Patent Publication Number: US-2023133794-A1

Title: Hub motor arrangements, systems, and methods

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE 
     This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/202,656, filed Jun. 18, 2021, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. All applications for which a foreign or domestic priority is identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the present application are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to hub motors arrangements and vehicles incorporating hub motor arrangements. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Hub motors can be used to propel certain types of vehicles, such as scooters, electric bicycles, or otherwise. Such hub motors often incorporate custom and/or large electric motor arrangements, which results in the hub motor being heavy, bulky, and/or expensive. 
     SUMMARY OF CERTAIN FEATURES 
     Powered light-weight vehicles, such as children&#39;s vehicles, often utilize an electric motor to power one or more wheels of the vehicle. Providing the powered light-weight vehicle with a desirable operating experience at a reasonably low cost is often a design objective. For example, users of such powered light-weight vehicles may desire rapid acceleration, the ability to quickly climb inclines, and/or improved efficiency. As such, it may be desirable to include in the powered light-weight vehicle one or more hub motor arrangements with increased torque for improved acceleration, climbing, and/or efficiency at a reasonably low cost. 
     Accordingly, improved hub motor arrangements that can be incorporated with light-weight vehicles, such as children&#39;s vehicles, to provide one or more benefits (e.g., increased torque) are disclosed herein. The hub motor arrangements may include a transmission assembly that can include a larger ring gear (e.g., larger diameter) to facilitate a larger gear ratio to provide increased torque. For example, the transmission assembly may include a first gear (e.g., planetary gear) positioned a first distance away from a rotational axis of the hub motor arrangement and a second gear (e.g., idler gear) positioned a second distance, greater than the first distance, away from the rotational axis of the hub motor arrangement. The motor can drive the first gear, the first gear can drive the second gear, and the second gear can drive the ring gear which drives a rotation of a housing and/or tire of the hub motor arrangement to propel a vehicle incorporating the hub motor arrangement. The inclusion of the second gear can enable a larger ring gear (e.g., larger diameter) to be used to provide a larger gear ratio and increased torque compared to a transmission assembly without the second gear. 
     In some embodiments, the first gear can be a double gear, e.g., step gear. The first gear can include an inner gear and an outer gear that are fixedly connected together. The outer gear of the first gear can be driven by a motor gear (e.g., sun gear) and the inner gear can drive the second gear. As described, the second gear can drive the ring gear which drives the rotation of the housing and/or tire of the hub motor arrangement to propel the vehicle incorporating the hub motor arrangement. 
     In some embodiments, a hub motor arrangement is disclosed herein. The hub motor arrangement may be incorporated with a vehicle. The hub motor arrangement may include a housing that can rotate about an axis of rotation on a first axle and a second axle. The hub motor arrangement may include a motor unit that may have a motor gear. The hub motor arrangement may include a plurality of gears that can include a first gear and a second gear. The first gear can include a first axis of rotation a first distance away from the axis of rotation of the housing. The second gear can include a second axis of rotation a second distance away from the axis of rotation of the housing. The second distance may be larger than the first distance. The hub motor arrangement may include a ring gear that may rotate with the housing. The motor gear may drive the first gear. The first gear may drive the second gear. The second gear may drive the ring gear to rotate the housing. 
     In some embodiments, the first axle and the second axle may be disposed on opposing sides of the housing. 
     In some embodiments, the first axle and the second axle may form a distributed axle. 
     In some embodiments, the first axle and the second axle may not extend through an entirety of the housing. 
     In some embodiments, the first axle and the second axle may be be coupled to a vehicle to support the hub motor arrangement. 
     In some embodiments, the motor may be an electric motor. 
     In some embodiments, the first gear may be a double gear. 
     In some embodiments, the first gear may include an outer gear and an inner gear. 
     In some embodiments, the motor gear may interface with the outer gear of the first gear. 
     In some embodiments, the inner gear of the first gear may interface with the second gear. 
     In some embodiments, the first gear may be a planetary gear. 
     In some embodiments, the second gear may be an idler gear. 
     In some embodiments, the hub motor arrangement may include a first bearing and a second bearing. The first bearing may be disposed on the first axle between the first axle and the housing. The second bearing may be disposed on the second axle between the second axle and the housing. 
     In some embodiments, the ring gear may be unitarily formed with the housing. 
     In some embodiments, the ring gear may be coupled to the housing. 
     In some embodiments, the hub moto arrangement may include a cover. The ring gear may be formed in the cover. 
     In some embodiments, the hub moto arrangement may include a first lateral support and a second lateral support. The first gear and the second gear may be disposed between the first lateral support and the second lateral support. 
     In some embodiments, the first lateral support and the second lateral support are disposed within the housing. 
     In some embodiments, the second lateral support may include a sleeve. The sleeve may be disposed around the motor unit. 
     In some embodiments, the first lateral support may include a first mount that may contact the second lateral support to space the first lateral support away from the second lateral support. 
     In some embodiments, the first mount may have a C-shape. 
     In some embodiments, the second lateral support may include a second mount that may contact the first lateral support to space the second lateral support away from the first lateral support. 
     In some embodiments, the second mount may have a C-shape. 
     In some embodiments, the first axle may extend from the first lateral support. 
     In some embodiments, the hub motor arrangement may include a first shaft and a second shaft. The first shaft and the second shaft may connect to and extend between the first lateral support and the second lateral support. The first gear may be disposed on the first shaft and the second gear may be disposed on the second shaft. 
     In some embodiments, the hub motor arrangement may include one bearing disposed on the first shaft between the first shaft and the first gear and another bearing disposed on the second shaft between the second shaft and the second gear. 
     In some embodiments, the motor unit may be disposed on the axis of rotation of the housing. 
     In some embodiments, a vehicle that may include the hub motor arrangement is disclosed herein. The hub motor arrangement may be disposed in a wheel of the vehicle. 
     In some embodiments, the vehicle may be an electric scooter that may have handle bars, a deck, and a battery. 
     In some embodiments, the vehicle may be a three-wheeled ride-on vehicle. 
     In some embodiments, the vehicle may be a four-wheeled ride-on vehicle. 
     In some embodiments, the vehicle may be a powered light-weight vehicle. 
     In some embodiments, the vehicle may be configured for children. 
     In some embodiments, a hub motor arrangement for a vehicle is disclosed herein. The hub motor arrangement may include a hub that may rotate about an axis of rotation on a first shaft and a second shaft. The hub motor arrangement may include a motor that may include a motor gear. The hub motor arrangement may include a plurality of gears that can include a step gear and an idler gear. The step gear may have a first axis of rotation a first distance away from the axis of rotation of the hub. The idler gear may have a second axis of rotation a second distance away from the axis of rotation of the hub. The second distance may be larger than the first distance. The hub motor arrangement may include a ring gear that may rotate with the hub. The motor gear may drive the step gear. The step gear may drive the idler gear. The idler gear may drive the ring gear to rotate the hub. 
     In some embodiments, the first shaft and the second shaft may be disposed on opposing sides of the hub. 
     In some embodiments, the first shaft and the second shaft may form a distributed axle. 
     In some embodiments, the first shaft and the second shaft may not extend through an entirety of the hub. 
     In some embodiments, the first shaft and the second shaft may be coupled to a vehicle to support the hub motor arrangement. 
     In some embodiments, the motor may be an electric motor. 
     In some embodiments, the step gear may include an outer gear and an inner gear. 
     In some embodiments, the motor gear may interface with the outer gear of the step gear. 
     In some embodiments, the inner gear of the step gear may interface with the idler gear. 
     In some embodiments, the step gear may be a planetary gear. 
     In some embodiments, the hub motor arrangement may include a first bearing and a second bearing. The first bearing may be disposed on the first shaft between the first shaft and the hub. The second bearing may be disposed on the second shaft between the second shaft and the hub. 
     In some embodiments, the ring gear may be unitarily formed with the hub. 
     In some embodiments, the ring gear may be coupled to the hub. 
     In some embodiments, the hub motor arrangement may include a cover. The ring gear may be formed in the cover. 
     In some embodiments, the hub motor arrangement may include a gearbox body and a gearbox cover. The step gear and the idler gear may be disposed between the gearbox body and the gearbox cover. 
     In some embodiments, the gearbox body and the gearbox cover may be disposed within the hub. 
     In some embodiments, the gearbox body may include a sleeve. The sleeve may be disposed around the motor unit. 
     In some embodiments, the gearbox cover may include a first mount that may contact the gearbox body to space the gearbox cover away from the gearbox body. 
     In some embodiments, the first mount may include a C-shape. 
     In some embodiments, the gearbox body may include a second mount that may contact the gearbox cover to space the gearbox cover away from the gearbox cover. 
     In some embodiments, the second mount may include a C-shape. 
     In some embodiments, the first axle may extend from the gearbox cover. 
     In some embodiments, the hub motor arrangement may include a first connecting shaft and a second connecting shaft. The first connecting shaft and the second connecting shaft may connect to and extend between the gearbox cover and the gearbox body. The step gear may be disposed on the first connecting shaft and the idler gear may be disposed on the second connecting shaft. 
     In some embodiments, the hub motor arrangement may include one bearing disposed on the first connecting shaft between the first connecting shaft and the step gear and another bearing disposed on the second connecting shaft between the second connecting shaft and the idler gear. 
     In some embodiments, the motor may be disposed on the axis of rotation of the hub. 
     In some embodiments, a vehicle that may include the hub motor arrangement is disclosed herein. The hub motor arrangement may be disposed in a wheel of the vehicle. 
     In some embodiments, the vehicle may be an electric scooter that can include handle bars, a deck, and a battery. 
     In some embodiments, the vehicle may be a three-wheeled ride-on vehicle. 
     In some embodiments, the vehicle may be a four-wheeled ride-on vehicle. 
     In some embodiments, the vehicle may be a powered light-weight vehicle. 
     In some embodiments, the vehicle may be configured for children. 
     In some embodiments, a hub motor arrangement for a vehicle is disclosed herein. The hub motor arrangement may include a housing that may to rotate about an axis of rotation on an axle. The hub motor arrangement may include a motor that can have a motor gear. The hub motor arrangement may include a plurality of gears that can include a first gear and a second gear. The first gear may be at a first distance away from the axis of rotation. The second gear may be at a second distance away from the axis of rotation. The second distance may be larger than the first distance. The hub motor arrangement may include a ring gear that may rotate with the housing. The motor gear may drive the first gear. The first gear may drive the second gear. The second gear may drive the ring gear to rotate the housing. 
     In some embodiments, the first gear may include a first axis of rotation the first distance away from the axis of rotation of the housing. The second gear may include a second axis of rotation the second distance away from the axis of rotation of the housing. 
     In some embodiments, the axle may be a first axle and the hub motor arrangement may include a second axle. 
     In some embodiments, the axle may be coupled to a vehicle to support the hub motor arrangement. 
     In some embodiments, the first gear may be a double gear. 
     In some embodiments, the first gear may have an outer gear and an inner gear. 
     In some embodiments, the motor gear may interface with the outer gear of the first gear. 
     In some embodiments, the inner gear of the first gear may interface with the second gear. 
     In some embodiments, the first gear may be a planetary gear. 
     In some embodiments, the second gear may be an idler gear. 
     In some embodiments, the hub motor arrangement may include a first lateral support and a second lateral support. The first gear and the second gear may be disposed between the first lateral support and the second lateral support. 
     In some embodiments, the first lateral support and the second lateral support may be disposed within the housing. 
     In some embodiments, the second lateral support may include a sleeve. The sleeve may be disposed around the motor. 
     In some embodiments, the first lateral support may include a first mount that can contact the second lateral support to space the first lateral support away from the second lateral support. 
     In some embodiments, the second lateral support may include a second mount that can contact the first lateral support to space the second lateral support away from the first lateral support. 
     In some embodiments, the hub motor arrangement may include a first shaft and a second shaft. The first shaft and the second shaft may connect to and extend between the first lateral support and the second lateral support. The first gear may be disposed on the first shaft and the second gear may be disposed on the second shaft. 
     In some embodiments, a vehicle may include the hub motor arrangement is disclosed herein. The hub motor arrangement may be disposed in a wheel of the vehicle. 
     In some embodiments, a hub motor arrangement for a vehicle is disclosed herein. The hub motor arrangement may include a housing that may to rotate about an axis of rotation. The hub motor arrangement may include a motor that can have a motor gear. The hub motor arrangement may include a plurality of gears that can include a first gear and a second gear. The hub motor arrangement may include a ring gear that can rotate with the housing. The motor gear may drive the first gear. The first gear may drive the second gear. The second gear may drive the ring gear to rotate the housing. 
     In some embodiments, the first gear may be a first distance away from the axis of rotation. The second gear may be a second distance away from the axis of rotation. The second distance may be larger than the first distance. 
     In some embodiments, the first gear may include a first axis of rotation the first distance away from the axis of rotation of the housing. The second gear may include a second axis of rotation the second distance away from the axis of rotation of the housing. The second distance may be larger than the first distance. 
     In some embodiments, the hub motor arrangement may include an axle. 
     In some embodiments, the axle may be coupled to a vehicle to support the hub motor arrangement. 
     In some embodiments, the axle may be a first axle and the hub motor arrangement may include a second axle. 
     In some embodiments, the first gear may be a double gear. 
     In some embodiments, the first gear may include an outer gear and an inner gear. 
     In some embodiments, he motor gear may interface with the outer gear of the first gear. 
     In some embodiments, the inner gear of the first gear may interface with the second gear. 
     In some embodiments, the first gear may be a planetary gear. 
     In some embodiments, the second gear may be an idler gear. 
     In some embodiments, the hub motor arrangement may include a first lateral support and a second lateral support. The first gear and the second gear may be disposed between the first lateral support and the second lateral support. 
     In some embodiments, the first lateral support and the second lateral support may be disposed within the housing. 
     In some embodiments, the second lateral support may include a sleeve. The sleeve may be disposed around the motor. 
     In some embodiments, the first lateral support may include a first mount that can contact the second lateral support to space the first lateral support away from the second lateral support. 
     In some embodiments, the second lateral support may include a second mount can contact the first lateral support to space the second lateral support away from the first lateral support. 
     In some embodiments, the hub motor arrangement may include a first shaft and a second shaft. The first shaft and the second shaft may connect to and extend between the first lateral support and the second lateral support. The first gear may be disposed on the first shaft and the second gear may be disposed on the second shaft. 
     In some embodiments, a vehicle may include the hub motor arrangement. The hub motor arrangement may be disposed in a wheel of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the housing may include an outer wall. The outer wall may have a circular profile that tapers in diameter from a middle portion to lateral portions. The middle portion may include a larger diameter than the lateral portions. In some embodiments, the hub may include an outer wall. The outer wall may have a circular profile that tapers in diameter from a middle portion to lateral portions, the middle portion comprising a larger diameter than the lateral portions. In some embodiments, a tire that fits over the outer wall of the housing or hub may include a circular outer periphery that tapers in diameter from a middle portion to lateral portion . The middle portion may include a larger diameter than the lateral portions. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The abovementioned and other features of the embodiments disclosed herein are described below with reference to the drawings of the embodiments. The illustrated embodiments are intended to illustrate, but not to limit, the scope of protection. Various features of the different disclosed embodiments can be combined to form further embodiments, which are part of this disclosure. 
         FIGS.  1 A and  1 B  illustrate an example vehicle with a hub motor arrangement. 
         FIGS.  2 A- 2 D  illustrate various views of a housing of a hub motor arrangement. 
         FIG.  3 A  illustrates a front perspective exploded view of the hub motor arrangement of  FIGS.  2 A- 2 D . 
         FIG.  3 B  illustrates a rear perspective exploded view of the hub motor arrangement of  FIGS.  2 A- 2 D . 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a front perspective exploded view of the transmission assembly of the hub motor arrangement of  FIGS.  2 A- 2 D  with a first lateral support and a second lateral support illustrated. 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a rear perspective exploded view of the transmission assembly of the hub motor arrangement of  FIGS.  2 A- 2 D  with the first lateral support illustrated and the second lateral support not illustrated in  FIG.  5    for purposes of presentation. 
         FIG.  6    illustrates a side view of the transmission assembly of  FIGS.  2 A- 2 D . 
         FIG.  7 A  illustrates an assembled cross-sectional view of the hub motor arrangement of  FIGS.  2 A- 2 D . 
         FIG.  7 B  illustrates an exploded cross-sectional view of the hub motor arrangement of  FIGS.  2 A- 2 D . 
         FIG.  8    illustrates a side view of an alternative transmission assembly without a second gear and with a smaller ring gear compared to the ring gear shown in  FIG.  6   . 
         FIGS.  9 A- 9 C  illustrate various views of another hub motor arrangement. 
         FIG.  10    illustrates a rear perspective exploded view of the transmission assembly of the hub motor arrangement of  FIGS.  9 A- 9 C . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS 
     Although certain embodiments and examples are described below, this disclosure extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments and/or uses and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Thus, it is intended that the scope of this disclosure should not be limited by any particular embodiments described below. 
     Powered Light-Weight Vehicles—FIGS.  1 A and  1 B 
     Various embodiments and configurations of a hub motor arrangement are disclosed herein. The hub motor arrangements disclosed herein can be incorporated with a variety of vehicles, which can include powered light-weight vehicles such as powered scooters, skateboards, long boards, bikes, ride-on vehicles, balance boards, skates, go carts, caster-wheeled carts, and/or others. 
       FIGS.  1 A and  1 B  illustrate examples of a vehicle  100  that a user, such as a child, may ride. The vehicle  100  can include a body  102 . The body  102  may support one or more users. For example, the body  102  may include a deck surface upon which one or more users may stand. The body  102  may be supported by one or more wheels, which may include a front wheel  104  and a rear wheel  106 . In some embodiments, the body  102  may be supported by three, four, or more wheels. The front wheel  104  may be controlled (e.g., turned) with a steering device  114 , which may be a steering wheel, handle bars, steering yoke, and/or others. The rear wheel  106  may not turn relative to the body  102 . 
     The front wheel  104  and/or the rear wheel  106  may include a hub motor arrangement  200 , which may be a motor, hub motor, hub motor unit, hub motor assembly, and/or hub motor system. While, for purposes of presentation, the following discussion is in the context of a hub motor arrangement  200  that is associated with the rear wheel  106 , the present technology also encompasses and includes embodiments in which the hub motor arrangement  200  is associated with the front wheel  104 . Certain implementations have a hub motor arrangement  200  in multiple front and/or rear wheels, such as at least two front and/or two rear wheels each with a hub motor arrangement  200 . The hub motor arrangement  200  may be powered to drive (e.g., rotate) the rear wheel  106  to propel the vehicle  100  forward or backward. The front and/or rear wheel  104 ,  106  may include a tire  202 , which may also be referred to as a traction element. The tire  202  may be disposed around an outer circumference of the hub motor arrangement  200 . The tire  202  may provide improved friction between the front and/or rear wheel  104 ,  106  and a ground surface. In some embodiments, the tire  202  may include a deformable material, which may include a polymer such as rubber. 
     In some implementations, at least one of the vehicle&#39;s wheels (e.g., the front wheel  104 ) may not be powered and/or may be configured to rotate freely. As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the front wheel  104  may include a hub motor arrangement  200 . In some embodiments, the front wheel  104  may include a hub motor arrangement  200  and the rear wheel  106  may not. In some embodiments, the front and rear wheels  104 ,  106  include a hub motor arrangement  200 . 
     The hub motor arrangement  200  may be powered by electricity. The hub motor arrangement  200  may be powered by one or more power sources, such as batteries  110 , solar cells, or otherwise. The one or more batteries  110  may be disposed on, in, and/or under the body  102  and/or in another location on, in, and/or under the vehicle  100 . For example, the one or more vehicle  100  may be disposed under a deck surface of the body  102 . The batteries  110  may be replaced or recharged for repeated use of the vehicle  100 . 
     The vehicle  100  may include a controller  116 , such as a button, lever, touchscreen, dial, pedal, or otherwise. The controller  116  may be used by a user to at least control the hub motor arrangement  200 . For example, the user may be able to control the speed and/or direction of rotation of the hub motor arrangement  200  with the controller  116 , which can control the speed and/or direction of travel of the vehicle  100 . In some variants, the controller  116  and/or similar feature may be used to control one or more lights, speakers, brakes, and/or other feature(s) of the vehicle  100 . The controller  116  can be operably connected with the hub motor arrangement  200 , such as with an electric cable. In some embodiments, the vehicle includes a microprocessor in operable communication with the controller  116  and the hub motor arrangement  200 . The microprocessor can receive a signal from the controller  116  (e.g., a signal indicative of a throttle amount) and transmit a corresponding direction to the hub motor arrangement  200 . The controller  116  can transmit a brake signal, such as a signal to reenergize the motor, drive the motor in the opposite direction, activate a friction brake (e.g., a drum, disk, or caliper brake), etc. 
     The vehicle  100  may include a kickstand  112 . The kickstand  112  may be manually deployed to support the vehicle  100  in an upright position and/or stowed. In some embodiments, the kickstand  112  may be automatically stowed and/or deployed by way of a command from the controller  116 . 
     The vehicle  100  may include a brake unit  108 , which may also be referred to as a brake. The brake unit  108  can be manipulated by the user to brake (e.g., stop and/or slow the rotation of) the rear wheel  106 . In some embodiments, as mentioned above, the user may instruct, by way of the controller  116 , the hub motor arrangement  200  to cease driving the rotation of the rear wheel  106  but the rear wheel  106  may remain free to rotate. The brake unit  108  may be manipulated to brake (e.g., stop and/or slow the rotation of) the rear wheel  106 . The brake unit  108 , upon manipulation by the user, may apply a surface to a rotating surface of the rear wheel  106  to brake the rear wheel  106 . In some embodiments, the user may manipulate the brake unit  108  with a foot and/or the brake unit  108  can be located on a rear of the body  102 . In some embodiments, the user may command, by way of the controller  116 , that the brake unit  108  brake the rear wheel  106 . In some embodiments, the user may command, by way of the controller  116 , that the hub motor arrangement  200  cease rotating. 
     In some embodiments, a hub motor arrangement  200  may by incorporated with all of the wheels of a vehicle or a subset thereof. For example, for a ride-on vehicle with four wheels—only the rear wheels may incorporate hub motor arrangements  200 , only the front wheels may incorporate hub motor arrangements  200 , or all of the wheels may incorporate hub motor arrangements  200 . In another example, for a ride-on vehicle with three wheels with two rear wheels and one front wheel—only the front wheel may incorporate a hub motor arrangement  200 , only the two rear wheels may incorporate a hub motor arrangement  200 , or all of the wheels may incorporate a hub motor arrangement  200 . In another example, for a ride-on vehicle with three wheels with one rear wheel and two front wheels—only the one rear wheel may incorporate a hub motor arrangement  200 , only the two front wheels may incorporate a hub motor arrangement  200 , or all of the wheels may incorporate a hub motor arrangement  200 . The vehicle  100  and/or the hub motor arrangement  200  can include any of the features described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,638,285, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
     Hub Motor Arrangement—FIGS.  2 A- 7 B 
       FIGS.  2 A- 2 D  illustrate various views of the hub motor arrangement  200 . The hub motor arrangement  200  may include a housing  201 , which may be a hub. The housing  201  may be supported on the vehicle  100  with a first axle  210  (e.g., front shaft) and a second axle  212  (e.g., rear shaft). The first axle  210  and second axle  212  may be coupled to or unitarily formed with the vehicle  100 . The first axle  210  and second axle  212  may not rotate, but instead, the housing  201  may rotate with respect to the first axle  210  and second axle  212  to propel the vehicle  100  on a surface. The first axle  210  and second axle  212  may be coaxially aligned to define an axis of rotation for the housing  201 . The first axle  210  and second axle  212  may be disposed on opposing sides of the housing  201 . In some embodiments, the hub motor arrangement  200  may only have one axle that is coupled to the vehicle  100 . For example, if the vehicle  100  is a skateboard or the like, the hub motor arrangement  200  may be supported on one side by a single axle. In some embodiments, one axle may extend through and support opposing sides of the housing  201 . In some embodiments, at least one axle protrudes out of the housing  201 . Wiring, fibers, or the like can be routed through the first axle  210  and/or second axle  212 , such as to provide power to the hub motor arrangement  200 . 
     The housing  201  may include an outer wall  208 . The outer wall  208  may define a rolling surface of the housing  201 . For example, the outer wall  208  way face the ground surface supporting the hub motor arrangement  200 . The outer wall  208  may have a circular periphery. The circular periphery may vary along the longitudinal direction of the housing  201 . For example, the circular periphery of the outer wall  208  may decrease in size (e.g., taper in diameter) from a middle portion to the sides of the housing  201 , as shown in  FIG.  2 D . As can be seen in  FIG.  2 D , in some embodiments, the outer wall  208  can have an apex at a centerline perpendicular to the axis of rotation. As further shown, the outer wall can taper downward to a shoulder (with a diameter that is less than the apex) on either side of the centerline. The tapered profile can, for example, enhance grip and/or riding characteristics, such as compared to a wheel with a flat profile. During turning, a wheel with a flat profile can tend to tip and/or reduce the surface area of the wheel that is in contact with the ground, thereby reducing traction and/or stability. The tapered profile can reduce or avoid such issues by allowing the area of contact with the ground to shift, such as from the apex (e.g., when going straight) to at or near the shoulder (e.g., when turning). 
     The housing  201  may include a cover  220 . The cover  220  may be disposed on one side of the housing  201 . The cover  220  may cover access (e.g., an opening) to an interior of the housing  201 . The cover  220  may be decoupled from the housing  201  to access an interior of the housing  201  and/or components of the hub motor arrangement  200  therein. The cover  220  may be coupled to the housing  201  with a plurality of fasteners  216  (e.g., screws), which may include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or more screws. The cover  220  may include a first wall  204 . The first wall  204  may define a side of the housing  201 . The first axle  210  may extend through the first wall  204 . The cover  220  (e.g., first wall  204 ) may be positioned (e.g., seated) on a rim  236  of the housing  201 . The rim  236  may be disposed in the interior  238  of the housing  201 . The rim  236  may be disposed proximate an opening to the interior  238 . The rim  236  may extend radially inward from an inner periphery of the housing  201 . The first wall  204  may be positioned substantially flush with the surrounding portions of the housing  201 . 
     The housing  201  may include a second wall  206 . The second wall  206  may be disposed on an opposite side of the housing  201  relative to the first wall  204 . The second wall  206  may be unitarily formed with the outer wall  208 . The second wall  206  and first wall  204  may be parallel to each other. The first wall  204  and/or second wall  206  may include a circular periphery. The second axle  212  can extend through the second wall  206 . The second axle  212  may include a plurality (e.g., two) surfaces  218 , which may be flat, to facilitate coupling with the vehicle  100 . The surfaces  218  may be parallel relative to each other. 
     The hub motor arrangement  200  may be different sizes depending on the application. For example, in some embodiments, the housing  201  may have an outer diameter of one hundred and fifty millimeters and/or width from the first wall  204  to the second wall  206  of one hundred and twenty millimeters. 
       FIGS.  3 A and  3 B  illustrate, respectively, front and rear exploded perspective views of the hub motor arrangement  200 . As illustrated, the hub motor arrangement  200  may include a motor unit  232  (e.g., motor), which may be an electrical motor such as a DC brush or brushless motor or the like. The motor unit  232  may be disposed inside an interior  238  of the housing  201 . The motor unit  232  may be disposed on the axis of rotation  270 , which may include being centered on the axis of rotation  270 . As described herein, the motor unit  232  may be powered, such as by the one or more batteries  110 . 
     The hub motor arrangement  200  may include a transmission assembly  264 , which may also be referred to as a gearbox, gear assembly, and/or transmission. The transmission assembly  264  may transfer power from the motor unit  232  to drive the rotation of the housing  201 . The transmission assembly  264  may be positioned inside of an interior  238  of the housing  201  and closed therein by the cover  220 . The transmission assembly  264  may be disposed on the axis of rotation  270 , which may include being centered on the axis of rotation  270 . 
     The transmission assembly  264  may include a plurality of gears (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or more) that may be driven by the motor unit  232  to drive rotation of the housing  201 . The transmission assembly  264  may include a first gear  242 , which may be a planetary gear. The first gear  242  may be a double gear (e.g., step gear) which may be a double spur gear. The transmission assembly  264  may include a second gear  244 , which may also be referred to as an idler gear. The motor unit  232  can drive the first gear  242  and the first gear  242  can drive the second gear  244 . In some embodiments, the transmission assembly  264  may include a plurality of first gears  242  (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or more), which may be planetary gears. In some embodiments, the transmission assembly  264  may include a plurality of second gears  244  (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or more), which may be idler gears. As described herein, the second gear  244  may drive a ring gear  222  to rotate the housing  201 . 
     The transmission assembly  264  can include a first lateral support  248 , which may be a first plate, first mount, first panel, and/or gearbox cover. The first lateral support  248  may have a circular periphery. The transmission assembly  264  can include a second lateral support  234 , which may be a second plate, second mount, second panel, and/or gearbox body. The second lateral support  234  may have a circular periphery, which may be larger than the circular periphery of the first lateral support  248 . The plurality of gears (e.g., the first gear  242  and second gear  244 ) can be supported by and disposed between the first lateral support  248  and second lateral support  234 . 
     The first axle  210  may be connected to and extend away from the first lateral support  248 . In certain implementation, the first lateral support  248  does not rotate relative to the first axle  210 . In some embodiments, the first axle  210  and first lateral support  248  may be unitarily formed together. The first axle  210  may extend through a hole  224  in the first wall  204  of the cover  220 . A first bearing  230  (e.g., front bearing) may be disposed on the first axle  210  such that the cover  220  is free to rotate relative to the first axle  210 . For example, the first bearing  230  may be disposed on the first axle  210  between the first axle  210  and the cover  220  (e.g., first wall  204  of the cover  220 ) such that the cover  220  is free to rotate relative to the first axle  210 . 
     The second lateral support  234  may be coupled to the motor unit  232 . For example, the second lateral support  234  may include a sleeve  235 , which may also be referred to as a sheath or collar. The motor unit  232  may be disposed in the sleeve  235 , as shown. The sleeve  235  may extend at least a portion of a length of the motor unit  232 . The second lateral support  234  and motor unit  232  may be coupled together such that the second lateral support  234  and motor unit  232  do not rotate relative to each other. 
     The second axle  212  may be coupled to and extend away from the motor unit  232 . The motor unit  232  may not rotate relative to the second axle  212 . In some embodiments, the second axle  212  may be unitarily formed with the motor unit  232 . The second axle  212  may extend through a hole  226  in the second wall  206  to couple to the vehicle  100 . A second bearing  228  (e.g., rear bearing) may be disposed on the second axle  212  such that the housing  201  (e.g., second wall  206  of the housing  201 ) is free to rotate relative to the second axle  212 . For example, the second bearing  228  may be disposed on the second axle  212  between the second axle  212  and the second wall  206  of the housing  201  such that the housing  201  is free to rotate relative to the second axle  212 . As described herein, in various implementations, the first axle  210  and second axle  212  do not rotate and/or the housing  201  rotates relative to the first axle  210  and second axle  212  to propel the vehicle  100 . 
     The transmission assembly  264  may include a ring gear  222 , which may be an annular gear. The ring gear  222  and housing  201  may rotate together (e.g., not rotate independently relative to each other). The rotation of the ring gear  222  may drive the rotation off the housing  201  to propel a vehicle  100 . In use, the motor unit  232  may drive the first gear  242 , the first gear  242  may drive the second gear  244 , and the second gear  244  may drive the ring gear  222 . The ring gear  222  may drive the rotation of the housing  201 , which may propel the vehicle  100 . 
     The ring gear  222  may be incorporated with the housing  201  (e.g., cover  220 ), which may include being unitarily formed together. The ring gear  222  may circumferentially extend around an inner periphery of the cover  220 . A central axis of the ring gear  222  may be perpendicularly oriented relative to the first wall  204  of the cover  220  of the housing  201 . The central axis of the ring gear  222  may be coaxial with the axis of rotation  270  of the hub motor arrangement  200 . The ring gear  222  may extend from an interior surface of the first wall  204 . The cover  220  may be coupled to the housing  201 , which can be by way of the fasteners  216 , such that the rotation of the ring gear  222  and cover  220  drives the rotation of the housing  201 . In some embodiments, the cover  220  and the ring gear  222  may be separate components that may be coupled together. In some embodiments, the hub motor arrangement  200  may incorporate a plurality of ring gears. The housing  201  may include a plurality of flanges  240  disposed in the interior  238 . The flanges  240  may extend radially inward from an inner periphery of the housing  201 . The flanges  240  may provide, for example, support to the transmission assembly  264  and/or structural rigidity to the housing  201 . 
       FIG.  4    illustrates a front perspective exploded view of the transmission assembly  264  of the hub motor arrangement hub motor arrangement  200 . As shown, the motor unit  232  may include a drive shaft  254  that may be driven (e.g., rotated) by the motor unit  232 . The motor unit  232  may include a motor gear  252  (e.g., sun gear, spur gear, etc.) that may be disposed on the drive shaft  254 . The drive shaft  254  and the motor gear  252  may rotate together (e.g., not rotated independently relative to each other). The motor gear  252  may drive the rotation of the first gear  242 . When the transmission assembly  264  is assembled, the drive shaft  254  and motor gear  252  may extend through a hole  272  in the second lateral support  234  to drive the first gear  242 . 
     As shown, the first gear  242  can be a double gear (e.g., step gear) such as a double spur gear. The first gear  242  can include an outer gear  245 , which may also be referred to as a large gear, and an inner gear  243 , which may also be referred to as a small gear. A circumference of the inner gear  243  may be smaller than a circumference of the outer gear  245 . The outer gear  245  and the inner gear  243  may be coaxially aligned. The outer gear  245  and the inner gear  243  may be unitarily formed together. 
     The first gear  242  can be driven by the rotation of the motor gear  252 . For example, the outer gear  245  of the first gear  242  may be driven by the motor gear  252 . The first gear  242  can drive the rotation of the second gear  244 . For example, the inner gear  243  of the first gear  242  may drive the rotation of the second gear  244 . The second gear  244  may drive rotation of the ring gear  222 . In some embodiments, a width of the outer gear  245  may be smaller than a width of the second gear  244 . In some embodiments, the combined width of the inner gear  243  and the outer gear  245  may be greater than a width of the second gear  244 . 
     The transmission assembly  264  may include a plurality of shafts, which may be connecting shafts, rods, and/or pins. The plurality of shafts may include a first shaft  256  and/or a second shaft  257 . The first gear  242  may be disposed on the first shaft  256  such that the first gear  242  may rotate relative to the first shaft  256 . The second gear  244  may be disposed on the second shaft  257  such that the second gear  244  may rotate relative to the first shaft  256 . In some embodiments, a bearing may be disposed on the first shaft  256  and/or second shaft  257  to facilitate rotation between the first gear  242  and the first shaft  256  and/or the second gear  244  and the second shaft  257 . The first shaft  256  and/or second shaft  257  may connect with and extend between the second lateral support  234  and the first lateral support  248 . For example, the first shaft  256  and/or second shaft  257  may be disposed in holes  258  of the second lateral support  234  and holes  260  of the first lateral support  248 . 
     The second lateral support  234  of the transmission assembly  264  may include a second mount  251 , such as a protrusion or spacer. The second mount  251  may space the second lateral support  234  and the first lateral support  248  apart from each other when the second lateral support  234  and the first lateral support  248  are assembled together (e.g., coupled together) to provide protection and/or space for the first gear  242  and/or second gear  244 . The second mount  251  may be disposed on a side of the second lateral support  234  opposite the sleeve  235 . The second mount  251  may extend away from the second lateral support  234 . The second mount  251  may be centered around the hole  272 . The second mount  251  may extend circumferentially around the hole  272 , which may include less than completely around the hole  272 . The hole  272  may be centered around the axis of rotation  270 . The second mount  251  may have a C-shape. In some embodiments, the first gear  242  and/or second gear  244  may be disposed within the C-shape, such as in the opening between the ends of the “C”. The second mount  251  may be coupled to the first lateral support  248  such that the second lateral support  234  and the first lateral support  248  do not rotate independent relative to each other. The second mount  251  may include one or more holes  266  and/or the first lateral support  248  may include one or more holes  262  that can facilitate coupling the first lateral support  248  to the second mount  251  with one or more fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, or the like). The second mount  251  may be coupled to a first mount  250 , which may be a protrusion and/or spacer, of the first lateral support  248 . The first mount  250  may include the one or more holes  262 . 
     The first mount  250  of the first lateral support  248 , as illustrated in  FIG.  5   , may space the first lateral support  248  and second lateral support  234  apart from each other when the second lateral support  234  and the first lateral support  248  are assembled together (e.g., coupled together) to provide space for the first gear  242  and/or the second gear  244 . As mentioned above, the second lateral support  234  is not illustrated in  FIG.  5    for purposes of presentation. The first mount  250  may be disposed on a side of the first lateral support  248  opposite the first axle  210 . The first mount  250  may be centered about the axis of rotation  270 . The first mount  250  may extend away from the first lateral support  248 . The first mount  250  may correspond in shape and/or size to the second mount  251 . The first mount  250  may have a C-shape. The first gear  242  and/or second gear  244  may be disposed within the C-shape. For example, the first gear  242  and/or second gear  244  may be disposed between ends of the C-shape as shown. The first mount  250  and/or second mount  251  may include one or more features to facilitate interfacing between the first mount  250  and/or second mount  251 . In various embodiments, the first and second mounts  250 ,  251  can have corresponding and/or mating shapes. 
       FIG.  6    illustrates a side view of the transmission assembly  264 . As illustrated, the motor gear  252  may interface with the first gear  242  (e.g., idler gear) to drive the rotation of the first gear  242 . For example, the motor gear  252  may interface with the outer gear  245  of the first gear  242 . The first gear  242  may interface with the second gear  244  (e.g., planetary gear) to drive rotation of the second gear  244 . For example, the inner gear  243  of the first gear  242  may interface with the second gear  244  to drive the rotation of the second gear  244 . The second gear  244  may interface with the ring gear  222  to drive the rotation of the ring gear  222  and housing  201 , which can propel the vehicle  100 . 
     The second gear  244  (e.g., a radial center of the second gear  244 ) may be positioned farther away from the axis of rotation of the hub motor arrangement  200  (e.g., housing  201 ) compared to the first gear  242  (e.g., a radial center of the first gear  242 ). The first gear  242  may be disposed a first distance  268  away from the axis of rotation  270  of the hub motor arrangement  200 . For example, a first axis of rotation of the first gear  242  can be disposed the first distance  268  away from the axis of rotation  270 . The second gear  244  may be disposed a second distance  269  away from the axis of rotation  270  of the hub motor arrangement  200 . For example, a second axis of rotation of the second gear  244  can be disposed the second distance  269  away from the axis of rotation  270 . The second distance  269  may be larger than the first distance  268 . Positioning the axis of rotation of the second gear  244  farther away from the axis of rotation of the hub motor arrangement  200  (e.g., housing  201 ) compared to the first gear  242  can enable a larger ring gear  222  (e.g., larger diameter) to be incorporated into the transmission assembly  264  to provide a larger gear ratio for increased torque, which may provide one or more of the benefits described herein. In some embodiments, multiple first gears  242  and/or second gears  244  may be incorporated into the transmission assembly  264 . The diameter of the first gear  242  (e.g., outer gear  245 ) and second gear  244  may be the same. In some embodiments, the diameter of the first gear  242  may be larger than the second gear  244 . In some embodiments, the diameter of the first gear  242  may be smaller than the second gear  244 . In some embodiments, the second gear  244  may be a double gear (e.g., step gear) and an inner gear of the second gear  244  may interface with the first gear  242  or the ring gear  222 . In some embodiments, the second gear  244  may be a double gear (e.g., step gear) and an outer gear of the second gear  244  may interface with the first gear  242  or the ring gear  222 . 
       FIGS.  7 A and  7 B  show cross-sectional views of the hub motor arrangement  200 . As shown in  FIG.  7 A , the motor unit  232  and transmission assembly  264  can be compactly stowed within the housing  201 . The first mount  250  of the first lateral support  248  and the second mount  251  of the second lateral support  234  can interface and/or otherwise contact and be coupled together to provide space for the plurality of gears of the transmission assembly  264 . In various embodiments, as shown in  FIG.  7 A , substantially all or all of the transmission assembly  264  (not including the first and second axles  210 ,  212 ) is positioned radially within the outer wall  208 , laterally between the first and second walls  204 ,  206 , and/or radially and laterally encapsulated within the first and second walls  204 ,  206  and the outer wall  208 . 
     The motor unit  232  can be disposed on the axis of rotation  270 . The transmission assembly  264  can be disposed on the axis of rotation  270 . The transmission assembly  264  may be disposed entirely on one half of the hub motor arrangement  200 . The motor unit  232  may be disposed on both sides of a central plane of the hub motor arrangement  200 . The first axle  210  and/or second axle  212  may be disposed on the axis of rotation  270 . The first axle  210  and/or second axle  212  may form a distributed axle protruding from both sides of the housing  201  but not through a middle portion of the housing  201 . 
     In use, the second axle  212 , motor unit  232 , second lateral support  234 , first lateral support  248 , and first axle  210  may remain fixed in position relative to each other (e.g., not rotate independently relative to each other) as the housing  201  rotates about the first axle  210  and second axle  212  to propel the vehicle. Furthermore, the axes of rotation of the first gear  242  and the second gear  244  may remain fixed in position relative to the axis of rotation  270  of the housing  201  as the housing  201  rotates. 
     Alternative Arrangement of Transmission Assembly—FIG.  8   
     With reference to  FIG.  8   , an alternative arrangement for the transmission assembly  264 ′ is illustrated. The transmission assembly  264 ′ can be implemented in the hub motor arrangement  200  discussed above and/or incorporated into the vehicle  100 . As can be seen, this alternative embodiment omits the second gear  244 . Without the second gear  244 , the first gear  242  (e.g., gear, double gear, step gear) may drive the ring gear  222 . For example, the inner gear  243  of the first gear  242  may drive the ring gear  222 . In some embodiments, the outer gear  245  of the first gear  242  may drive the ring gear  222 . Without the second gear  244 , the ring gear  222  may be smaller (e.g., smaller in diameter) compared to the ring gear  222  incorporated into the arrangement of the transmission assembly  264  with the second gear  244 , which may result in a smaller gear ratio, less torque, greater rotational speed of the ring gear (and thus the wheel), fewer components that need to be assembled and are potential points of failure, and/or reduced complexity. 
     Alternative Hub Motor Arrangement—FIGS.  9 A- 10   
     With reference to  FIGS.  9 A- 10   , an alternative hub motor arrangement  400  is illustrated. The hub motor arrangement  400  may be similar to the other hub motor arrangements described herein (e.g., hub motor arrangement  200 ) but include the differences disclosed herein. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  9 A- 9 C , the hub motor arrangement  400  may include a housing  401 . The tire  202  and/or tire mounting surface may be disposed around the housing  401  (e.g., around a circumference of the housing  401 ). The hub motor arrangement  400  may include a first axle  210  that may support the hub motor arrangement  400  on the vehicle  100 . The first axle  210  may extend from one side of the housing  401 . The hub motor arrangement  400  may include a motor unit  432  that may drive a rotation of the housing  401 . The motor unit  432  may extend from the opposing side of the housing  401  relative to the first axle  210 . The motor unit  432  may be an axle that may support the hub motor arrangement  400  on the vehicle  100 . The first axle  210  and the motor unit  432  may form a distributed axle that supports the housing  401  on the vehicle  100 . The first axle  210  and/or motor unit  432  may be centered on an axis of rotation of the housing  401 . 
     The hub motor arrangement  400  may be different sizes depending on the application. For example, in some embodiments, the housing  401  may have an outer diameter of one hundred and fifty millimeters, which may include the tire  202 , and/or width of a tire  202  and/or surface to seat the tire  202  (e.g., distance  484 ) of thirty-five millimeters. 
       FIG.  10    illustrates a perspective exploded view of at least some of the components of a transmission assembly  464  of the hub motor arrangement  400 . The transmission assembly  464  may include a motor unit  432  that may drive a rotation of a plurality of a plurality of planetary gears. The motor unit  432  may include a motor gear, which may be a sun gear, that drives the plurality of planetary gears. The plurality of planetary gears may include a first planetary gear  472 , second planetary gear  473 , and/or third planetary gear  474 . The first planetary gear  472 , second planetary gear  473 , and/or third planetary gear  474  may be the same size, shape, and/or type of gear. In some embodiments, the first planetary gear  472 , second planetary gear  473 , and/or third planetary gear  474  may be different sizes, shapes, and/or types of gear. The first planetary gear  472 , second planetary gear  473 , and/or third planetary gear  474  may be double gears (e.g., step gears) that include inner and outer gears. 
     The transmission assembly  464  may include a ring gear  422 . The ring gear  422  may be a separate component from the housing  401 . In some embodiments, the ring gear  422  may be unitarily formed with the housing  401 . The ring gear  422  may include a plurality of protrusions  476 , which may be projections and/or flanges. The plurality of protrusions  476  may be circumferentially distributed around the ring gear  422  (e.g., around an outward facing surface of the ring gear  422 ). The ring gear  422  may include a plurality of gaps  478 , which may be recesses and/or slots. The gaps  478  may be disposed between adjacent protrusions  476 . 
     The housing  401  may include a plurality of protrusions  480 , which may be projections and/or flanges. The plurality of protrusions  480  may be circumferentially distributed around an inner periphery of the housing  401 . The housing  401  may include a plurality of gaps  482 , which may be recesses and/or slots. The gaps  482  may be disposed between adjacent protrusions  480 . The plurality of protrusions  480  of the housing  401  may correspond to the plurality of gaps  478  of the ring gear  422  such that the protrusions  480  may be inserted (e.g., press fit) into the gaps  478  to couple the housing  401  and the ring gear  422  together such that the housing  401  rotates with the ring gear  422 . The plurality of gaps  482  of the housing  401  may correspond to the plurality of protrusions  476  of the ring gear  422  such that the protrusions  476  may be inserted (e.g., press fit) into the gaps  482  to couple the housing  401  and the ring gear  422  together such that the housing  401  rotates with the ring gear  422 . 
     In use, the motor unit  432  may drive the first planetary gear  472 , second planetary gear  473 , and/or third planetary gear  474 . The first planetary gear  472 , second planetary gear  473 , and/or third planetary gear  474  may drive the ring gear  422 . The rotation of the ring gear  422 , when coupled to or unitarily formed with the housing  401 , may rotate the housing  401  to propel the vehicle  100  incorporating the hub motor arrangement  400 . 
     In some embodiments, the outer gears of the first planetary gear  472 , second planetary gear  473 , and/or third planetary gear  474  may interface with and be driven by the motor gear of the motor unit  432 . The inner gears of the first planetary gear  472 , second planetary gear  473 , and/or third planetary gear  474  may drive the ring gear  422 . In some embodiments, the inner gears of the first planetary gear  472 , second planetary gear  473 , and/or third planetary gear  474  may interface with and be driven by the motor gear of the motor unit  432 . The outer gears of the first planetary gear  472 , second planetary gear  473 , and/or third planetary gear  474  may interface with and drive the ring gear  422 . 
     Without the inclusion of one or more idler gears in the transmission assembly  464 , as described in reference to the hub motor arrangement  200 , the size of the ring gear  422  (e.g., diameter) may be smaller, which may result in a smaller gear ratio and less torque. 
     Certain Terminology 
     Conditional language, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include or do not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments. 
     Conjunctive language, such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z. 
     Terms of orientation used herein, such as “top,” “bottom,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “longitudinal,” “lateral,” and “end” are used in the context of the illustrated embodiment. However, the present disclosure should not be limited to the illustrated orientation. Indeed, other orientations are possible and are within the scope of this disclosure. Terms relating to circular shapes as used herein, such as diameter or radius, should be understood not to require perfect circular structures, but rather should be applied to any suitable structure with a cross-sectional region that can be measured from side-to-side. Terms relating to shapes generally, such as “circular” or “cylindrical” or “semi-circular” or “semi-cylindrical” or any related or similar terms, are not required to conform strictly to the mathematical definitions of circles or cylinders or other structures, but can encompass structures that are reasonably close approximations. 
     The terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially” as used herein represent an amount close to the stated amount that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, in some embodiments, as the context may permit, the terms “approximately”, “about”, and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than or equal to 10% of the stated amount. The term “generally” as used herein represents a value, amount, or characteristic that predominantly includes or tends toward a particular value, amount, or characteristic. As an example, in certain embodiments, as the context may permit, the term “generally parallel” can refer to something that departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 20 degrees and the term “generally perpendicular” can refer to something that departs from exactly perpendicular by less than or equal to 20 degrees. 
     Summary 
     Various hub motor arrangement devices, systems, and methods have been disclosed in the context of certain embodiments and examples. Nevertheless, the scope of this disclosure extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the embodiments and certain modifications and equivalents thereof. Various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the hub motor arrangement and vehicles incorporating the hub motor arrangement. The scope of this disclosure should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described herein. 
     Certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as any subcombination or variation of any subcombination. 
     Moreover, while operations (e.g., the order of torque transmission from gear to gear) may be depicted in the drawings or described in the specification in a particular order, such operations need not be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, and all operations need not be performed, to achieve the desirable results. Other operations that are not depicted or described can be incorporated in the example methods and processes. For example, one or more additional operations (e.g., additional gears) can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the described operations. Further, the operations may be rearranged or reordered in other implementations. Also, the separation of various system components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations. The described components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged into multiple products. Additionally, other implementations are within the scope of this disclosure. 
     Some embodiments have been described in connection with the accompanying drawings. The figures are drawn to scale, but such scale should not be interpreted as limiting, since dimensions and proportions other than what are shown are contemplated and are within the scope of the disclosed invention. Distances, angles, etc. are merely illustrative and do not necessarily bear an exact relationship to actual dimensions and layout of the devices illustrated. Components can be added, removed, and/or rearranged. Further, the disclosure herein of any particular feature, aspect, method, property, characteristic, quality, attribute, element, or the like in connection with various embodiments can be used in all other embodiments set forth herein. Additionally, any methods described herein may be practiced using any device suitable for performing the recited steps. 
     In summary, various embodiments and examples of hub motor arrangements, systems, and methods have been disclosed. This disclosure expressly contemplates that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with, or substituted for, one another. Accordingly, the scope of this disclosure should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments and examples described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.