WO2023111098A1

WO2023111098A1 - A scooter comprising a lighting assembly and the lighting assembly as such

Info

Publication number: WO2023111098A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/085986
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alex Ferguson; Christopher Nyonyintono
Original assignee: Sirron Technologies Limited
Priority date: 2021-12-15
Filing date: 2022-12-14
Publication date: 2023-06-22
Also published as: GB2614047A; GB202118184D0

Abstract

A scooter is described that includes a lighting assembly. The lighting assembly includes a circuit board, a light-emitting element mounted to the circuit board, and an optical element downstream of the circuit board. The light-emitting element is configured to emit light in a vertical direction away from the circuit board, and the optical element comprises a reflection surface configured to reflect light from the vertical direction to a horizontal direction.

Description

A SCOOTER COMPRISING A LIGHTING ASSEMBLY AND THE LIGHTING ASSEMBLY AS SUCH

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a scooter.

Background

Scooters, and in particular electrically powered scooters, are increasing in popularity in view of the desire for decarbonisation and alternative forms of urban transport.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a scooter comprising: a lighting assembly comprising: a circuit board; a light-emitting element mounted to the circuit board; and an optical element downstream of the circuit board, wherein the light-emitting element is configured to emit light in a vertical direction away from the circuit board, and the optical element comprises a reflection surface configured to reflect light from the vertical direction to a horizontal direction.

The scooter according to the first aspect of the present invention may be advantageous as use of the reflection surface may enable the scooter to have a different form factor in comparison to a scooter where the light-emitting element is configured to emit light directly in the horizontal direction. As the vertical direction is away from, i.e. orthogonal relative to, the circuit board, for example, where the vertical direction is an orthogonal direction to a surface on which the scooter is disposed in use, and the horizontal direction is a parallel direction to a surface on which the scooter is disposed in use, a component of the scooter in which the lighting assembly is housed may comprise a reduced depth relative to a scooter where the light-emitting element is configured to emit light directly in the horizontal direction.

In particular, for a scooter where the light-emitting element is configured to emit light directly in a parallel direction to the support surface in use, the circuit board to which such a light-emitting element, and control circuitry for the light-emitting element, is attached may need to extend in the vertical direction, e.g. the depth dimension of a component within which the lighting assembly is disposed, which may increase the depth of the component relative to the scooter according to the first aspect of the present invention. By reducing the depth of a component of the scooter, an overall size of the scooter may be reduced, which may lead to reduced cost and scooter size and/or weight. By reducing scooter size and/or weight, increases in range capability for battery-powered electric scooters may be achieved.

Alternatively, for a scooter where the light-emitting element is configured to emit light directly in a parallel direction to the support surface in use, the light-emitting element may be placed on a circuit board having a relatively small extent in the vertical direction, e.g. the depth dimension of a component housing the lighting assembly, whilst the control circuitry for the light-emitting element is placed on another circuit board extending in the horizontal direction, e.g. the length dimension, of the component housing the lighting assembly. Relative to such an arrangement, the scooter according to the first aspect of the present invention may reduce a number of circuit boards required, which may reduce component cost and/or count, for example by enabling the light-emitting element and associated control circuitry to be disposed on the same circuit board extending in the horizontal direction, e.g. the length dimension, of the scooter.

The circuit board may comprise control circuitry for illumination of the light-emitting element. The circuit board may comprise a single circuit board.

The scooter may comprise a first and a second end, with the scooter elongate between the first and second ends. The horizontal direction may be a direction toward the second end.

The circuit board may be positioned substantially parallel to a surface upon which the scooter is disposed in use. The circuit board may be substantially planar in form. The vertical direction may be substantially orthogonal to the circuit board, for example such that the light-emitting element extends substantially orthogonally to the circuit board. The reflected light, for example light travelling in the horizontal direction downstream of the reflection surface, may leave the scooter via one or more of an aperture in a body in which the lighting assembly is at least partially housed and a transparent section of the body. The scooter may comprise a body, and the reflection surface may be disposed internally of the body. The optical element may at least partially define the body.

Emission of light in the vertical direction may be taken to refer to an average direction of light emitted by the light-emitting element in a direction away from the circuit board.

The horizontal direction may be substantially parallel to a planar surface on which the scooter is disposed in use. This may enable light to be emitted in a direction substantially parallel to the planar surface, for example in a rearward and/or sideward and/or frontward direction, without the light-emitting element needing to extend in such a direction.

The reflection surface may be obliquely angled relative to the circuit board, for example angled at around 45° relative to the circuit board. This may aid with providing light from the light-emitting element in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction in which light is principally emitted from the light-emitting element in use. The reflection surface may be obliquely angled relative to the vertical direction, for example angled at around 45° relative to the vertical direction.

The reflection surface may be formed of a material having a refractive index such that light from the vertical direction is reflected to the horizontal direction by total internal reflection. This may be beneficial compared to, for example, an optical element where an additional reflective coating or reflective element needs to be provided, as component cost and/or count may be reduced.

The refractive index may be in the region of 1 .4 to 1 .8, for example around 1 .6. The optical element, for example the reflection surface, may be formed of plastic. Plastic may be cheaper than alternative materials, such as glass, and may be easier to manufacture and/or easier to be machined to a desired configuration for providing reflection of light than, for example, a glass optical element. Furthermore, a plastic optical element may be less prone to damage, such as shattering, than a glass optical element, and hence may provide greater utility in a scooter in which collisions and/or shock from motion may occur in use. The optical element may be formed using an injection moulding process.

The optical element may be formed of polycarbonate, for example a clear polycarbonate.

The optical element may comprise a collimator for collimating light emitted from the light-emitting element, and the collimator may be located upstream of the reflection surface. This may ensure that light from the light-emitting element is collected and provided to the reflection surface in a relatively more concentrated arrangement than, for example, a corresponding arrangement absent a collimator, which may result in more light being passed in a desired direction, e.g. the horizontal direction, in use, without light being wasted in the vertical direction. In practice, this may result in light being concentrated into a beam that travels parallel to the circuit board, for example parallel to a planar surface on which the scooter travels in use, which may enable the use of lower powered light-emitting elements whilst achieving a similar lighting intensity when compared to a corresponding arrangement absent a collimator.

The collimator may comprise a convex surface for collimating light emitted by the light-emitting element in the vertical direction. A convex surface may enable collimation of light into a narrower region than, for example, a light pipe of a similar width. An apex of the convex surface may be located closer to the light-emitting element than edges of the convex surface. The apex of the convex surface may be aligned with a central axis of the light-emitting element. The collimator may be formed of plastic. Plastic may be cheaper than alternative materials, such as glass, and may be easier to manufacture and/or easier to be machined to a desired configuration for providing collimation of light than, for example, a glass optical element. Furthermore, a plastic collimator may be less prone to damage, such as shattering, than a glass collimator, and hence may provide greater utility in a scooter footplate in which collisions and/or shock from motion may occur in use. The collimator may be formed using an injection moulding process.

The optical element may comprise a monolithic structure, for example such that the reflection surface and the collimator are integrally formed. This may provide a reduced component count relative to an arrangement where the collimator and the reflection surface are separate components, which may provide reduced cost. Integrally forming the collimator and the reflection surface may ensure correct alignment between the collimator and the reflection surface, and may provide increased accuracy and reduced complexity of assembly, and hence reduced cost, when compared to an arrangement where the collimator and the reflection surface are separate components. The reflection surface and the collimator may be integrally formed as part of an injection moulding process.

The optical element may comprise first and second opposing walls defining a channel, and the optical element, for example the first and second opposing walls, may be mounted to the circuit board such that the light-emitting element is located within the channel. This may provide for enhanced collimation compared to, for example, an arrangement absent the first and second opposing walls, with the first and second opposing walls acting to constrain light emitted from the light-emitting element within the channel. Mounting the optical element to the circuit board such that the light-emitting element is located within the channel may also seal the lightemitting element within the channel between the circuit board and the optical element, which may reduce ingress and moisture into a region of the circuit board upon which the light-emitting element is mounted. The convex surface of the collimator may define a wall of the channel. The light-emitting element may be rated to no more than 100mA when driven at between 2 to 2.5V. Use of a light-emitting element comprising a relatively low power rating may reduce power draw on a battery of a scooter comprising the scooter footplate, for example compared to use of a light-emitting element comprising a relatively high power rating, whilst, in combination with the features previously described, also providing a similar and/or improved light profile.

The lighting assembly may comprise a plurality of light-emitting elements mounted to the circuit board, each of the plurality of light-emitting elements configured to emit light in the vertical direction, and the reflection surface may be configured to reflect light from the vertical direction to respective horizontal directions. This may provide greater light distribution than, for example, an arrangement that utilises only one light-emitting element.

The reflection surface may comprise a length substantially corresponding to a length of the circuit board along which the plurality of light-emitting elements are distributed. The collimator may comprise a length substantially corresponding to a length of the circuit board along which the plurality of light-emitting elements are distributed.

The optical element may be configured to blend emitted light from the plurality of light-emitting elements. This may be beneficial as it may provide a light output that is relatively evenly distributed, for example in comparison to an arrangement where no blending occurs and each light-emitting element provides a relatively discrete beam of light.

The optical element may comprise a plurality of grooves configured to blend emitted light from the plurality of light-emitting elements. This may provide a relatively simple mechanical structure for blending the light, for example avoiding the need for additional optical components such as lenses or the like, which may provide an assembly of reduced cost. The plurality of grooves may be formed in the reflection surface. The plurality of grooves may be formed during injection moulding of the reflection surface, which may reduce manufacturing complexity and cost compared to, for example, an arrangement where the grooves are machined into the reflection surface post-formation of the reflection surface.

Blending of light may distribute light in a direction substantially orthogonal to the horizontal direction and substantially orthogonal to the vertical direction.

The plurality of grooves may be substantially v-shaped in form, for example such that the plurality of grooves define a saw-tooth -I ike profile. Use of a plurality of v- shaped grooves may aid with blending of light, for example where the reflection surface is obliquely angled relative to the vertical direction. Opposing walls of each v-shaped groove may be obliquely angled relative to one another, for example enclosing an angle in the region of 30° to 60°. Opposing walls of each v-shaped groove may enclose an angle of around 45°. Such an angle may provide reasonable blending of light whilst still providing a relatively high light intensity.

The plurality of grooves may be spaced along the reflection surface at a pitch in the region of 0.5mm to 5mm, for example around 1 .0mm. This may provide reasonable blending of light whilst still providing a relatively high light intensity.

The scooter may comprise a footplate for supporting a foot of a user, and the lighting assembly may be comprised in the footplate. This may enable a reduced depth of footplate relative to those known in the prior art, whilst enabling provision of light in a horizontal direction from the footplate.

The footplate may comprise a rearward face and a sideward face, the plurality of light-emitting elements may be located such that the plurality of light-emitting elements extend along the rearward face and the sideward face, and the reflection surface may be located such that light is reflected in the horizontal direction toward the rearward and sideward outer faces. This may provide increased distribution of light about a periphery of the footplate compared to, for example, an arrangement where emitted light is reflected to only one of the first and second outer faces. The scooter may comprise a first wheel located at a first end of the scooter, and a second wheel located at a second end of the scooter, and a steering column located at a first end of the footplate, the steering column for steering at least one of the first and second wheels, and the horizontal direction may comprise a direction toward the second end of the scooter footplate. In such a manner light from the lightemitting element may be directed toward a rear of the scooter in use, which may increase visibility of the scooter.

The vertical direction may comprise a direction toward a surface upon which the first and second wheels are located in use. The vertical direction may be substantially orthogonal to the surface upon which the first and second wheels are located in use, and the horizontal direction may be substantially parallel to the surface upon which the first and second wheels are located in use.

The scooter may comprise a brake lever depressible by a user to apply a braking force to at least one of the first and second wheels, and the lighting assembly may be actuable in response to depression of the brake lever. The lighting assembly discussed herein may thus find particular utility in providing brake lighting for a scooter.

The scooter may comprise a user-operable indicator, and the lighting assembly may actuable in response to operation of the user-operable indicator. The lighting assembly discussed herein may thus find particular utility in providing indicator lighting for a scooter.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a lighting assembly for a scooter, the lighting assembly comprising a circuit board, a lightemitting element mounted to the circuit board, the light-emitting element configured to emit light in a vertical direction away from the circuit board, and an optical element comprising a collimator for collimating light emitted from the light-emitting element, and a reflection surface configured to interact with light emitted by the light-emitting element such that emitted light is reflected from the vertical direction to a horizontal direction, the collimator located upstream of the reflection surface, wherein the optical element comprises a monolithic structure such that the reflection surface and the collimator are integrally formed.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a scooter comprising: a lighting assembly comprising: a circuit board; a plurality of lightemitting elements mounted to the circuit board; and an optical element located downstream of the circuit board, wherein the optical element is configured to blend emitted light from the plurality of light-emitting elements.

The scooter according to the third aspect of the present invention may be advantageous as the optical element may blend emitted light from the plurality of light-emitting elements, which may result in a more desirable light output than, for example, a plurality of discrete beams from each of the plurality of light-emitting elements.

The optical element may be configured to blend emitted light from the plurality of light-emitting elements to create a substantially uniform strip of light. This may prevent a more desirable light output than, for example, a plurality of discrete beams from each of the plurality of light-emitting elements.

The optical element may be configured to blend emitted light horizontally. This may provide for a light output that provides a horizontal beam of light.

The optical element may comprise a plurality of grooves configured to blend emitted light from the plurality of light-emitting elements. This may provide a relatively simple mechanical structure for blending the light, for example avoiding the need for additional optical components such as lenses or the like, which may provide an assembly of reduced cost.

The plurality of grooves may be substantially v-shaped in form, , for example such that the plurality of grooves define a saw-tooth -I ike profile. Use of a plurality of v- shaped grooves may aid with blending of light. Each groove may be defined by a pair of opposing walls, and the opposing walls may be obliquely angled relative to one another, for example enclosing an angle in the region of 30° to 60°. The opposing walls may enclose an angle of around 45°. Such an angle may provide reasonable blending of light whilst still providing a relatively high light intensity.

The plurality of grooves may be spaced at a pitch in the region of 0.5mm to 5.0mm, for example in the region of 1 .0mm. This may provide reasonable blending of light whilst still providing a relatively high light intensity.

The optical element may comprise a reflection surface configured to reflect emitted light from the plurality of light-emitting elements, and the plurality of grooves may be disposed on the reflection surface. Use of such a reflection surface may enable light emitted by the plurality of light-emitting elements to be redirected in a desired direction

The plurality of light-emitting elements may be configured to emit light in a vertical direction away from the circuit board, and the reflection surface may be configured to reflect light from the vertical direction to respective horizontal directions.

Use of the reflection surface may enable the scooter to have a different form factor in comparison to a scooter where the light-emitting elements are configured to emit light directly in the horizontal direction. As the vertical direction is away from, i.e. orthogonal relative to, the circuit board, for example, where the vertical direction is an orthogonal direction to a surface on which the scooter is disposed in use, and the horizontal direction is a parallel direction to a surface on which the scooter is disposed in use, a component of the scooter in which the lighting assembly is housed may comprise a reduced depth relative to a scooter where the light-emitting elements are configured to emit light directly in the horizontal direction.

In particular, for a scooter where the light-emitting elements are configured to emit light directly in a parallel direction to the support surface in use, the circuit board to which such light-emitting elements, and control circuitry for the light-emitting elements, is attached may need to extend in the vertical direction, e.g. the depth dimension of a component within which the lighting assembly is disposed, which may increase the depth of the component relative to the scooter according to the first aspect of the present invention. By reducing the depth of a component of the scooter, an overall size of the scooter may be reduced, which may lead to reduced cost and scooter size and/or weight. By reducing scooter size and/or weight, increases in range capability for battery-powered electric scooters may be achieved.

Alternatively, for a scooter where the light-emitting elements are configured to emit light directly in a parallel direction to the support surface in use, the light-emitting elements may be placed on a circuit board having a relatively small extent in the vertical direction, e.g. the depth dimension of a component housing the lighting assembly, whilst the control circuitry for the light-emitting elements is placed on another circuit board extending in the horizontal direction, e.g. the length dimension, of the component housing the lighting assembly. Relative to such an arrangement, the scooter according to the first aspect of the present invention may reduce a number of circuit boards required, which may reduce component cost and/or count, for example by enabling the light-emitting elements and associated control circuitry to be disposed on the same circuit board extending in the horizontal direction, e.g. the length dimension, of the scooter.

The circuit board may comprise control circuitry for illumination of the plurality of light-emitting elements. The circuit board may comprise a single circuit board.

The scooter may comprise a first and a second end, with the scooter elongate between the first and second ends. At least one of the horizontal directions may be a direction toward the second end.

The circuit board may be positioned substantially parallel to a surface upon which the scooter is disposed in use. The circuit board may be substantially planar in form. The vertical direction may be substantially orthogonal to the circuit board, for example such that the plurality of light-emitting elements extend substantially orthogonally to the circuit board. The reflected and blended light, for example light travelling in the horizontal directions downstream of the reflection surface and the plurality of grooves, may leave the scooter via one or more of an aperture in a body in which the lighting assembly is at least partially housed and a transparent section of the body. The scooter may comprise a body, and the reflection surface may be disposed internally of the body. The optical element may at least partially define the body.

The reflection surface may be obliquely angled relative to the circuit board. This may aid with providing light from the plurality of light-emitting elements in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction in which light is principally emitted from the light-emitting element in use. The reflection surface may be obliquely angled relative to the vertical direction, for example angled at around 45° relative to the vertical direction.

The reflection surface may be formed of a material having a refractive index such that light from the vertical direction is reflected to the respective horizontal directions. This may be beneficial compared to, for example, an optical element where an additional reflective coating or reflective element needs to be provided, as component cost and/or count may be reduced.

The optical element may comprise at least one collimator for collimating light emitted from the plurality of light-emitting elements, the collimator located upstream of the plurality of grooves. This may ensure that light from the light-emitting elements is collected and provided to the plurality of grooves in a relatively more concentrated arrangement than, for example, a corresponding arrangement absent a collimator, which may result in more light being passed in a desired direction, e.g. the horizontal direction, in use, without light being wasted in the vertical direction.

The at least one collimator may comprise a convex surface for collimating light emitted by the plurality of light-emitting elements. A convex surface may enable collimation of light into a narrower region than, for example, a light pipe of a similar width. An apex of the convex surface may be located closer to the light-emitting element than edges of the convex surface. The apex of the convex surface may be aligned with a central axis of the light-emitting element.

The at least one collimator may be formed of plastic. Plastic may be cheaper than alternative materials, such as glass, and may be easier to manufacture and/or easier to be machined to a desired configuration for providing collimation of light than, for example, a glass optical element. Furthermore, a plastic collimator may be less prone to damage, such as shattering, than a glass collimator, and hence may provide greater utility in a scooter footplate in which collisions and/or shock from motion may occur in use. The at least one collimator may be formed using an injection moulding process.

The optical element may comprise a monolithic structure, for example such that the reflection surface, the plurality of grooves, and the at least one collimator are integrally formed. This may provide a reduced component count relative to an arrangement where the at least one collimator, the plurality of grooves and the reflection surface are separate components, which may provide reduced cost. Integrally forming the at least one collimator, the plurality of grooves and the reflection surface may ensure correct alignment between the at least one collimator and the reflection surface and/or plurality of grooves, and may provide increased accuracy and reduced complexity of assembly, and hence reduced cost, when compared to an arrangement where the at least one collimator and the reflection surface and/or the plurality of grooves are separate components. The reflection surface, the plurality of grooves and the at least one collimator may be integrally formed as part of an injection moulding process.

The optical element may comprise first and second opposing walls defining a channel, and the optical element, for example the first and second walls, may be mounted to the circuit board such that the plurality of light-emitting elements are located within the channel. This may provide for enhanced collimation compared to, for example, an arrangement absent the first and second opposing walls, with the first and second opposing walls acting to constrain light emitted from the lightemitting elements within the channel. Mounting the optical element to the circuit board such that the light-emitting elements are located within the channel may also seal the light-emitting elements within the channel between the circuit board and the optical element, which may reduce ingress and moisture into a region of the circuit board upon which the light-emitting elements are mounted. The convex surface of the at least one collimator may define a wall of the channel.

The plurality of light-emitting elements may each be rated to no more than 100mA when driven at between 2 to 2.5V. Use of a light-emitting element comprising a relatively low power rating may reduce power draw on a battery of a scooter comprising the scooter footplate, for example compared to use of a light-emitting element comprising a relatively high power rating, whilst, in combination with the features previously described, also providing a similar and/or improved light profile.

The scooter may comprise a footplate for supporting a foot of a user, and the lighting assembly may be comprised in the footplate. The footplate may comprise a rearward face and a sideward face, the plurality of light-emitting elements may be located such that the plurality of light-emitting elements extend along the rearward face and the sideward face, and the optical element may be configured such that emitted light is output via the rearward and sideward faces. This may provide increased distribution of light about a periphery of the footplate compared to, for example, an arrangement where emitted light is reflected to only one of the rearward and sideward outer faces.

The scooter may comprise a first wheel located at a first end of the scooter, and a second wheel located at a second end of the scooter; and a steering column located at a first end of the footplate, the steering column for steering at least one of the first and second wheels; and the optical element may be configured such that emitted light is output in a direction toward the second end of the scooter. In such a manner light from the light-emitting element may be directed toward a rear of the scooter in use, which may increase visibility of the scooter.

The scooter may comprise a brake lever depressible by a user to apply a braking force to at least one of the first and second wheels, and the lighting assembly may actuable in response to depression of the brake lever. The lighting assembly discussed herein may thus find particular utility in providing brake lighting for a scooter. The scooter may comprise a user-operable indicator, and the lighting assembly may actuable in response to operation of the user-operable indicator. The lighting assembly discussed herein may thus find particular utility in providing indicator lighting for a scooter.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a lighting assembly for a scooter, the lighting assembly comprising: a circuit board; a plurality of light-emitting elements mounted to the circuit board; and an optical element located downstream of the circuit board; wherein the optical element comprises at least one collimator for collimating light emitted from the plurality of light-emitting elements, and a plurality of grooves configured to blend light emitted by the plurality of light-emitting elements, the at least one collimator located upstream of the plurality of grooves, wherein the optical element comprises a monolithic structure such that the at least one collimator and the plurality of grooves are integrally formed..

Optional features of aspects of the present invention may be equally applied to other aspects of the present invention, where applicable.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a scooter;

Figure 2 is a perspective upper view of a footplate portion of a footplate of the scooter of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a perspective lower view of the footplate portion of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is an exploded upper view of the footplate portion of Figure 2;

Figure 5 is an exploded lower view of the footplate portion of Figure 2; Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an optical element of the footplate portion of Figure 2;

Figure 7 is an enlarged view of a reflection surface of the optical element of Figure 6; and

Figure 8 is a schematic illustration of light interacting with the optical element of Figure 6.

Detailed Description

A scooter 100 is illustrated in Figure 1 , and comprises a frame 10, first 12 and second 14 wheels, a steering assembly 16, and first 18 and second 20 footplates.

The frame 10 comprises a main body 22 and a headtube 24. The main body 22 houses a battery pack (not shown). The headtube 24 is substantially cylindrical and hollow in form.

The first wheel 12 is located at a first end 26 of the frame 10, below the headtube 24, and the second wheel 14 is located at a second opposite end 28 of the frame 10. The second wheel 14 comprises a hub which is mounted to the second end 28 of the frame 10. The hub is substantially hollow and houses an electric motor (not shown) which is driven by the battery pack in use to propel the electric motor.

The steering assembly 16 comprises handlebars 30, a steerer 32, and a fork 34. The steerer 32 interconnects the handlebars 30 and the fork 34. The fork 34 comprises a pair of blades, each of which has a cut-out for receiving an axle of the first wheel 12. The fork 34 is fixedly attached to the steerer 32, and is rotatably attached to the headtube 24 of the frame 10. In such a manner, the steering assembly 16 is free to rotate relative to the frame 10. The fork 34 rotates relative to the headtube 24 about a rotational axis. The first wheel 12 may therefore be steered left and right, using the handlebars 30, about the rotational axis. The handlebars 30 comprise a brake lever 36 and an indicator 38, which are illustrated schematically in Figure 1 . The brake lever 36 is connected to brakes (not shown) by appropriate brake cabling, allowing a user of the scooter 100 to apply a braking force to either or both of the first 12 and second 14 wheels upon application of appropriate force to the brake lever 36. The indicator 38 comprises a lever actuable by a user to indicate a desired turning direction of the scooter 100.

The first 18 and second 20 footplates are located on respective first 40 and second 42 sides of the main body 22 of the frame 10, and define platforms on which a user of the scooter 100 can place their feet in use. The first 18 and second 20 footplates are foldably mounted relative to the main body 22 of the frame 10, but in other examples may be rigidly mounted. The first 18 and second 20 footplates comprise respective first 19 and second (not shown) footplate portions.

In use, the scooter 100 is propelled forwards whilst the user stands on the first 18 and/or second 20 footplates, and steers using the handlebars 30. In this particular example, the scooter 100 is propelled by the electric motor and powered by the battery pack. However, the scooter 100 may be propelled by other means. For example, the scooter 100 may be unpowered and propelled by the user.

The first footplate portion 19 is illustrated in further detail in Figures 2 to 5. It will be appreciated that the second footplate portion may have substantially the same structure as the first footplate portion 19 18, and hence that the following description may be equally applicable to the second footplate portion.

The first footplate portion 19 comprises an upper body component 44, and a lighting assembly 48.

The upper body component 44 comprises a generally planar upper surface, and in some examples the upper surface is roughened and/or comprises a roughened applied layer. In some examples the upper body component 44 defines part of an upper surface of the first footplate 18, whereas in other embodiments a further component can be located above the upper body component 44, with a user standing on such a further component in use of the scooter 100. In either case, the upper surface is substantially parallel to a surface on which the scooter 100 is supported by the first 12 and second 14 wheels in use.

The lighting assembly 48 comprises a circuit board 50, a plurality of LEDs 52 mounted to the circuit board 50 and an optical element 54. Although a plurality of LEDS 52 are illustrated here, other embodiments may utilise alternative lightemitting elements, as appropriate.

The circuit board 50 is generally planar in form, and is disposed substantially parallel to the upper surface of the body component 44 when the first footplate portion 19 is assembled. The plurality of LEDs 52 are mounted to a lower surface of the circuit board 50, such that the plurality of LEDS 52 extend from the circuit board away from the upper surface 44 and toward the optical element 54. The plurality of LEDs 52 extend along rear and side edges of the circuit board 50. The plurality of LEDs 52 emit light in a generally vertical direction V, i.e. in a direction away from the circuit board 50 and away from the upper surface 44 toward the optical element 54 when the first 12 and second 14 wheels of the scooter 100 are located on a surface in use. Control circuitry (not shown) for the plurality of LEDs 52 is also disposed on the circuit board.

The optical element 54 is located below the body component 44 and is disposed such that rear 58 and side 60 surfaces of the optical element 54 are exposed. In such a manner, the rear 58 and side 60 surfaces of the optical element 54 may form part of corresponding rear and side surfaces of the first footplate 18. In other embodiments, the optical element 54 may be disposed within a housing that defines at least part of the first footplate 18, for example a housing comprising one or more transparent sections.

An upper region 62 of the optical element 54 is open and receives the circuit board 50 when assembled. The optical element 54 is an injection moulded plastic component formed of clear polycarbonate, and having a refractive index in the region of 1 .4 to 1 .8, typically around 1 .6. The optical element 54 comprises first 64 and second 66 opposing walls, a collimator 68 and a reflection surface 70, as seen clearly in Figure 6.

The first 64 and second 66 opposing walls are upstanding either side of the collimator 68, and define a channel 72. When the circuit board 50 is received within the upper region 62 of the optical element 54, the plurality of LEDs 52 are located within the channel 72, and the circuit board 50 abuts an upper end of the first opposing wall 64 and a side region of the second opposing wall 66. The circuit board 50 is ultrasonically welded to the optical element 54 at the first 64 and second 66 opposing walls, such that the plurality of LEDs 52 are substantially sealed within the channel 72.

The collimator 68 defines a bottom wall of the channel 72, such that the collimator 68 is located downstream of the plurality of LEDs 52. The collimator 68 comprises a convex surface, with an apex of the convex surface generally aligned with corresponding centres of the plurality of LEDs 52. The collimator 68 extends across a length corresponding to the region of the circuit board 50 along which the plurality of LEDs 52 extend. Other embodiments where a plurality of discrete collimators 68, for example one per LED 52, are provided are also envisaged.

The reflection surface 70 is located downstream of the collimator 68, and is obliquely angled relative to the vertical direction V, and hence also obliquely angled relative to the upper surface 44, and the circuit board 50, at around 45°.

The reflection surface 70 comprises a plurality of v-shaped grooves 74, as seen in Figure 7, such that the reflection surface 70 has a generally sawtooth-like profile. Each groove 74 is formed of opposing walls 76,78, as seen in the schematic enlarged view of Figure 7, with the walls angled obliquely at around 45° relative to one another. The plurality of v-shaped grooves 74 are spaced with a pitch of 1 mm between troughs of adjacent grooves 74. The plurality of v-shaped grooves 74 are formed in the reflection surface 70 during injection moulding of the optical element 54. Whilst described as v-shaped, it will be appreciated that other forms of groove may be utilised provided they provide similar functionality to that described hereafter.

In use, the plurality of LEDs 52 emit light in the generally vertical direction V toward the collimator 68. The first 64 and second 66 opposing walls of the optical element may act to provide some degree of collimation prior to the collimator 68. The collimator 68 interacts with emitted light to collimate emitted light into respective beams 80 travelling in the vertical direction V downstream of the collimator 68.

The beams 80 hit the reflection surface 70 and, in view of the refractive index of the optical element 54 and the angle of the reflection surface 70 relative to the beam 80s, the beams 80 are each turned from the generally vertical direction V to a respective generally horizontal direction H. This is illustrated schematically for a single beam 80 in Figure 8.

As will be appreciated, when the beams 80 interact with the reflection surface 70, they also interact with the plurality of v-shaped grooves 74. Given the form and positioning of the plurality of v-shaped grooves 74, interaction of the beams 80 with the reflection surface 70, and hence the plurality of v-shaped grooves 74, not only leads to the beams being turned from the generally vertical direction V to the generally horizontal direction H, but also leads to light from the beams 80 being blended. The blended beams 80 then leave the optical element 54 via the rear 58 and side 60 surfaces of the optical element 54, and are thus emitted from the first footplate 18.

In the manner described above, the collimator 68 may take light emitted from the plurality of LEDs 52 and collimate such light into a plurality of individual beams 80 travelling in the generally vertical direction V. This may result in less wasted light in other directions compared to an arrangement absent the collimator 68. The reflection surface 70 and the plurality of grooves 74 then interact with the plurality of vertical beams 80 to both blend and turn the beams 80 to the generally horizontal direction H. This may provide a relatively uniform output beam of light constrained in a generally horizontal plane, compared to, for example an arrangement where individual beams of light are output and no collimation is provided.

Use of the reflection surface 70 to turn light from the generally vertical direction V to the generally horizontal direction H may enable the first footplate portion 19, and hence the first footplate 18, to have a different form factor in comparison to a footplate where the LEDS 52 are configured to emit light directly in the generally horizontal direction H. As the generally vertical direction V is away from, i.e. orthogonal relative to, the circuit board 50, and the generally horizontal direction H is a parallel direction to a surface on which the scooter 100 is disposed in use, the first footplate portion 18 in which the lighting assembly 48 is housed may comprise a reduced depth relative to a footplate where the LEDs are configured to emit light directly in the horizontal direction.

In particular, for a footplate where the LEDs are configured to emit light directly in a parallel direction to the support surface in use, the circuit board to which such LEDs, and control circuitry for LEDs, is attached may need to extend in the vertical direction, e.g. the depth dimension of the footplate, which may increase the depth of the footplate relative to the first footplate 18 described above. By reducing the depth of the first footplate 18, an overall size of the first footplate portion 19 may be reduced, which may lead to reduced cost and scooter size and/or weight. By reducing scooter size and/or weight, increases in range capability for battery- powered electric scooters may be achieved.

Alternatively, for a scooter where the LEDs are configured to emit light directly in a horizontal direction, the LEDs may be placed on a circuit board having a relatively small extent in the vertical direction, e.g. the depth dimension of the footplate, whilst the control circuitry for the LEDs is placed on another circuit board extending in the horizontal direction, e.g. the length dimension, of the footplate. Relative to such an arrangement, the first footplate portion 19 may reduce a number of circuit boards required, which may reduce component cost and/or count, for example by enabling the LEDs and associated control circuitry to be disposed on the same circuit board extending in the horizontal direction, e.g. the length dimension, of the first footplate. Given that the optical element 54 is injection moulded, it will be appreciated that the collimator 68, the reflection surface 70 and the plurality of v-shaped grooves 74 are also formed as part of the injection moulding process, and indeed are integrally formed, with the optical element 54 comprising a monolithic component. This may provide a reduced component count relative to an arrangement where the collimator, the reflection surface, and the plurality of v-shaped grooves are separate components, which may provide reduced cost.

Given the reduction in light waste provided by the lighting assembly 48 disclosed above, lower power LEDS 52 may be utilised whilst still providing a similar output light intensity. In particular the plurality of LEDs 52 used in conjunction with the lighting assembly 48 light-emitting elements may each be rated to no more than 100mA when driven at between 2 to 2.5V.

As noted above, the scooter 100, and in particular the handlebars 30, comprise a brake lever 36 and an indicator 38. The lighting assembly 48 described above can be operable in response to actuation of either or both of the brake lever 36 and the indicator 38. Thus the lighting assembly 48 described herein can provide a relatively uniform output beam of light constrained in a generally horizontal plane for either braking or indicating a desired change in direction. It will be appreciated that the plurality of LEDs 52 can, in some examples, comprise different coloured LEDs, for example with different coloured LEDs used to indicate braking and indicating a desired change in direction.

Although described above as being located in the first footplate portion 19, and similarly in the second footplate portion which may comprise a further lighting assembly 48 substantially similar to that described above, it will be appreciated that the lighting assembly 48 may find utility at other locations of the scooter 100, or indeed at other locations in scooters comprising a different form factor. For example, other embodiments of scooter may comprise a single footplate on which a user locates their feet in use, and the lighting assembly may be disposed within the single footplate.

Claims

1. A scooter comprising: a lighting assembly comprising: a circuit board; a light-emitting element mounted to the circuit board; and an optical element downstream of the circuit board, wherein the light-emitting element is configured to emit light in a vertical direction away from the circuit board, and the optical element comprises a reflection surface configured to reflect light from the vertical direction to a horizontal direction.

2. A scooter as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the reflection surface is obliquely angled relative to the circuit board.

3. A scooter as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the reflection surface is formed of a material having a refractive index such that light from the vertical direction is reflected to the horizontal direction by total internal reflection.

4. A scooter footplate as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the optical element is formed of plastic.

5. A scooter as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the optical element comprises a collimator for collimating light emitted from the light-emitting element, the collimator located upstream of the reflection surface.

6. A scooter as claimed in claim 5, wherein the collimator comprises a convex surface for collimating light emitted by the light-emitting element in the vertical direction.

7. A scooter as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein the optical element comprises a monolithic structure such that the reflection surface and the collimator are integrally formed.

8. A scooter as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the optical element comprises first and second opposing walls defining a channel, and the optical elements is mounted to the circuit board such that the light-emitting element is located within the channel.

9. A scooter as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the light-emitting element is rated to no more than 100mA when driven at between 2 to 2.5V.

10. A scooter as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the lighting assembly comprises a plurality of light-emitting elements mounted to the circuit board, each of the plurality of light-emitting elements configured to emit light in the vertical direction, and the reflection surface is configured to reflect light from the vertical direction to respective horizontal directions.

11. A scooter as claimed in claim 10, wherein the optical element is configured to blend emitted light from the plurality of light-emitting elements.

12. A scooter as claimed in claim 10 or 11 , wherein the optical element comprises a plurality of grooves configured to blend emitted light from the plurality of light-emitting elements.

13. A scooter as claimed in claim 12, where the plurality of grooves are formed in the reflection surface.

14. A scooter as claimed in claim 13, wherein the plurality of grooves are spaced along the reflection surface at a pitch in the region of 0.5mm to 5mm.

15. A scooter as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the plurality of grooves are spaced along the reflection surface at a pitch in the region of 1 .0mm.

16. A scooter as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the scooter comprises a footplate for supporting a foot of a user, and the lighting assembly is comprised in the footplate.

17. A scooter as claimed in claim 16, wherein the footplate comprises a rearward face and a sideward face, the plurality of light-emitting elements are located such that the plurality of light-emitting elements extend along the rearward face and the sideward face, and the reflection surface is located such that light is reflected in the horizontal direction toward the rearward and sideward faces.

18. A scooter as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the scooter comprises: a first wheel located at a first end of the scooter, and a second wheel located at a second end of the scooter; and a steering column located at a first end of the footplate, the steering column for steering at least one of the first and second wheels; wherein the horizontal direction comprises a direction toward the second end of the scooter.

19. A scooter as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the scooter comprises a brake lever depressible by a user to apply a braking force to at least one of the first and second wheels, and the lighting assembly is actuable in response to depression of the brake lever.

20. A lighting assembly for a scooter, the lighting assembly comprising a circuit board, a light-emitting element mounted to the circuit board, the light-emitting element configured to emit light in vertical direction away from the circuit board, and an optical element comprising a collimator for collimating light emitted from the lightemitting element, and a reflection surface configured to interact with light emitted by the light-emitting element such that emitted light is reflected from the vertical direction to a horizontal direction, the collimator located upstream of the reflection surface, wherein the optical element comprises a monolithic structure such that the reflection surface and the collimator are integrally formed.

21 . A scooter comprising: a lighting assembly comprising: a circuit board; a plurality of light-emitting elements mounted to the circuit board; and an optical element located downstream of the circuit board, wherein the optical element is configured to blend emitted light from the plurality of lightemitting elements.

22. A scooter as claimed in claim 21 , wherein the optical element is configured to blend emitted light from the plurality of light-emitting elements to create a substantially uniform strip of light.

23. A scooter as claimed in claim 21 or 22, wherein the optical element is configured to blend emitted light horizontally.

24. A scooter as claimed in any of claims 21 to 23, wherein the optical element comprises a plurality of grooves configured to blend emitted light from the plurality of light-emitting elements.

25. A scooter as claimed in claim 24, wherein the plurality of grooves are substantially v-shaped in form.

26. A scooter as claimed in claim 24 or 25, wherein each groove is defined by a pair of opposing walls, and the opposing walls are obliquely angled relative to one another.

27. A scooter as claimed in claim 26, wherein the opposing walls enclose an angle in the region of 30° to 60°.

28. A scooter as claimed in claim 26 or claim 27, wherein the opposing walls enclose an angle of around 45°.

29. A scooter as claimed in any of claims 24 to 28, wherein the plurality of grooves are spaced at a pitch in the region of 0.5 mm to 5.0 mm.

30. A scooter as claimed in any of claims 24 to 29, wherein the plurality of grooves are spaced at a pitch in the region of 1 .0 mm.

31 . A scooter as claimed in any of claims 24 to 30, wherein the optical element comprises a reflection surface configured to reflect emitted light from the plurality of light-emitting elements, and the plurality of grooves are disposed on the reflection surface.

32. A scooter as claimed in claim 31 , wherein the plurality of light-emitting elements are configured to emit light in a vertical direction away from the circuit board, and the reflection surface is configured to reflect light from the vertical direction to respective horizontal directions.

33. A scooter as claimed in claim 31 or 32, wherein the reflection surface is obliquely angled relative to the circuit board.

34. A scooter as claimed in any of claims 24 to 33, wherein the optical element comprises at least one collimator for collimating light emitted from the plurality of light-emitting elements, the at least one collimator located upstream of the plurality of grooves.

35. A scooter as claimed in claim 34, wherein the at least one collimator comprises a convex surface for collimating light emitted by the plurality of lightemitting elements.

36. A scooter as claimed in any of claims 21 to 35, wherein the optical element comprises first and second opposing walls defining a channel, and the optical element is mounted to the circuit board such that the plurality of light-emitting elements are located within the channel.

37. A scooter as claimed in any of claims 21 to 36, wherein the plurality of lightemitting elements each are rated to no more than 100mA when driven at between 2 to 2.5V.

38. A scooter as claimed in any of claims 21 to 37, wherein the scooter comprises a footplate for supporting a foot of a user, and the lighting assembly is comprised in the footplate.

39. A scooter as claimed in claim 38, wherein the footplate comprises a rearward face and a sideward face, the plurality of light-emitting elements are located such that the plurality of light-emitting elements extend along the rearward face and the sideward face, and the optical element is configured such that emitted light is blended horizontally and is output via the first and second outer faces.

40. A scooter as claimed in any of claims 21 to 39, wherein the scooter comprises: a first wheel located at a first end of the scooter, and a second wheel located at a second end of the scooter; and a steering column located at a first end of the footplate, the steering column for steering at least one of the first and second wheels; wherein the optical element is configured such that emitted light is output in a direction toward the second end of the scooter.

41 . A scooter as claimed in any of claims 21 to 40, wherein the scooter comprises a brake lever depressible by a user to apply a braking force to at least one of the first and second wheels, and the lighting assembly is actuable in response to depression of the brake lever.

42. A lighting assembly for a scooter, the lighting assembly comprising: a circuit board; a plurality of light-emitting elements mounted to the circuit board; and an optical element located downstream of the circuit board; wherein the optical element comprises at least one collimator for collimating light emitted from the plurality of light-emitting elements, and a plurality of grooves configured to blend light emitted by the plurality of light-emitting elements, the at least one collimator located upstream of the plurality of grooves, wherein the optical element comprises a monolithic structure such that the at least one collimator and the plurality of grooves are integrally formed.