Abstract: The present invention provides a motorized skate having a balance control system adapted to maintain fore-and-aft balance of a platform of the skate about a wheel arrangement. The wheel arrangement defines a pivot point for the platform. A motor arrangement is adapted to drive the wheel arrangement so as to allow for the balance control system to maintain fore-and-aft balancing of the platform about the wheel arrangement.

Abstract: A usage detection system for a self-balancing powered unicycle is disclosed. The usage detection system is adapted to detect an indication of intended usage from a user and to provide an indication of intended usage. The indication of intended usage comprises manipulation of the overall unicycle device resulting from preparatory action taken by the user prior to the onset of the intended usage. Operation of the powered unicycle may thus be controlled based on an indication of intended usage from the usage detection system.

Abstract: A self-balancing powered unicycle is disclosed. The unicycle comprises: a single wheel; a motor adapted to drive the wheel; a balance control system adapted to maintain fore-aft balance of the unicycle device; a foot platform for supporting a user of the unicycle device, wherein the foot platform is movable between a stowed position and an active position; and an actuator coupled to the foot platform and adapted to move the foot platform between the stowed position and active position. The actuator comprises: a guide member; and a connecting element connected to the foot platform and slidably coupled to the guide member at a coupling position such that the coupling position moves relative to the guide member as the foot platform is moved between the stowed position and active position.

Abstract: A powered unicycle device has a hub motor and a tyre around the motor. A motor casing around the motor defines side walls (300,305) and an outer annular rim (301,306), and the tyre is mounted around the outer annular rim (301,306). The motor casing is formed of only two side walls (300,305) each having a rim portion (301,305), and the rim portions (301,305) connect to each other, together defining the outer annular rim (301,305).

Abstract: A self-balancing powered unicycle (100) is disclosed. The unicycle comprises: a single primary wheel (120) adapted to rotate about a primary axis of rotation (125); a balance control system adapted to maintain fore-aft balance of the unicycle device by controlling rotation of the primary wheel; a foot platform (165) for supporting a user of the unicycle device; and at least one auxiliary support (195) adapted to rotate about an auxiliary axis of rotation, wherein the auxiliary axis of rotation is adapted to be angled with respect to the primary axis of rotation.

Abstract: A self-balancing powered unicycle device (100) having a single hubless wheel is disclosed. The self-balancing powered unicycle device comprises: a single wheel (120); a motor adapted to drive the wheel; a balance control system adapted to maintain fore-aft balance of the unicycle device; at least one foot platform (165) for supporting a user of the unicycle device; and a casing (110) adapted to cover at least a portion of the outer rim of the wheel. The self-balancing powered unicycle device further comprises at least one energy storage device compartment (150A, 150B) protruding outward from a side of the casing (110) and adapted to house an energy storage device for powering the unicycle device.

Abstract: A usage detection system for a self-balancing powered unicycle is disclosed. The usage detection system is adapted to detect an indication of intended usage from a user and to provide an indication of intended usage. The indication of intended usage comprises manipulation of the overall unicycle device resulting from preparatory action taken by the user prior to the onset of the intended usage. Operation of the powered unicycle may thus be controlled based on an indication of intended usage from the usage detection system.

Abstract: A powered unicycle device, comprising: a single wheel; a motor adapted to drive the wheel; a balance control system adapted to maintain fore-aft balance of the unicycle device by controlling the motor; at least one foot platform for supporting a user of the unicycle device; and a casing comprising at least two casing portions adapted to be movable between a closed configuration, in which the outer rim of the wheel is substantially covered, and an open configuration, in which at least a portion of the outer rim of the wheel is exposed for contacting a ground surface.

Abstract: A self-balancing transportation device is disclosed. The device comprises: a chassis; a drive arrangement adapted to move the transportation device; a balance control system adapted to maintain fore-aft balance of the transportation device; at least one support platform for supporting a load for transportation; and a coupling arrangement configured to couple the at least one support platform to the chassis. The coupling arrangement is adapted to allow the at least one support platform to move relative to the chassis in response to horizontal acceleration or deceleration of the transportation device.

Abstract: A self-balancing powered unicycle device (100) having a single hubless wheel is disclosed. The self-balancing powered unicycle device comprises: a single wheel (120); a motor adapted to drive the wheel; a balance control system adapted to maintain fore-aft balance of the unicycle device; at least one foot platform (165) for supporting a user of the unicycle device; and a casing (110) adapted to cover at least a portion of the outer rim of the wheel. The self-balancing powered unicycle device further comprises at least one energy storage device compartment (150A, 150B) protruding outward from a side of the casing (110) and adapted to house an energy storage device for powering the unicycle device.