GB2530155A

GB2530155A - Modular bicycle

Info

Publication number: GB2530155A
Application number: GB1512358.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Bruce Preston Williams
Original assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
Current assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
Priority date: 2014-07-17
Filing date: 2015-07-15
Publication date: 2016-03-16
Anticipated expiration: 2035-07-15
Also published as: DE102015110933A1; GB2530155B; GB201512358D0

Abstract

An e-bike centre module 12 includes a substantially straight first centre module connecting surface (51 figure 5) that is releasably connectable to a substantially straight front module connecting surface 15. A substantially straight second centre module connecting surface (53 figure 5) is releasably connectable to a substantially straight rear module connecting surface 17. The centre module 12 is part of a bicycle frame 10 when connected to front module 14 and rear module 16. The front and/or rear module 14,16 may be interchangeable with a second front and/or rear module. The centre module 12 may include an electric motor (46 figure 4) and/or a removable battery 42. There may be quick release mechanisms on the front and/or rear module 14,16 for connecting to the centre module 12. There may be a connector to link the front and rear modules 14,16 together in a towable configuration (figure 14). A method of assembly is also claimed.

Description

MODULAR BICYCLE

BACKGROUND

100011 Current portable and/or stowable bicycles generally suffer from the deficiency of not looking or perfomiing like a typical bicycle. Folding bikes generally have a geometry to allow the bike to fold, or be collapsed, which limits how a bike frame can be designed when compared to a bike frame designed for a fixed, or non-folding, configuration). For example, wheels may be unusually small, a frame may not be full-size, etc. Further, such bicycles often are not configured to include an electric motor. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved portable, stowable, and/or electric bicycle.

SUMNIARY OF THE INVENTION

10002] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus as set forth in claim I of the appended claims.

10003] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method as set forth in claim 17 of the appended claims.

DRAWINGS

10004] FIG. 1 is side view of an exemplary modular bicycle.

10005] FIG. 2 is a side view of modules of the bicycle of FIG. 1.

10006] FIG. 3 is an exploded side view of the bicycle of FIG. 1.

10007] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of ai exemplary centre module of the bicycle of FIG, 1.

10008] FIG. 5 is a top view of an exemplary centre module of the bicycle of FIG. 1.

10009] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of an exemplary modular bicycle that includes alternative connecting and securing mechanisms.

1000101 FIG. 7 is another exploded perspective view of a portion of the exemplary modular bicycle of FIG. 6.

1000111 FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a centre module of the exemplary modular bicycle of FIG, 6, 1000121 FIG, 9 is a perspective view of a centre module of the exemplary modular bicycle of FIG. 6.

1000131 FIG. 10 is a top view of an exemplary drive assembly of the bicycle of FIG. 1 1000141 FIG, 11 is a perspective view of a portion of the bicycle of FIG, 1 including a quick-release locking mechanism.

1000151 FIG. 12 is a side view of a centre module of the bicycle of FIG. 1 with a seat in a battery replacement mode.

1000161 FIG, 13 is a side view ofa centre module of the bicycle of FIG. 1 with a seat in a battery replacement mode.

1000171 FIG. 14 is a side view of the bicycle of FIG. 1 in a towable configuration.

1000181 FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of the bicycle of FIG. 1 in a towable configuration.

1000191 FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of a portion of the bicycle of FIG. 1 in a towable configuration.

1000201 FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the bicycle of FIG. 1 in a stowable configuration.

1000211 FIG. 18 is a side view of the bicycle of FIG. 1 in a stowable configuration.

1000221 FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary tandem bicycle.

1000231 FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the exemplary tandem bicycle of FIG. 19.

1000241 FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary tricycle.

1000251 FIG, 22 is a perspective view of the exemplary tricycle of FIG 21, 1000261 FIG, 23 is au exploded perspective view of an quad-cycle, 1000271 FIG, 24 is a perspective view of the exemplary quad-cycle of FIG 23.

1000281 FIG, 25 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary recumbent bicycle, 1000291 FIG, 26 is a perspective view of the exemplary recumbent bicycle of FIG, 26.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

1000301 Disclosed herein is a modular bicycle that can easily be assembled, disassembled, and reassembled. This bicycle has many advantages over bicycles that are foldable or that incorporate a fixed-geometry frame design, These advantages include being able to provide a bicycle geometry that does not make concessions, e.g., in terms of size and shape of the bicycle and/or various components, to incorporate folding mechanisms. At the same time, the presently-disclosed bicycle provides advantages previously available only with a folding bike.

Moreover, the present bicycle allows for easy disassembly and reassembly with new configurations, unlike folding bicycles or conventional bicycles with fixed geometry frames.

I

1000311 Referring first to Figures 1-3, a modular bicycle 10, includes a centre module 12, front module 14, and a rear module 16, the modules 14, 16 advantageously being detachable and interchangeable with respect to the centre module 12. The module 12, sometimes referred to as the "core" or "spine" of the bicycle 10, includes a drive assembly 77. The drive assembly 77 includes one or more manual (e.g., pedal-powered) and/or electric-powered mechanisms, examples of which are described below herein, for driving forward progress of the bicycle 12.

1000321 The modules 14 and 16 include respective connection members 15, 17 that are substantially sftaight, at least for a majority portion thereof, and parallel to generally straight, e.g., planar, surfaces 51, 53 (see Figure 5) of the centre module 12, thereby facilitating easy installation and removal of a module 14 and/or 16 with the centre module 12. Advantageously, therefore, the front module 14 and/or the rear module 16 can be quickly and easily connected to, and disconnected from, the centre module 12. Accordingly, the bicycle 10 is easy to transport, whether being towed or wheeled by a person on foot, or stowed in luggage. Further, the modules 14, 16 are interchangeable, meaning that the centre module 12 may be used for different styles of bicycle, e.g., a road or racing bike, a city bike, a mountain bike, etc. For example, such different types of bicycles can have different frame geometries, different wheel sizes, different tire diameters, different suspension types, etc. [00033] Moreover, the centre module 12 is designed to accommodate a battery 42 and a mid-drive motor 46 (seen, e.g., in Figure 4). As further discussed below, the centre module 12 is designed for easy installation and/or replacement of the battery 42, as well as for connection of the battery 42 to electrical elements in the modules I 4, 1 6.

1000341 The front module 14 includes a front tire 19 mounted on a front wheel 18 in a conventional manner, Further, the wheel 18 is connected to a fork 22 of the front module 14 in a conventional manner, e.g., with a quick-release mechanism or the like known for allowing a bicycle wheel to be quickly engaged with and disengaged from a fork 22. Similarly, the rear module 16 includes a rear wheel 20 with a tire 21 mounted thereon, the wheel 20 being connected to the frame 16 in a generally conventional manner. Moreover, the front module 14 generally includes a handlebar stem 24 having handlebars 25 affixed thereto. The handlebar stem 24 and/or the handlebars 25 may include electrical sockets or outlets to accommodate lamp assembles, smartphones, navigational systems, etc. Electrical power for such electrical outlets may be provided through wires in the front module 14, powered from the battery 42 as described further below, The centre module 12 includes a seat 26 mounted on a seat stem 28, the seat stem 28 being h&d in an opening 62 (seen in Figure 5). The seat 26 may be positioned in a riding mode, i.e., substantially horizontally, as shown in Figures 1-3, e.g., in a conventional manner for riding the bicycle 10, or may be positioned in a battery replacement mode (see Figures 8-9), i.e., flipped to a substantially vertical position, for easy installation and/or replacement of the battery.

Advantageously, therefore, the battery 42 can be easily removed for recharging, or to prevent theft while the bicycle 10 is parked in a public location. For example, the seat 26 may be bolted or otherwise affixed to an axis at or near a top end of the seat stern 28, and may be rotated about the axis to transition the seat from a riding mode to a battery replacement mode. Accordingly, as seen in Figure 8, in a riding mode the seat 26 has a substantially horizontal top surface, whereas in the battery replacement mode illustrated in Figure 12, the seat 26 has a substantially vertical top surface.

1000361 The centre module 12 also accommodates a front sprocket set 34 that includes one or more front sprockets 35. The sprockets 35 are toothed in a conventional manner for accommodating a bicycle chain 36, and are generally arranged for providing a conventional gearing system for the bicycle 10. Further, one or more sprockets 35 are mounted on a common shaft 86 (seen in Figure ID) with pedal crank arms 32, that in turn accommodate pedals 30. The chain 36 is connected to a rear sprocket 37, a sprocket set 38 including one or more sprockets 37.

The sprockets 37 are toothed in a conventional manner for accommodating a bicycle chain 36, and are generally arranged, along with a derailleur 39, to provide a conventional gearing system for the bicycle 10.

1000371 Referring now particularly to Figures 4 and 5, the centre module 12 includes side panels 54, 56, that, together with a top cover 48 and a front housing panel 58, form a battery compartment 64. The battery 42 is provided with a size and shape for installation in the compartment 64, i.e., a length and width, and generally also a height, of the battery 42 are such that the battery 42 can be easily inserted and removed frorn the compartment 64, but also fits snugly therein. Further, the panels 54, 56, and 58 provide access to a battery opening 44 that allows for use of a securing mechanism, e.g., a chain or cable lock, to prevent theft of or tampering with the battery 42. The opening 44 also provides a handle for fransport of the battery 42, and a surface for grasping the battery 42 during installation and removal in the battery compartment 64, When the battery 42 is installed in the battery compartment 64, the battery 42 establishes electrical contact with the mid-drive motor 46 included in the mid-drive motor housing 40. The mid-drive motor housing 40 may be provided with spines, vents, etc. to facilitate cooling of the mid-drive motor 46.

1000381 The centre module 1 2 may further include battery connectors, e.g., busbars, 50, 52, The connectors 50, 52 are generally respectively affixed to a front connecting surface 51 and a rear connecting surface 53 formed by the panels 54, 56. As is known, a busbar or the like may be used to conduct electricity. Accordingly, the busbars 50, 52 may be connected to an electrical connection that is in turn connected to positive and negative terminals of the battery 42. The busbar 50 may in turn be connected to one or more electrical connections, e.g., wires disposed in a hollow interior of the module 14, and leading to various electric-powered elements, such as a headlamp or other lights, a smart phone dock, etc. Similarly, the busbar 52 may be connected to one or more electrical connections disposed in a hollow interior of the module 14 for powering a tail lamp, other lights, and/or other electrical elements.

1000391 As illustrated in Figures, T-shaped extensions 70, 72 of the modules 14, 16 members 15, 17, respectively, are configured to be slidably installed in respective T-shaped slots of the centre module 12. Accordingly, substantially straight, e.g., planar, connection surfaces 71, 73 of the extensions 70, 72 may contact the substantially planar busbars 50, 52 and/or connecting surfaces 51, 53. As mentioned above, the surfaces 51, 53, as well as the surfaces 71, 73 may be substantially straight, e.g., planar, and are generally all substantially parallel to one another, 1000401 Accordingly, the module 14 may be installed with respect to the module 12 by sliding the T-shaped extension 70 into the front T-shaped slot 66, whereby the surfaces 71 and SI and/or the busbar 50, will be in contact. Likewise, the module 16 may be installed with respect to the module 12 by sliding the T-shaped extension 72 into the rear T-shaped slot 68, whereby the surfaces 73, 53 and/or the busbar SI, will be in contact. By reversing the foregoing procedures, the modules 14, 16 may be uninstalled with respect to the centre module 12. Further, installation and/or removal of a module 14, 16 may include use of a locking and/or quick-release mechanism 91, discussed below with respect to Figure 11.

1000411 Figure 10 provides a top view of the drive assembly 77. The motor 46 powers rotation of the driveshafi 78, which may be engaged to cause rotation of a gear body 82 via one-way clutches 80. The clutches 80 may also act as bearings, and are sometimes referred to as clutches/bearings 80. One end of the clutch body 82, which is substantially cylindrical, may be fnisto-conical and toothed or the like so as to form a beveled gear end 84. The gear and 84 engages with a beveled gear 88 that is attached, e.g., welded and/or mechanically fastened, etc., to a substantially cylindrical shaft cover 90. The shaft cover 90 engages with a crank shaft 86 via one-way clutches/bearings 89. The pedal 30 crank arms 32 are fixedly attached to the shaft 86.

1000421 When the clutches 89 engage the crankshaft 86, torque resulting from pedaling the bicycle 10 causes rotation of the wheel 74, which in turn causes rotation of a sprocket 35 on which the chain 36 connected to a rear sprocket 37 of the rear sprocket 38 is drivingly engaged.

That is, when the clutches 89 engage the crankshaft 86, pedaling by a rider of the bicycle 10 causes forward movement of the bicycle 10 and/or assists forward movement of the bicycle 10 also being driven by the motor 46.

1000431 As illustrated in Figure 10, the driveshaft 78, gear body 82, clutches 80, beveled gear 88, and at least a portion of the shaft cover 90 may be included between the side panels 54, 56, e.g., below the battery 42 in the central module 12. For example, the compartment 64 may have a floor partition (not shown), or some other element on which a bottom of the battery 42 rests, providing space for the foregoing portions of the drive assembly 77.

1000441 In addition to the beveled gear 88, a motor-driven disk 74 may be attached to the shaft cover 90, e.g., via welding or the like, so that rotation of the shaft cover 90 causes rotation of the disk 74. Two or more connecting pins 76 connect the disk 74 to the sprocket set 34, e.g., to an innermost sprocket 35, When the motor 46 is activated to cause rotation of the driveshaft 78, and the clutches 80 are engaged, the beveled gear end 84, engaged with the beveled gear 88, causes or assists (i.e., if the clutches 89 are engaged) the driving rotation of the disk 74, and hence the sprocket 35.

1000451 Figure 11 illustrates a locking and release mechanism 91, generally an alternative to the mechanism 116 discussed above, that includes a pressure locking member 92 rotatably affixed about an axis A, e.g., via a bolt, a cylinder included in a lock 94, etc., inserted into a lock opening 95 in one of the module 14, 16 members 15, 17, Rotation of the locking member 92 is permitted or prevented depending on whether a sock 94 is disengaged or engaged, i.e., unlocked or locked.

1000461 The locking member 92 includes a lever tab 98, and a pressure lock portion 99, the portion 99 including a generafly curvilinear bulging engagement surface 96. The pressure lock portion 99 is shaped such that the engagement surface 96 engages or contacts a surface 51 or 53 of the central module 12 when the locking member 92 is in an engaged or locked position, but does not engage or contact a surface 51 or 53 when the locking member 92 is not in an engaged or locked position. Note that the engagement surface 96 could engage one of the busbars 50, 52, which have been omitted from Figure 11 for ease of illustration.

1000471 As shown in Figure 11, the pressure locking member 92 attached to the member 17 of the rear module 16 is in an unlocked, or disengaged state. When the locking member 92 is in a disengaged state, the I-shaped tab 72 of the member 17 can be inserted into the I-shaped slot 68 without the engagement surface 96 of the locking member 92 engaging the surface 53 and preventing the 72 from being slid into the slot 68. Alternatively, although not shown in the figures, the locking member 92 could be in a disengaged state while the modules 16, 12 are connected, i.e., the T-shaped tab 72 has been inserted in the T-shaped slot 68, whereupon the module 16 may be disconnected from the centre module 12, i.e., the module 16 may be slid upward such that the T-shaped tab 72 is removed from the T-shaped slot 68.

1000481 As further shown in Figure II, the pressure locking member 92 attached to the member IS of the front module 14 is in a locked, or engaged state. When the locking member 92 is in an engaged state, and the T-shaped tab 70 of the member IS is positioned in the T-shaped slot 66, whereby the front module 14 is connected to the centre module 1 2, the contact surface 96 is engaged with the surface 51 of the module 12. Thus, in the engaged state of the locking member 92, friction between the surfaces SI and 96 prevents removal of the module 14 from the module 12, i.e., prevents the module 14 from being slid upward along the slot 66 with respect to the module 12.

1000491 Figures 6, 7, 8, and 9 illustrate alternative connecting and securing mechanisms for a bicycle 10', including front, center, and rear modules 12', 14', 16', similar to the bicycle 10 described herein but varying with respect to elements as described herein. The front and rear modules 14', 16' can be provided with securing tabs 104 disposed along the planar surfaces 71, 73. The securing tabs 104 may be dimensioned for insertion in tab receiving openings 106.

Each opening 106 is defined by a location between curved flanges, also referred to as securing lips, 108, and by guide walls 107 located on respective sides of respective planar surfaces 51, 53, The lips 108 are located on respective sides of the respective planar surfaces 51, 53, and curving inwardly therefrom to securingly engage tabs 104. The tabs 104 are generally T-shaped, and are configured to thereby slide into slots 110 formed by the lips 108 to retain the tabs 4.

1000501 Continuing with the example of Figures 6, 7, and 8, each of the front and rear modules 14', 16' includes a pivoting securing member 114 having a lock mechanism 116, e.g., a key mechanism, a threaded bolt, or the like, attached thereto and securable to a lock receptacle 118 provided on the centre module 12' to receive and secure the lock mechanism 116.

A lock extension 12'2, which may be, for example, T-shaped, extends from a bottom end of the pivoting securing member 114.

1000511 Attachment of a module 14', 16' to the centte module 12', in the example of Figures 6, 7, and 8 may be achieved by first inserting the lock extension 12'2 into an uppermost slot 110 of a planar surface 51 or 53. The lock extension 12'2 may then be moved to an uppermost position in the slot 110, whereupon tabs 104 of the module 14', 16' are positioned in respective openings 106. At this point, the pivoting member 114 is in a relaxed, or unsecured position, e.g., as seen in Figures 6 and 8, generally at an angle to a planar surface 71 or 73.

Rotation of the member 114 in the direction of the arrow shown in Figure 6, i.e., toward the centre module 12', whereupon the position of the lock extension I 2'2 in the slot 110 forces a planar surface 71, 73 of a module 14', 16' to mate with, and slide downward with respect to, a planar surface 51, 53 of the centre module 12'.

1000521 When the pivoting member 14' is substantially aligned with a planar surface 71, 73, engagement mechanisms such as pins I 2'4 engage receptacles 1 2'4 locates on an upper surface of a rear frame support and an upper surface of the motor housing 40, respectively. Further, the lock mechanism 116 becomes engaged with the lock receptacle 118, e.g., a bolt or key may be turned to achieve secure engagement of the mechanism 1 16 in the receptacle I 18. Further, the tabs 104 will have slid into the slots 110 to be thereby secured by the lips 108, whereupon the module 14', 16' is secured to the centre module 12'. It will be understood that reversing the procedure just described will allow a module 14', 16' to be separated from the centre module 12'. Accordingly, different modules 14', 16' of the bicycle 14' can be easily swapped and exchanged in the example of Figures 6-9, as with the example above.

[00053] Further, note that electrical connection opening 112 may be provided to allow electrical connectors such as plugs or the like to be used to connect the module 12' with one or both of the modules 14', 16' The connection opening 112 may be provided to allow connections as an alternative, or in addition, to connectors, e.g., busbars 50, 52.

[00054] Figure 14 is a side view of the bicycle 10 in a towable configuration. Figure 15 is a top view of the bicycle 10 in a towable configuration. Figure 16 is a perspective view of a portion of the bicycle 10 in a towable configuration. As seen in these figures, the front module 14 may be disconnected from the centre module 10, and then connected to the module 16 to place the bicycle 10 in a towable configuration.

[00055] For example, wheels 18, 20, may be connected by a connection mechanism 100. The connection mechanism 100 allows the wheels 18, 20, to roll in tandem while secured to one another. The connection mechanism 100 may be any one of a variety of known devices. For example, quick disconnect couplings are known for use with implements used on pneumatic tools. Accordingly, the connection mechanism 100 could include male and female components of such a coupling. The male component could be mounted on an axle of one of the wheels 18, 20, and the female component could be mounted on an axle of the other one of the wheels 18, 20.

To place the bicycle 10 in a towable configuration, once the module 14 had been disconnected from the module 12, the module 14 could then be connected to the module 16 with the connection mechanism 100 as a step in placing the bicycle ID in a towable configuration.

Likewise, disconnecting the module 14 from the module 16 could include disconnecting the connection mechanism 100, e.g., using a quick-release function, [00056] A second connection mechanism 102 attaches the module 14 to the centre module 12, e.g., the handlebars 25 and/or handlebar stem 24 may be secured to the seat stem 28. The connection mechanism 102 may include one or more known components, e.g., magnets, a clamp, e.g., a C-clamp or the like.

[00057] Accordingly, two separate sets of components of the bicycle 10, a first set of components including the front module 14, and a second set of components including the centre module 12 in the rear module 16, can be secured so that the modules rotate together with respect to the wheels 18, 20, i.e., the first and second sets of components of the bicycle 10 are prevented from rotating separately with respect to the wheels 18, 20. Accordingly, a user can grasp a portion of the bicycle 10, e.g., a portion of the front module 14 as shown in Figure 13, to tow the bicycle 10, Alternatively or additionally, a towbar or other mechanism could be provided for the bicycle 10 to be towed by a vehicle such as a motorcycle, a car, etc. 1000581 Figures 17 and 18 illustrate the bicycle 10 in a stowable configuration. Although not visible in these figures, it should be recognized that a connection mechanism such as the mechanism 100 discussed above may be used to secure the wheels 18, 20 to one another, except that for a stowable configuration, a connection mechanism could allow the wheels 18, 22 rotate freely with respect to one another so that the components of the bicycle 10 may be more compactly arranged. in the stowable configuration, the module 12 will generally remain connected to the rear module 16, as shown in Figure 14, but also could be disconnected.

Likewise, the seat 26, handlebars 25 and/or handlebar stem 24 could also be disconnected, or at least lowered to provide a more compact arrangement of the components of the bicycle 10.

1000591 Figure 19 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary tandem bicycle 126, and Figure 20 is a perspective view of the tandem bicycle 126. The bicycle 126 can include components similar to the bicycles 10, 10' discussed above, including a front module 14 or 14', a rear module 16 or 16' and one or more centre modules 12, 12'. In addition a tandem bicycle 126 may include a bridge module 128 (or a plurality thereof, not shown in the figures for ease of illustration). The bridge module 128 can include elements for connection and securing to the centre modules 12, 12' as described above. Accordingly, by simply adding a centre module 12, 12' and a bridge module 128 to modules 14, 14', 16, 16' used in a bicycle 10, 10', the bicycle 10,10' can become a tandem bicycle 126. Further, one or more additional bridge modules 128 and centre modules 12, 12' could be added to provide a bicycle 126 accommodating three or more riders, 1000601 Figure 21 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary tricycle 130, and Figure 22 is a perspective view of the tricycle 130, The tricycle 130 includes a centre module 12, and a front module 14, such as discussed above, Further, the tricycle 130 includes a rear module 13! having dual wheels 20a and 2Db, Thus, in a manner such as described above, the rear module 131 can be easily connected to and disconnected from the centre module 12.

1000611 Figure 23 is an exploded perspective view of an quad-cycle 132. Figure 24 is a perspective view of the exemplary quad-cycle 132 of FiG 23. In addition to a rr module 131, the quad-cycle 132 includes a front module 133 having dual front wheels 1 8a and 1 8b, The front module 133, in a manner such as described above, can be easily connected to and disconnected from the centre module 12.

1000621 FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary recumbent bicycle 140.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the exemplary recumbent bicycle 140, As illustrated, the recumbent bicycle 140 uses in the centre module 12 with a front or bottom module 142 and a rear or top module 144. Although the centre module 12 is oriented with its longitudinal axis roughly ninety degrees from its orientation in embodiments described above, connections of the centre module 12 to the modules 142, 144 may be the same or similar to connections of the centre module 12 described above.

1000631 Components of the bicycle 10 (including bicycles 10'. tricycle 130, quad-cycle 132), including parts of the modules 12, 14, and 16, may be made from known materials, e.g., carbon fiber materials, aluminum, etc. certain parts of the bicycle 10, e.g., tires 19-21, a seat 26, handlebars 25, etc., may be conventional and even off-the-shelf parts.

1000641 As used herein, the adverb "substantially" modifying an adjective means that a shape, structure, measurement, etc. may deviate from an exact described geometry, distance, measurement, etc., because of imperfections in materials, machining, manufacturing, etc. 1000651 In the drawings, the same reference numbers indicate the same elements. Further, some or all of these elements could be changed, Accordingly, it is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive, Many embodiments and applications other than the examples provided would be apparent to those of skill in the art upon

reading the above description,

Claims

CLAIMS1, An apparatus, comprising an e-bike centre module, wherein the centre module includes: a substantially straight first centre module connecting surface that is releasably connectable to a substantially straight front module connecting surface; and a substantially straight second centre module connecting surface that is releasably connectable to a substantially straight rear module connecting surface; and further wherein the centre module is part of a bicycle frame when the first centre module connecting surface is connected to the front module connecting surface and the second centre module connecting surface is connected to the rear module connecting surface.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a front module that includes the first centre module connecting surface and a rear module that includes the second centre module connecting surface.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a second front module having a substantially straight second front module connecting surface, whereby the front module and the second front module are interchangeable for connection to the centre module.
4, The apparatus of claim 2 or 3, further comprising a second rear module having a substantially straight second rear module connecting surface, whereby the rear module and the second rear module are interchangeable for connection to the centre module.
5. The apparatus of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first centre module connecting surface is slidably connectable to the front module connecting surface, and the second centre module connecting surface is slidably connectable to the rear module connecting surface.
6. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the centre module includes an electric motor connected to a driveshaft,
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the driveshaft is linked to a first gear via at least one first one-way clutch, and pedal crank arms are connect to a second gear via at least one second one-way clutch.
8. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the connecting surfaces includes an electrical connection.
9, The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the front module includes at least one first wheel and the rear module includes at least one second wheel.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a quick-release connector for connecting the first wheel and the second wheel.
ii. The apparatus of any claim depending from claim 2, wherein the front module includes a quick-release and locking mechanism for securing and releasing the front module with respect to the centre module.
12. The apparatus of any claimed depending from claim 2, wherein the rear module includes a quick-release and locking mechanism for securing and releasing the rear module with respect to the centre module.
13. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the centre module includes a removable battery.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the battery includes an opening to accommodate a security mechanism.
15. The apparatus of claim 13 or 14, wherein the centre module includes a seat configured to rotate upon an axis for removal and insertion of the battery.
1 6. The apparatus of any claimed depending from claim 2, further comprising a connector to link the front module and the rear module, whereby the apparatus may be configured in a towable mode.
17. A method of assembling a bicycle that includes a centre module, the method comprising: releasably connecting a substantially straight first centre module connecting surface to a substantially straight connecting surface of a front module; and releasably connecting a substantially straight second centre module connecting surface to a substantially straight connecting surface of a rear module; wherein the centre module is part of a bicycle frame when the first centre module connecting surface is connected to the front module connecting surface and the second centre module connecting surface is connected to the rear module connecting surface.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: disconnecting the front module from the centre module; and connecting a wheel of the front module to a wheel of the rear module; wherein the bicycle may be towed.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising connecting a handlebar assembly of the front module to a seat assembly of the rear module.
20. The method of claims 17 to 19, further comprising: disconnecting each of the front module and the rear module from the centre module; wherein the bicycle may be stowed.