Abstract: A vehicle drive assembly with a drivable wheel pivotably connected to a body, about an axis substantially transverse to the body, by first and second swing arms. One of the swing arms houses a motor and includes a heat dissipating member in thermally conductive association with the motor. The heat dissipating member preferably a plurality of cooling fins exposed to ambient air. The motor is housed in an end of the first swing arm opposite the body, and has a shaft that is directly engaged to a transmission within the wheel. The transmission is contained within a gearbox housing that rotates with the wheel and is formed by left and right structural gearbox halves. A wheel rim, configured to carry a tire, is attachable only to the first gearbox half, and can slide over the second half when removed from the gearbox housing, allowing the transmission to remain assembled.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an electric vehicle frame having a lower portion and an upper portion. The lower portion includes a base and integral sidewalls. The sidewalls extend from the base to form an open cavity. The upper portion detachably joins to the lower portion such that the upper portion covers the cavity and forms a frame assembly which defines an enclosed chamber therein. The strength of the assembly is substantially greater than the strength of each of the portions prior to being joined. The lower and upper portions are formed of cast aluminum. The present invention further includes a method of assembling an electric vehicle, which includes using the frame and a plurality of subassemblies, and the electric vehicle formed therefrom, particularly in the form of a motor scooter.