Abstract: A wheel assembly for an electrical vehicle. The wheel assembly comprising a hub integral with an electrical motor, and a fluid actuated fail-safe brake fitted to the assembly with at least one braking surface for frictional engagement with the rotor of the electrical motor. The brake in its non-actuated state is engaged with the rotor, and when fluidally actuated the brake is released to allow rotation of the rotor. A solenoid valve having a normally open state is in fluid communication with the pressurised fluid used to fluidally actuate the brake, and the solenoid valve is a closed when electrically powered thereby allowing fluid actuation to release the brake. In the event of a loss of electrical power the solenoid valve will revert to the normally open state, so that the brake is non-actuated and applies a braking force to the rotor.