GB2581269A

GB2581269A - Methods and systems for restricting the maximum power and/or speed deliverable by the motor of an electrically assisted pedal cycle

Info

Publication number: GB2581269A
Application number: GB2001223.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Akily Rami
Original assignee: Cyclotricity Ltd
Current assignee: Cyclotricity Ltd
Priority date: 2020-01-29
Filing date: 2020-01-29
Publication date: 2020-08-12
Anticipated expiration: 2040-01-29
Also published as: GB2593040B; GB202100979D0; GB202001223D0; GB2581269B; GB2593040A

Abstract

A method of restricting the maximum power and/or speed deliverable by the motor(s) of an electrically assisted pedal cycle 100, based on the location of the cycle 100. The method comprises: determining, using GPS, the location of the electrically assisted pedal cycle; determining whether the location of the electrically assisted pedal cycle is on public land (Pu) or private land (Pr); and restricting the maximum power and/or speed deliverable by the motor(s) (102) of the electrically assisted pedal cycle (100) if the location is on public land (Pu). The invention also includes an electrically assisted pedal cycle comprising: one or more motor(s) configured to propel the electrically assisted pedal cycle 100; and a power and/or speed restriction module. The power or speed may be restricted based on a predicted move from one zone to the other, the prediction being made by reference to the speed and direction of movement.

Description

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR RESTRICTING THE MAXIMUM POWER AND/OR SPEED DELIVERABLE BY THE MOTOR OF AN ELECTRICALLY ASSISTED PEDAL CYCLE

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for restricting the maximum power and/or speed deliverable by the motor(s) of an electrically assisted pedal cycle, particularly, but not exclusively, restricting the maximum power and/or speed deliverable by the motor(s) of an electrically assisted pedal cycle based on the location of the electrically assisted pedal cycle.

Background

Electrically assisted pedal cycles (EAPCs) are typically required to ensure compliance with local legislation governing the maximum speed and power assistance provided to the cycle. However, this issue is complicated by the fact that legislation is enforceable only on public land, such that there is a demand for the ability to override or de-restrict any factory set limitations by the end user for use on private land. At present, certain manufacturers meet this demand by supplying users with a de-restriction code upon execution of a "Terms of Use" Agreement by the user. This de-restriction code will remove the power restrictions.

However, such a process is time consuming and requires large amounts of administrative work and specialist knowledge to de-restrict the EAPC.

Additionally, such a process means that once de-restricted, the EAPC is able to be used on public roads without any restrictions, potentially breaching local legislation in this regard. For example, the rider may forget that the EAPC has been de-restricted and use the EAPC on public land.

In view of the above, there is a need for methods and systems for conveniently restricting/de-restricting an electrically assisted pedal cycle, whilst ensuring the required safety levels of the rider and others.

Summary of the Disclosure

Accordingly, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide methods and systems for conveniently restricting/de-restricting an electrically assisted pedal cycle, whilst ensuring the required safety levels of the rider and others.

These objectives and others are achieved with the method of Claim 1 and the device of Claim 13.

Preferred embodiments are recited in the dependent claims.

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of restricting the maximum power and/or speed deliverable by/to the motor(s) of an electrically assisted pedal cycle based on the location of the electrically assisted pedal cycle, the method comprising: determining, using GPS, the location of the electrically assisted pedal cycle; determining whether the location of the electrically assisted pedal cycle is on public land or private land; and restricting the maximum power and/or speed deliverable by the motor(s) of the electrically assisted pedal cycle if the location is on public land.

With such implementations, there is no need for the end user to modify the EAPC in any way; rather the EAPC may be automatically restricted depending on the circumstances, ensuring safety in any situation that the user may use the EAPC in.

Therefore, there is provided a method for conveniently restricting/de-restricting an electrically assisted pedal cycle, whilst ensuring the required safety levels of the rider and others.

In certain implementations, the electrically assisted pedal cycle comprises a GPS module, and wherein the location of the electrically assisted pedal cycle is determined using the GPS module of the electrically assisted pedal cycle.

With this implementation, the EAPC may reliably and securely determine its location.

Accordingly, with such implementations, the security of the EAPC and its compliance with local regulations is more reliably and securely implemented.

In certain implementations, the electrically assisted pedal cycle is configured to connect to a mobile phone of the rider, wherein the mobile phone comprises a GPS module, and wherein the location of the electrically assisted pedal cycle is determined using the GPS module of the mobile phone.

With such implementations, the complexity of the EAPC itself is reduced, without detracting from the convenience of using the EAPC. Accordingly, such implementations provide for a simplified EAPC which maintains the ability of being able to conveniently restrict/de-restrict itself, whilst ensuring the required safety levels of the rider and others.

In certain implementations, the electrically assisted pedal cycle is configured to connect to the mobile phone by Bluetooth®. In certain implementations, the electrically assisted pedal cycle is configured to connect to the mobile phone only by Bluetooth®. In certain implementations, the electrically assisted pedal cycle is only able to communicate with the mobile phone of the rider by means of Bluetooth® alone.

With such implementations, due to the short-range nature of Bluetooth®, the EAPC may reliably and securely determine its location without possible tampering from the user. Accordingly, with such implementations, the security of the EAPC and its compliance with local regulations is more reliably and securely implemented.

In certain implementations, the step of determining whether the location of the electrically assisted pedal cycle is on public land or private land comprises referencing a database containing records of the boundaries of public land and private land.

In certain implementations, the database is stored locally in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of the electrically assisted pedal cycle.

In certain implementations, the database is stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of a mobile phone of the rider. In certain implementations, the electrically assisted pedal cycle is configured to connect to the mobile phone by Bluetooth®. In certain implementations, the electrically assisted pedal cycle is configured to connect to the mobile phone only by Bluetooth®. In certain implementations, the electrically assisted pedal cycle is only able to communicate with the mobile phone of the rider by means of Bluetooth® alone.

In certain implementations, the steps of determining the location using GUS, determining whether the location is on public land or private land and restricting the maximum power and/or speed are each carried out locally by the electrically assisted pedal cycle.

In certain implementations, the steps of determining the location using GUS, determining whether the location is on public land or private land are each carried out remotely by a mobile phone of the rider. In certain implementations, the electrically assisted pedal cycle is configured to connect to the mobile phone by Bluetooth®. In certain implementations, the electrically assisted pedal cycle is configured to connect to the mobile phone only by Bluetooth®. In certain implementations, the electrically assisted pedal cycle is only able to communicate with the mobile phone of the rider by means of Bluetooth® alone.

In certain implementations, the steps of determining the location, determining whether the location is on public land or private land, and restricting the maximum power and/or speed are repeated. In certain implementations, the steps are repeated approximately every 1 to 15 seconds, preferably approximately every 5 seconds.

With such implementations, the EAPC may reliably determine its location. Accordingly, with such implementations, the EAPC and its compliance with local regulations is more reliably and securely implemented.

In certain implementations, the method further comprises not restricting/unrestricting the maximum power and/or speed deliverable by the motor(s) of the electrically assisted pedal cycle if the location is on private land.

With such implementations, the EAPC is not restricted when being used on private land.

In such implementations, the user may conveniently use the full power available from the

EAPC

In certain implementations, the method further comprises restricting the maximum power and/or speed deliverable by the motor(s) of the electrically assisted pedal cycle if the location is on private land. In certain implementations, the restricted maximum deliverable power and/or speed on public land is lower than the restricted maximum deliverable power and/or speed on private land.

With such implementations, restrictions can be placed at both public and private locations. This improves the potential compliance with local requirements without requiring any further modifications of the EAPC, thereby improving safety.

In certain implementations, the method further comprises determining, using GPS, the speed and direction of travel of the electrically assisted pedal cycle, and pre-emptively restricting the maximum power and/or speed deliverable by the motor(s) of the electrically assisted pedal cycle if it is determined, based on the speed and direction, that the electrically assisted pedal cycle will enter public land within a predetermined time period. In certain implementations, the predetermined time period being approximately 1 to 5 seconds, preferable approximately 2 seconds.

With such implementations, the compliance with maximum power and/or speed restrictions can be ensured at all times as the EAPC anticipates when the user is about to enter a restricted area (i.e. public land). This improves the compliance and safety of the EAPC.

In certain implementations, the steps of determining the speed and direction of travel, and pre-emptively restricting the maximum power and/or speed deliverable if it is determined that the electrically assisted pedal cycle will enter public land are repeated, optionally, wherein the steps are repeated approximately every 1 to 15 seconds, preferably approximately every S seconds.

With such implementations, the EAPC may reliably determine its predicted location.

Accordingly, with such implementations, the EAPC and its compliance with local regulations is more reliably and securely implemented.

In certain implementations, the electrically assisted pedal cycle comprises a drive mode in which the motor(s) drive the electrically assisted pedal cycle without requiring the rider to pedal. In certain implementations, the drive mode is activated by a throttle of the electrically assisted pedal cycle. In certain implementations, the throttle is configured to control the power delivered by the motor(s) when in the drive mode.

With such implementations, the EAPC may conveniently be used without pedalling.

In certain implementations, the drive mode is inaccessible if the location is on public land.

With such implementations, the EAPC may conveniently be used without pedalling whilst complying with local standards, thereby maintaining safety.

In certain implementations, the restriction of the maximum power and/or speed deliverable by the motor(s) when on public land is the maximum power and/or speed allowed by local regulations on that public land.

In certain implementations, the database containing records of the boundaries of public land and private land further contains maximum power and/or speed restrictions in accordance with local regulations associated with each public land area. In certain implementations, the step of restricting the maximum power and/or speed restricts the maximum power and/or speed to the maximum power and/or speed allowed by local regulations on that public land with reference to the database.

In certain implementations, any restrictions of the maximum power and/or speed deliverable by the motor(s) are removed with a derestriction manufacturer code entered in an electrically assisted pedal cycle input device or a mobile phone of the user which is linked to the electrically assisted pedal cycle.

In certain implementations, a derestriction manufacturer code entered in an electrically assisted pedal cycle input device of the EAPC or a mobile phone of the user which is linked to the electrically assisted pedal cycle results in the EAPC not restricting the maximum power and/or speed deliverable by the motor(s).

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an electrically assisted pedal cycle comprising: one or more motor(s) configured to propel the electrically assisted pedal cycle; and a power and/or speed restriction module configured to: determine, using GPS information, the location of the electrically assisted pedal cycle; determine whether the location of the electrically assisted pedal cycle is on public land or private land; and restrict the maximum power and/or speed deliverable by the motor(s) of the electrically assisted pedal cycle if the location is on public land.

With such configurations, there is no need for the end user to modify the EAPC in any way; rather the EAPC may be automatically restricted depending on the circumstances, ensuring safety in any situation that the user may use the EAPC in.

Therefore, there is provided a system for conveniently restricting/de-restricting an electrically assisted pedal cycle, whilst ensuring the required safety levels of the rider and others.

In certain embodiments, the electrically assisted pedal cycle comprises a GPS module, and wherein the location of the electrically assisted pedal cycle is determined using the GPS module of the electrically assisted pedal cycle.

With these configurations, the EAPC may reliably and securely determine its location.

Accordingly, with such configurations, the security of the EAPC and its compliance with local regulations is more reliably and securely implemented.

In certain embodiments, the electrically assisted pedal cycle is configured to connect to a mobile phone of the rider, and wherein the location of the electrically assisted pedal cycle is determined using GPS information received by the mobile phone.

With such configurations, the complexity of the EAPC itself is reduced, without detracting from the convenience of using the EAPC. Accordingly, such configurations provide for a simplified EAPC which maintains the ability of being able to conveniently restrict/de-restrict itself, whilst ensuring the required safety levels of the rider and others.

In certain embodiments, the electrically assisted pedal cycle is configured to connect to the mobile phone by Bluetooth®. In certain embodiments, the electrically assisted pedal cycle is configured to connect to the mobile phone only by Bluetooth®. In certain embodiments, the electrically assisted pedal cycle is only able to communicate with the mobile phone of the rider by means of Bluetooth® alone.

With such configurations, due to the short-range nature of Bluetooth®, the EAPC may reliably and securely determine its location without possible tampering from the user.

In certain embodiments, the step of determining whether the location of the electrically assisted pedal cycle is on public land or private land comprises referencing a database containing records of the boundaries of public land and private land.

In certain embodiments, the database is stored locally in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of the electrically assisted pedal cycle.

In certain embodiments, the EAPC is configured to use the database from a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of a mobile phone of the rider. In certain embodiments, the electrically assisted pedal cycle is configured to connect to the mobile phone by Bluetooth®. In certain embodiments, the electrically assisted pedal cycle is configured to connect to the mobile phone only by Bluetooth®. In certain embodiments, the electrically assisted pedal cycle is only able to communicate with the mobile phone of the rider by means of Bluetooth® alone.

In certain embodiments, the EAPC is configured such that the steps of determining the location using GPS, determining whether the location is on public land or private land and restricting the maximum power and/or speed are each carried out locally by the electrically assisted pedal cycle.

In certain embodiments, the EAPC is configured such that the steps of determining the location using GPS, determining whether the location is on public land or private land are each carried out remotely by a mobile phone of the rider, and such that the EAPC receives the results of such steps. In certain embodiments, the electrically assisted pedal cycle is configured to connect to the mobile phone by Bluetooth®. In certain embodiments, the electrically assisted pedal cycle is configured to connect to the mobile phone only by Bluetooth®. In certain embodiments, the electrically assisted pedal cycle is only able to communicate with the mobile phone of the rider by means of Bluetooth® alone.

In certain embodiments, the power and/or speed restriction module is configured such that the steps of determining the location, determining whether the location is on public land or private land, and restricting the maximum power and/or speed are repeated, optionally, wherein the steps are repeated approximately every 1 to 15 seconds, preferably approximately every 5 seconds.

With such configurations, the EAPC may reliably determine its location. Accordingly, with such configurations, the EAPC and its compliance with local regulations is more reliably and securely implemented.

In certain embodiments, the electrically assisted pedal cycle is configured not to restrict/unrestrict the maximum power and/or speed deliverable by the motor(s) of the electrically assisted pedal cycle if the location is on private land.

With such configurations, the EAPC is not restricted when being used on private land. In such implementations, the user may conveniently use the full power available from the

EAPC

In certain embodiments, the power and/or speed restriction module is further configured restrict the maximum power and/or speed deliverable by the motor(s) of the electrically assisted pedal cycle if the location is on private land, optionally, wherein the restricted maximum deliverable power and/or speed on public land is lower than the restricted maximum deliverable power and/or speed on private land.

With such configurations, restrictions can be placed at both public and private locations.

This improves the potential compliance with local requirements without requiring any further modifications of the EAPC, thereby improving safety.

In certain embodiments, the power and/or speed restriction module is further configured to determine, using GPS information, the speed and direction of travel of the electrically assisted pedal cycle, and pre-emptively restrict the maximum power and/or speed deliverable by the motor(s) of the electrically assisted pedal cycle if it is determined, based on the speed and direction, that the electrically assisted pedal cycle will enter public land within a predetermined time period. In certain embodiments, the predetermined time period is approximately 1 to 5 seconds, preferably approximately 2 seconds.

With such configurations, the compliance with maximum power and/or speed restrictions can be ensured at all times as the EAPC anticipates when the user is about to enter a restricted area (i.e. public land). This improves the compliance and safety of the EAPC.

In certain embodiments, the power and/or speed restriction module is configured such that the steps of determining the speed and direction of travel, and pre-emptively restricting the maximum power and/or speed deliverable if it is determined that the electrically assisted pedal cycle will enter public land are repeated. In certain embodiments, the steps are repeated approximately every 1 to 15 seconds, preferably approximately every 5 seconds.

With such configurations, the EAPC may reliably determine its predicted location. Accordingly, with such implementations, the EAPC and its compliance with local regulations is more reliably and securely implemented.

In certain embodiments, the electrically assisted pedal cycle comprises a drive mode in which the motor(s) drive the electrically assisted pedal cycle without requiring the rider to pedal. In certain embodiments, the drive mode is activated by a throttle of the electrically assisted pedal cycle. In certain embodiments, the throttle is configured to control the power delivered by the motor(s) when in the drive mode.

With such configurations, the EAPC may conveniently be used without pedalling.

In certain embodiments, the drive mode is inaccessible if the location is on public land.

With such configurations, the EAPC may conveniently be used without pedalling, whilst complying with local standards, thereby maintaining safety.

In certain embodiments, the restriction of the maximum power and/or speed deliverable 30 by the motor(s) when on public land is the maximum power and/or speed allowed by local regulations on that public land.

In certain embodiments, the database containing records of the boundaries of public land and private land further contains maximum power and/or speed restrictions in accordance with local regulations associated with each public land area. In certain implementations, the step of restricting the maximum power and/or speed restricts the maximum power and/or speed to the maximum power and/or speed allowed by local regulations on that public land with reference to the database.

In certain embodiments, the electrically assisted pedal cycle is configured such that any restrictions of the maximum power and/or speed deliverable by the motor(s) are removed with a derestriction manufacturer code entered in an electrically assisted pedal cycle input device or a mobile phone of the user which is linked to the electrically assisted pedal cycle.

In certain embodiments, the electrically assisted pedal cycle is configured such that a derestriction manufacturer code entered in an electrically assisted pedal cycle input device of the EAPC or a mobile phone of the user which is linked to the electrically assisted pedal cycle results in the EAPC not restricting the maximum power and/or speed deliverable by the motor(s).

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of restricting the maximum power and/or speed deliverable by the motor(s) of an electrically assisted pedal cycle based on the location of the electrically assisted pedal cycle, the method comprising: determining, using GPS, the location of the electrically assisted pedal cycle; determining whether the location of the electrically assisted pedal cycle is on public land or private land; and restricting the maximum power and/or speed deliverable by the motor(s) of the electrically assisted pedal cycle if the location is on public land and if a derestriction manufacturer code has not been received by the electrically assisted pedal cycle.

In certain implementations, the derestriction manufacturer code may be received by the EAPC by input into an electrically assisted pedal cycle input device of the EAPC or a mobile phone of the user which is linked to the electrically assisted pedal cycle.

This aspect can implement any of the features of the further aspects of the present invention, the only difference being the use of a derestriction manufacturer code to deactivate the restriction features of these other aspects.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrically assisted pedal cycle comprising: one or more motor(s) configured to propel the electrically assisted pedal cycle; and a power and/or speed restriction module configured to: determine, using GPS information, the location of the electrically assisted pedal cycle; determine whether the location of the electrically assisted pedal cycle is on public land or private land; and restrict the maximum power and/or speed deliverable by the motor(s) of the electrically assisted pedal cycle if the location is on public land and if a derestriction manufacturer code has not been received by the electrically assisted pedal cycle.

In certain embodiments, the EAPC is configured such that the derestriction manufacturer code may be received by the EAPC by input into an electrically assisted pedal cycle input device of the EAPC or a mobile phone of the user which is linked to the electrically assisted pedal cycle.

As used herein, the terms 'public land' and 'private land' take their usual meanings which would be understood by the skilled person.

As used throughout herein, the term 'public land' may be exchanged with 'restricted land', with the term 'restricted' merely being used to identify the category of land. As used throughout herein, the term 'private land' may be exchanged with 'unrestricted land', with the term 'unrestricted' merely being used to identify the category of land.

The motor(s) of the EAPC are able to accelerate the EAPC up to a certain maximum speed, beyond which maximum speed the motor(s) do not have sufficient power to further accelerate the EAPC due to their intrinsic, physical limitations. As used herein, restriction of the speed deliverable by the motor refers to restriction of the maximum speed deliverable by the motor(s), beyond which the motor does not act to accelerate the EAPC. For example, such restriction of the speed deliverable by the motor may be carried out by reducing the torque provided by the motor and/or restricting the voltage supplied to the motor.

Any location may be identified as being on 'public/restricted land' and 'private/unrestricted land' by referencing the database containing records of the boundaries of public/restricted land and private/unrestricted land. The database itself defines whether a particular piece of land is 'public/restricted land' or 'private/unrestricted land'.

Brief Description of the Drawings

For a better understanding of the present disclosure and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows an electrically assisted pedal cycle (EAPC); Figure 2 shows a first configuration of an electronics unit of the electrically assisted pedal cycle of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a second configuration of an electronics unit of the electrically assisted pedal cycle of Figure 1; and Figure 4 shows a representation of the electrically assisted pedal cycle of Figure 1 being used by a rider.

Detailed Description

Figure 1 shows an electrically assisted pedal cycle [EAPC] 100. The electrically assisted pedal cycle 100 is generally in the form of typical EAPCs and therefore only the differences will be described in detail below.

In particular, the EAPC 100 of Figure 1 comprises a power and/or speed restriction module 101. The power and/or speed restriction module 101 in Figure 1 is shown as being on the frame of the EAPC 100, in particular, the seat tube. However, the power and/or speed restriction module 101 may be located anywhere on the EAPC 100 and may have its individual components (described below) freely distributed in any components of the EAPC 100.

The EAPC 100, as is typical, also comprises a motor 102 configured to propel the EAPC 100. The motor 102 of Figure 1 is shown as a hub motor, however, other motors are also

applicable to the present disclosure.

The power and/or speed restriction module 101 is configured to determine, using GPS information, the location of the EAPC 100. The power and/or speed restriction module 101 is further configured to determine whether the location of the electrically assisted pedal cycle is on public land or private land. The power and/or speed restriction module 101 is further configured to restrict the maximum power and/or speed deliverable by the motor 102 of the EAPC 100 if the location is on public land. These features of the power and/or speed restriction module 101 are described further below.

In particular, turning to Figure 2, a first configuration of the power and/or speed restriction module 101 of the EAPC 100 is shown.

The power and/or speed restriction module 101 comprises a control module 101a. The power and/or speed restriction module 101 comprises a GPS module 101b. The power and/or speed restriction module 101 comprises a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium 101c.

The GPS module 101b is configured to determine the location of the EAPC 100 using GPS.

Accordingly, the GPS module 101b itself comprises a GPS receiver capable of receiving information from GPS satellites.

The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium 101c stores a database containing records of the boundaries of public land and private land of a particular region.

GPS information gathered by the GPS module 101b may be sent to the control module 101a, which is configured to determine whether the location of the EAPC 100 is on public land or private land by referencing the database stored on the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium 101c.

Depending on the determination made by the control module 101a, the control module 101a is configured to restrict the maximum power and/or speed deliverable by the motor 102 of the EAPC 100. In particular, the control module 101a is configured to restrict the maximum power and/or speed deliverable by the motor 102 of the EAPC 100 if the location of the EAPC 100 is on public land.

Figure 3 shows a second configuration of the power and/or speed restriction module 101 of the EAPC 100.

The second configuration of the power and/or speed restriction module 101 comprises a control module 101a. The second configuration of the power and/or speed restriction 15 module 101 comprises a communications module 101d.

The communications module 101d is configured to communicate with a mobile phone (not shown) of the rider (not shown) of the EAPC 100. For example, the EAPC may be configured to connect to the mobile phone by Bluetootho' by the communications module 101d.

In the second configuration shown in Figure 3, the communications module 101d is configured to receive GPS information containing the location of the mobile phone (and therefore the EAPC 100) from the mobile phone of the rider. The communications module 101d is also configured to receive a database (or part of a database) containing records of the boundaries of public land and private land of a particular region After receiving this information from the mobile phone of the rider, the control module 101a is configured to determine whether the location of the EAPC 100 is on public land or private land by referencing the database received from the mobile phone.

With both configurations of the control module 101a, the steps of determining the location, determining whether the location is on public land or private land, and restricting the maximum power and/or speed may be repeated. In particular, these steps may be repeated approximately every 1 to 15 seconds, preferably approximately every 5 seconds.

With both configurations of the control module 101a, the EAPC 100 may not restrict/ may unrestrict the maximum power and/or speed deliverable by the motor 102 if the location is on private land.

The EAPC 100 may comprise a drive mode in which the motor 102 drives the EAPC 100 without requiring the rider to pedal. The drive mode may be activated by a throttle (not shown) of the EAPC 100. Optionally, the throttle may be configured to control the power delivered by the motor 102 when in the drive mode. The power and/or speed restriction module 101 may be configured such that the drive mode is inaccessible if the location of the EAPC 100 is on public land.

Figure 4 shows a representation of the EAPC 100 of Figure 1 being used by a rider.

Figure 4 shows a representation of a typical region of land. The region comprises two areas of private land Pri, Pr2 and two areas of public land Put, Pu2.

According to the configurations and methods disclosed above, the control module 101a would determine, based on GPS information, that the EAPC 100 is currently on private land Pri. Accordingly, the control module 101a would not restrict the maximum power and/or speed deliverable by the motor 102 and therefore the EAPC 100 would be in a completely unrestricted state.

Once the EAPC 100 passes into public land Put the control module 101a would determine, based on GPS information, that the EAPC 100 is currently on public land Put. Accordingly, the control module 101a would restrict the maximum power and/or speed deliverable by the motor 102 and therefore the EAPC 100 would be in a restricted power and/or speed state. The restricted power and/or speed state would be in accordance with local regulations based on public land Put.

Optionally, the power and/or speed restriction module 101 may further determine the velocity V of the EAPC 100 based on GPS information. The power and/or speed restriction module 101 may determine, using GPS, the speed and direction of travel of the EAPC 100, and pre-emptively restrict the maximum power and/or speed deliverable by the motor 102 of the EAPC 100 if it is determined, based on the speed and direction, that the EAPC will enter public land within a predetermined time period. Optionally, the predetermined time period being approximately 1 to 5 seconds, preferable approximately 2 seconds.

In the situation shown in Figure 4, at a certain point, the power and/or speed restriction module 101 will determine that the EAPC 100 will enter public land Pui in a time which is less that the predetermined time period. In such conditions, the power and/or speed restriction module 101 may pre-emptively restrict the maximum power and/or speed deliverable.

Although particular embodiments of the disclosure have been disclosed herein in detail, this has been done by way of example and for the purposes of illustration only. The aforementioned embodiments are not intended to be limiting with respect to the scope of the appended claims.

It is contemplated by the inventors that various substitutions, alterations, and modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method of restricting the maximum power and/or speed deliverable by the motor(s) of an electrically assisted pedal cycle based on the location of the electrically assisted pedal cycle, the method comprising: determining, using GPS, the location of the electrically assisted pedal cycle; determining whether the location of the electrically assisted pedal cycle is on public land or private land; and restricting the maximum power and/or speed deliverable by the motor(s) of the electrically assisted pedal cycle if the location is on public land.
2. The method of Claim 1, wherein the electrically assisted pedal cycle comprises a GPS module, and wherein the location of the electrically assisted pedal cycle is determined using the GPS module of the electrically assisted pedal cycle.
3. The method of Claim 1, wherein the electrically assisted pedal cycle is configured to connect to a mobile phone of the rider, wherein the mobile phone comprises a GPS module, and wherein the location of the electrically assisted pedal cycle is determined using the GPS module of the mobile phone.
4. The method of Claim 3, wherein the electrically assisted pedal cycle is configured to connect to the mobile phone by Bluetooth®.
5. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the step of determining whether the location of the electrically assisted pedal cycle is on public land or private land comprises referencing a database containing records of the boundaries of public land and private land.
6. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the steps of determining the location, determining whether the location is on public land or private land, and restricting the maximum power and/or speed are repeated, optionally, wherein the steps are repeated approximately every 1 to 15 seconds, preferably approximately every 5 seconds.
7. The method of any preceding claim, further comprising not restricting/unrestricting the maximum power and/or speed deliverable by the motor(s) of the electrically assisted pedal cycle if the location is on private land.
8. The method of any one of Claims 1 to 6, further comprising restricting the maximum power and/or speed deliverable by the motor(s) of the electrically assisted pedal cycle if the location is on private land, optionally, wherein the restricted maximum deliverable power and/or speed on public land is lower than the restricted maximum deliverable power and/or speed on private land.
9. The method of any preceding claim, further comprising determining using GPS, the speed and direction of travel of the electrically assisted pedal cycle, and pre-emptively restricting the maximum power and/or speed deliverable by the motor(s) of the electrically assisted pedal cycle if it is determined, based on the speed and direction, that the electrically assisted pedal cycle will enter public land within a predetermined time period, optionally, the predetermined time period being approximately 1 to 5 seconds, preferable approximately 2 seconds.
10. The method of Claim 9, wherein the steps of determining the speed and direction of travel, and pre-emptively restricting the maximum power and/or speed deliverable if it is determined that the electrically assisted pedal cycle will enter public land are repeated, optionally, wherein the steps are repeated approximately every 1 to 15 seconds, preferably approximately every 5 seconds.
11. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the electrically assisted pedal cycle comprises a drive mode in which the motor(s) drive the electrically assisted pedal cycle without requiring the rider to pedal, optionally, wherein the drive mode is activated by a throttle of the electrically assisted pedal cycle, further optionally, wherein the throttle is configured to control the power delivered by the motor(s) when in the drive mode.
12. The method of Claim 11, wherein the drive mode is inaccessible if the location is on public land.
13. An electrically assisted pedal cycle comprising: one or more motor(s) configured to propel the electrically assisted pedal cycle; and a power and/or speed restriction module configured to: determine, using GPS information, the location of the electrically assisted pedal cycle; determine whether the location of the electrically assisted pedal cycle is on public land or private land; and restrict the maximum power and/or speed deliverable by the motor(s) of the electrically assisted pedal cycle if the location is on public land.
14. The electrically assisted pedal cycle of Claim 13, wherein the electrically assisted pedal cycle comprises a GPS module, and wherein the location of the electrically assisted pedal cycle is determined using the GPS module of the electrically assisted pedal cycle.
15. The electrically assisted pedal cycle of Claim 13, wherein the electrically assisted pedal cycle is configured to connect to a mobile phone of the rider, and wherein the location of the electrically assisted pedal cycle is determined using GPS information received by the mobile phone.
16. The electrically assisted pedal cycle of Claim 15, wherein the electrically assisted pedal cycle is configured to connect to the mobile phone by Bluetooth®.
17. The electrically assisted pedal cycle of any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the step of determining whether the location of the electrically assisted pedal cycle is on public land or private land comprises referencing a database containing records of the boundaries of public land and private land.
18. The electrically assisted pedal cycle of any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the power and/or speed restriction module is configured such that the steps of determining the location, determining whether the location is on public land or private land, and restricting the maximum power and/or speed are repeated, optionally, wherein the steps are repeated approximately every 1 to 15 seconds, preferably approximately every 5 seconds.
19. The electrically assisted pedal cycle of any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein the electrically assisted pedal cycle is configured not to restrict/unrestrict the maximum power and/or speed deliverable by the motor(s) of the electrically assisted pedal cycle if the location is on private land.
20. The electrically assisted pedal cycle of any one of claims 13 to 19, wherein the power and/or speed restriction module is further configured restrict the maximum power and/or speed deliverable by the motor(s) of the electrically assisted pedal cycle if the location is on private land, optionally, wherein the restricted maximum deliverable power and/or speed on public land is lower than the restricted maximum deliverable power and/or speed on private land.
21. The electrically assisted pedal cycle of any one of claims 13 to 20, wherein the power and/or speed restriction module is further configured to determine, using GPS information, the speed and direction of travel of the electrically assisted pedal cycle, and pre-emptively restrict the maximum power and/or speed deliverable by the motor(s) of the electrically assisted pedal cycle if it is determined, based on the speed and direction, that the electrically assisted pedal cycle will enter public land within a predetermined time period, optionally, the predetermined time period being approximately 1 to 5 seconds, preferably approximately 2 seconds.
22. The electrically assisted pedal cycle of Claim 21, wherein the power and/or speed restriction module is configured such that the steps of determining the speed and direction of travel, and pre-emptively restricting the maximum power and/or speed deliverable if it is determined that the electrically assisted pedal cycle will enter public land are repeated, optionally, wherein the steps are repeated approximately every 1 to 15 seconds, preferably approximately every 5 seconds.
23. The electrically assisted pedal cycle of any one of claims 13 to 22, wherein the electrically assisted pedal cycle comprises a drive mode in which the motor(s) drive the electrically assisted pedal cycle without requiring the rider to pedal, optionally, wherein the drive mode is activated by a throttle of the electrically assisted pedal cycle, further S optionally, wherein the throttle is configured to control the power delivered by the motor(s) when in the drive mode.
24. The electrically assisted pedal cycle of Claim 23, wherein the electrically assisted pedal cycle is configured such that the drive mode is inaccessible if the location is on public land.