GB2492164A

GB2492164A - Scooter with illuminating brake member

Info

Publication number: GB2492164A
Application number: GB1110764.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Martin Grossman
Original assignee: H Grossman Ltd
Current assignee: H Grossman Ltd
Priority date: 2011-06-24
Filing date: 2011-06-24
Publication date: 2012-12-26
Also published as: WO2012175988A2; GB201110764D0; WO2012175988A3

Abstract

A rider-propelled, user-propelled or foot-propelled vehicle (5) comprising a platform (28), the vehicle (5) further comprising a brake member (12). The brake member (12) comprises an illumination means (14). The vehicle (5) is a scooter (10), such as a collapsible scooter or microscooter. The vehicle (5) comprises a front wheel (30) and a rear wheel (36). The platform (28) is at least in use provided between the front wheel (30) and. the rear wheel (36). A brake member suitable for use with a single wheel or a pair of wheels is also claimed. The scooter may comprise suspension.

Description

IMPROVED SCOOTER

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to an improved soooter or similar type rider-propelled, user-propelled or foot-propelled vehicle or transport means. The present invention particularly, though not exclusively, relates to scooters such as collapsible scooters, folding scooters or "micro-scooters". The invention particularly, though not exclusively, relates to such vehicles adapted for use by children or infants.

BACKGROUND TO INVENTION

Scooters are known, and have experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years, e.g. due to innovations such as the collapsible scooter or "micro-scooter".

It is an object of at least one embodiment of at least one aspect of the present invention to provide an improved scooter, and particularly, though not exclusively, an improved collapsible scooter or "micro-scooter".

It is an object of at least one embodiment of at least one aspect of the present invention to obviate and/or mitigate one or more problems/disadvantages in the

prior art.

It is an object of at least one embodiment of at least one aspect of the present invention to provide a vehicle/scooter having a novel or novelty light effect.

By such provision, the vehicle/scooter or the like may be more desirable to a user and/or assist in making the user and his/her intentions/actions (e.g. braking) more visible to others. This may contribute to improved safety for the rider or user and/or for others.

SUIVTh4ARY OF INVENTION These and other objects of the present invention are sought to be addressed by providing a first general solution of a rider-propelled, user-propelled or foot-propelled vehicle, such as a scooter, comprising a platform and an actuable brake member with an illumination means.

These and other objects of the present invention are sought to be addressed by providing a second general solution of a rider-propelled, user-propelled or foot-propelled vehicle, such as a scooter, comprising a platform and a suspension means.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a rider-propelled, user-propelled or foot-propelled vehicle, such as a scooter, comprising a platform and a brake member, wherein the brake member comprises an illumination means.

Preferably the vehicle is a scooter, such as a collapsible scooter or micro-scooter.

Preferably the vehicle comprises at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel.

The vehicle preferably comprises a pair of front wheels which are coaxially disposed relative to one another, and/or a pair of rear wheels which are coaxially disposed relative to one another.

Alternatively the vehicle may comprise a single front wheel and a pair of rear wheels which are coaxially disposed relative to one another.

Alternatively the vehicle may comprise a single front wheel and a single rear wheel.

Alternatively the vehicle may comprise a pair of front wheels which are coaxially disposed relative to one another and a single rear wheel.

The platform, preferably, at least in use, is provided substantially or entirely between the at least one front wheel and the at least one rear wheel. The platform preferably, at least in use, does not extend rearward of the at least one rear wheel, and preferably does not extend forward of the at least one front wheel.

Preferably the scooter has a steering column.

Preferably the scooter has handlebars.

Preferably the scooter has a hingeable locking mechanism, e.g. between the steering column and platform.

The brake member is preferably a rear brake member.

Advantageously, the illumination means may comprise a brake light, such as a rear brake light, e.g. which illuminates when the brake member is operated.

Alternatively or additionally the illumination means may illuminate independently of operation of the brake member.

Preferably, the brake member comprises a foot-operated member or pedal.

Preferably the brake member is pivotally-mounted, e.g. relative to the platform. The brake member may be biased by suitable means to a first position spaced from a wheel, e.g. rear wheel, and may be brought into frictional contact with said wheel by application of force, e.g. via a foot of a user.

Preferably the brake member comprises a wheel arch or guard.

The brake member may comprise a brake pad.

The brake member may comprise a shoe.

The illumination means may be connected to or integral with the brake member.

Preferably the illumination means is mounted to be movable with the brake member.

Preferably, the illumination means is mounted to be upwardly and/or forwards facing on the vehicle. For example, where the vehicle is a scooter, e.g. a collapsible scooter, the illumination means may be provided on an upper-facing portion (e.g. upper portion) of the brake member. Alternatively, or additionally, the illumination means may be mounted to be side facing on the vehicle. For example, where the vehicle is a scooter, e.g. a collapsible scooter, the illumination means may be provided on a side-facing portion (e.g. left and/or right side portion) of the brake member.

Alternatively, or additionally, the illumination means may be mounted to be rear facing on the vehicle. For example, where the vehicle is a scooter, e.g. a collapsible scooter, the illumination means may be provided on a rear-facing portion (e.g. rear portion) of the brake member. Alternatively, or additionally, the illumination means may be mounted to be downwardly facing on the vehicle. For example, where the vehicle is a scooter, e.g. a collapsible scooter, the illumination means may be provided on a downwardly-facing portion (e.g. lower portion) of the brake member.

Alternatively, or additionally, the illumination means may be mounted to be externally facing on the vehicle. For example, where the vehicle is a scooter, e.g. a collapsible scooter, the illumination means may be provided on an external-facing portion (e.g. external portion) of the brake member. Alternatively, or additionally, the illumination means may be mounted to be internally facing on the vehicle. For example, where the vehicle is a scooter, e.g. a collapsible scooter, the illumination means may be provided to illuminate a portion (e.g. the wheel(s)) of the vehicle.

The illumination means may comprise at least one electrically powered light source such as a light emitting diode(s) (LED(s)). The illumination means may comprise a plurality of light sources (e.g. LED5), the plurality of light sources distributed around a periphery of the brake member. The plurality of light sources may substantially be evenly distributed. The illumination means may be of any colour, particularly one colour, e.g. red, or alternatively multicoloured or a number of colours, e.g. red, yellow and blue. The illumination means may comprise a lamp (e.g. incandescent, fluorescent, halogen, etc.).

The illumination means may be provided on a recessed portion of the brake member. The brake member may be configured to prevent contact between a user's/rider's foot and the illumination means. The brake member may comprise a foot interface. The foot interface may be configured to prevent contact between a user's/rider's foot and the illumination means. The foot interface may be raised with respect to the illumination means. The foot interface may comprise a central section of the brake member. The foot interface may comprise a footpad.

The foot interface may be configured to grip a rider's foot. For example, the foot interface may comprise a profiled surface (e.g. a ribbed surface) The illumination means may be provided along at least a portion of the periphery of the brake member. The illumination means may be provided substantially around at least a portion of the periphery of the brake member.

The illumination means may be arranged around at least a portion of the foot interface's central section of the brake member. The illumination means may be arranged substantially around the foot interface's central section of the brake member.

The illumination means may be provided behind a transparent or translucent cover, e.g. a plastic cover.

The cover may be tinted, e.g. red. The cover may comprise one or more lens and/or light diffusion means.

The illumination means may be encapsulated in the cover.

The illumination means may be moulded into the cover.

The brake member may be configured to prevent contact between a user's/rider's foot and the illumination means cover. For example, the foot interface may be raised with respect to the illumination means cover.

At least a portion of the illumination means and/or at least a portion of the illumination means cover may be substantially flush with at least a portion of the foot brake member. For example, the illumination means cover may be mounted such that an upper surface of the illumination means cover is flush with an upper surface of the foot interface. The illumination means cover may be mounted such that a side surface of the illumination means cover is flush with a side surface of the brake member.

At least a portion of the illumination means cover may be substantially recessed with respect to at least a portion of the foot interface.

At least a portion of the illumination means cover may be substantially raised with respect to at least a portion of the foot interface.

At least a portion of the illumination means cover may be embedded in the brake member.

At least a portion of the brake member may overhang at least a portion of the illumination means.

The foot interface may comprise the illumination means (e.g. the foot interface's central section of the brake member may comprise the illumination means) The brake member may comprise a channel or void for receiving the illumination means.

The brake member may be biased by biasing means to a non-braking position.

The brake member may be configured to receive at least one wheel. For example, the brake member may comprise an arched portion. The arched portion may be substantially concentric or eccentric with the at least one wheel and may comprise a radius greater than or equal to a radius of the at least one wheel. The brake member may be configured to receive a single wheel and/or to receive a pair of wheels. For example, the brake member may comprise a width sufficient to span at least respective portions of a first and a second wheel, the first and second wheels coaxially disposed relative to each other. The first and second wheels may be substantially similar. For example, the first and second wheels may comprise a similar radius. The brake member may be configured to receive the single wheel and/or the pair of wheels centrally.

Preferably in a non-braking position or state there is a gap between the brake member and the at least one wheel of the vehicle, while in a braking position or state the brake member oontaots (e.g. frictionally) the at least one wheel (e.g. a rear wheel) The vehicle may comprise a switch means for operating the illumination means. The brake member may comprise the switch means for operating the illumination means. The switch means may be operated by mounting and/or dismounting the brake member.

The switch means may comprise a push switch. The switch means may comprise a latching switch. The switch means may comprise a non-latching switch. The switch means may comprise a toggle switch. The switch means may comprise a contact switch.

The brake member may, in use, be depressed into a braking position by a user forcing the brake member against the at least one wheel. Removal of the user's pressure from the brake member may cause the brake member to return to the non-braking position. The user may apply the force by at least partially stepping on the brake member.

The vehicle may be configured to actuate the illumination means on actuation of the brake member.

Movement of the rear brake to the braking position and/or maintenance of the rear brake at the braking position may cause the illumination means to illuminate or switch on.

Movement of the rear brake from the braking position and/or maintenance of the rear brake at the non-braking position may cause the illumination means to not illuminate or switch off.

The brake member may comprise a pressure-sensitive switch means. The brake member may comprise a pressure sensor. The pressure-sensitive switch means may be configured to detect contact between the brake member and a rider's foot. The pressure-sensitive switch means may be configured to detect contact between the brake member and the at least one wheel. The pressure-sensitive switch means may be mounted to an upper portion of the brake member. The pressure-sensitive switch means may be mounted to an underside of the brake member.

The pressure-sensitive switch means may be configured to actuate the illumination means at a threshold pressure. The threshold pressure may be lower than a pressure required to actuate braking. For example, the pressure-sensitive switch means may be triggered by a contact with a rider's foot, the contact with a rider's foot insufficient to move the brake member to a braking position. The illumination means may be actuated without and/or prior to braking.

The threshold pressure may be higher and/or substantially the same as a pressure reguired to actuate braking. The illumination means may be actuated on and/or after initiation of braking.

The vehicle may be configured to actuate the illumination means on actuation of the vehicle. For example, the vehicle may have a switch means operated by mounting and/or dismounting the platform.

The vehicle may comprise a manually-actuated switch means. For example, the switch means may be located on the handlebars.

The illumination means may be provided forward of a rearmost portion of the wheel(s), and/or the illumination means may be provided forward of a foremost portion of the wheel(s).

The illumination means may be provided rearward of a rearmost portion of the wheel(s), and/or the illumination means may be provided rearward of a foremost portion of the wheel(s).

The illumination means may be provided laterally of a sidemost portion of the wheel/s (e.g. the illumination means may be provided on a portion of the brake member laterally protruding from the wheel(s)).

The illumination means may be provided above of an uppermost portion of the wheel(s), and/or the illumination means may be provided below an uppermost portion of the wheel(s) The vehicle may comprise electronic means activated by movement of the brake member.

The electronic means may comprise circuit means completed by movement of the brake member to a braking position and broken by movement of the brake member to a non-braking position.

The electronic means may comprise a switch means having a switch member biased into contact with the brake member.

Preferably by this arrangement when the brake member is in the non-braking position, the switch member is in a first or retracted position, and the switch means is in an "off" state, while when the brake member is in the braking position the switch member is in a second or extended position, and the switch means is in an "on" state.

The platform may comprise a first platform member.

The platform may comprise a second platform member. The first and/or second platform member(s) may comprise a metallic material, e.g. aluminium or an alloy thereof, which may be extruded. The first and/or second platform member(s) may comprise a polymeric material, e.g. a rigid polymer material.

The vehicle may further comprise a power source, such as a battery. The illumination means may be connected to the power source. The power source may be mounted to the platform. The illumination means may be connected to the power source.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a brake member for a rider-propelled, user-propelled or foot-propelled vehicle, such as a scooter, comprising a platform, wherein the brake member is configured to receive a single wheel and to receive a pair of wheels.

Providing such a brake member configured to receive a single wheel and to receive a pair of wheels may permit a flexibility of a platform-comprising rider-propelled vehicle brake member. For example, such a brake member may permit the use of a single brake member for the production of both single and dual-wheeled vehicles, thereby reducing a total number of different parts in production. The flexibility may enable an adaptation of such a vehicle between single-and dual-wheeled configurations.

The brake member may be a rider-propelled vehicle brake member.

The brake member may further comprise an illumination means.

The brake member may be configured to receive the single wheel centrally in the brake member.

The brake member may be configured to receive the pair of wheels centrally in the brake member.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a rider-propelled, user-propelled or foot-propelled vehicle, such as a scooter, comprising a platform and a brake member, wherein the brake member is configured to receive a single wheel and to receive a pair of wheels.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a rider-propelled, user-propelled or foot-propelled vehicle, such as a scooter, comprising a platform and a suspension means.

The suspension means may be configured to adapt a position of at least one wheel relative to the platform.

The suspension means may be configured to adapt a position of the at least one wheel relative to a steering column.

The suspension means may be configured to adapt a position of the at least one wheel relative to handlebars.

The at least one wheel may comprise a front wheel.

The at least one wheel may comprise a rear wheel.

The at least one wheel may comprise a pair of wheels, the pair of wheels coaxially disposed relative to each other.

The suspension means may comprise a biasing means or spring member. The biasing means or spring member may be connected to an axle. The biasing means or spring member may be connected to an axle housing (e.g. mounted to the axle housing) . The axle housing may be configured to move, such as vertically, with respect to the platform.

The axle housing may be configured to move, such as vertically, with respect to the steering column. The axle housing may be mounted in a vertical slot, such as a vertical slot in the steering column, e.g. forks of the steering columns.

Axial and/or radial movement of the axle housing may be restricted. For example, the suspension means may comprise a guide member, such as a guide pin. The guide member may be mounted to the axle housing. The guide member may be centrally disposed within the spring member. The guide member may be retained within a guide hole, such as a substantially horizontally-oriented guide hole in a flange connected to the steering column. The guide member may comprise a first stop, the first stop restricting substantially downward movement of the guide member relative to the guide hole. The guide member may comprise a second stop, the second stop restricting substantially upward movement of the guide member relative to the guide hole.

It will be appreciated that one or more of the features of one or more of the foregoing general solutions or aspects of the present invention may be swapped with or combined with one another. Merely for reasons of conciseness all such options and combinations are not recited herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are: Figure 1 a side view of a scooter according to an embodiment of the present invention in a first configuration; Figure 2 a close up view angled from behind of the rear of the scooter of Figure 1; Figure 3 a partial view angled from above of the rear of the scooter of Figure 1; Figure 4 a partial view angled from above of the front of the scooter of Figure 1; Figure 5 a partial side view of the scooter of Figure 1 in a second configuration; Figure 6 a close up view angled from below of the rear of the scooter of Figure 5; Figure 7 a partial sectional side view of the scooter of Figure 5; and Figure 8 a partial sectional side view of the scooter of Figure 5; and Figure 9 a partial angled view from below of the scooter of Figure 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Referring initially to Figures 1 to 4 there is shown a rider-propelled, user-propelled or foot-propelled vehicle 5, generally designated 5, according to an embodiment of the present invention in a first configuration. The vehicle 5 comprises at least one brake member 12 comprising an illumination means 14 as will be described hereinafter in greater detail.

In this embodiment the vehicle 5 is a scooter 10, particularly a collapsible scooter or so-called "micro-scooter". The scooter 10 has first and second (front and rear) pairs 16, 18 of wheels, steering column 20, handlebars 22, and a hingeable locking mechanism 24 including lever 26, between the steering column 20 and platform 28. The scooter 10 also comprises a foot plate or platform 28, at least in use, provided between the front and rear pairs 16, 18 of wheels.

The wheels 30, 32 of the front pair 16 of wheels are coaxially disposed relative to one another 32, 30. The wheels 34, 36 of the rear pair 18 of wheels are coaxially disposed relative to one another 36, 34.

The brake member 12 shown comprises a rear brake member. The brake member 12 is biased by biasing means, which is a spring 38 in the embodiment shown, to a non-braking position. The brake member 12 comprises a wheel arch or guard with a radius similar to an outer radius of the rear wheels 34, 36.

In a non-braking position or state there is a gap between the brake member 12 and the pair of rear wheels 18 of the scooter 10, while in a braking position or state the brake member 12 frictionally contacts each of the rear wheels 34, 36.

The brake member 12 is pivotally mounted such that in use, the brake member 12 is depressed into a braking position by a user normally by applying their foot to the brake member 12. Removal of the user's foot from the brake member 12 causes the brake member 12 to return to the non-braking position.

The illumination means 14 comprises a brake light, which is shown as a rear brake light. The illumination means 14 is mounted to be movable with the brake member 12 (e.g. when the brake member 12 is depressed, the illumination means 14 is depressed) The illumination means 14 is mounted to be upwardly facing on the vehicle 5. In this embodiment, the illumination means 14 is provided on an upper-facing portion 40 of the brake member 12. Accordingly, the illumination means 14 projects light upwardly when activated. The illumination means 14 is mounted to be side facing on the vehicle 5. In the embodiment shown, the illumination means 14 is provided on left and right side portions 42, 44 of the brake member 12. The illumination means 14 is mounted to be rear facing on the vehicle 5. The illumination means 14 shown is provided on a rear-facing portion 46 of the brake member 12.

In the embodiment shown, the upwardly-facing 40, the rear-facing 46 and the side-facing 42, 44 portions are externally facing on the vehicle 5.

The illumination means 14 comprises at least one light emitting diode (LED), which, in the embodiment shown, is a plurality of (eight) LED5 substantially evenly distributed around a periphery of the brake member 12.

The illumination means 14 is provided on a recessed portion of the brake member 12. The brake member 12 is configured to prevent contact between a user's foot and the illumination means 14. The brake member 12 shown comprises a foot interface 48 in the form of a central section of the brake member 12 that is raised with respect to the illumination means 14. The foot interface shown comprises a footpad configured to grip a rider's foot in various wet/dry conditions, via a profiled surface with ribs.

The illumination means 14 is provided behind a plastic cover 50, which is transparent polypropylene in the embodiment shown. The foot interface 48 shown is raised with respect to the plastic cover.

The brake member 12 comprises a rear protector 52, the rear protector 52 shielding the illumination means 14 or cover 50, such as shielding from rear impact.

The plastic cover 50 is mounted such that a side surface 54 of the plastic cover 50 is flush with a side surface 56 of the brake member 12.

The brake member 12 is configured to receive a single wheel and to receive a rear pair 18 of wheels. The brake member 12 shown comprises a width sufficient to span the rear pair 18 of wheels. The brake member 12 is configured to receive the single wheel and the pair 18 of wheels centrally. In the embodiment shown, the brake member 12 comprises a central arched portion 58 for receiving a single wheel centrally.

The brake member 12 has a switch means (not shown) operated by mounting and/or dismounting the brake member 12.

The brake member 12 may, in use, be depressed into a braking position by a user forcing the brake member 12 against the rear wheels 34, 36. Removal of the user's pressure from the brake member 12 causes the brake member 12 to return to the non-braking position. The user applies the force by at least partially stepping on the brake member 12.

The vehicle 5 is configured to actuate the illumination means 14 on actuation of the brake member 12.

Movement of the brake member 12 to the braking position and/or maintenance of the brake member 12 at the braking position causes the illumination means 14 to illuminate or to switch on.

Movement of the brake member 12 from the braking position and/or maintenance of the brake member 12 at the non-braking position causes the illumination means 14 to not illuminate or to switch off.

The brake member 12 comprises a pressure-sensitive switch means (not shown) configured to detect contact between the brake member 12 and a rider's foot.

The pressure-sensitive switch means is configured to actuate the illumination means 14 at a threshold pressure. The threshold pressure is lower than a pressure reguired to actuate braking. Accordingly, the illumination means 14 may be actuated without, and/or prior to, and/or during, braking.

The illumination means 14 is provided forward of a rearmost portion of the wheels 34, 36, and forward of a foremost portion of the wheels 34, 36, and rearward of a foremost portion of the wheels 34, 36. The illumination means 14 is provided laterally of a sidemost portion of the wheels 34, 36. The illumination means 14 is provided above and below an uppermost portion of the wheels 34, 36.

The vehicle 5 further comprises a suspension means 60, which is a front suspension means in the embodiment shown. The suspension means 60 is configured to adapt a position of the front pair 16 of wheels relative to the platform 28. The suspension means 60 is configured to adapt a position of the front pair 16 of wheels relative to the steering column 20. The suspension means 60 is configured to adapt a position of the front pair 16 of wheels relative to the handlebars 22.

The suspension means 60 comprises two spring members 62, 64, each connected to an axle housing 66. The axle housing 66 is configured to move vertically with respect to the platform 28. The axle housing 66 is mounted in two vertical slots 68 in forks of the steering column 20.

Note that the steering column 20, handlebars 22 and front wheels 30, 32 are substantially rotationally symmetrical. Accordingly, the handlebars 22 may be rotated such that the left and right front wheels 30, 32 swap positions (i.e. the left front wheel 30 becomes positioned on the right side of the scooter 10) Referring now to Figures 5 to 9 there is shown the vehicle 5 of Figure 1 in a second configuration. In the second configuration, the rear pair 18 of wheels is adapted such that a single rear wheel is centrally disposed between rear axle supports. In the embodiment shown, the single rear wheel is the left rear wheel 36 of the first configuration. The front pair 16 of wheels has been similarly substituted by a single wheel, the left front wheel 32 of the first configuration.

The brake member 12 comprises a central arch 58 for contacting the rear wheel during braking, as can be seen in Figure 6.

As can be seen in Figures 7 and 8, the vehicle 5 comprises electronic means 70 activated by movement of the brake member 12.

The electronic means 70 comprise circuit means completed by movement of the brake member 12 to a braking position and broken by movement of the brake member 12 to a non-braking position.

The electronic means 70 comprise a switch means having a switch member biased into contact with the brake member 12.

By this arrangement when the brake member 12 is in the non-braking position, the switch member is in a first or retracted position, and the switch means is in an "off" state, while when the brake member 12 is in the braking position the switch member is in a second or extended position, and the switch means is in an "on" state.

The platform 28 comprises a first platform member 72 with an extruded aluminium alloy profile.

The vehicle 5 further comprises a power source 74, which is a battery source in the embodiment shown. The illumination means 14 is connected to the power source 74. The power source 74 is located in a void in the underside of the platform 28. The illumination means 14 is connected to the power source 74 via cables 76 running through a channel, which is an enclosed channel in the embodiment shown, in the platform 28. The channel runs the entire length of the platform 28, the cables 76 exiting the channel at a front end for connection to the power source 74; and exiting the channel at a rear end for connection to the illumination means 14.

It will be appreciated that the embodiment of the present invention hereinbefore described is given by way of example only, and is not meant to limit the scope thereof in any way. The Applicant hereby discloses in isolation each individual feature described herein and any combination of two or more such features, to the extent that such features or combinations are capable of being carried out based on the present specification as a whole in the light of the common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art, irrespective of whether such features or combinations of features solve any problems disclosed herein, and without limitation to the scope of the claims. The Applicant indicates that aspects of the present invention may consist of any such individual feature or combination of features. It will be appreciated that various modifications may be envisaged to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A rider-propelled, user-propelled or foot-propelled vehicle, such as a scooter, comprising a platform and a brake member, wherein the brake member comprises an illumination means.
2. A vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle is a scooter, such as a collapsible scooter or micro-scooter.
3. A vehicle as claimed in either of claims 1 or 2, wherein the vehicle comprises a front wheel and a rear wheel, wherein the platform is at least in use, provided between the front wheel and the rear wheel.
4. A vehicle as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the brake member is a rear brake member.
5. A vehicle as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the illumination means is integral with the brake member.
6. A vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the illumination means is mounted to move with the brake member.
7. A vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the illumination means is mounted to be upwardly facing on the vehicle.
8. A vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the illumination means is mounted to be side facing on the vehicle.
9. A vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the illumination means is mounted to be rear facing on the vehicle.
10. A vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the illumination means is provided on a recessed portion of the brake member.
11. A vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the brake member is configured to prevent contact between a user's/rider's foot and the illumination means.
12. A vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the brake member comprises a foot interface, and at least a portion of the foot interface is raised with respect to the illumination means.
13. A vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the brake member comprises a foot interface, and at least a portion of the foot interface is flush with respect to the illumination means.
14. A vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the illumination means is provided along at least a portion of a periphery of the brake member.
15. A vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the illumination means is provided behind a transparent or translucent cover.
16. A vehicle as claimed in claim 15, wherein at least a portion of the foot interface is raised with respect to the illumination means cover.
17. A vehicle as claimed in claim 15 or 16, wherein at least a portion of the foot interface is flush with respect to the illumination means cover.
18. A vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the brake member is biased by biasing means to a non-braking position.
19. A vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the brake member is configured to receive a single wheel and/or to receive a pair of wheels.
20. A vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the brake member has a switch means operated by mounting and/or dismounting the brake member.
21. A vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein movement of the rear brake to the braking position and/or maintenance of the rear brake at the braking position causes the illumination means to illuminate or to switch on.
22. A vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein movement of the rear brake from the braking position and/or maintenance of the rear brake at the non-braking position causes the illumination means to not illuminate or to switch off.
23. A vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the brake member comprises a pressure-sensitive switch means.
24. A vehicle as claimed in claim 23, wherein the pressure-sensitive switch means is configured to detect contact between the brake member and a rider's foot.
25. A vehicle as claimed in either of claims 23 or 24, wherein the pressure-sensitive switch means is configured to detect contact between the brake member and the at least one wheel.
26. A vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the vehicle is configured to actuate the illumination means on actuation of the vehicle.
27. A vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the illumination means comprises at least one LED.
28. A vehicle as claimed in claim 27, wherein the illumination means comprises a plurality of LED5; the plurality of LEDs distributed around the periphery of the brake member.
29. A brake member for a rider-propelled, user-propelled or foot-propelled vehicle, such as a scooter, comprising a platform, wherein the brake member is configured to receive a single wheel and to receive a pair of wheels.
30. A rider-propelled, user-propelled or foot-propelled vehicle, such as a scooter, comprising a platform and a brake member, wherein the brake member is configured to receive a single wheel and to receive a pair of wheels.
31. A rider-propelled, user-propelled or foot-propelled vehicle, such as a scooter, comprising a platform and a suspension means.
32. A vehicle as claimed in claim 31, wherein the suspension means is configured to adapt a position of at least one wheel relative to the platform and/or relative to a steering column and/or relative to handlebars.
33. A vehicle substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1 to 8.
34. A brake member substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1 to 8.