any preceding claim, comprising an interactive user interface providing a display screen.
21 A kit comprising a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 20, having a first set of wheels, and a second set of wheels that is different to the first set, wherein the first set of wheels is interchangeable with the second set of wheels.