GB2338936A - Folding scooter - Google Patents

Description

2338936 Scooters

The present specification relates to scooters. In particular, the present specification provides improvements to collapsible stand on scooters.

Stand on scooters have been well known for many years. More recently, the addition of a motor to power the scooter has made it possible to develop a mode of transport which is small, lightweight and easy to handle. Its compact size and portability has made it popular for use around campsites and quay sides. To improve their storability, such scooters sometimes have a collapsible handlebar column. This may take the form of a pivot connection located at the bottom of the column where it meets the frame or platform which the rider stands on and which supports the wheels, so that the column can be folded backwards toward and to lie across the rear wheel. One such collapsible scooter is known from US-A-5193129.

By and large, motorised scooters are still seen as a toy or gimmick and consequently they do not recognise or address many of the problems which would be experienced, say, by a commuter using a motorised scooter to beat the worst of a city's rush-hour traffic.

Scooters have relatively small diameter wheels, and as a consequence they require a long handlebar column to extend up to the hands of a rider standing on the scooter. The provision of a pivot connection as discussed above in the known scooters at the base of this long handlebar column creates a significant weakness in the scooter. When only used occasionally, for low stress recreational purposes this problem may not be significant. However, if the scooter was to be used frequently on roads in traffic where there would be continuous stopping and starting, the column would be subjected to the alternating forces of the driver's weight (who will usually be an adult) continuously accelerating and decelerating. There is a real likelihood of the handlebar column failing at its base where it joins the chassis or lower frame which supports the wheels, through fatigue or some other cracking mechanism.

Thus, in accordance with a first invention disclosed herein, there is provided a scooter having a chassis which supports a front and a rear wheel and a handlebar column which is moveable between an upright, operating position and a collapsed position, a connection being provided for connecting the column to the chassis, wherein means are provided which extend between a portion of the chassis spaced from the connection and a portion of the column located above the connection to provide additional support to the handlebar column in its operating position.

In a basic form, the additional support means could comprise a cable strung between the chassis and the column acting as a stay. The means could comprise more than one cable so as to provide support in all directions, for example, two cables could extend from behind the column and one, which could be clipped into position, could extend from the front of the scooter, to triangulate the forces as much as possible.

However, preferably the additional support means comprises a rigid strut or the like, which has strength both in compression and extension. The strut may be in the form of an element of any suitable shape such as a bar or panel, but preferably is in the form of a rod.

In one preferred embodiment the additional support is provided by two struts which are arranged in the nature of an A-frame to support the handlebar column in its upright position. In this way both sideways and forward and backwards movement can be kept to a minimum. Preferably the two struts are formed as an inverted V- shaped member and joined at their apex where they meet the column. Preferably the two struts are hinged to the chassis at their bases to enable quick assembly of the scooter and to avoid possible loss of parts.

In one preferred embodiment, the strut is attached at one end to a member such as a collar which is slidable along a portion of the column and is pivotally attached at the other end to the chassis. Locking means are preferably provided to lock the collar or other member in position with respect to the column. The locking means may be provided on the collar attached to the strut or on a further collar which abuts against the strut's collar to restrict its movement. In both cases, the locking means should be able to restrict the movement of the strut and lock it in position whilst allowing rotation of the column within the slidable collar. However, embodiments are envisaged where the column comprises a tube which houses a rod that is used to steer the scooter, and where rotation of the column does not need to be taken into account. The locking means may comprise pins or hooks, but preferably comprises a clamp or the like. The slidable collar and hinged strut arrangement of this embodiment facilitates quick assembly of the scooter and gives a strong assembly.

Other forms of strut are also envisaged. For example, the strut could be a separate member which is slotted into receiving lugs on the column and chassis which hold it securely in position. In another embodiment, the strut could comprise an elbow joint which "snaps" into a locked position as the column is raised into its operating position or alternatively may telescope to its full length.

Preferably the column is connected to the chassis by means of a pivotal connection, because this enables the scooter to be assembled easily and allows the column to be folded back over the rear wheel so that it may be used to aid carrying. The pivotal connection may use pins or possibly a slidable outer locking collar to lock the column securely in position but preferably uses a spring-loaded catch to provide a "snap" action. Alternatively, the column could be separable from the chassis and simply slot into position, but this is less desirable because of the more complicated assembly procedure and difficulties associated with the cable connections extending from the controls on the handlebar.

The type of connection, the location of where the strut or struts are hinged and the height of the engine or housing over the rear wheel, will in general govern the length of the strut, but preferably this should be as long as possible to maximise the triangulation effect and resultant strengthening of the column, although this would of course have to be balanced against an increase in weight. Preferably the strut locks onto the column at a position above 25% of the length of the column above the pivotal connection and more preferably about 30% or more. Generally speaking, this point preferably lies about midway between the top of the handlebar column and the axis of the front wheel and preferably higher.

Preferably the scooter has an electric motor, not only for environmental considerations but also to permit it to be carried on trains, for example. The use of lead-acid accumulators should be avoided because of the danger that acid could leak from the cells. However, other batteries are available nowadays, for example, the "dry" varieties such as nickelcadmium rechargeable batteries. These can be fastened anywhere to the scooter but preferably fit inside the framework, for example, the column and/or the chassis according to power requirements. This is particularly advantageous when the scooter is made from wide diameter, thin walled tubing, for example, aluminium tubing, which is designed to maximise the strength to weight ratio of the tubing and reduce flexibility which could lead to fatigue.

Thus, in accordance with a further invention disclosed herein, there is provided a battery powered motorised scooter wherein the batteries to power the scooter are housed within structural support sections of the scooter, such as the handlebar column and/or the main chassis, for example.

In the embodiment where an A-frame strut is provided to give additional support to the handlebar column, there is described herein a novel way of carrying a briefcase or the like, or other item of luggage, on the scooter. The luggage may be secured to the scooter by means of a bracket which is strapped or secured in some other way to the luggage, which clips over and slides into locking engagement with the struts. Alternatively, but less desirably, the A-frame could be provided with a cross member which the luggage bracket could hook onto, for example, in a similar manner to a conventional cycle pannier. The luggage is therefore carried between the rider's feet and the front wheel of the scooter in an upright manner and may additionally provide the rider with some degree of protection from splashes of water and mud coming from the front wheel in wet conditions. To protect the rider further, a protective windcheater may be fitted.

Thus, in accordance with yet another invention disclosed herein, there is provided a bracket for attaching an item of luggage to a scooter which has two substantially upright struts which progressively diverge from each other in a downwardly direction, the bracket comprising two elongate hook means which are spaced from but inclined towards each other, the hook means being adapted to receive and lock onto, in a wedge-like manner, the two struts.

Preferably, the hook means comprises an elongate hook, each hook being arranged on an opposing inclined side of a trapezoid shaped plate, although each hook means could comprise two small spaced hooks arranged along each side of the bracket to reduce weight, for example. Preferably the bracket has a strap with a quick release buckle which can be fitted around and preferably through the handle of an item of luggage such as a briefcase.

Where a windcheater is provided, preferably this is detachable quickly and easily from the scooter. Means such as clips may be provided along the lower edge to secure it to the standing platform whilst elastic straps may be used to pull it tight. Hook and loop type material, for example, Velcroe, may also be used to secure the windcheater. If required, strengthening battens may be provided to retain its form.

Thus, according to yet another invention disclosed herein there is provided a detachable windcheater for a scooter comprising a sheet of flexible material, the windcheater being configured to define at least two triangular side panels and a front panel which extends between the two side panels, each side panel being provided with means along its base and at its apex for attaching the windcheater to the scooter.

Preferably the scooter comprises a single, driven, rear wheel and a steerable front wheel. However, other combinations are possible. For example, the front wheel could be driven. Also, there could be more than one front and/or rear wheel to increase stability for, say, the elderly. Preferably, however, the scooter comprises just two wheels and preferably these are about 5 inches (127 mm) wide or wider to provide greater stability at lower speeds.

If required, a seat could be provided for the rider and pedals could be provided to power the scooter in the event of motor failure or to meet certain legislation in some countries. Preferably these are removable and of a lightweight and compact design to allow the rider to carry them easily when not in use.

In one preferred embodiment, the seat post comprises three sections; a first section attached to the saddle which telescopes into a middle section, the middle section being connected to a base section by an elbow joint. The bottom of the base section fits into a recess or other locating means on the standing platform and struts or cables are used to secure the top of the base section in position. Preferably three struts are used, which radiate from or just below the elbow joint and connect to the platform to triangulate the forces exerted by the rider as much as possible. Preferably the rear facing two struts are in the form of rods, which include hooks and tensioners to facilitate assembly. Additional pins or catches may be provided to secure the bottom of the base section to the platform.

Preferably the saddle is connected to the seat post by a hinged joint, more preferably a double hinged joint which includes runners to enable the saddle to be positioned flat against the seat post for storage.

The pedals are preferably provided as a detachable unit comprising a support member, an axle arranged therethrough with a crank and a pedal arranged on each end of the axle. A drive system is connected to the axle for powering the scooter. Preferably this includes a flexible drive shaft which couples transmission from the detachable pedal unit to the driven wheel, preferably via a roller clutch on the motor axle.

Thus, according to yet a further invention disclosed herein, there is provided a pedal powered drive system for a scooter, means being provided to couple drive produced by the user working the pedals to a wheel of the scooter to power the scooter, wherein said means comprises a flexible drive shaft in the form of a torsionally resilient core which is rotatable within a close-fitting sheath.

Such a system may be made quick and easy to connect and avoids the need for complicated drive belt arrangements which would require correct belt tension and would be time consuming to assemble.

Certain preferred embodiments of the present scooter will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the side of a preferred scooter in its operating position; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the scooter in its collapsed position; Figure 3 shows the underneath of the scooter shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 shows the rear side of a preferred bracket which can be used to secure an item of luggage such as a briefcase or the like to the struts of the preferred scooter shown in Figures 1 to 3; Figure 5 shows the other side of the bracket illustrated in Figure 4; Figure 6 shows a preferred scooter which is provided with a detachable saddle assembly and a detachable pedal assembly; Figure 7 shows the saddle assembly and pedal assembly of Figure 6 in their collapsed configurations; and Figure 8 shows a preferred scooter which is provided with a windcheater.

The scooter shown in Figure 1 has a chassis I which supports a front and rear wheel 2,3, and provides an inclined standing platform or running board 4 for the rider, which is preferably inclined at an angle of more than 5' to the horizontal, more preferably at an angle of greater than 100. A handlebar column 5 is connected to the chassis 1 via a pivotal connection 6. The column 5 is held locked in its upright, operating position by means of a spring-loaded catch 7 and supported against lateral movement about its axis A by an inverted Vshaped member 8. This member 8 is hinged to the chassis 1 at its base by hinge blocks 9 and secured at its apex to the column 5 by a collar 10 which is slidable along a portion of the column 5. The slidable collar 10 is held in position by an abutting and preferably connecting lockable collar 11. As shown, a further collar 12 is provided to limit downwards movement of the slidable collar 10. The two--arms of the inverted V-shaped member 8 provide two downwardly diverging struts 81 which reduce the sideways and forward and backward forces experienced at the pivotal connection 6 during use of the scooter.

Reducing the lateral forces in this way reduces the likelihood that the pivotal connection 6 will fail. It also provides the-safety feature that in the event that the pivotal connection 6 does fail, the struts 81 act as a retainer which may prevent the handlebar column 5 from collapsing forwardly, say, under the weight of the rider during heavy braking.

The column 5 is raked backwards slightly in its operating position--to produce a more comfortable riding position, minimising the feeling to the rider that he is standing over the front wheel. Preferably the axis A of the column 5 is angled at greater than 100 to the vertical, most preferably at about 15'.

Located over the rear wheel 3 within a housing is an electric motor-13 to drive the rear wheel 3. In this preferred embodiment, these components are arranged above the rear wheel 3 to keep the width of the scooter to a minimum, but equally these components may be arranged to one side of the rear wheel 3 to reduce the height of the scooter in this area. The motor 13 may be an electric motor up to 70OW or more, for example, but in some countries, because of certain legislation, the motor 13 may have to be restricted to operate at 200W. The gear box 14 which may be housed in the hub of the rear wheel 3 or in the housing of motor 13, preferably has sufficient rat!_os to extract the best performance from the motor 13 without significantly increasing the weight of the scooter. There may be five or seven gears, for example, although three or even one may be enough in some cases.

A ram air intake is provided at 15 to provide cooling for the motor.

In the preferred embodiment, the front wheel 2 is about 5 inches (127 mm) wide and the rear wheel 3 is about 5% inches (140 mm) wide. In general, wheel widths of from 120 to about 150 mm are preferred. This arrangement provides a good compromise between stability generated by the wide wheels and frictional rolling resistance. The tyres are preferably inflated to about 45 psi (3.1X105 Pa) to provide some suspension to the rider and to ensure that only a narrow strip of the tyres engages the road surface during straight line movement and thereby minimise rolling resistance. Additional suspension may be fitted if desired but this leads to increased weight of the scooter. The wheels are preferably fitted with disc brakes 16, for example, discs of 2 or 3 inch (51 or 76 mm) diameter, but equally could be fitted with hub brakes or the like.

In the preferred embodiment, stops 17 are fitted to the standing platform 4 of the chassis 1 to prevent the rider's feet from sliding forward during braking.

The handle bar 18 of the scooter may carry the desired controls such as brake levers 19, a twist throttle and/or gear changer 20, as well as a wing mirror 21. If preferred, some of the handle bar controls may be replaced by foot pedals on the standing platform 4. As shown in Figure 1, the handle bar 18 is connected to the handle bar column 5 by means of a clampable head member 22 which can be unclamped easily and rotated through 1800 to enable a more compact storage configuration. The height of the handle bar 18 can also be adjusted by clamping this member 22 at different positions along the column 5.

Instruments 23, one on each side of the scooter, are preferably provided to inform the rider of speed, distance travelled, remaining battery charge and other useful information. These are shown in Figure 1 mounted on a member 24 which is pivotable about a hinge 25, so that, if desired, the instruments 23 can be positioned outstretched in front of the handle bar 18 by rotating the instrument supporting member 24 through 90', rather than being positioned adjacent the handle bar column as shown.

To collapse the scooter for storage, first the handle bar 18 is rotated through 180' as mentioned above, the lockable collar 11 is unlocked to allow the slidable collar 10 to slide along the column 5, the springloaded catch 7 is released and the column 5 is pivoted about pivotal connection 6 and lowered into an approximately horizontal position lying over the rear wheel 3. Figure 2 shows the scooter in this configuration. once collapsed, the column 5 may be secured in position by clamping the lockable collar 11. Clips or other locking devices-provided on column 5 may also be used to lock slidable collar 10 in position.

In this configuration, the scooter can be towed behind the user on its rear wheel 3 by using either the column 5 or a member 26 attached to the front of the scooter. The handle bar 18 and column 5, in their collapsed configuration, should allow the scooter to be tilted back onto its back wheel so that it can be stood up close to the user on a train, say, and thereby occupy only a small amount of standing room.

In the embodiment shown, the column 5 comprises thin walled, wide diameter tubing, for example, aluminium tubing of two inch (51 mm) diameter or greater. Other materials would also be suitable, particularly if they had a more favourable strength to weight ratio, for example, titanium or composite materials such as carbon or kevlar fibre composites, but these tend to be more expensive. By utilising wide diameter tubing, it creates a space which can be used to store batteries to power the electric motor 13.

In addition, or alternatively, batteries may be stored in the chassis 1, for example, under the standing platform 4. As shown in Figure 3, the chassis 1 may comprise four tubes 27 which are secured together, for example, by welding, which could be used to store batteries. In another embodiment (not shown), the chassis 1 comprises a box within which the batteries can be stored, the top surface of the box forming the standing platform 4.

Storing the batteries within the chassis in this way has two advantages. Firstly the centre of gravity can be made as low as possible and secondly it enables the chassis 1 to be made stiffer through the more box like construction. Similarly, if wide diameter tubing is used for the column 5, this will improve its stiffness and hence make the part less prone to cracking by fatigue.

Batteries may also be stored in the unit which contains a progressive voltage switch 37 or strapped in packs to various parts of the scooter. These may be in addition to the previously mentioned batteries, perhaps as spares or a back-up supply, or instead of the previously mentioned batteries.

The batteries used are preferably rechargeable and of the dry variety, for example, nickel-cadmium batteries. However, there is much development in this field of technology and any type of battery which can store sufficient charge, have a quick recharging time, which is lightweight and non-harmful to the user, would be suitable as a power source.

In Figures 4 and 5, there is shown a bracket which can be used to secure a briefcase or the like, or other item of luggage, to the scooter. The bracket may be made from sheet metal and has a flat back 29 which is held sandwiched against the side of a briefcase by a strap 30. The strap 30 has a sling 31 for supporting the base of the briefcase and quick release buckle elements 32,33 to enable one end of the strap to be passed through the handle of the briefcase and secured to the other end of the strap which has been passed around the opposite side of the briefcase. On the side of the bracket 28 facing away from the briefcase are provided two elongate hooks 34 and 35 which extend along opposing sides of the bracket 28 and incline towards each other. They are sized and shaped so that they can be slipped over and slid downwardly into locking engagement with the two struts 81 which progressively diverge from each other towards their base. In this way, the bracket 28 locks onto the struts 81 in a simple wedge-like manner under the weight of the briefcase. The strap 30 is secured to the bracket 28 by means of a flat fastener 36 as this is least likely to mark the briefcase, but equally, the strap 30 could engage slots in the bracket 28.

As mentioned previously, preferably the scooter is provided with a detachable saddle assembly 38 and a detachable pedal assembly 39. Figure 6 shows these items as assembled in place on the scooter.

The saddle assembly 38 comprises a saddle 40, a seat post 41 and three support members 42,43 (only two of which are visible in the figure). The seat post 41 comprises three sections; a first section 44 attached to the saddle 40 which telescopes into a middle section 45, the middle section 45 being connected to a base section 46 by an elbow joint 47. A ring 48 is provided on the standing platform 4 for receiving and locating the bottom 49 of the base section 46. Other means, for example, pins, catches and the like may also be used to locate the bottom 49 of the base section 46. The top 50 of the base section 46 is held in position by the support members 42,43 which are arranged to triangulate the forces exerted by the rider as much as possible. Rear support members 42 comprise adjustable retaining rods 51 with hooks 52 for easy attachment to location points 53 provided on the elbow joint 47 and location points provided on the chassis 1 underneath the standing platform 4, access being provided to the chassis 1 via holes 54 in the standing platform 4. Bungs (not shown) may be used to cover the holes 54 when the saddle assembly 38 is not in use. The length of the support members 42 may be adjusted by rotating the connecting sleeve 55 which connects rods 51. The other support member 43 comprises a plate 56 which is hinged to the elbow joint 47. The plate 56 includes an adjustable hook 57 for hooking onto a small A-frame 58 which is hinged to the chassis 1.

The saddle assembly 38 is configured such that when it is collapsed, it may fit within the confines of the scooter. The saddle 40 is connected to the first section 44 of the seat post 41 by a double hinged joint 59 which includes runners to enable the saddle 40 to be positioned flat against the seat post 41 for storage. The hinged joint 59 is provided with C-shaped clips (not shown) to retain the saddle 40 in its riding position and to provide a snap-action during assembly. Height of the saddle 40 may be adjusted using a conventional quick release clamp 60.

The pedal assembly 39 comprises a support member in the form of two spaced apart plates 61, which bridge the gap between the elbow joint 47 of the seat post 41 and the neck 62 of the chassis 1 (the portion of the chassis 1 which extends from the standing platform 4 to provide a collar for the handlebar column 5), and a set of pedals 63 and cranks 64 which are supported by the plates 61. The plates 61 locate onto pegs 65 provided on the elbow joint 47 and the neck 62. Additional pins and catches may also be provided to lock the plates 61 in position, preferably in a snap-action manner.

Spacing the plates 61 apart means that a strong and sturdy construction may be achieved, which will minimise twisting of the structure as a result of torsion generated by the rider's weight. It also provides a space within which to house the necessary gearing. In this way, the plates 61 offer some shielding to the rider from these components.

The gearing comprises a main sprocket 66, that is supported on an axle which passes between the two plates 61 and to which the cranks 64 are connected, a belt 67 to couple drive from the main sprocket 66 to a pulley near the neck 62, which in turn drives a second belt (not shown) to couple drive to a further pulley 68 located at the elbow joint end of the plates 61. The second belt twists through 900 so that the axis of pulley 68 may be approximately vertically aligned. A flexible drive shaft 69, which is driven by pulley 68, is used to couple drive to the motor unit 13. Since the axis of pulley 68 is vertically aligned, the flexible drive shaft 69 is kept out of the way of the rider's legs and the pedals 63 during use. A further pulley and belt arrangement may also be required to turn the drive through 900 before it can be used to drive a roller clutch on the motor axle. The flexible drive shaft 69 is provided with connectors which enable it to be connected and removed quickly.

The cranks 64 preferably splay outwardly slightly from the plates 61, for example, by between 20 and 300 from the vertical, so that they avoid other components on the scooter as they are rotated. Quick release mechanisms are provided so that the pedals 63 and cranks 64 can be collapsed to lie flat against the plates 61. As can be seen from Figure 6, the plates 61 are not equally sized either side of the main sprocket 66 but are longer at the front. This provides a longer surface against which the pedals 63 and cranks 64 can lie, one of the cranks 64 being rotated or pivoted through substantially 1800 so that they are aligned in the same forward direction. This produces a more compact collapsed configuration because the pedals 63 can be kept within the confines of the plates 61. A suitable quick release mechanism for the cranks 64 may comprise a member

which extends along the length of the crank 64 to engage a slot in the hinge of the pedal 63 so as to lock the pedal 63 in position with respect to the crank 64. By depressing a button 70 on the crank, the end of the member can be caused to retract from the slot and unlock the pedal 63.

Figure 7 shows the saddle assembly 38 and the pedal assembly 39 in their collapsed configurations. The arrangements are such that the total length L of the components can be made as small as 400 mm.

It may also be necessary to provide the rider with some degree of protection from the elements, for example, with a windcheater 71 as shown in Figure 8.

The windcheater 71 comprises a sheet of waterproof material, for example, nylon or the like, and may comprise a double-layered structure which is foam-filled if a more rounded and substantial look is required. In the embodiment shown, the windcheater 71 wraps around the front of the handlebar column 5 but it could be secured behind the column 5, as this can make it easier to collapse the scooter with the windcheater 71 in place. Elastic straps 72 are preferably used to secure the top of the windcheater 71 to the instrument member 24. Stiff supporting rods may be required in the front of the windcheater 71 to maintain its form. These may be of steel or a stiff but still flexible plastics material.

Thus, there has been described a novel form of collapsible scooter which takes account of the needs of the commuter and other users.

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Claims (18)

Claims

1. A scooter having a chassis which supports a front and a rear wheel and a handlebar column which is moveable between an upright, operating position and a collapsed position, a connection being provided for connecting the column to the chassis, wherein means is provided which extends between a portion of the chassis spaced from the connection and a portion of the column located above the connection to provide additional support to the'handlebar column in its operating position.

2. A scooter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the additional support means comprises a strut having strength both in compression and extension.

3. A scooter as claimed in claim 2, wherein the additional support means comprises a rod.

4. A scooter as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein the additional support means comprises two struts.

5. A scooter as claimed in claim 4, wherein the struts are provided by the two arms of a V-shaped member.

6. A scooter as claimed in any of claims 2 to 5, wherein the additional support means is hinged at one end to the chassis.

7. A scooter as claimed in any of claims 2 to 6, wherein the additional support means is attached to a collar which is slidable along a portion of the column.

8. A scooter as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the connection provided for connecting the column to the chassis is a pivotal connection.

9. A scooter as claimed in claim 8, wherein the pivotal connection has a spring-loaded catch to lock the column securely in its operating position.

10. A scooter as claimed in any of claims 1 to 9, which is powered by an electric motor.

11. A scooter as claimed in claim 10, wherein batteries for powering the electric motor of the scooter are housed within the handlebar column.

12. A scooter as claimed in claims 10 or 11, wherein batteries for powering the electric motor of the scooter are housed within the chassis.

13. A scooter as claimed in claim 12, in which the chassis of the scooter includes a platform on which a rider may stand, wherein the batteries are housed under the platform.

14. A scooter as claimed in claim 13, wherein the chassis comprises a box within which the batteries are housed.

15. A scooter as claimed in claim 14, wherein the chassis comprises four tubes which are secured together within which the batteries are housed.

16. A battery powered motorised scooter wherein the batteries to power the scooter are housed within structural support sections of the scooter.

17. A bracket for attaching an item of luggage to a scooter which has two substantially upright struts which progressively diverge from each other in a downwardly direction, the bracket comprising two elongate hook means which are spaced from but inclined towards each other, the hook means being adapted to receive and lock onto, in a wedge- like manner, the two struts.

18. A scooter as substantially hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to 3, G and 8.