Modelling of the Vertical Dynamics of an Electric Kick Scooter

Nowadays, micro-mobility is one of the major global trends in cities for the innovation of the transport system. In this context a breakthrough introduction of electric kick scooters (e-scooters) has taken place. Unfortunately, these mobility systems cause several accidents mainly for two reasons: wrong use and inadequate safety requirements. Since e-scooters are quite a new type of vehicle, generally accepted mathematical models are yet to be developed. These models can be useful in understanding the dynamical properties of this type of vehicle thus improving its design to reduce riding accidents. The present paper presents a model for the simulation of the vertical dynamic behavior of e-scooters that accounts also for the mechanical impedance of the driver, thus allowing to estimate the overall driver’s comfort and road holding capabilities providing information on possible speed limitations in case of bad road conditions. Furthermore, the paper shows experimental envelope curves for lumped obstacles obtained with a dedicated test bench on which the e-scooter is fixed and tested under different conditions of vertical load and tire inflation pressure.