Abstract: An electric vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes a frame. A battery and a motor may be secured to the frame, such that the battery powers the motor which drives the vehicle. The vehicle may further include at least one axle including a plurality of wheels. A manual steering mechanism including a steering column is operable to pivot the wheels when the steering column is rotated. An overhead frame protrudes vertically from the main frame. A steering drive shaft is supported by the overhead frame and is operable to pivot the wheels when rotated. A head unit is secured to the steering drive shaft and includes a positive electrode and a negative electrode electrically wired to the battery. The head unit is operable to engage an overhead track. The overhead track transfers electrical power to the positive electrode and negative electrode, thereby recharging the battery and driving the motor while steering the electric vehicle.

Abstract: A movable structure for supporting a current-collector bow is pivotally mounted on a frame and lifted by means of a spring attached to the structure and to the frame. Upper members of the bow support structure permit displacement of the bow independently of the structure. Hook-engagement means or valve units are provided for neutralizing the lifting spring and transmission means are provided for connecting the bow-displacement means to the spring-neutralizing means. A load limiter inhibits the bow-displacement means below a predetermined load threshold value and releases the bow above this value.