Abstract: A one-wheeled vehicle may comprise a board including first and second deck portions each configured to receive a left or right foot of a rider oriented generally perpendicular to a direction of travel of a board, and a pair of side rails, each of which are coupled to the first and second deck portions at distal ends. A top surface of each side rail defines a generally concave shape, such that a plane connecting distal edges of the end portions of the side rail is spaced apart from the central portion of the side rail. In some examples, a bottom surface of each side rail also defines a generally concave-upward shape. In some examples, a bottom surface of each side rail includes a central cutout.

Abstract: Fender assemblies are disclosed, each assembly including a frame and a fender. The frame has a first leg including a first coupling portion and a second leg including a first latch portion, and the frame is configured to be coupled to the vehicle with the first leg and the second leg on opposite sides of a wheel. The fender has a first end and a second end, the first end having a second coupling portion configured to releasably mate with the first coupling portion of the frame to form a manually releasable joint, the second end comprising a second latch portion configured to mate with the first latch portion of the frame to releasably secure the second end to the frame.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A self-propelled, one-wheeled vehicle includes 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 (e.g., bumps) on a riding surface. Illustrative suspension systems include a shock absorber and a swingarm that couple the axle to the board. The suspension system may be disposed completely below a foot deck of the vehicle.

Abstract: A tiltable vehicle has a pair of front wheels coupled to a tiltable chassis by a tilt linkage, such that the pair of front wheels and the chassis are configured to tilt in unison with respect to a roll axis of the chassis. The tilt linkage includes a four-bar linkage having a pair of upper bar segments coupled to the chassis at spaced-apart respective inboard joints. In some examples, the inboard joints of the upper bar segments are each disposed outboard of a central chassis joint of a lower bar of the tilt linkage. An orientation sensor is configured to detect directional information regarding a net force vector applied to the chassis, and a tilt actuator operatively coupled to the chassis and configured to selectively tilt the chassis. A controller is configured to selectively control the tilt actuator based on the directional information from the orientation sensor.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A tiltable vehicle is configured to transform between an autonomous mode and a rideable mode by pivoting the handlebars and steering column of the vehicle about a pitch axis. In the autonomous mode, the steering column is folded back toward the chassis and a tiltable chassis of the vehicle is prevented from tilting. In the rideable mode, the steering column is unfolded and the chassis is free to tilt. In some examples, a tiltable vehicle includes features beneficial for vehicle-sharing, such as parking devices or a basket. These features may be included on any suitable vehicle and are not limited to use on transforming vehicles.