Abstract:
A self-contained recreational electric vehicle is provided for the transport of camping gear over groomed trails leading to a remote camping destination with primitive facilities, and for transporting gear and all refuse back to the trailhead. The vehicle is comprised of four wheels that are attached to a framework and body structure containing the vehicle motion control devices, an integrated system of camping apparatus and camping gear storage containers. The vehicle electric motors and electrical devices are powered by on-board batteries. Battery electrical charge is sustained by regenerative braking and photovoltaic panels. Computerized operator console and control electronics monitor and control the vehicle electrical drive, braking, steering and battery charging systems. The vehicle is theft and critter resistant, with lockable covers and a security system. The self-contained camping apparatus includes potable water facilities; portable toilet; refuse storage; perishable food storage; water heater; cook stove; lighting and storage for recreational camping gear. The vehicle operator uses a handle bar with pressure sensitive devices to control vehicle motion and direction. Vehicle forward speed cannot exceed a brisk but comfortable walking pace.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION  
         [0001]    In recent years, there have been substantial advances in the field of electric vehicles. Many of these advances are due to technological improvements in electric battery design to improve their efficiency and to reduce their weight. Fuel cell device technology has also advanced to the point of making their commercial use both practical and safe. Consequently, there are many pure electric and hybrid electric specialized vehicles being designed to take advantage of these technological advances. This invention is another application of these advancing electric vehicle technologies towards creating a new machine that will serve the self-contained recreational camping vehicle market.  
           [0002]    Electric vehicle concepts are also dependent on the use of materials that are lightweight, structurally strong and durable. Electric power consumption efficiency improves as vehicle weight is reduced. Technology advances in the field of composite materials have made many new products possible, including electric powered vehicles. This invention is also dependent on the use of composite materials and lightweight-high-strength metals to achieve an efficient and durable vehicle that will withstand the rigors of off-road recreational camping use.  
           [0003]    The question is, is there a need for an electric powered self-contained camping vehicle that is only capable to transport camping gear, not personnel, and that does not travel faster than a person can walk, or is this just another “solution looking for a problem” type of idea? The answer is, there needs to be a need! This invention is not just about creating a new machine. It is also about creating a method that will help to address a very serious and growing problem. The problem has many facets, but the fundamental concern is “how to allow public access to environmentally sensitive public lands without sustaining irreparable damage to the natural environments”.  
           [0004]    People need to recreate, and governments need to provide recreational facilities on public lands. Public demands for recreation are ever increasing, but so are the costs and problems that are caused to those who must service these demands. To be more specific, many people are not considerate of others or of the environment when they recreate. They cause damage to the land and don”t properly dispose of waste. Consequently, the people responsible to manage our public recreation lands are forced to restrict access and to spend large sums of money policing and supporting those areas where access is allowed. However, this approach is contentious and limited, as evidenced by frequent restricted access violations.  
           [0005]    This invention does not purport to solve this problem. However, this invention does provide a tool for recreation land managers to use whereby people could be allowed to access remote camping facilities without incurring the problems of environmental damage and high support costs, if the camping facilities and their access trails are specifically designed for use with this invention. True, we already have extensive facilities for hiking and backpack camping. However, this type of activity is limited to a few strong individuals, and is certainly not well suited for families with small children, or for the elderly. Besides, these facilities do suffer damage because many people do not properly dispose of their waste or pack it out. Therefore, this invention would have recreation land managers construct trails and camping facilities that are specifically designed to accommodate the electric vehicle described by this specification, for the reasons listed below.  
           [0006]    Public access to these facilities via automobile or equivalent type vehicles, including gasoline powered all-terrain-vehicles (ATVs) would not be permitted, thereby avoiding the costs and environmental damage resulting from this type of access.  
           [0007]    Camping facilities designed for use with self-contained camping equipment are not required to provide extensive user support, considering that users are expected to pack in all supplies, including potable water, and are expected to pack out all refuse and waste.  
           [0008]    These camping facilities could be used by families with small children, the elderly, and others who would not otherwise use hiking and backpacking facilities with a more difficult use factor.  
         SUMMARY OF INVENTION  
         [0009]    The object of this invention to provide a self-contained recreational camping vehicle that is capable to transport family camping gear to a remote walk-in type camping facility. It is a further objective that the vehicle will self-contain all necessary camping conveniences and supplies, and will store all refuse for return transport so that remote camping sites are not degraded by unauthorized waste disposal. By providing these objectives, the invention will enable people to participate in the type of camping experience that is currently limited to those who are capable to transport their camping gear in backpacks. This invention will also encourage governments to provide recreation camping facilities and access trails that are specifically designed for use with this invention, thereby allowing their park and recreation facilities to accommodate more users with reduced support requirements and with reduced impact to the natural environments.  
           [0010]    To satisfy these objectives the invention provides a compact, efficient and reliable electric vehicle (EV) that is capable to transport and support all of the equipment necessary for recreational camping convenience. A bank of electric batteries provides the primary electrical power source for the EV embodiment that is described by this specification. Another possible embodiment would substitute fuel cell devices for some of the electric batteries. Fuel cell devices may be incorporated in the design as a means to reduce vehicle weight or as a means to extend the vehicle operational capability. Photovoltaic (PV) panels and drive motor regenerative breaking provide a means to replenish electric battery charge while the EV is in use. EV unit power supply and drive motor control is distributed to three identical electronic control modules. Failure of any one of the control modules or its associated devices will not significantly degrade EV unit operation. In travel mode, the EV unit is operated by a person who walks behind the vehicle and uses handle bar devices to control vehicle motion and direction. Maximum EV speed cannot exceed a brisk, but comfortable walking pace. The EV unit is reliable, safe to operate and will not harm the natural environments where it is used.  
           [0011]    To further satisfy these objectives the invention integrates a respectable set of camping appliances, storage containers and utility functions into the EV package. The following list summarizes the self-contained camping facilities provided by the preferred embodiment of this invention. Other embodiments may alter the complement of facilities as a means to enhance user acceptance, or to reduce unit cost.  
           [0012]    A system for potable water storage, input water purification, water distribution, and waste water recovery and storage;  
           [0013]    A portable toilet and waste storage container;  
           [0014]    A propane gas tank and propane gas distribution lines to a refrigerator, water heater, cook stove, and external appliance connection port;  
           [0015]    A dc voltage power supply and distribution system to an on-demand water pump, refrigerator, periphery lighting, and external appliance connection port;  
           [0016]    A refrigerator for perishable food storage that is powered by dc voltage when the EV is in transit, or powered by propane gas when the EV is setup to support camping activities;  
           [0017]    A utility counter and work surface with integrated cook stove, water heater, water pump, water faucet and sink, water purification device, propane gas external appliance port, and an external dc electrical appliance connection port;  
           [0018]    A secure container for solid refuse storage and transport;  
           [0019]    Two covered storage compartments for camping gear and supplies;  
           [0020]    Except for the propane gas and portable toilet compartments, all other user-access covers are lockable and protected by a security system with an audible intrusion alarm;  
           [0021]    A set of cargo hooks to secure carry-on baggage.  
           [0022]    A typical scenario for using this invention would start with EV unit batteries at full capacity. Electric power consumption required to propel an EV unit to a camping destination is partially reduced by regenerative braking and PV panel generated dc voltage. While at a camping site, PV panels continue to replenish battery charge, and the refrigeration unit is switched to operate from propane gas, which together may result in a net increase in battery charge level. Potentially, the batteries are restored to full charge before beginning the return trek or next leg of a journey.  
           [0023]    While at a camping site, the potable water container may be replenished from local water that is processed through a filter and purification device. Fresh water used for food preparation and cleanup is stored by a gray water recovery container; the portable toilet stores black water and solid waste; and a secure container stores garbage and other refuse, all for transport to a proper waste disposal facility.  
           [0024]    The objective of this invention is to enable its users to pack in all gear and supplies that are needed, to pack out all waste and refuse, and to leave minimal (if any) evidence of having used a recreational facility. Backpack type camping falls far short of being able to meet this same objective because it is inconvenient to properly dispose of waste and pack out refuse. The evidence of this assertion being the ever increasing problem of accumulated waste and the consequential environmental damage to public lands where remote camping is permitted. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
       [0025]    [0025]FIG. 1 is a left front perspective view of the recreational electric vehicle in the travel mode.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 2 is a right rear perspective view of the vehicle undercarriage with access covers open and without components installed.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 3 is a left front perspective view of the vehicle undercarriage with access covers closed and without components installed.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the vehicle undercarriage with battery and electric motor components installed.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 5 is a left rear perspective view of the vehicle undercarriage with the electrical control components installed.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 6 is a right front perspective view of the vehicle undercarriage with the fluid containers installed.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 7 is a left front perspective view of the vehicle undercarriage with service access covers installed.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 8 is a left front perspective view of the vehicle upper body without covers and camping components installed.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 9 is a left rear perspective view of the vehicle with camping components installed.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 10 is a left front perspective view of the vehicle with covers installed and open.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 11 is a right rear expanded perspective view of the vehicle handle bar with operator console attached.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 12 is a right rear perspective view of the vehicle in the self-contained recreational camping mode.  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 13 is a left rear perspective view of the vehicle in storage or transport mode. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0038]    [0038]FIG. 1 shows a left front perspective view of a complete self-contained camping electric vehicle (EV) unit  10  that is setup for travel operation. Other figures will show the unit in a setup mode for stationary camping use, and in a setup mode for the unit to be transported by trailer or pickup truck. A completely assembled unit  10  comprises an integrated system of modular components according to the preferred embodiment of the invention. An undercarriage assembly  11 , as will be described in further detail, comprises an enclosure that provides the structural foundation for the vehicle, houses the unit components that are heavy and do not require frequent access, also houses a portable toilet drawer assembly  12 , and supports the vehicle upper body structure  13 . The upper body structure  13 , as will be described in further detail, comprises an enclosure that houses camping gear storage containers, camping appliances that require frequent access, and mounts the vehicle handle bar assembly  14 . The handle bar assembly  14  is shown with the unit operator console  15  mounted for travel use. Other figures will show the operator console detached from the handle bar, as required for the unit camping and transport setups.  
         [0039]    As shown in FIG. 1, the EV unit has two front wheels  16  that are steered by an electric motor that is located in the undercarriage enclosure. The unit also has two rear wheels  17  that are each driven by an electric motor that is located in the undercarriage enclosure. A unit operator applies pressure to the handle bar control pads  18  as a means to control vehicle motion and direction. The control pads  18 , as will be described in further detail, initiate forward motion when a pushing pressure is detected, or initiate reverse motion or breaking action when a pulling pressure is detected. The vehicle steers left when the control pads  18  detect a right pivoting pressure, or the vehicle steers right when a left pivoting pressure is detected. The computerized operator console  15  transforms control pad signals into drive and steering motor control commands that it sends to motor controller modules that are located in the undercarriage enclosure. Unit mobility is enhanced by the independent motion, direction and breaking actions that may be applied to each rear wheel  17  so that an operator may apply a pivoting action as a mans to steer a unit through a tight corner. The intent for this invention is that vehicle movement only happens in response to operator commands, otherwise wheel brakes are engaged to prevent vehicle movement.  
         [0040]    As shown in FIG. 1, user access to the EV unit storage containers and camping appliances is via six covers  20 ,  21 ,  22  and  23 , that are shown in their closed position. Camping appliance access is via a pair of covers  20  that fold out to become a counter top for utility service. Two covers  21  provide user access to the perishable food storage compartment and to the refrigerator unit control switch. The cover  22  is hinged to open like the hood of an automobile and provide user access to a large container for camping gear storage. The cover  23  accesses a container that stores camping refuse for transport to an appropriate disposal facility. Five photovoltaic panels  24  are integrated into the covers  20 ,  21  and  22 . The photovoltaic panels  24  generate dc voltage to recharge the bank of electric batteries that are located in the undercarriage  11 . Each of the covers  20 ,  21 ,  22  and  23  can be locked and monitored by a vehicle security system as a means to prevent intrusion.  
         [0041]    As shown in FIG. 1, sets of cargo hooks  25  on both sides of the unit are used to secure carryon baggage. The vehicle fenders  26  are strong enough to support carryon baggage and prevent conflict with the front wheels  16 . A front bumper assembly  27  may be used to attach a mechanical winch device (not described in the specification). The bumper assembly  27  also attaches to an undercarriage cover  28  that may be unlatched to provide access to a drawer mounted portable toilet  12 .  
         [0042]    The remaining figures in this specification describe the EV unit  10  stages of assembly and illustrate the EV unit setup modes for travel, camping and vehicle transport. As will be described in more detail, the EV unit  10  is an integration of modular components that are housed and supported by a structurally strong vehicle enclosure. The EV structure design and use of materials is not the subject of this invention. The EV modular components are all derived from commercial sources and are not the subject of this invention. This invention is about the systems integration of commonly available components in a fashion that provides a unique function. The detail description of this invention concerns the assembly and integration of modular components so that the unique function becomes feasible and practical.  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 2 is a left rear perspective view of the EV unit undercarriage  11  showing the moisture resistant enclosure  30  that will house batteries, electric motors and electronic controller assemblies. The enclosure  30  is ventilated by input airflow louvers  31  and by exhaust air louvers  32 . A pair of temperature activated air movement devices (refer to FIG. 6) will be installed as a means to force ventilation airflow when necessary. Smoke and propane gas detection devices (not shown in the figure) may be installed in the enclosure  30  to protect the EV unit and its users. The enclosure  30  is designed to remain dry as a means to protect the EV unit electrical components, however a drain port  33  is provided in case fluid needs to be removed from the enclosure.  
         [0044]    As shown in FIG. 2, the front portion of the undercarriage  11  provides an accessible compartment  34  where a drawer mounted portable toilet  12  will be installed. The compartment access cover  28  is shown in the open position.  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 2 also shows that the rear portion of the undercarriage provides an isolated compartment  35  where a propane gas tank will be mounted. The compartment access cover  36  is ventilated and cannot be locked, allowing for emergency access if necessary.  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 3 is a left front perspective view of the EV unit undercarriage  11  showing the compartment access covers  36  and  28  in their closed position.  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 4 is a top view of the EV unit undercarriage  11  showing enclosure component locations. The electric batteries  40  and  41  are placed in the undercarriage enclosure  30  so that their weight is distributed for optimal unit stability. The two electric drive motors  42  and two electrically controlled transmission units  43  are mounted in the enclosure so that the drive shafts  44  connecting each transmission unit to a rear wheel  17  is minimal in length. The front wheels  16  attach to a front axel assembly  45 . The front axel assembly  45  may attach to an electric motor (not shown in the figure) as a means to provide an optional front wheel drive capability for the EV unit. The enclosure space  46  is reserved for an optional front wheel drive motor and related hardware. Front wheel steering is provided by a control shaft  47  that is moved left or right by an electric steering motor assembly  48 . A mechanical cranking device may be inserted in the steering motor drive shaft  49  as a means to manually control EV unit steering.  
         [0048]    Another embodiment of this invention would replace the four electric batteries  40  with two fuel cell devices, one fuel cell device supplying electric power to each of the two drive motors  41  and their associated electrical and electronic components.  
         [0049]    Also shown in FIG. 4 is the enclosure  30  drain port  33 .  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 5 is a left rear perspective view of the EV unit undercarriage  11  showing the electronic control modules and their locations. The functions provided by these modules are a part of this specification. The design and packaging of these modules is not specific to the invention. The electronic control modules  50 ,  51  and  52  are identical components that provide battery power management, and motor control functions. The module  50 , located on the left side of the enclosure is wired to manage the left rear wheel drive components and batteries. The module  51 , located on the right side of the enclosure is wired to manage the right rear wheel drive components and batteries. The module  52 , located in the center of the enclosure is wired to manage the front wheel steering motor, optional front wheel drive components, and the battery that is located adjacent to the front axel. Each of the modules  50 ,  51  and  52  provide the following functions:  
         [0051]    Monitor and maintain battery electrical charge, using regenerative breaking and photovoltaic panel generated dc voltage as the electrical charge source.  
         [0052]    An AC to dc voltage converter that applies a fast charge to batteries if an external AC voltage is supplied via the connector  53 .  
         [0053]    Conditionally supply dc voltage to a fuse panel (not shown in FIG. 5) that distributes voltage to the unit camping appliances and to an external appliance connector port. Circuitry will disable this dc voltage supply if battery charge is below a threshold, or if the batteries are being charged from an external AC voltage source.  
         [0054]    Interface with the EV unit operator console  15  (not shown in FIG. 5) to receive status requests. A status request returns battery and drive motor status information. A control command affects motor direction and speed. The interface is implemented using standard computer I/O device methods and technology that are not described by this specification.  
         [0055]    Interface with the EV unit operator console  115  (not shown in FIG. 5) to receive control commands. Control command parameters affect drive motor direction and speed; select a transmission gear ratio; and, activate and deactivate an electric wheel-brake mechanism.  
         [0056]    Detect and isolate a defective battery from the power distribution system.  
         [0057]    Automatically disable the drive motor and deactivate an electric wheel-brake (not described by this specification) if a serious fault condition is detected. The electric wheel-brake may be disabled by the user.  
         [0058]    [0058]FIG. 6 is a right front perspective view of the EV unit undercarriage  11  showing a propane gas tank  60 ; potable water storage container  61 ; gray water recovery container  64 ; and, portable toilet  12 .  
         [0059]    A propane gas tank  60  is mounted in a ventilated and accessible undercarriage compartment  35 . A user is required to disconnect and remove the tank from the compartment before refilling the tank. A user is required to turn off propane gas distribution while the EV unit is in travel or transport mode. When the EV unit is in camping mode the propane tank  60  distributes propane gas (distribution lines not shown) to a cook stove, water heater, refrigerator and external appliance port (shown in FIG. 9).  
         [0060]    Two temperature activated air movement devices  66  are installed over louvered openings at the rear of the enclosure to exhaust air that has been heated by the enclosure electrical components.  
         [0061]    A potable water storage container  61  is permanently installed in the undercarriage enclosure  30 . The container may be filled directly via a pipe that will attach to the container fill port  62 . If potable water is not available, a water filter and purification device  91  (shown in FIG. 9) provides an alternate means to refill the container. A drain valve  63  is used to remove unused water from the container  61 .  
         [0062]    A gray water recovery container  64  is permanently installed in the undercarriage enclosure  30 . A utility sink drain (not shown in FIG. 6) connects to the container fill port  65 . The gray water container drain valve is shown in FIG. 7. A user is expected to recover all excess and used potable water via the utility sink for transport back to an approved disposal facility.  
         [0063]    A removable portable toilet and waste storage container  12  is installed in the undercarriage front access compartment  34 . The portable toilet assembly mounts on a set of fully extendable drawer slides (not shown in FIG. 6). When the compartment cover  28  is opened, the toilet assembly slides out for use (refer to FIG. 10) or for removal. A user is expected to transport toilet waste to an approved disposal facility.  
         [0064]    [0064]FIG. 7 is a left front perspective view of the undercarriage  111  with the service access covers installed. A fixed cover  70  isolates the portable toilet compartment  34  from the upper body storage compartments. A removable cover  71  provides service access to the front wheel steering components and battery. A fixed cover  72  isolates the potable water container from the upper body storage compartment. Two removable covers  73  provide service access to the rear wheel drive components and batteries. Cover ports for routing the undercarriage plumbing and wiring are not shown. FIG. 7 also shows the drain valve  74  for the gray water recovery container.  
         [0065]    [0065]FIG. 8 is a left front perspective view of the combined undercarriage  11  and upper body structure  13  with the vehicle fenders  26 , front bumper  27 , and handle bar  14  assemblies installed. The manufacturing method that is used to combine the undercarriage and upper body structural components is not described by this specification. Different embodiments of the invention could construct these two components from a single mold, or from two half-molds.  
         [0066]    Also shown in FIG. 8 are the refuse storage compartment  80  and the unit utility compartment  81 . Subsequent figures will show utility component and compartment cover installations. A stanchion  82  that will be used to attach and support a lamppost is attached to the right side of the upper body. A set of louvers  83  provides ventilation for the refrigerator power unit that will be shown in FIG. 9. A capped pipe assembly  84  provides an external fill port for the potable water storage container. A lockable cap or cover device may be implemented as a means to prevent unauthorized access to the fill port.  
         [0067]    [0067]FIG. 9 is a left rear perspective view of the upper body utility compartment  81  with utility components installed. A refrigerator appliance  85  slides into the utility compartment, but may be removed if service access to the undercarriage compartment is necessary. The refrigerator appliance  85  includes a refrigeration power unit  86  with an operational mode and temperature control switch  87 . The refrigeration unit is powered either by dc voltage or by propane gas, although only the propane gas mode allows for the colder temperature settings. The user is expected to operate the refrigeration unit in propane gas mode only when the EV unit is setup for camping mode. The refrigeration unit may be turned off when it is not in use or when necessary to conserve EV power.  
         [0068]    [0068]FIG. 9 also shows the utility service counter assembly  88  that contains several camping appliances and user convenience functions, as listed below. The specific complement of appliance features and their service counter locations may vary with other embodiments of this invention. The service counter assembly  88  may be removed if service access to the undercarriage compartment is necessary.  
         [0069]    A utility sink  89  is integrated into the service counter. The sink drain port (not visible in FIG. 9) is connected to the gray water recovery container.  
         [0070]    A hot and cold water faucet assembly  90  is integrated into the service counter. The user attaches a flexible hose and hand held water-dispensing device (not shown in FIG. 9) to the faucet port when the EV unit is setup for camping mode. Hot and cold flow control valves activate an on-demand water pump device (not shown in FIG. 9) that is located inside the service counter assembly. Cold water is pumped directly from the potable water storage container. Hot water is pumped from a water heater appliance  93  that is located inside the service counter assembly.  
         [0071]    A water filter and purification device  91  is integrated into the service counter. Water that is processed through the filter and purification device is input to the potable water storage container. This device is used to replenish the potable water supply when a reliable potable water source is not available. A user is expected to replace the purification cartridge when necessary.  
         [0072]    Propane gas is distributed to service counter appliances, including an external appliance connection port and control valve assembly  92 . This connection port allows a user to connect optional user supplied propane gas appliances, such as a lantern or cooking device. A service counter cover  20  activated interlock switch (not shown in FIG. 9) disables propane gas distribution to service counter appliances when the cover is in the closed position.  
         [0073]    A propane gas powered water heater appliance  93  is integrated into the service counter. The water heater control switch  94  uses staged switch settings to activate the on-demand water pump, activate the water heater, and enter a water temperature threshold setting. Water heater operation requires the water pump to be turned on.  
         [0074]    A propane gas powered two burner cook stove  95  and control valve  96  appliance are integrated into the service counter.  
         [0075]    Dc voltage is distributed to service counter appliances, including an external appliance connection port  97 . This connection port allows a user to attach optional user supplied dc voltage appliances, such as an entertainment or communications device.  
         [0076]    Security system circuitries (not shown in FIG. 9) and a security keypad  98  are integrated into the service counter assembly. The security system provides the following user functions:  
         [0077]    Local or remote activation and deactivation of cover locks  
         [0078]    Local or remote activation and deactivation of an intrusion audible alarm  
         [0079]    Local or remote activation of a panic alarm  
         [0080]    A backup method to enable EV unit drive and steering motor operation  
         [0081]    A backup method to control EV unit drive motors and steering motor  
         [0082]    [0082]FIG. 10 is a left front perspective view of the complete EV unit  10  showing the user access covers in open positions. The two utility service counter covers  20  fold out to expand the service counter work surface. Either refrigerator unit cover  21  may be opened to provide access to the perishable food storage compartment  85 . The camping gear storage compartment cover  22  is held in its open position by a friction device (not shown in FIG. 10) that allows safe and hands-free access to the compartment. The refuse container cover  23  self-latches and self-seals when closed as a means to minimize odor detection and prevent critter access. The portable toilet compartment access cover  28  is shown in the open position with the portable toilet  12  in the drawer extended position. In their closed position, all user access covers seal-in odor and seal-out moisture.  
         [0083]    [0083]FIG. 11 is an expanded right rear perspective view of the operator console  15 , shown attached to the handle bar  14 . The operator console  15  is a custom assembly of standard electronic components, operating system software, and application software. It provides several user functions, as will be described further, however its primary function is to enable and control EV unit travel operations. For this purpose, the console must be attached physically and electrically to the handle bar  14 , as shown in FIG. 11. This electrical connection interfaces the console to the handle bar control pads  18 , and to the three battery and drive motor control modules  50 ,  51  and  52  (refer to FIG. 5).  
         [0084]    EV unit operation is enabled when the operator console  15  is attached to the handle bar  14  and a security key  100  containing a valid access code is inserted in the console. The security key must remain inserted during EV unit travel operation. EV unit drive motors are disabled and wheel-brakes are engaged if the security key is removed. As a safety precaution, the user is expected to attach the security key tether  101  to his or her person so that EV unit operation is disabled if the operator should loose control of the unit.  
         [0085]    While EV unit operation is enabled, control functions that are programmed into the console  15  transform signals received from the pressure sensitive control pads  18  into drive motor speed and direction commands. Console functions periodically transform control pad signals and send a control command sequence so that the electric motor controllers are continually receiving updated control information. An operator may use either the right or left hand set of control pads  18 , or both sets to manipulate EV unit motion and direction. A pushing pressure results in forward movement. A pulling pressure will halt forward movement, or initiate reverse movement. A right-pivoting pressure will cause the unit to steer left. A left-pivoting pressure will cause the unit to steer right. A combined pushing, pulling and pivoting pressure results in a pivoting action, as might be required to steer an EV unit through a tight corner. Maximum EV unit speed cannot exceed a brisk but comfortable walking pace, and unit speed is reduced when turning, or when moving to the reverse direction. The intent of this invention is to provide a machine that is both safe and easy to operate when traveling over semi-rough terrain.  
         [0086]    As shown in FIG. 11, the operator console assembly  15  includes an LCD type display  102 , a function keypad  103 , an antenna  104 , microphone  105 , speaker  106 , and a wireless communications link  107  to the EV unit security system  98  (refer to FIG. 9). These device characteristics enable the console to provide the user functions listed below, some of which are optional features.  
         [0087]    A function key initiated display of battery status and power usage statistics.  
         [0088]    Function keys activate and deactivate EV unit security system functions:  
         [0089]    Cover locks  
         [0090]    Intrusion alarm  
         [0091]    Panic alarm  
         [0092]    An integrated Global Position Sensing (GPS) device provides the following capabilities:  
         [0093]    Compass position relative to true north  
         [0094]    Elevation relative to sea level  
         [0095]    Temperature and barometric pressure  
         [0096]    Trail map and guided directions to and from a target destination  
         [0097]    Emergency position locator  
         [0098]    An integrated cellular type telephone or VHF radio for emergency and non-emergency communications.  
         [0099]    [0099]FIG. 12 is a right rear perspective view of EV unit  10  as setup for camping mode. The handle bar  14  is rotated to its transport position so that it does not hinder user access to the service counter camping appliances. The operator console  15  has been detached from the handle bar. This disables the EV unit monitor and control functions, but the other remote communication functions remain operational.  
         [0100]    As shown in FIG. 12, the rear utility storage compartment cover  120  is open for convenient user access to camping gear and supplies. The figure also shows the camping lamppost  121  installed in its support stanchion and dc voltage connection.  
         [0101]    [0101]FIG. 13 is a left rear perspective view of the EV unit  10  as setup for transport mode. All access covers are closed, and as with the camping mode, the operator console  15  is detached and the handle bar  14  is rotated to its down position. The EV unit dimensions and gross weight parameters are expected to allow a fully loaded unit to be transported by a light duty pickup truck, or on a light duty utility trailer.