SEAT POST RELEASE AND HANDLEBAR HOLDING MECHANISM FOR PERSONAL TRANSPORT DEVICE

A compact personal transport device convertible between a riding configuration and a stowed configuration is described. In one embodiment, a seat post release and handlebar holding mechanism for the personal transport device includes a frame post attached internally and a seat post including an opening on one side that fits onto the frame post. The seat post release and handlebar holding mechanism also includes a latch connected inside the frame post to a pivot point. The latch extends outwards from one side of the frame post and extends through the opening in the seat post in a secured position. The seat post release and handlebar holding mechanism also includes a lever member attached to the latch at a first end and having an engaging surface at an opposite second end extending out from the frame post on an opposite side from the latch.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates generally to vehicles, and in particular to a seat post release and handlebar holding mechanism for a compact personal transport device that is convertible between a stowed configuration and a riding configuration.

With rising prices of gasoline and automobiles, many people may turn to other more cost efficient modes of transportation such as, for example, mopeds, bicycles, scooters and, more recently, compact personal transport devices, such as electric scooters. These personal transport devices may be particularly popular for shorter trips in a city environment due to their compact size, ease of use, mobility, and the fact that they may be folded as needed for ease of portability. They may also be useful for covering the first mile or last mile of a trip which is the link between a user's origin or destination and another transportation means, hub or mass transit network. One existing barrier to widespread use of compact personal transport devices is the time needed to set up and collapse the devices before and after their use.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved compact personal transport device that can be set up and collapsed quickly.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a seat post release and handlebar holding mechanism for a personal transport device is provided. The seat post release and handlebar holding mechanism includes a frame post attached internally to the personal transport device and a seat post including an opening on one side. The seat post is configured to fit onto the frame post. The seat post release and handlebar holding mechanism further including a latch connected inside of the frame post to a pivot point. The latch extending outwards from one side of the frame post and extending through the opening in the seat post in a secured position. The seat post release and handlebar holding mechanism also including a lever member attached to the latch at a first end and having an engaging surface at an opposite second end. The engaging surface of the lever member extending out from the frame post on an opposite side from the latch.

In another aspect, a seat assembly for a personal transport device is provided. The seat assembly includes a seat having a seat surface and a seat post attached to an underside of the seat. The seat post including an opening on one side. The seat post is configured to removably attach to a frame post of the personal transport device. The seat assembly also includes a seat post release and handlebar holding mechanism having a latch connected inside the frame post at a pivot point and a lever member attached to the latch at a first end and having an engaging surface at an opposite second end that extends outwards out from the frame post on an opposite side from the latch. The latch extends through the opening in the seat post when the seat post is attached to the frame post and the latch is in a secured position to mechanically lock the seat post to the frame post.

In another aspect, a compact personal transport device is provided. The compact personal transport device includes an outer casing extending between a top edge and a bottom edge in a vertical direction and extending between a front edge and a rear edge in a horizontal direction. An opening is disposed along a top surface of the outer casing. The compact personal transport device also includes a frame post attached internally inside the outer casing, the frame post extending in the vertical direction. The compact personal transport device also includes a seat assembly configured to be removably mounted on the frame post of the compact personal transport device through the opening. The seat assembly includes a seat having a seat surface and a seat post attached to an underside of the seat. The seat post including an opening on one side. The seat post is configured to removably attach to the frame post of the compact personal transport device. The seat assembly further includes a seat post release and handlebar holding mechanism having a latch connected inside the frame post at a pivot point and a lever member attached to the latch at a first end and having an engaging surface at an opposite second end that extends outwards out from the frame post on an opposite side from the latch. The latch extends through the opening in the seat post when the seat post is attached to the frame post and the latch is in a secured position to mechanically lock the seat post to the frame post.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of a compact personal transport device with a seat post release and handlebar holding mechanism that assists with securing components of the personal transport device in a riding configuration and a stowed configuration are described herein. The techniques described in connection with the present embodiments may be used to provide a personal transport device having a seat post release and handlebar holding mechanism that functions to secure the seat post in a riding configuration and also functions to secure the folded handlebar in place in a stowed configuration. In the stowed configuration, the personal transport device has a compact form factor with a handle that allows a user to carry it in a primary vehicle, on public transportation, and/or on other forms of transportation to be used for “last-mile” or “first-mile” trips to and from a destination.

The example embodiments are described herein with reference to a personal transport device in the form of an electric scooter. As used herein, an electric scooter is a term used mainly to describe a scooter that is electrically powered. For example, this is a type of personal transport device that is gaining ridership in many locations. The principles of the example embodiments described herein may be applied to electric scooters or other types of personal transport devices, such as bicycles, unicycles, mopeds, skateboards, kickboards, wheelchairs, personal transporters, or the like.

In the example embodiments described herein, the electric scooter has an outer casing having a generally rectangular shape, including two flat sides having a length that is longer than a height. In addition, the electric scooter of the present embodiments has a width that is substantially smaller than the length and/or height of the electric scooter. In the example embodiments, the electric scooter may be transitioned between a riding configuration in which components of the electric scooter are in extended positions outside of the rectangular outer casing so that the electric scooter may be operated or ridden by a user to a stowed configuration in which components of the electric scooter are folded or stored inside the outer casing.

Referring now toFIG.1, an example embodiment of a personal transport device100(e.g., in the form of an electric scooter100) is shown. In some embodiments, electric scooter100may be quickly transitioned or converted between a riding configuration in which components of electric scooter100are in extended positions outside of an outer casing102so that electric scooter100may be operated or ridden by a user to a stowed configuration in which components of electric scooter100are folded or collapsed to stored positions inside outer casing102. As shown inFIG.1, electric scooter100is in the riding configuration (FIG.9, described in detail below, shows electric scooter100in the stowed configuration).

In an example embodiment, outer casing102of electric scooter100includes a first side surface104and an opposite second side surface106. Outer casing102has a width between the first side surface104and the opposite second side surface106that defines a thickness of electric scooter100. In an example embodiment, side surfaces of outer casing102are substantially flat, including each of first side surface104and the opposite second side surface106. Outer casing102of electric scooter100extends between a front edge108and an opposite rear edge110, as well as a top edge112and an opposite bottom edge114. Front edge108, rear edge110, top edge112, and bottom edge114are substantially straight and define an outer perimeter of rectangular-shaped outer casing102of electric scooter100.

In this embodiment, a front wheel116is visible along bottom edge114of electric scooter100near front edge108. Electric scooter100also includes a rear wheel118that is shown extended outside of outer casing102(i.e., in the riding configuration as shown inFIG.1) along bottom edge114near rear edge110. Rear wheel118is configured to slide or retract inside of outer casing102in the stowed configuration.

Electric scooter100includes a top surface disposed between first side surface104and the opposite second side surface106. In an example embodiment, the top surface includes an opening120extending substantially along the length of electric scooter100(i.e., from front edge108to rear edge110). In one embodiment, opening120is disposed spaced from front edge108of electric scooter100and extends all the way to rear edge110. In some embodiments, opening120extends to rear edge110along the top surface118partially extends down rear edge110. In this embodiment, opening120is in the form of a slot disposed between first side surface104and the opposite second side surface106.

In some embodiments, electric scooter100includes components configured to allow a user to ride electric scooter100in the riding configuration. For example, in this embodiment, electric scooter100includes a seat assembly122and a steering assembly132. In one embodiment, seat assembly122includes a seat124attached on top of a seat post126that is configured to mount to a corresponding frame post that is attached internally to the inside of electric scooter100(e.g., inside outer casing102). In an example embodiment, seat assembly122is configured to be removably attached to electric scooter100. Seat124includes a seat surface128having a substantially horizontal orientation that is perpendicular to seat post126so that a user may comfortably sit on seat124of seat assembly122while riding electric scooter100in the riding configuration.

In an example embodiment, seat assembly122is disposed at the rear of electric scooter100at or adjacent to rear edge110. In some embodiments, the outer perimeter of rectangular-shaped outer casing102of electric scooter100may include a sloped edge130that extends between top edge112and rear edge110at a downwardly sloped angle. For example, in some cases, the angle of sloped edge130may be in a range between 20 degrees and 45 degrees. Seat assembly122is disposed directly above sloped edge130and provides additional space or room underneath seat assembly122compared to a squared edge at the intersection of top edge112and rear edge110. By providing sloped edge130under seat assembly122, a user of electric scooter100can easily access and manipulate a seat post release and handlebar holding mechanism associated with seat assembly122to remove seat assembly122from electric scooter100. With this arrangement, electric scooter100may be quickly and conveniently transitioned between a riding configuration and a stowed configuration.

In some embodiments, steering assembly132is configured to control orientation of front wheel116to allow a user to steer electric scooter100in the riding configuration. In an example embodiment, steering assembly132includes a handlebar134that is configured to receive hands of a user to steer front wheel116. In one embodiment, steering assembly132includes a steering shaft136with a fork that is attached to an axle of front wheel116at one end. The opposite end of the fork is attached to a lower portion of steering shaft136disposed inside of outer casing102of electric scooter100. Handlebar134is located at a top end of steering shaft136and is connected to an upper portion of steering shaft136. The upper portion of steering shaft136extends downwards towards top edge112of electric scooter100and is extended outside of outer casing102of electric scooter100through opening120when electric scooter100is in the riding configuration (as shown inFIG.1).

As shown inFIG.1, steering shaft136of electric scooter100extends upwards from opening120when electric scooter100is in the riding configuration and is configured to be folded downwards into opening120to transition electric scooter100to the stowed configuration, as will be described below. In this embodiment, handlebar134is shown in an extended position with a substantially horizontal orientation so that handlebar134is approximately perpendicular to steering shaft136. Handlebar134and steering shaft136are configured to allow a user to control orientation of front wheel116to steer electric scooter100in the riding configuration.

In an example embodiment, one or more portions of steering shaft136may be telescopic. That is, one or more portions of steering shaft136may be formed of concentric tubular sections designed to slide into one another to collapse or extend steering shaft136. For example, in one embodiment, the upper portion of steering shaft136may be telescopic. With this arrangement, a height of steering shaft136may be transitioned between a taller height in an extended position when electric scooter100is in the riding configuration and a shorter height in a folded position when electric scooter100is in the stowed configuration.

The lower portion of steering shaft136extends upwards from the fork inside of outer casing102towards top edge112of electric scooter100to a shaft connection mechanism that includes a hinge (or similar mechanism) that connects the lower portion and the upper portion of steering shaft136. With this arrangement, steering assembly132may be transitioned or converted from an upright extended position when electric scooter100is in the riding configuration (as shown inFIG.1) to a folded position when electric scooter100is in the stowed configuration (as shown inFIG.9).

It should be understood that a personal transport device according to the embodiments described herein may include additional components not shown or described. For example, a personal transport device in the form of an electric scooter (e.g., electric scooter100) may include components such as a battery, throttle and brake controls, etc. that allow a user to ride the electric scooter. Other embodiments of personal transport devices may also include additional or different components without departing from the techniques of the present embodiments described herein.

Referring now toFIG.2, a close up of the example embodiment of seat assembly122at the rear of electric scooter100is shown. In an example embodiment, seat assembly122includes seat124having seat surface128. Seat surface128is a substantially rectangular planar surface that has an approximately horizontal orientation configured to provide a platform to allow a user of electric scooter100to sit on seat124when electric scooter100is in the riding configuration. In some embodiments, seat124is attached on top of seat post126that is configured to mount to a corresponding frame post (e.g., frame post306, shown inFIG.3) that is attached internally to the inside of electric scooter100(e.g., inside outer casing102).

In an example embodiment, seat assembly122is configured to be removably attached to electric scooter100. As shown inFIG.2, seat post126of seat assembly122is disposed within opening120between first side surface104and the opposite second side surface106so that a bottom end of seat post126may mate with and connect to the corresponding frame post inside outer casing102of electric scooter100(e.g. frame post306shown inFIG.3and described below).

In some embodiments, electric scooter100may include a seat post release and handlebar holding mechanism (shown inFIG.3and described below) that allows a user to quickly remove seat assembly122to transition electric scooter100from the riding configuration to the stowed configuration. In an example embodiment, the seat post release and handlebar holding mechanism may be actuated by a user of electric scooter100by depressing a release button200provided at the rear of electric scooter100behind seat assembly122. As shown inFIG.2, release button200is located within opening120between a first opening edge202on one side of opening120and a second opening edge204on the opposite side of opening120. In an example embodiment, release button200is located between a back side of seat post126of seat assembly122and a back opening edge206of opening120that extends laterally across opening120from first opening edge202to second opening edge204. In some embodiments, release button200may include a depression surface208that provides a substantially horizontal planar surface for a user to press on to apply a downward force to release button200so as to actuate the seat post release and handlebar holding mechanism, as will be further described below.

According to the example embodiments described herein, seat assembly122includes a seat post release and handlebar holding mechanism300(also referred to herein as “release and holding mechanism300”). Referring now toFIG.3, a cross-section view of seat assembly122is shown to illustrate components of release and holding mechanism300. In this embodiment, seat post126of seat assembly122is shown disposed on a frame post306that is attached internally to the inside of electric scooter100. As shown inFIG.3, a bottom end304of seat post126is configured to fit onto and extend over at least a portion of frame post306. In an example embodiment, release and holding mechanism300is configured to secure seat post126on frame post306when electric scooter100is in the riding configuration. With this arrangement, a user of electric scooter100may sit on seat124of seat assembly122while riding electric scooter100in the riding configuration.

In an example embodiment, release and holding mechanism300includes a latch310disposed within an interior of frame post306. Latch310of release and holding mechanism300is moveable between a secured position and a released position. As shown inFIG.3, latch310is in the secured position with a front portion312that extends from the interior of frame post306to an exterior of frame post306through an opening302in seat post126. Front portion312of latch310extends through opening302in seat post126to provide a mechanical interlock that prevents seat post126from being removed from its attachment with frame post306when latch310is in the secured position.

In an example embodiment, latch310has a generally triangular-shaped front portion312located on an opposite end of latch310from a rear portion314. In some embodiments, latch310is attached to the interior of frame post306via a pivot point316. Latch310is configured to rotate about pivot point316to transition between the secured position (shown inFIG.3) where front portion312of latch310extends through opening302in seat post126and the released position (shown inFIG.6) where front portion312of latch310is removed from opening302in seat post126.

In some embodiments, latch310of release and holding mechanism300may be moved or transitioned between the secured position and the released position by action of a lever member320. Lever member320is disposed within the interior of frame post306and is attached inside frame post306at a pivot point322. A first portion324of lever member320extends in a first direction from pivot point322to latch310. For example, as shown inFIG.3, first portion324of lever member320extends upwards in a vertical direction from pivot point322to latch310. First portion324of lever member320connects with a pivot end318of latch310at a first end326. A second portion328of lever member320extends in a second direction from pivot point322through a lower opening330in frame post306on the back side facing towards rear edge110of electric scooter100.

For example, as shown inFIG.3, second portion328of lever member320extends laterally in a horizontal direction from pivot point322through lower opening330in frame post306. In an example embodiment, second portion328of lever member320includes a second end332that is located outside of frame post306facing towards rear edge110of electric scooter100. Second portion328of lever member320also includes an engaging surface334that extends from lower opening330to second end332of lever member320. As will be described in more detail below, engaging surface334provides a generally flat planar surface that may receive a downward force applied against it to cause lever member320to rotate at pivot point322and thereby move latch310, via the connection with first end326and pivot end318of latch310, to transition latch310from the secured position to the released position.

As described above, release button200of release and holding mechanism300is disposed behind seat assembly122and is configured to allow a user of electric scooter100to actuate latch310from the secured position to the released position, for example, via lever member320. In an example embodiment, release and holding mechanism300includes a spring336and a plunger338positioned beneath depression surface208of release button200. Spring336is configured to apply a restoring force to plunger338and release button200that biases release button200into a default position until depressed by a user of electric scooter100. In the default position, depression surface208of release button200is generally located above back opening edge206of opening120at the rear of electric scooter100.

In an example embodiment, a bottom end of plunger338includes a foot340that is configured to contact engaging surface334on second portion328of lever member320. As shown inFIG.3, foot340of plunger338is positioned directly above engaging surface334. With this arrangement, a downward force applied to plunger338via depression surface208of release button200moves foot340into contact with engaging surface334, as will be described below in reference toFIG.6.

Referring now toFIG.4, a front view of seat post release and handlebar holding mechanism300is shown. In this embodiment, latch310is shown in the secured position extending through opening302on the front side of seat post126. As described above, when front portion312of latch310is extended through opening302, seat assembly122is secured to frame post306by the mechanical interlock between latch310and opening302that prevents seat assembly122from being lifted up and removed.

As described above, in some embodiments, seat post release and handlebar holding mechanism300is also configured to hold the handlebar of the steering assembly (e.g., handlebar134of steering assembly132shown inFIG.1) in the folded position when electric scooter100is transitioned to the stowed configuration. In an example embodiment, a notch400is disposed between first side surface104and opposite second side surface106of outer casing102within opening120. Notch400is disposed at a location beneath front portion312of latch310of release and holding mechanism300. Notch400has a generally curved concave shape configured to correspond with the rounded shape of handlebar134. With this arrangement, when handlebar134is in the folded position, front portion312of latch310may engage with a corresponding indented opening in an end cap of handlebar134to secure handlebar134in the folded position within opening120(as shown inFIG.10).

Referring now toFIG.5, a close up view of release and holding mechanism300being depressed to release seat assembly122from electric scooter100is shown. In an example embodiment, release button200may be depressed to actuate release and holding mechanism300to allow a user to quickly remove seat assembly122to transition electric scooter100from the riding configuration to the stowed configuration. As shown inFIG.5, depression surface208of release button200is moved downward so that depression surface208is moved below back opening edge206of opening120at the rear of electric scooter100. As will be described in more detail below, the downward force applied to depression surface208of release button200causes latch310of release and holding mechanism300to withdraw from opening302in seat post126and allows seat assembly122to be removed from its connection with frame post306.

FIG.6illustrates a cross section view of seat assembly122including seat post release and handlebar holding mechanism300being transitioned from the secured position (as shown inFIG.3) to the released position, for example, upon application of a downward force on depression surface208of release button200, as described above in reference toFIG.5. In this embodiment, when release button200is pressed, the downward force on depression surface208of release button200is applied to plunger338. This downward force on plunger338causes foot340to move into contact with engaging surface334at second end332of lever member320. Foot340pushes against engaging surface334to move second end332of second portion328of lever member320downwards. This downward movement of second end332of second portion328of lever member320causes lever member320to rotate at pivot point322and thereby moves first end326of first portion324of lever member320.

As shown inFIG.6, first end326of lever member320is attached to latch310at pivot end318. The rotation of lever member320at pivot point322causes first end326to move latch310inwards, which causes front portion312of latch310to withdrawn or be removed from opening302in seat post126. That is, the downward force applied to one end of lever member320(i.e., second end332) causes the opposite end (i.e., first end326) of lever member320to move latch310of release mechanism300from the secured position to the released position (as shown here inFIG.6).

With front portion312of latch310withdrawn or removed from opening302in seat post126, seat assembly122may be removed from electric scooter100by applying an upward force on seat post126to disengage its attachment with frame post306inside outer casing102of electric scooter100. For example, as shown inFIG.7, once release and holding mechanism300has been actuated as described above to release latch310from opening302, seat assembly122may be lifted upwards from within opening120so that seat post126is disengaged from frame post306. In some embodiments, after seat assembly122has been removed, seat124may be folded to one side of seat assembly122for easy storage within an internal storage compartment inside outer casing102of electric scooter100.

Referring now toFIG.8, in some embodiments, seat post release and handlebar holding mechanism300may be configured to securely hold handlebar134of steering assembly132in the folded position when electric scooter100is in the stowed configuration. As shown inFIG.8, steering assembly132is configured to fold down into opening120along top edge112of electric scooter100. In an example embodiment, steering assembly132includes a rotatable collar that may be rotated to move handlebar134from a horizontal orientation in the riding configuration orientation (e.g., perpendicular to steering shaft136) to a vertical orientation in the stowed configuration (e.g., parallel to steering shaft136). Handlebar134includes a pair of grips configured to allow a user to grab and hold onto handlebar134to steer electric scooter100. In this embodiment, handlebar134includes grips at the opposite ends.

In this embodiment, steering assembly132is shown with handlebar134in a vertical orientation (e.g., parallel to steering shaft136) with one end of handlebar134facing upwards and the opposite end of handlebar134facing downwards. In one embodiment, steering assembly132includes steering shaft136having a lower portion802and an upper portion804connected by a shaft connection mechanism800that includes a hinge (or similar mechanism). Steering shaft136also includes a fork806that is attached to an axle808of front wheel116at one end and the opposite end of fork806is attached to lower portion802of steering shaft136.

In the riding configuration, steering shaft136of steering assembly132is in an extended position extending above opening120and top edge112of outer casing102of electric scooter100. As described above, in some embodiments, one or more portions of steering shaft136may be telescopic. For example, in this embodiment, upper portion804of steering shaft136is telescopic and includes two segments, including a first segment that has an outside diameter that is smaller than an inside diameter of a second segment so that the first segment may slide or collapse into the second segment.

In some embodiments, a user may initiate the process of collapsing steering assembly132of electric scooter100from the riding configuration to the stowed configuration by collapsing or sliding the telescoping segments of upper portion804into each other to move steering shaft136from its initial extended position to a shorter, collapsed position. Next, once steering shaft136has been collapsed, steering assembly132may be folded into outer casing102of electric scooter100through opening120at top edge112. As shown inFIG.8, steering assembly132is shown in an intermediate position in the process of being folded into outer casing102of electric scooter100through opening120as electric scooter100is being transitioned to the stowed configuration.

In an example embodiment, shaft connection mechanism800may be unlocked to allow steering shaft136to fold into opening120. Shaft connection mechanism800may include a hinge or similar mechanism that allows upper portion804of steering shaft136to fold from a generally vertical orientation outside of outer casing102(e.g., when electric scooter100is in the riding configuration) to a generally horizontal orientation inside of outer casing102(e.g., when electric scooter100is in the stowed configuration). In this embodiment, lower portion802of steering shaft136remains stationary. In an example embodiment, when steering shaft136is folded at shaft connection mechanism800, upper portion804of steering shaft136and handlebar134in the vertical orientation are folded into outer casing102of electric scooter100through opening120at top edge112. That is, steering assembly132is fully folded into outer casing102of electric scooter100in the stowed configuration.

In some embodiments, a carry handle810may be mounted on a portion of steering shaft136so that electric scooter100in the stowed configuration may be easily carried or moved by a user. In one embodiment, carry handle810has a generally C-shape with two opposite ends attached to upper portion804of steering shaft136. As shown inFIG.8, upper portion804of steering shaft136includes a first connection member812and a second connection member814that connect carry handle810to upper portion804of steering shaft136. In some cases, carry handle810may be in the form of a strap that is attached to upper portion804of steering shaft136at first connection member812at one end and at second connection member814at the opposite end. In other embodiments, carry handle810may have other configurations or shapes. With this arrangement, carry handle810may be used to lift and/or carry electric scooter100when electric scooter100is in the stowed configuration.

Additionally, in some embodiments, seat assembly122may be placed or stowed inside an internal storage compartment when electric scooter100in the stowed configuration. For example, as shown inFIG.8, seat assembly122is placed into an interior storage compartment of electric scooter100with the bottom end of seat post126facing towards front edge108of electric scooter100and seat124facing towards rear edge110of electric scooter100. In other embodiments, the interior storage compartment of electric scooter100may have different arrangements to accommodate other orientations or placements of seat assembly122within the interior of electric scooter100.

Referring now toFIG.9, electric scooter100is shown in its fully stowed configuration. In this embodiment, steering assembly132, including handlebar134in the vertical orientation, is folded inside of outer casing102of electric scooter100(e.g., within the interior storage compartment). When electric scooter100is collapsed from the riding configuration (as shown inFIG.1) to the stowed configuration (as shown inFIG.9), electric scooter100has a compact form factor that may be easily and conveniently carried by a user.

In an example embodiment, when electric scooter100is in the fully stowed configuration, as shown inFIG.9, carry handle810projects or extends upwards and above opening120at top edge112of outer casing102of electric scooter100. In some embodiments, seat post release and holding mechanism300of the example embodiments may further assist with securing steering assembly132and handlebar134in the folded position inside outer casing102of electric scooter100so that when a user lifts electric scooter100by carry handle810, steering assembly132and handlebar134remain in the folded position inside outer casing102of electric scooter100. That is, release and holding mechanism300in the locked configuration prevents or stops steering assembly132and handlebar134from being unfolded or removed from inside outer casing102of electric scooter100.

In one embodiment, release and holding mechanism300includes latch310that extends outwards from frame post306and is engaged with a portion of handlebar134when handlebar is in the folded position to maintain an approximately horizontal orientation of handlebar134within outer casing102of electric scooter100. By this arrangement, release and holding mechanism300acts to keep steering assembly132and handlebar134in the folded position inside outer casing102of electric scooter100. Release and holding mechanism300allows a user to lift or carry electric scooter100using carry handle810attached to upper portion804of steering shaft136without unfolding steering assembly132and handlebar134. With this arrangement, electric scooter100may be a convenient personal transport device for a user to travel for “last-mile” or “first-mile” trips to a destination in the riding configuration and can be quickly converted to the stowed configuration to allow the user to carry or transport once they reach their destination.

In some embodiments, electric scooter100may be transitioned back from the stowed configuration to the riding configuration by performing the various steps described herein in the reverse order to fully extend all of the components of electric scooter100outside of outer casing102so that electric scooter100may be ridden by a user.

Referring now toFIG.10, a close up view of the engagement between latch310of release and holding mechanism300and a portion of handlebar134is shown. In an example embodiment, a grip1000disposed at one end of handlebar134includes an end cap1002having an indented recess1004facing towards latch310of release and holding mechanism300. When handlebar134is folded down, front portion312of latch310is configured to fit into and mate with indented recess1004in end cap1002of grip1000at the end of handlebar134.

As shown inFIG.10, the shape of indented recess1004in end cap1002corresponds with the shape of front portion312of latch310of release and holding mechanism300. In one embodiment, indented recess1004and front portion312of latch310have corresponding triangular shapes. Through this mechanical interlock between latch310and handlebar134, handlebar134and upper portion804of steering shaft136are kept in the substantially horizontal orientation in the folded position inside outer casing102of electric scooter100so that when carry handle810attached to upper portion804of steering shaft136is used to lift and/or carry electric scooter100, steering assembly132and handlebar134are restrained or prevented from unfolding.