Abstract: A training aid to teach balancing skills for a central wheel structure auto-balancing device and an auto-balancing device having same. The training aids may be variously configured and may be releasably or fixedly coupled to the foot platforms of the auto-balancing device. Disclosed embodiments include various ground contact members and various support structures that hold the ground contacting members. The training aids may be compressive and/or offer ground resistance. The height of the aids, their compressive strength and/or their resistance, among other features, may be adjusted.

Abstract: A fore-aft self-balancing personal transportation device having a single wheel structure with multiple air chambers and air pressure equalization between the air chambers. Embodiments include dual tires on a single rim structure, or a single tire structure with multiple lobes, etc. Air passage between the air chambers may be internal through the rim or external via an air hose or related structure. The air chambers may be tubed or tubeless. Several different embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A motorized, fore-aft self-balancing transportation device that may include a single wheel structure with a drive motor, a battery and first and second foot platforms located on opposite sides of the wheel. The device may be uniquely be arranged such that the motor and battery are positioned such that there is space within the wheel envelope for a portion of the foot platform (positioned near or within the envelope), thereby placing the weight of the rider low and close to the center of gravity of the device. Various battery and motor arrangements are disclosed, as are different drive mechanisms and component redundancy to assure safe operation in the event of failure.

Abstract: A personal transportation device having first and second elongated foot support member that are arranged substantially in parallel and approximate to some extent the experience of skiing. The lateral distance of the foot support members may be adjusted. Biased-direction caster wheels may be provided that permit propulsion from side to side movement as well as kicking off and other propulsion techniques. Tiltable steering assemblies are disclosed that may impart a tilting of a front wheel to achieve turning. Various embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A personal transportation device having first and second elongated foot support member that are arranged substantially in parallel and approximate to some extent the experience of skiing. The lateral distance of the foot support members may be adjusted. Biased-direction caster wheels may be provided that permit propulsion from side to side movement as well as kicking off and other propulsion techniques. Tiltable steering assemblies are disclosed that may impart a tilting of a front wheel to achieve turning. Various embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A two-wheel, self-balancing transportation device having a foot platform zone associated with each wheel. Various sensor or control arrangements are disclosed. In one embodiment, torsion sensing is used to determine a rider's fore-aft weight distribution on one foot platform zone relative to the other. The torsion-based sensing is preferably combined with fore-aft platform position sensing to achieve a driving and turning of the device. In another embodiment, pressure sensors are used to determine a rider's fore-aft weight distribution on one foot platform zone relative to the other. In yet another embodiment, a relative position sensor is used to determine the relative position of movable platforms sections. Other features and embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A water shield structure for a transportation device and the transportation device having such a water shield structure. The transportation device is preferably a self-balancing device and may include a friction drive motor. The water shield structure helps reduce the entry of moisture from a riding surface into the wheel envelope or drive mechanism of the device. The water shield structure may extend laterally from a wheel and be enclosed, at least in part, in a housing.

Abstract: A self-balancing transportation device having improved shock absorbing ability and operation. Several embodiments are disclosed including a single wheel or wheel structure device with foot platforms disposed for angular movement about an axis of rotation that is non-collinear with the axis of rotation of the drive wheel. Single and multiple wheel devices are disclosed as well as devices having independently movable foot platforms, and devices having load platforms that rotate independently and are movable longitudinally with respect to one another, among other embodiments.

Abstract: Personal transportation devices having at least first and second foot platform units that are each fore-aft self-balancing. Various connector structures are disclosed that permit movement and/or positioning of the foot platform units at difference distances or spacings from one another. The spacing may be releaseably set or free moving or other. The connecting structure may maintain a parallel relationship between the two foot platform units, in the line of direction of travel of the device. The foot platform units may move laterally or longitudinally or both, depending on the embodiment, from one another.

Abstract: A self-balancing load-bearing device having a load platform or like structure that may move relative to the drive wheel or wheels under the force of gravity as the device operates. The load platform may be mounted with a pendulum based structure including curved support tracks or pendulum arms or a related structure. User input of control signals may be achieved with a joystick, foot pedal, remote control or other. Various embodiments and uses are disclosed.

Abstract: Foot placement sensor and self-balancing vehicles having same. The foot placement sensor may be configured in or with a self-balancing transportation device that has a least a first foot platform. The sensor may include an emitter of electromagnetic radiation (or other suitable signal) that is propagated, at least in part, over a portion of the foot platform and a receptor positioned to receive this emission. Interruption of the emitted radiation at the receptor may indicate the presence of a user's foot at the platform. One suitable emission type is infrared light, among other suitable types. Various embodiments are disclosed including in two-wheel, one-wheel and paired-wheel self-balancing vehicles.

Abstract: A pedal-powered one-wheeled vehicle with apparatus coupled to the pedals for laterally stabilizing a user's legs. The user can apply inward pressure to the leg stabilizing apparatuses to achieve greater lateral stability and more precise control of the vehicle. Means may be provided for keeping the leg stabilizing apparatuses from moving too far apart, and for varying the distance between the pedals. Some embodiments may have an elliptical wheel.

Abstract: A motorized, fore-aft self-balancing transportation device that may include a single wheel structure with a drive motor, a battery and first and second foot platforms located on opposite sides of the wheel. The device may be uniquely be arranged such that the motor and battery are positioned such that there is space within the wheel envelope for a portion of the foot platform (positioned near or within the envelope), thereby placing the weight of the rider low and close to the center of gravity of the device. Various battery and motor arrangements are disclosed, as are different drive mechanisms and component redundancy to assure safe operation in the event of failure.

Abstract: A single-wheel structure transportation device with an extendable walking handle. The transportation device may include a motor, gyroscopic fore-aft self-balancing, and foot platforms for riding the device in a substantially standing position. Various extendable handle arrangements are disclosed that permit a use to readily maneuver the device while walking and to stow the walking handle with or within the frame or housing of the device while the user is riding the device.

Abstract: A single-wheel structure transportation device with an extendable walking handle. The transportation device may include a motor, gyroscopic fore-aft self-balancing, and foot platforms for riding the device in a substantially standing position. Various extendable handle arrangements are disclosed that permit a use to readily maneuver the device while walking and to stow the walking handle with or within the frame or housing of the device while the user is riding the device.

Abstract: A leg scooter device having a platform to receive the foot of a user that is positioned between forward and aft wheels. An ascending member extends above the platform and contacts the lower leg of a user during use. It is through the lower leg's contact with the ascending member and the placement of one or both of the user's feet on the platform that the user “senses” the devices and controls it. The ascending member may be movable and/or configured to be biased toward contact with the user. Various embodiments are disclosed.