Abstract: A vertical stem of a scooter has an upper stem portion hinged to a lower stem portion. A flat hinge plate is pivoted on the lower stem portion and is received in a slot at the lower end of the upper stem portion. A hinge cover sleeve has three positions: one maintaining the vehicle stem erect; a second permitting the upper stem portion to be folded to a horizontal position; and a third permitting the hinge assembly to be disassembled. The three positions are established by two detent buttons. The hinge cover sleeve may be threaded tightly onto a hinge base on the lower stem portion to eliminate rattles. When the hinge plate is slid into the slot, an alignment and stop pin projecting from the hinge plate maintains proper alignment of the hinge plate and limits the distance the hinge plate slides into the slot.

Abstract: An electrically assisted bicycle includes a motor current sensor for controlling a transistor switch in the motor circuit and circuity means establishing a duty cycle and switching rate. The duty cycle is monitored to shut off the motor when the duty cycle approaches an inappropriate level, such as 50%. When the motor control circuit is open and the bicycle is pedal driven, the voltage generated by the motor is monitored to complete the motor control circuit when the bicycle is driven at 4 miles per hour.

Abstract: An electric drive assembly for driving a bicycle includes an electric power pack containing a battery or batteries, an electric motor, a drive wheel, a control circuit, a recharger and an electric switch in a common housing. A rack is installed about the rear wheel of the bicycle to support the power pack either with an operating orientation or backwards in a non-operating orientation for transportation. When the power pack is supported in its operating orientation, the drive wheel is engaged with the rear tire of the bicycle so that the drive wheel may frictionally drive the rear wheel of the bicycle; and the electric switch is aligned with and engagable by a switch actuator mounted on the rack. A control lever, which is mounted on the handlebar of the bicycle, may be operated to cause a control cable to pivot the switch actuator into engagement with the electric switch to close the circuit between the battery or batteries and the electric motor.