GB2622264A

GB2622264A - Scooter

Info

Publication number: GB2622264A
Application number: GB2213226.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mitchell Harry; reilly Mark
Original assignee: Nought Tech Ltd
Current assignee: Nought Tech Ltd
Priority date: 2022-09-09
Filing date: 2022-09-09
Publication date: 2024-03-13
Anticipated expiration: 2042-09-09
Also published as: GB2622264B; GB202213226D0

Abstract

A scooter 1 comprises a handlebar portion 10, a footplate portion 20 and a hinge 30 for folding the handlebar portion 10 relative to the footplate portion 20, wherein the hinge 30 comprises a pivot 301 joining the handlebar portion 10 to the footplate portion 20 about a rotational axis, and a locking pin slidably mounted to the handlebar portion 10 or to the footplate portion 20, the locking pin being slidable in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis and slidable into and out of a locking hole 109a formed in the other of the handlebar portion 10 or the footplate portion 20 for locking and unlocking the hinge 30. Also disclosed are wheels 103a on the handlebars such that when folded the scooter may stand on the two wheels 103a and a rear wheel RW.

Description

SCOOTER

Technical Field

This invention relates generally to a foldable scooter. More specifically, although not exclusively, this invention relates to foldable scooter which is secured in an unfolded configuration by a sliding locking pin.

Background

Scooters are well known transportation devices, and typically have a front wheel, a rear wheel, a footplate portion extending between the front and rear wheels, and a handlebar portion which is rotatable relative to the footplate portion and which is fixed to the front wheel. In use, a user stands on the footplate portion and steers the scooter by rotating the handlebar portion. Some scooters are electric scooters, which are generally battery powered, and some scooters are manually operated, where the user must propel the scooter forward themselves.

In most of these scooter types, the handlebar portion is foldable relative to the footplate portion, so that, when the scooter is not in use, the scooter can be folded. Folding the scooter means that the scooter can be more efficiently stored, and also makes the scooter easy to carry. However, such scooters are often cumbersome even when folded, as folding the scooter does not reduce the footprint of the scooter.

The scooter hinges are often located on an upright steering tube of the handlebar portion, near to a headtube of the scooter. Such hinges are generally located on the side of the steering tube facing the footplate portion, with a latch on the opposite side of the steering tube. The latch can then be released, and the steering tube folded towards the footplate portion to fold the scooter. The scooter is then unfolded by unfolding the steering tube and securing the latch. However, this mechanism means that forces acting on the handlebar portion are transferred through the hinge and the latch, on either side of the steering tube. This often leads to wear of the hinge and/or latch such that the steering tube become loose over time. This loosening can lead to poor control over the scooter while in use, and so can be dangerous, and can lead to rattling of the handlebar portion, in use, which is distracting to the user. This type of hinge is also susceptible to failure of the hinge and/or latch, due to forces being transferred through the relatively small hinge and/or latch.

In other scooters the hinge is located at a position where the head tube is connected to the footplate portion, with a similar design to that described above. In this case the vertical forces, due to the weight of the user and uneven surfaces, often cause degradation and eventual failure of the hinge portion.

It would therefore be advantageous to overcome at least some of the aforementioned

Summary of the Invention

Accordingly, a first aspect of the invention provides a scooter comprising a handlebar portion, a footplate portion and a hinge for folding the handlebar portion relative to the footplate portion, wherein the hinge comprises a pivot joining the handlebar portion to the footplate portion about a rotational axis, and a locking pin slidably mounted to the handlebar portion or to the footplate portion, the locking pin being slidable in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis and slidable into and out of a locking hole formed in the other of the handlebar portion or the footplate portion for locking and unlocking the hinge.

Advantageously, by providing a locking pin which is slidable in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis, the engagement of the locking pin with the locking hole is offset from the rotational axis. This increases the robustness of the hinge.

The hinge may comprise a lever rotatably mounted to a second pivot. The lever may be coupled to the locking pin such that rotation of the lever slides the locking pin into or out of the locking hole.

The locking pin may be pivotally attached to the lever at a position offset from the second pivot.

A first end of the locking pin may be pivotally mounted to the lever. A second end of the locking pin may be slidable into and out of the locking hole.

The locking hole may be provided by a bushing such that the locking pin is slidable into and out of a bore of the bushing. Advantageously, the bushing may be replaceable, for example due to wear.

The handlebar portion may comprise a handlebar, a head tube for rotationally mounting the handlebar for steering, and a first hinge portion extending from the head tube. The footplate portion may comprise a second hinge portion extending from the footplate portion. The hinge may be formed between the first and second hinge portions. The locking pin may rotate, about the pivot, with the second hinge portion. The locking hole may rotate, about the pivot, with the first hinge portion. The locking hole may be at an end of a locking portion, the locking portion extending from the first hinge portion. The locking portion may rotate, about the pivot, with the first hinge portion.

In an unfolded configuration the first hinge portion and second hinge portion may be substantially parallel and extend between the head tube and the footplate portion.

The locking pin may be slidable in a direction substantially parallel to the first and second hinge portions when the scooter is in an unfolded configuration.

The hinge may comprise a lever for sliding the locking pin. The lever may be mounted to the first or second hinge portion.

The lever may comprise a finger plate. The finger plate may, when the scooter is in an unfolded configuration, lie in a cavity in the first or second hinge portions. The finger plate may, when the scooter is in an unfolded configuration, lie substantially flush with the first and second hinge portions. Lifting the finger plate may cause the locking pin to slide out of the locking hole.

The scooter may further comprise a sliding lock mounted to the finger plate. The sliding lock may maintain the finger plate in the cavity until the sliding lock is disengaged from a lock receptacle located in the cavity.

The first hinge portion may further comprise a locking portion extending away from the pivot such that the locking portion rotates about the pivot with the first hinge portion. The locking portion may comprise the locking hole. The locking portion may comprise the bushing. The bushing may be removably secured in a hole in the locking portion.

The locking hole may be formed at an end of the locking portion distal from the pivot.

The locking hole may be spaced from the pivot by at least 5cm, for example at least 7cm, for example about 10cm When the scooter is in an unfolded configuration the locking portion may be substantially parallel with the second hinge portion.

The hinge may comprise a biasing member, for example a spring, that urges the locking pin towards a locked position.

The scooter may further comprise a guide. The guide may be mounted to the first or second hinge portion. The guide may comprise a channel for guiding the locking pin into and out of the locking hole.

The second hinge portion may comprise a channel for guiding the locking pin into and out of the locking hole.

The scooter may further comprise a latch having a first part and a second part. The first part of the latch may be disposed on the handlebar portion. The second part of the latch may be disposed on the footplate portion. When the scooter is in a folded configuration the first and second parts of the latch may engage to secure the scooter in the folded configuration.

The handlebar portion may comprise a steering tube. The first part of the latch may be mounted to the steering tube.

The first part of the latch may be biased towards a latched position. The first part of the latch may comprise a push button for moving the first part away from the latched position. Moving the first part away from the latched position may disengage the first and second parts of the latch.

The scooter may be an electric scooter. The scooter may comprise one or more battery. The one or more battery may be located in the footplate portion. The footplate portion may comprise a cover plate. The cover plate may be removable or openable for accessing the one of more battery. The cover plate may be secured to the scooter by a hinge located at one end of the cover plate. The removable cover plate may be secured to the scooter by a lock located at one end of the cover plate. The lock may be located at the opposite end of the cover plate to the hinge. The cover plate may comprise a grip or tread. The grip or tread may be for a user to stand upon when the scooter is in use.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a scooter comprising a handlebar portion comprising a handlebar with two handles, each handle comprising a wheel defining the topmost part of the handlebar portion, the scooter also comprising a footplate portion that is foldable relative to the handlebar portion and having a rear wheel, the rear wheel comprising the rearmost part of the footplate portion, wherein in a folded configuration the wheels are substantially level with a rearmost part of the rear wheel such that the folded scooter can be stood on its end and rolled.

Advantageously, this may allow the scooter to be moved when in the folded configuration, without the need to lift the scooter.

The scooter may further comprise a hinge for folding the handlebar portion relative to the footplate portion between an unfolded configuration and the folded configuration.

Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination, unless such features are incompatible. For the avoidance of doubt, the terms "may", "and/or", "e.g.", "for example" and any similar term as used herein should be interpreted as non-limiting such that any feature so-described need not be present. Indeed, any combination of optional features is expressly envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention, whether or not these are expressly claimed. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is an isometric view of a scooter in an unfolded configuration; Figure 2 is an isometric view of the scooter of Figure 1, in a folded configuration; Figure 3 is a view of parts of a hinge portion of the scooter of Figure 1; Figure 4 is another view of parts of the hinge portion of the scooter of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a view of a second hinge portion of a footplate portion of the scooter of Figure 1; Figure 6 is a view of the second hinge portion of Figure 5, with parts of the hinge included; Figure 7 is a view of a first hinge portion of a handlebar portion of the scooter of Figure 1, with parts of the hinge included; Figure 8 is a view of the hinge of the scooter of Figure 1, when the scooter is in the unfolded configuration; and Figure 9 is a view of the hinge of the scooter of Figure 1, when the scooter is in the folded configuration.

Detailed Description

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a scooter 1 in an unfolded configuration. Referring to Figure 2, there is shown the scooter 1 in a folded configuration. In this example the scooter 1 is an electric scooter.

The scooter 1 has a handlebar portion 10, a footplate portion 20 and a hinge 30 for folding the handlebar portion 10 relative to the footplate portion 20. The hinge 30 has a pivot, which is a main pivot pin 301, for joining the handlebar portion 10 to the footplate portion 20 about a rotational axis. The hinge 30 also has a lever 302, the lever 302 having a finger plate 302a. The lever 302 is operated by a user pulling the finger plate 302a to unlock the scooter 1 from the unfolded configuration, to fold the scooter 1 about the main pivot pin 301 of the hinge 30, as is described subsequently.

The handlebar portion 10 has a steering tube 101 and a head tube 102 for rotationally mounting the handlebar for steering. The handlebar portion 10 has a handlebar having two handles 103. Each handle 103 has a protruding wheel 103a at the end furthest from the steering tube 101. The protruding wheels 103a provide the topmost part of the handlebar portion 10. The protruding wheels 103a are rotatable about the respective handle 103. One of the handles 303, in this case the right handle (relative to the forward direction of travel of the scooter 1) might be a throttle, such that rotation of the handle causes the scooter 1 to accelerate in a forward direction. Alternatively, there may be a thumb-operated throttle locating adjacent to one of the handles 303, preferably the right handle. Each handle 303 has a brake lever 304 mounted thereto, each brake lever 104 being for applying a brake (not shown) to a respective front wheel FW or rear wheel RW of the scooter 1. The handlebar portion 10 has front forks 105, which the front wheel FW is rotationally mounted to and between. There is a front mud guard 108 mounted to the front forks 105 to catch spray from the front wheel FW, when the scooter 1 is ridden.

The steering tube 101 has a flange 101a, and the steering tube 101 is received through the head tube 102 such that the flange 101a abuts an upper edge of the head tube 102. An upper yoke portion of the front forks 105 abuts a lower edge of the head tube 102. The abutment of the flange 101a and front forks 105 against the upper and lower edges, respectively, of the head tube 102 maintains the steering tube 101 in the head tube 102, and rotation of the handles 103 rotates the steering tube 101 relative to the head tube 102, and thereby rotates the front wheel FW.

The scooter 1 has a latch having a first part, or a first latch part 106, which is mounted to the steering tube 101. The first latch part 106 has a locking plate 106a mounted to an end of a stem 106b. The stem 106b extends through the steering tube 101 and has a push button 106c at an end which is opposite to the locking plate 106a.The locking plate 106a is biased towards the handles 103 by a spring (not shown). Pushing the push button 106c towards the steering tube 101 causes the locking plate 106a to move away from the handles 103, and releasing the push button 106c allows the locking plate 106a to return towards the handles 103 due to the force of the spring. The interaction between the push button 106c and the locking plate 106a, to cause perpendicular translations when the push button 106c is pushed, is via two ramped surfaces (not shown) inside of the steering tube 101.

The head tube 102 has a first hinge portion 107 extending therefrom. The first hinge portion 107 has two, spaced apart, pivot portions 107a extending from an end of the first hinge portion 107 furthest from the head tube 102. Each end of the main pivot pin 301 is rotationally mounted in a respective one of the pivot portions 107a and extends across a gap between the pivot portions 107a.

The footplate portion 20 has a footplate 201, upon which a user stand when using, or riding, the scooter 1. The footplate 201 is substantially parallel with the ground, or floor, upon which the scooter 1 is ridden, in use. A second hinge portion 207 extends from a front end (with respect to the forward direction of the scooter 1) of the footplate 201. The second hinge portion 207 extends at an oblique angle relative to the footplate 201, in an upwards direction. This enables the scooter 1 to have a lower centre of gravity when ridden, because the footplate 201 is closer to the ground. The second hinge portion 207 has a cavity therein, in which the lever 302 is located. The cavity is larger than the finger plate 302a such that a user has space to insert fingers into the cavity to reach the underneath of the finger plate 302a. The scooter has a biasing member, such as a spring, located on the lever 302 or finger plate 302a, to urge the finger plate 302a into the cavity when the finger plate 302a is not being lifted by the user. The second hinge portion 207 has a pivot portion 207a extending from an end furthest from the footplate 201. The pivot portion 207a extends between the pivot portions 107a of the first hinge portion 107. The main pivot pin 301 extends through the pivot portion 207a of the second hinge portion 207, thereby pivotally coupling the first and second hinge portions 107, 207 together.

The footplate portion 20 has rear forks 202 located at a rear end of the footplate 201. The rear wheel RW is rotationally mounted between, and to, the rear forks 202. The rear forks 202 are at an oblique angle relative to the footplate 201 and extend in an upwards direction. This enables the scooter 1 to have a lower centre of gravity, as the footplate 201 is closer to the ground, in use. The rear wheel RW provides the rearmost part of the footplate portion 20, in that a rear part of the rear wheel RW is rearward of the rear end of the footplate portion 20.

Extending from the rear end of the footplate 201, between the rear forks 202, is a rear mud guard 203, which catches spray from the rear wheel RW, in use. The rear mud guard 203 has a second pail of the latch, or a second latch part 206. The second latch part 206 has a cavity with an overhanging portion 206a. In use, when the scooter 1 is in the folded configuration as shown in Figure 2, the locking plate 106a of the first latch part 106 passes into the cavity and engages with the overhanging portion 206a of the second latch pad 206. This engagement prevents the scooter 1 from being unfolded.

The footplate portion 20 also has a centre stand 205 rotationally mounted to a lower surface of the footplate 201. The centre stand 205 has at least one spring (not shown) connected thereto, to bias the centre stand 205 into the undeployed configuration, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. To deploy the centre stand 205, a user pushes the centre stand 205 downwards such that it rotates against the force of the spring, into a deployed position (not shown) to stand the scooter 1 upright.

The footplate portion 20 houses one or more batteries (not shown). The footplate 201 has a cover plate 208 which has a grip, or tread 208a. The cover plate 208 is connected to the rest of the footplate 201 by a hinge (not shown), which is at a rear end of the cover plate 208. The cover plate 208 is secured in a closed position, on the footplate 201, by a lock (not shown), which is accessed via a keyhole 201a on a side of the footplate 201. There is also a spring (not shown) located inside of the footplate 201 such that, when a key (not shown) is turned in the keyhole 201a, the spring urges a front end of the cover plate 208 upwards, such that a user can then lift the cover plate 208 about the hinge at the rear end of the cover plate 208, to access the one or more batteries. This enables the one or more batteries, and any associated electrical connections, to be replaced or to be maintained.

The footplate 201 also has a charging port 201b located adjacent the keyhole 201a, the charging portion 201b being for connecting the scooter 1 to a power supply (not shown) for charging the one or more batteries.

The rear wheel RW has at least one hub motor. Batteries (not shown) located in the footplate 201 provide power to the hub motor when the throttle is activated, thereby driving the scooter 1 forwards. The brake levers 104 are operable to slow and stop the scooter 1.

Alternatively, when not being ridden the scooter 1 can be folded into the folded configuration shown in Figure 2. In order to fold the scooter 1, the finger plate 302a is pulled upwards, which unlocks the hinge 30 and thereby allows the scooter 1 to be folded about the main pivot pin 301. The push button 106c of the first latch part 106 is then pushed such that the locking plate 106a moves away from the handles 103. This allows the locking plate 106a to enter into the cavity of the second latch part 206 when the scooter 1 is folded. Releasing the push button 106c allows the locking plate 106a to engage with the underneath of the overhang 206a to secure the scooter 1 in the folded configuration. When in the folded configuration a topmost part of the handlebar portion 10, which is provided by the protruding wheels 103a of the handles 103, is substantially level with a rearmost part of the footplate portion 20, which is the rear wheel RW, such that the folded scooter 1 can be stood on its end. The scooter 1 can then be rolled along the ground on the protruding wheels 103a and rear wheel, when the scooter 1 is stood on its end, such that the scooter can be moved without the need to lift and carry the scooter 1.

The scooter 1 can then be unfolded by pushing the push button 106c of the first latch part 106 to remove the locking plate 106a from the cavity.

The construction and operation of the hinge 30 is now described with reference to Figures 3 to 9.

Referring first to Figure 3 there is shown a part of the hinge 30 including the lever 302. The lever 302 has a cam portion 302b which is spaced from, and is parallel to, the finger plate 302a. The cam portion 302b has a first end and a second end, with a through-hole located at either end. The through-holes are substantially parallel to the finger plate 302a. The finger plate 302a has a first end and a second end, the first end providing a free edge for a user to insert fingers thereunder. The first end of the cam portion 302b is connected to the second end of finger plate 302a by a connection portion 302c. The connection portion 302c extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the finger plate 302a and the cam portion 302b. The finger plate 302a and the cam portion 302b extend in opposite directions from the connecting portion 302. The lever 302 has a channel located in the centre of the second end of the cam portion 302b, which extends partway along the cam portion 302b and partway up the connecting portion 302c.

The finger plate 302a has a sliding lock 302d which extends through a slot in the finger plate 302a. The sliding lock 302d abuts an upper surface of the finger plate 302a and a locking portion of the sliding lock 302d abuts a lower surface of the finger plate 302a. The sliding lock 302d is slidable along the slot in the finger plate 302a. Also located in the slot is a spring 302e which biases the sliding lock 302d to one side of the slot.

The hinge 30 has a second pivot pin 303 which extends through the through-hole at the second end of the cam portion 302b of the lever 302. The hinge 30 has a third pivot pin 304 which extends through the through-hole at the first end of the cam portion 302b of the lever 302.

The hinge 30 has a locking pin 305. The locking pin 305 is cylindrical in shape. The locking pin 305 has a first end, with a channel extending across the diameter thereof, the channel extending partway along the length of the locking pin 305. The locking pin 305 has a through-hole through the diameter of the first end, perpendicular to the channel.

The hinge 30 has a connection plate 306. The connection plate 306 has two ends, each end having a hole through the thickness of the plate, and each end being rounded. One end of the connection plate 306 is located in the channel at the second end of the cam portion 302b of the lever 302, with the second pivot pin 304 located through the respective hole in the connection plate 306. The other end of the connection plate 306 is located in the channel at the first end of the locking pin 305, with a fourth pivot pin 309 located through the through-hole at the first end of the locking pin 305, and through the hole in the respective end of the connection plate 306.

Referring now to Figure 4, a part of the hinge 30 is shown with a guide 310. The guide 310 is substantially cuboid in shape, with a length which is greater than the width, and the width is greater than a height. Extending from a first end of the guide 310 partway along the length of the guide 310, and from an upper surface of the guide 310 and partway through the height of the guide 310, is a channel 310a. Extending through the width of the guide 310, proximal the first end of the guide 310, is a through-hole 310b. Extending from a second end of the guide 310, along the length direction and joining a blind end of the channel, is a bore. Four mounting apertures 310c extend through the height of the guide 310, each proximal a corner of the guide 310.

The cam portion 302b and connecting portion 302c of the lever 302 are located in the channel of the guide 310 with the second pivot pin 303 located in the through-hole 310b of the guide 310. The locking pin 305 is received in the bore of the guide 310 and protrudes from the second end of the guide 310. Therefore, the locking pin 305 is slidable in a direction substantially parallel to the first and second hinge portions when the scooter 1 is in an unfolded configuration.

When the finger plate 302 is lifted such that the lever 302 rotates about the second pivot pin 303, relative to the guide 310, the locking pin 305 slides along the bore of the guide 310. In this way, the locking pin 305 can be slid between a retracted position and a protruded position, the locking pin 305 protruding from the guide 310 less in the retracted position than in the protruded position.

Referring now to Figure 5 there is shown a lower side of the second hinge portion 207. The second hinge portion 207 has a cavity in the lower surface, in which the guide 310 is locatable. There are four mounting apertures 207a located in the cavity. There is also a channel 207b extending between the cavity and the upper surface of the second hinge portion 207.

Referring now to Figure 6, the guide 310 is shown fixed in the cavity in the lower surface of the second hinge portion 207. The guide 310 is fixed in the cavity by bolts which extend through the mounting apertures 310c of the guide 310 to the mounting apertures 207a in the cavity of the second hinge portion 207. The cam portion 302b and connecting portion 302c of the lever 302 extend through the channel 207b of the second hinge portion 207. As can be seen in Figure 6, the cavity has a length which is greater than that of the guide 310, such that a space is provided between an end of the guide 310 and an end of the cavity. The locking pin 305 protrudes from the guide 310 into this gap.

It will be appreciated that the guide 310 may instead be integral with the second hinge portion 207, instead of being bolted thereto.

Referring now to Figure 7 a part of the hinge 30 is shown, with the first hinge portion 107 of the handlebar portion 10 of the scooter 1. The handlebar portion 10 has a locking portion 109 extending from an end of the first hinge portion 107, in a direction away from the main pivot pin 301 and away from the head tube 102. The locking portion 109 comprises a locking hole 109a at an end opposite to the first hinge portion 107. The locking hole 109a is provided by the bore of a bushing 109c. The bushing 109c is located in a hole in an upstanding portion 109b of the locking portion 109, the upstanding portion 109b being substantially parallel to a facing end of the first hinge portion 107. The upstanding portion 109b of the locking portion 109 has a through-hole 109d extending from an upper surface to a lower surface, which is aligned with a radial hole in the bushing 109c. In this way, the bushing 109c is securable to the upstanding potion 109b by inserting fixing means, for example screws or bolts, through the aligned holes. The locking portion 109 rotates about the main pivot pin 301 with the first hinge portion 107.

Referring now to Figures 8 and 9, the folding and the unfolding of the scooter 1 is described.

In Figure 8, the scooter 1 is in the unfolded configuration, and so the locking pin 305 is located inside of the locking hole 109a of the locking portion 109 and the first and second hinge portions 107, 207 are substantially parallel. The sliding lock 302d of the finger plate 302a of the lever 302 is engaged with a lock receptacle 207c, which is located on an upper surface inside of the cavity of the second hinge portion 207, in which the finger plate 302a of the lever 302 is located. Therefore, the scooter 1 is secured in the unfolded configuration in a robust manner, due, at least in part, to the engagement of the locking pin 305 and the locking hole 109a at a spaced distance from the main pivot pin 303.

In order to fold the scooter 1, a user slides the sliding lock 302d out of engagement with the lock receptacle 207c and lifts the finger plate 302a away from the second hinge portion 207 such that the lever 302 rotates about the second pivot pin 303. The rotation of the lever 302 causes the locking pin 305 to slide out of the locking hole 109a and into the bore of the guide 310, thereby allowing the scooter 1 to be folded about the main pivot pin 301. The handlebar portion 10 is then folded towards the footplate portion 20 such that the steering tube 101 is substantially parallel to the footplate 201. The user pushes the push button 106c in a direction towards the steering tube 101 such that the locking plate 106c can be inserted into the cavity of the second latch part 206, and then releases the push button 106c such that the locking plate 106a engages with the underneath of the overhanging portion 206a of the second latch part 206. The scooter 1 is thus secured in the folded configuration.

In Figure 9 the scooter 1 is in the folded configuration. In Figure 9 the biasing member has urged the locking pin into the protruded position, with respect to the guide 310. To unfold the scooter 1 the user pushes the push button 106c in the direction towards the steering tube 101 such that the locking plate 106c is removable from the cavity of the second latch part 206. The scooter 1 is unfolded until the upstanding portion 109b of the locking portion 109 of the handlebar portion 10 reaches the locking pin 305. The user then disengages the sliding lock 302d of the finger plate 302a from the lock receptacle 207c and lifts the finger plate 302a to retract the locking pin 305 into the bore of the guide 310. The upstanding portion 109b of the locking portion 109 is then inserted into the gap in cavity in the lower surface of the second hinge portion 207 such that the locking hole 109a of the bushing 109c of the locking portion 109 is aligned with the bore of the guide 310. The finger plate 302a is then released such that the locking pin 305 slides into the locking hole 109a due to the force of the biasing member. The finger plate 302a can also be pushed downwards to push the locking pin 305 into the locking hole 109a, if there is resistance or if the biasing member is not present. The scooter 1 is thus secured in the unfolded configuration.

During the lifetime of the scooter 1 the bushing 109c might become worn or damaged, due to engagement of the locking pin 305 therewith. In this case the bushing 109c is replaceable by removing the securing means from the aligned hole 109d in the locking portion 109 and the radial hole in the bushing 109c, such that the bushing 109c can be removed and replaced.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any number of combinations of the aforementioned features and/or those shown in the appended drawings provide clear advantages over the prior art and are therefore within the scope of the invention described herein.

Claims

CLAIMSA scooter comprising a handlebar portion, a footplate portion and a hinge for folding the handlebar portion relative to the footplate portion, wherein the hinge comprises a pivot joining the handlebar portion to the footplate portion about a rotational axis, and a locking pin slidably mounted to the handlebar portion or to the footplate portion, the locking pin being slidable in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis and slidable into and out of a locking hole formed in the other of the handlebar portion or the footplate portion for locking and unlocking the hinge.
A scooter according to claim 1, wherein the hinge comprises a lever rotatably mounted to a second pivot, and wherein the lever is coupled to the locking pin such that rotation of the lever slides the locking pin into or out of the locking hole.
A scooter according to claim 2, wherein the locking pin is pivotally attached to the lever at a position offset from the second pivot.
A scooter according to either of claim 3, wherein a first end of the locking pin is pivotally mounted to the lever and a second end of the locking pin is slidable into and out of the locking hole.
A scooter according to any preceding claim, wherein the locking hole is provided by a bushing, such that the locking pin is slidable into and out of a bore of the bushing.
A scooter according to any preceding claim, wherein the handlebar portion comprises a handlebar, a head tube for rotationally mounting the handlebar for steering, and a first hinge portion extending from the head tube, wherein the footplate portion comprises a second hinge portion extending from the footplate portion, and wherein the hinge is formed between the first and second hinge portions.
A scooter according to claim 6, wherein in an unfolded configuration the first hinge portion and second hinge portion are substantially parallel and extend between the head tube and the footplate portion.
A scooter according to claim 7, wherein the locking pin is slidable in a direction substantially parallel to the first and second hinge portions when the scooter is in an unfolded configuration.
A scooter according to any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the hinge comprises a lever for sliding the locking pin, the lever being mounted to the first or second hinge portion.
10. A scooter according to claim 9, wherein the lever comprises a finger plate which, when the scooter is in an unfolded configuration, lies in a cavity in the first or second hinge portion, and wherein lifting the finger plate causes the locking pin to slide out of the locking hole.
11 A scooter according to claim 10, further comprising a sliding lock mounted to the finger plate, the sliding lock maintaining the finger plate in the cavity until the sliding lock is disengaged from a lock receptacle located in the cavity.
12. A scooter according to any of claims 6 to 11, wherein the first hinge portion further comprises a locking portion extending away from the pivot such that the locking portion rotates about the pivot with the first hinge portion, and wherein the locking portion comprises the locking hole.
13. A scooter according to claim 12, wherein the locking hole is formed at an end of the locking portion distal from the pivot.
14. The scooter of claim 12 or claim 13, wherein when the scooter is in an unfolded configuration the locking portion is substantially parallel with the second hinge portion.
15. A scooter according to any preceding claim, wherein the hinge comprises a biasing member, for example a spring, that urges the locking pin towards a locked position.
16. A scooter according to any preceding claim, further comprising a guide, the guide being mounted to the first or second hinge portion and comprising a channel for guiding the locking pin into and out of the locking hole.
17. A scooter according to any preceding claim, further comprising a latch having a first part and a second part, the first part of the latch being disposed on the handlebar portion and the second part of the latch being disposed on the footplate portion such that when the scooter is in a folded configuration the first and second parts of the latch engage to secure the scooter in the folded configuration.
18. A scooter according to claim 17, wherein the handlebar portion comprises a steering tube and wherein the first part of the latch is mounted to the steering tube.
19. A scooter according to claim 18, wherein the first part of the latch is biased towards a latched position.
20. A scooter according to any preceding claim, wherein the scooter is an electric scooter.
21 A scooter comprising a handlebar portion comprising a handlebar with two handles, each handle comprising a wheel defining the topmost part of the handlebar portion, the scooter also comprising a footplate portion that is foldable relative to the handlebar portion and having a rear wheel, the rear wheel comprising the rearmost part of the footplate portion, wherein in a folded configuration the wheels are substantially level with a rearmost part of the rear wheel such that the folded scooter can be stood on its end and rolled.
22. A scooter according to claim 21, further comprising a hinge for folding the handlebar portion relative to the footplate portion between an unfolded configuration and the folded configuration.