Patent Description:
Natural resources and climate necessitate new solutions for travelling, especially over short distances. E-bikes (or electric bikes), e-scooters and the like are emerging. However, almost <NUM>% of world population lives in areas with a true winter having snow and ice. Naturally, snowmobiles have existed for a long time, but they are too fast, dangerous, and expensive for everyday use on common pavements and roads. Consequently, a tremendous need exists for an everyday vehicle capable of safely and reliably transporting people and goods in snowy and icy conditions.

<CIT> discloses a vehicle resembling a kicksled and employing a motor. <CIT> discloses a three-point contact cambering vehicle with wheels, or alternatively with ice skates or snow skis. <CIT> discloses a reconfigurable wheeled personal mobility device. On the Internet, various hobbyists also provide motorized kicksleds, but they are rather designed for motorsports and high speeds. An everyday-like motorized kicksled is disclosed in various online videos such as in a Sähköpotkukelkka electric kicksled YouTube video: https://www. com/watch?v=QSRXpXrG15Q. <CIT> discloses a snow vehicle according to the preamble of claim <NUM>. A more sophisticated and safe snow vehicle is clearly desirable.

The solution to the problem is the invention disclosed in independent claim <NUM>.

Dependent claims define some embodiments.

One or more examples of implementations are set forth in more detail in the accompanying drawings and the description of embodiments.

Some embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which.

Reference numbers, both in the description of the embodiments and in the claims, serve to illustrate the embodiments with reference to the drawings, without limiting it to these examples only.

The embodiments and features, if any, disclosed in the following description that do not fall under the scope of the independent claims are to be interpreted as examples useful for understanding various embodiments of the invention.

Let us study a snow vehicle <NUM> with reference to <FIG> providing a side view and <FIG> providing a top view.

The snow vehicle <NUM> comprises a pair of runners <NUM>, <NUM> configured to support the snow vehicle <NUM> travelling over snow and/or ice <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the pair of runners <NUM>, <NUM> are placed side by side, so that a driver of the snow vehicle <NUM> may stand on the pair of runners <NUM>, <NUM>, one foot on each.

In an embodiment, the pair of runners <NUM>, <NUM> are implemented as a pair of skis dimensioned to glide the snow vehicle <NUM> over a compressed trail covered by the snow and/or the ice <NUM>, and over a cared road covered by the snow and/or the ice <NUM>. The compressed trail may be a snowmobile track or route, for example. The cared road includes pavements and is typically in public use and snow is ploughed as needed. The snow vehicle <NUM> may not be designed to operate in deep unbroken snow. Depending on the design and use case, the typical maximum snow depth may be <NUM>-<NUM> centimetres, for example.

The pair of skis may be implemented with synthetic material, possibly augmented by suitable metallic structures. In some use cases, the pair of runners <NUM>, <NUM> may be implemented, alternatively, or additionally, as a pair of flexible metal runners. Note that two (= pair) is the minimum numbers of runners <NUM>, <NUM>, but in some uses cases it is envisaged that additional runners may be added for length and/or stability. In an embodiment, the pair of runners <NUM>, <NUM> simultaneously combine the pair of skis with a pair of flexible metal runners placed at bottoms of the skis, which results in that the snow vehicle is mainly supported by the pair of skis while travelling over snow, and by the pair of flexible runners while travelling over ice. Each relatively low flexible metal runner may be embedded in the bottom of the ski so that it extends along the longitudinal axis of the ski. The bottom of the ski may be provided with a groove, which accommodates the low metal runner so that it protrudes partly to contact the ice, but also to protect the bottom of the ski (from debris, rocks, and cobblestones, for example) while driving in the summer with optional rear tyres <NUM> (described later). The low metal runners may be made of aluminium, for example, and they may be replaceable when beaten-up from use.

The snow vehicle comprises an electric motor <NUM> and a traction wheel <NUM>, powered by the electric motor <NUM>, and configured to cause a propulsion (or traction) for the snow vehicle <NUM> while rolling in contact with the snow and/or the ice <NUM>.

The electric motor <NUM> is powered by one or more rechargeable batteries (not illustrated in <FIG>). The one or more rechargeable batteries may be of a similar type as used in e-bikes. The one or more rechargeable batteries may be placed on a suitable place within a frame such as under a seat <NUM> or behind a backrest <NUM>, for example.

Note that the frame of the snow vehicle is similar to a metallic frame used in a kicksled (or spark), but also other kind of structures employing also synthetic material may be designed depending on the use case. As shown, the frame comprises two supports <NUM>, <NUM> for the pair of runners <NUM>, <NUM>. The supports <NUM>, <NUM> may also be implemented as a single integrated structure, possibly also carrying the one or more batteries. In an embodiment, the one or more supports <NUM>, <NUM> are provided with one or more shock absorbers, such as with a telescopic suspension employing a spring (implemented with a steel or titanium spring, compressed air, or an elastomer) and a damper.

The electric motor <NUM> may be a wheel hub motor incorporated into a hub of the traction wheel <NUM>. The wheel hub motor <NUM> may be of a similar type and configuration as those used in e-bikes. In an embodiment, the wheel hub motor <NUM> may contain the one or more batteries. The electric motor <NUM> may be a direct drive system, wherein the motor <NUM> directly drives the wheel <NUM>, or the electric motor <NUM> may be a geared system, wherein the motor <NUM> drives the wheel <NUM> via a set of gears. The wheel hub motor <NUM> improves the stability of the snow vehicle <NUM> as the centre of gravity is relatively low (when compared to a separate motor placed above the traction wheel <NUM>, for example).

In an embodiment, the frame of the snow vehicle <NUM> comprises one or more joints <NUM> configured so that the snow vehicle <NUM> is collapsible for storage and transport. Possible directions of folding are illustrated in <FIG> with arrows <NUM> and <NUM>.

The traction wheel <NUM> may be implemented as a pneumatic tyre (with a rim, and either a tubed or tubeless tyre), with a tyre size of <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> inches, for example. In an embodiment, the traction wheel <NUM> is of the low pressure -type (possibly designed for low ground pressure such as in an ATV or fat-bike), and/or the traction wheel <NUM> is of the snow tyre -type, and/or the traction wheel <NUM> comprises studs. Snow tyres (or winter tyres) usually have a tread design with larger gaps than in traditional (summer) tyres. Some snow tyre have protruding metal or ceramic studs to increase traction on hard-packed snow or ice. In an embodiment, the traction wheel <NUM> may be similar to that used in an all-terrain vehicle (ATV, also known as quad).

In an embodiment, the snow vehicle <NUM> may comprise a seat <NUM> positioned above the traction wheel <NUM> and configured to accommodate a person. The seat <NUM> may also include a backrest <NUM>. Both may be manufactured from wood or synthetic material, for example. The advantage of positioning the seat <NUM> over the traction wheel <NUM> is that ground grip is improved if there is a person or goods on the seat <NUM>.

The snow vehicle <NUM> may comprise a steering arrangement comprising a steering axle <NUM> coupled with the traction wheel <NUM>. The steering axle <NUM> may comprise structures similar to those of a bicycle comprising a steerer tube mounted within a frame tube and a fork configured to hold the traction wheel <NUM>. In an embodiment, the fork may contain a set of shock absorbers. The steering arrangement may comprise a handlebar-level steering bar <NUM> coupled with the steering axle <NUM> and configured and positioned to enable steering of the traction wheel <NUM> while a driver is standing on the pair or runners <NUM>, <NUM>. Optionally, the steering arrangement may comprise a seat-level steering bar <NUM> coupled with the steering axle <NUM> and configured and positioned to enable steering of the traction wheel <NUM> while a driver is sitting on the seat <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, both steering bars <NUM>, <NUM> may be similar to those used in a bicycle, wherein the handlebar is coupled to a stem coupled with the steerer tube. The handlebar-level steering bar <NUM> resembles a handlebar having a straight central section attached to the steering axle <NUM>, with each end curving back towards the driver. The seat-level steering bar <NUM> resembles an under-seat handlebar of a recumbent.

<FIG> illustrates the driver <NUM> standing on the pair or runners <NUM>, <NUM> and hanging onto the handlebar-level steering bar <NUM> to steer the traction wheel <NUM> via the steering axle <NUM>. As shown in the drawings, the pair of runners <NUM>, <NUM> may extend behind the traction wheel <NUM>, thereby enabling the driver <NUM> to select a best spot to stand on the pair of runners <NUM>, <NUM>. The pair of runners <NUM>, <NUM> may thus each be configured to extend from a vicinity of the traction wheel <NUM> to a rear of the snow vehicle <NUM> to offer a continuous footrest platform for the driver <NUM>. Even though the bottom of each ski <NUM>, <NUM> may be horizontal, the top of each ski <NUM>, <NUM> may be slant inwards to provide a more secure footrest platform for the driver <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the driver <NUM> sitting on the seat <NUM> and grabbing the seat-level steering bar <NUM> to steer the traction wheel <NUM> via the steering axle <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the driver <NUM> standing on the pair or runners <NUM>, <NUM> and hanging onto the handlebar-level steering bar <NUM>, while a passenger <NUM> is sitting on the seat <NUM>. In <FIG>, the driver <NUM> sits on the seat <NUM> and grabs the seat-level steering bar <NUM>, whereas the passenger <NUM> is standing on the pair of runners <NUM>, <NUM>. Note that in <FIG> both the driver <NUM> and the passenger <NUM> may both grab the steering bar <NUM>, <NUM> and also actually steer. This necessitates some co-ordination and communication, but may also help in a tight spot requiring careful steering.

The traction wheel <NUM> is positioned in front of the pair of runners <NUM>, <NUM>. Alternatively, the wheel may be positioned between the front part of the pair of runners (like in a normal type of a kicksled), but the traction and steering effect may be improved by the in front -placing. But, if a substantial part of the traction wheel <NUM> is positioned in front of the pair of runners <NUM>, <NUM>, meaning that a front part of each runner <NUM>, <NUM> may be side-by-side with a part of the traction wheel, the traction and steering is still improved (when compared to the situation wherein the traction wheel is positioned wholly between the runners).

In an embodiment, the steering arrangement comprises a first accelerator lever <NUM> coupled with the handlebar-level steering bar <NUM> and a second accelerator lever <NUM> coupled with the seat-level steering bar <NUM>. The steering arrangement comprises a power switch <NUM> configured to enable the first accelerator lever <NUM> in a first switch position and the second accelerator lever <NUM> in a second switch position. The power switch <NUM> is configured also to have an off position, besides the two on positions (= the first and second switch positions). The power switch <NUM> may operate with an ignition key or some other access control means to prohibit unauthorized use. The accelerator lever <NUM>, <NUM> may be implemented as a thumb throttle.

In effect, this means that the driver <NUM> may choose which accelerator lever <NUM>/<NUM> to use: in the use case of <FIG>, the driver <NUM> enables the first accelerator lever <NUM>, whereas in <FIG>, the driver <NUM> enables the second accelerator lever <NUM>. In this way, the passenger <NUM> cannot accelerate as his/her accelerator lever is not functional.

In an embodiment, the power switch <NUM> may additionally, or alternatively, be configured to operate in at least two power positions, wherein the first power position provides only a limited power from the electric motor <NUM> (or a limited maximum speed for the snow vehicle <NUM>), and the second power position provides a full power from the electric motor <NUM> (or an unlimited maximum speed for the snow vehicle <NUM>). Note that an optional mechanical limiter may be provided for the power switch <NUM>: when in use, the mechanical limiter only allows the first power position for the power switch <NUM>, whereby an elderly person or a young person may safely drive the snow vehicle <NUM>.

In an embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, forward-facing ends of the seat-level steering bar <NUM> comprise headlights <NUM>, <NUM> configured to turn in unison with the steering axle <NUM>. <FIG> also illustrates the principle of steering by turning the traction wheel <NUM>, whereby the snow vehicle <NUM> advances into the direction of arrow <NUM>. In another embodiment, a clamp-mounted headlight (not illustrated) may be fixed to a frame tube, a steering bar <NUM>, or to another suitable location in the front end of the snow vehicle <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an embodiment, wherein the snow vehicle <NUM> comprises a footrest <NUM> configured and positioned so that it acts as a front ski in contact with an upper surface <NUM> of the snow <NUM> while the traction wheel <NUM> is partly buried deeper in the snow <NUM>. In an additional embodiment, the footrest <NUM> is coupled by a joint with a frame of the snow vehicle <NUM> so that the footrest <NUM> is configured to follow a topography of the upper surface <NUM> of the snow <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an embodiment, wherein the footrest <NUM> is configured to swivel into a position accommodating goods placed on the seat <NUM>. Furthermore, the backrest <NUM> may be configured so that it may swivel to cover as a lid the extended compartment formed by the seat <NUM> and the footrest <NUM>. Alternatively, the footrest <NUM> may be configured to swivel so that it covers as a lid the compartment formed by the seat <NUM>.

In an embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the snow vehicle <NUM> comprises at least two tyres <NUM> couplable with the pair of runners <NUM>. The at least two tyres <NUM> are configured to, in a drive position, support the snow vehicle <NUM> travelling over a surface <NUM> having no snow and/or ice or having the snow and/or the ice covered with gravel. As shown, each tyre may be <NUM> attachable to the back end of each runner <NUM>, <NUM>. The tyres <NUM> may be of the solid type used in rollerblades, but they may also be pneumatic. Additional tyres may be placed in front of the runners <NUM>, <NUM>, although as shown in <FIG>, the runners <NUM>, <NUM> may be lifted off the ground surface <NUM> even with a pair of tyres <NUM>. The at least two tyres <NUM> may be removably attachable. Another option is that the at least two tyres <NUM> are attached to the runners <NUM>, <NUM> so that that may be positioned between the drive position and a storage position (wherein the at least two tyres <NUM> do not contact the ground beneath).

In an embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the electric motor <NUM> comprises a disconnect mechanism <NUM> to disconnect the electric motor <NUM> from the traction wheel <NUM> enabling the traction wheel <NUM> to freewheel while the snow vehicle <NUM> is powered by the driver kicking the snow and/or the ice <NUM> by foot. Note that the freewheeling may also take placing while riding down a hill to save the one or more batteries. In an embodiment, the electric motor <NUM> is configured to implement a braking functionality by hindering or stopping the rolling of the traction wheel <NUM>. Such braking may also be regenerative, i.e., during the braking, the one or more batteries are recharged.

In an embodiment, the electric motor <NUM> is configured to rotate the traction wheel <NUM> in reverse to back up the snow vehicle <NUM>.

In an embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the pair of runners <NUM>, <NUM> is configured to accommodate a toboggan <NUM> configured to transport one or more persons <NUM> and/or goods <NUM> (while the driver is sitting on the seat <NUM>, or even standing on the pair of runners <NUM>, <NUM>). As shown, the toboggan <NUM> may be provided with fastening means <NUM> to secure the goods <NUM> during the ride. Naturally, the toboggan <NUM> may be provided with seating arrangements for the passengers <NUM>.

Let us next study <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, which illustrate various structural embodiments of the snow vehicle <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the snow vehicle <NUM> is provided with the earlier explained steering arrangement comprising the steering axle <NUM> coupled with the traction wheel <NUM> and the handlebar-level steering bar <NUM> coupled with the steering axle <NUM> and configured and positioned to enable steering of the traction wheel <NUM> while the driver <NUM> is standing on the pair or runners <NUM>, <NUM>.

The traction wheel <NUM> is positioned in front of the pair of runners <NUM>, <NUM>. Furthermore, the pair of runners <NUM>, <NUM> are each configured to incline so that a front <NUM> of the runner <NUM>, <NUM> is higher than a rear <NUM> of the runner <NUM>, <NUM>. The inclination is clearly seen in <FIG>: an angle <NUM> is shown between a runner <NUM> and a straight surface of the snow and/or ice <NUM>. As shown in the drawings, the pair of skis <NUM>, <NUM> each have a ski tip in the front, but each may also have a ski tip in the rear (to enable easier backing up).

Note that as explained earlier, the pair of skis <NUM>, <NUM> may be implemented with synthetic material, possibly augmented by suitable metallic structures such as a part <NUM> of the frame of the snow vehicle <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the driver <NUM> is standing between the front <NUM> of the runners <NUM>, <NUM> and the rear <NUM> of the runners <NUM>, <NUM>. When there is little or no loose snow on the ground <NUM>, the snow vehicle <NUM> touches the ground <NUM> with the traction wheel <NUM> and the rears <NUM> of the runners <NUM>, <NUM>. This increases the stability of the snow vehicle <NUM>, and also also minimizes the friction between the runners <NUM>, <NUM> and the ground <NUM>. However, if there is more snow, the fronts <NUM> of the runners <NUM>, <NUM> glide over the snow <NUM>, and the friction between the runners <NUM>, <NUM> and the snow is again minimized (as the fronts <NUM> of the runners <NUM>, <NUM> glide over the snow instead of ploughing the snow).

The snow vehicle <NUM> of <FIG> is also provided with the earlier explained at least two tyres <NUM> coupled with the pair of runners <NUM>, <NUM>. The tyres <NUM> may be switched between two positions.

<FIG> illustrates the tyres <NUM> in a drive position, wherein the tyres <NUM> support the snow vehicle <NUM> travelling over a surface <NUM> having no snow and/or ice or having the snow and/or the ice covered with gravel. The tyres <NUM> may be height adjustable in the drive position.

<FIG> illustrates the tyres <NUM> in a storage position, wherein the tyres <NUM> let the pair of runners <NUM>, <NUM> to support the snow vehicle <NUM> travelling over the snow and/or ice <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the tyres <NUM> may be swivelled or folded so that they do not support the weight of the snow vehicle <NUM> on the snow and/or ice <NUM> beneath (a slight contact with the snow and/or ice <NUM> may remain).

<FIG> illustrate a detail of a mechanism enabling the tyres <NUM> to move between the storage position and the drive position, and also enabling the tyres <NUM> to be height adjustable in the drive position. The mechanism comprises an arm <NUM> coupled with the frame <NUM> at one end and to a hub of the tyre <NUM> at the other end with a fixing <NUM>. The arm <NUM> may swivel from the storage position of <FIG> to the drive position of <FIG>. The arm <NUM> may be provided with holes <NUM>, <NUM>. A support <NUM> is fixedly coupled with the frame <NUM> and provided with a protruding spring-loaded pin <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The driver may then adjust the height of each tyre <NUM> by guiding the spring-loaded pin <NUM> to the hole <NUM> or the hole <NUM>. Note that the number of holes <NUM>, <NUM> in our example is two, but more holes <NUM>, <NUM> may be used to provide more precise height adjustment.

<FIG> illustrates a collapsed snow vehicle <NUM>, enabled by the earlier explained embodiment, wherein the frame of the snow vehicle <NUM> comprises one or more joints <NUM> configured so that the snow vehicle <NUM> is collapsible for storage and transport.

<FIG> illustrates a detail of the drive ready snow vehicle <NUM>, whereas <FIG> illustrates a collapsed snow vehicle <NUM>, both enabled by the joint <NUM> connecting two parts 1400A, 1400B of the frame.

<FIG> illustrates a detail of the mechanism <NUM>, <NUM> enabling the tyres <NUM> to move between the storage position and the drive position. As shown, the arm <NUM> is moved so that the collapsed snow vehicle <NUM> is as compact as possible.

Let us next study <FIG>, <FIG>, which illustrate various accessory embodiments for the snow vehicle <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the snow vehicle <NUM> is of the type with the steering arrangement comprising the steering axle <NUM> coupled with the traction wheel <NUM>, and the handlebar-level steering bar <NUM> coupled with the steering axle <NUM> and configured and positioned to enable steering of the traction wheel <NUM> while the driver <NUM> is standing on the pair or runners <NUM>, <NUM>. The snow vehicle <NUM> comprises an attachment mechanism <NUM> configured to accommodate in front of the steering axle <NUM> an accessory.

In an embodiment of <FIG>, the accessory is a passenger seat <NUM> accommodating a passenger <NUM> (such as a child, a juvenile, or an adult, or even a pet such as a dog or a cat). The passenger seat may also be a multi-use bench (possibly containing a storage space).

In an embodiment of <FIG>, the accessory is a storage box <NUM> (or a basket, for example).

In an embodiment of <FIG>, the accessory is a cool box <NUM> or heat box <NUM>.

Note that besides these examples, the accessory may also be another type of usable extension to the functionalities of the snow vehicle <NUM> including, but not being limited to: a music player, a snow plough, a snowblower, one or more extra rechargeable batteries.

In an embodiment, the snow vehicle <NUM> comprises one or more rechargeable batteries <NUM> configured to provide electric power to the electric motor <NUM>, and a power output <NUM> configured to provide electric power <NUM>, <NUM> for the accessory <NUM>, <NUM> from the one or or more rechargeable batteries <NUM>. Consequently, the power output <NUM> may provide electric power <NUM>, <NUM> to warm the seat <NUM>, to cool the cool box <NUM>, to heat the heat box <NUM>, to power the music player, to power the snowblower, etc. Note that as the accessory may include one or more extra rechargeable batteries, the snow vehicle <NUM> may be provided with a power input to power the electric motor <NUM>. Note that the accessory requiring the electric power may also include one or more rechargeable batteries to provide extra or sole electric power for the accessory. Note also that the accessory may comprise additional parts, such as a lid <NUM>, a lock, fixing points for carrying load, hooks, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface, etc..

In an embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the snow vehicle comprises a seat <NUM> positioned between the pair of runners <NUM>, <NUM> and configured to seat at least the driver <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the seat <NUM> may be long enough to seat the passenger <NUM> (or even two passengers <NUM>, depending on the length of the seat <NUM> and the physical dimensions of the passengers <NUM>). The seat <NUM> is dimensioned so that the driver <NUM>, while seated, steers the snow vehicle <NUM> by turning the handlebar-level steering bar <NUM>. The steering axle <NUM> may comprise a telescopic structure, which enables the driver <NUM> to adjust the height of the steering bar <NUM>. The driver <NUM> and the passenger <NUM> may keep their feet on the pair of runners <NUM>, <NUM>, or on the part <NUM> of the frame. The seat <NUM> may be fixedly placed on the snow vehicle <NUM>, or alternatively, the seat <NUM> may be removably attachable to the snow vehicle <NUM>, enabling the driver <NUM> to switch between driving seated or standing. <FIG> illustrates that the seat <NUM> may comprise a cover <NUM>, which may swivel to an open position, enabling loading of goods <NUM> inside the seat <NUM> for transportation. Alternatively, the seat <NUM> may comprise a door on the side wall, and the door may be opened to load the goods <NUM> into the seat <NUM>. The seat <NUM> may be placed low so that the floor of the luggage space is at a slightly higher level then the pair of the runners <NUM>, <NUM> (in order that the bottom of the seat <NUM> does not abrade against the snow and/or ice <NUM>). The luggage space within the seat <NUM> may also be open at one or both ends (or even open at all four sides), thereby enabling loading and transportation of long objects (such as skis, etc.). The seat <NUM> may also be a bench supported by legs (by four legs rising from the pair of runners <NUM>, <NUM>, for example), and, optionally, provided with a floor between the pair of runners <NUM>, <NUM>, thereby providing a flexible cargo space under the seat <NUM>.

In an embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the snow vehicle <NUM> is capable of transporting the driver <NUM> in a wheelchair <NUM>. The wheelchair <NUM> may be a manual self-propelled wheelchair or a powered wheelchair, but also another kind of mobility aid vehicle such as a mobility scooter. Naturally, the structures of the snow vehicle <NUM> need to be designed to support and haul the extra weight of the mobility aid vehicle <NUM>. The snow vehicle <NUM> is configured to accommodate the mobility aid vehicle <NUM>. The mobility aid vehicle <NUM> may be on top of the pair of runners <NUM>, <NUM>, or on the part <NUM> of the frame. The snow vehicle <NUM> may be configured to dock the mobility aid vehicle <NUM> to the snow vehicle <NUM>. A mechanical connection (not illustrated) may be provided to fix the mobility aid vehicle <NUM> immovably to the snow vehicle <NUM>. A suitably formed ramp (not illustrated) may be provided to enable the driver <NUM> on the mobility aid vehicle <NUM> to board the snow vehicle <NUM>. While riding the snow vehicle <NUM>, the driver <NUM> may be seated on the mobility aid vehicle <NUM> (on the wheelchair or the mobility scooter, for example). The steering axle <NUM> may comprise a telescopic structure, which enables the driver <NUM> to adjust the height of the steering bar <NUM>. The steering axle <NUM> may also comprise a swivelling structure, which enables the driver <NUM> to adjust a distance to the steering bar <NUM>.

The described embodiments provide a safe and easy to use snow vehicle <NUM> for everyday use by ordinary people. As such, it may resemble an e-bike, possibly meeting some legislation requirements such as a top speed of <NUM>/h, <NUM>/h, or some other nationally mandated limit. Also, legal requirements set for the dimensions of a street-legal vehicle may be taken into account in the design. Naturally, as the described snow vehicle <NUM> defines a new type of vehicle, the legislation is still emerging.

Claim 1:
A snow vehicle (<NUM>) comprising:
a pair of runners (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to support the snow vehicle (<NUM>) travelling over snow and/or ice (<NUM>);
an electric motor (<NUM>); and
a traction wheel (<NUM>), powered by the electric motor (<NUM>), and configured to cause a propulsion for the snow vehicle (<NUM>) while rolling in contact with the snow and/or the ice (<NUM>),
wherein the traction wheel (<NUM>) is positioned in front of the pair of runners (<NUM>, <NUM>) and characterised in that the snow vehicle (<NUM>) is of a kicksled type.