Abstract: In a system and method for enabling a person to be transported in a personal transport vehicle, the vehicle includes smoothly operable controls and a safety user-positioning strip. The vehicle further includes a power source rapid disconnection and connection system for recharge and replacement and for secure connection. Also, the vehicle may include a safety speed regulator, and a bi-directional safety braking system. Further, the vehicle includes a preferential drive sharp-turns enabling system. The vehicle further includes an initially-flat indicia-applicable cowling. It may also include a protective security lock, a further or alternative braking system, and a trailer for enabling the carrying of items, and may be readily separable for shipping.

Abstract: A coupling assembly including an annular ratchet securable to a tire hub, an auxiliary hub rotatably mountable on an axle of the tire hub and having axially extending drive pins, and pawls pivotally mounted on the drive pins. Each pawl has a tooth for contacting teeth of the drive ratchet when free ends of the pawls are pivoted radially outwardly, and an annular pawl linkage is rotatably mountable on the axle and includes bearings circumferentially positioned between the pawls, with each bearing including a link pivotally secured to the free end of one of the pawls. An annular propeller is rotatably mountable on the axle and includes radial projections circumferentially positioned between the pawls, and pins extending axially through the radial projections and received within the bearings of the pawl linkage. A return spring biases the radial projections of the propeller away from the free ends of the pawls.