FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to an improved scooter or similar type self- propelled, foot-propelled, rider-propelled, user-propelled or human-propelled vehicle or transport means. Hereinafter, the term "user-propelled" is used to refer to any such vehicles. The present invention, particularly, though not exclusively, relates to scooters such as collapsible scooters, folding scooters or "microscooters".

PH fV » r IM I im vt-ii ι iv/m

Scooters are known, and have experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years, e.g. due to innovations such as the collapsible scooter or "microscooter".

A number of disadvantages have been identified in the prior art. For example:

ease of water damage;

ease of impact damage, e.g. off pavements, sidewalks, kerbs and the like; and/or

difficulty of switching electronically actuable means such as illumination means on/off - often leading to such being left on when the scooter is not being ridden (which can lead to batteries becoming discharged).

It is an object of at least one embodiment of at least one aspect of the present invention to obviate and/or mitigate one or more problems/disadvantages in the prior art.

It is an object of at least one embodiment of at least one aspect of the present invention to provide an improved scooter, and particularly, though not exclusively, an improved collapsible scooter or "microscooter".

It is an object of at least one embodiment of at least one aspect of the present invention to provide a vehicle/scooter wherein electronically actuable means/illumination means operate only {e.g. selectively or switchably operate) when the vehicle/scooter is mounted or ridden.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

These and other objects of the present invention are sought to be addressed by providing a first general solution of a self-propelled foot-propelled, rider-propelled, user-propelled or human-propelled vehicle, such as a scooter, comprising a platform having a built-in or integral battery compartment.

These and other objects of the present invention are sought to be addressed by providing a second general solution of a self-propelled, foot-propelled, rider- propelled, user-propelled or human-propelled vehicle, such as a scooter, comprising a platform having a switch means operated by mounting and/or dismounting the platform.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a self- propelled foot-propelled, rider-propelled, user-propelled or human-propelled vehicle, such as a scooter, comprising a platform comprising at least one space or void for

at

The platform may comprise a plurality, e.g. at least one pair of spaces or voids. The pair of voids may be symmetrically disposed, e.g. along peripheral lower edges of the platform.

The at least one of the at least one space or void may be capable of removably receiving (and retaining) the at least one battery or cell.

The platform may comprise a footplate or upper supporting surface.

The/each space or void may be defined by one or more walls, preferably defining an enclosed space. The one or more walls may depend from and preferably be joined to or advantageously be integrally forward with the footplate or upper supporting surface. At least one of the walls may comprise a portion of a lower side or under-side of the footplate or upper supporting surface.

The/each space or void may further comprise at least a first wall. The/each space or void may further comprise at least a second wall. The first and or second wall may be straight or curved. A first end of the first wall may be provided substantially at or adjacent a side of the footplate. A first end of the second wall may be provided inwardly of the first wall relative to the footplate. The first and second walls may each extend away from the lower side or under-side of the footplate. The first and second walls may be elongate, e.g. be provided substantially from or proximal to a front end to or proximal to a rear end of the footplate. A second end of the first wall and a second end of the second wall may be connected together. The first wall, second wall and a portion of the lower side or under-side of the footplate may define the space or void.

The/each space or void may be triangular, e.g. right angled, isosceles, or equilateral, in elongate cross-section. Alternatively, the/each space or void may be at least part circular, e.g. a segment of a circle, a sector of a circle, semicircular, or rectangular or square in elongate cross-section. The at least one of the at least one space or void may be provided at or adjacent one side edge of the footplate on a/the lower side or under-side thereof. A similar or matching further at least one space or void may be provided at or adjacent another side edge of the footplate on a/the lower side or under-side thereof. The further at least one space or void may be empty or may receive at least one further battery or cell.

At least one of the at least one or more walls of the/each space or void may comprise means for strengthening and/or reinforcing the platform/footplate.

The one or more walls of the/each space or void may be integrally formed with or formed in one piece with the footplate or upper supporting surface.

The st least one of t e -at least One space or void may comprise a noiiow portion or section, most preferably provided on an under-side of the platform/footplate.

The at least one of the at least one space or void may comprise means for removably receiving the at least one battery or cell.

The means for removably receiving the at least one battery or cell may comprise a battery compartment, typically comprising an anode, a cathode and a biasing means or spring and optionally an elongate body, e.g. made from a plastics material. The at least one battery or cell may comprise a plurality of batteries or cells which may be longitudinally disposed. The battery(ies) or ceil(s) may be of standard size, e.g. AA, AAA or the like.

The at least one battery or cell may be removed from or received in the space or void via an aperture. The aperture may be openably closable by removable closure means.

In one embodiment the aperture may be provided at an end of the at least one space or void, e.g. at a front end or a rear end of the platform. The removable closure means may comprise an end cap{s).

In another embodiment the aperture may be provided on a side wall of the at least one space or void.

The removable closure means may comprise a plastics or polymer material or may comprise a metallic material. The removable closure means and/or the aperture may comprise releasable lockable means for removably securing the removable closure means relative to the aperture.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a self- propelled, foot-propelled, rider-propelled, user-propelled or human-propelled vehicle, such as a scooter, comprising a platform and at least one switch means which is operated by depressing on at least a portion of the platform. The platform may comprise a first or lower (platform/planar) member and a second or upper (platform/planar) member or deck or footplate.

The at least a portion of the platform may comprise at least a portion of the second or upper platform member or deck or footplate.

The at least a portion of the platform may comprise at least a portion of a top surface of the platform.

In one embodiment, the at least a portion of the platform may comprise the second or upper platform member or deck or footplate. In such instance the top surface of the platform may comprise a top surface of the second or upper platform member.

in iti i aiieuiauv« eit tuyuiiTiei i, ^* u% ScCOn i Of Uppei ^* μϊβίίθΓΓΰ mem r may ^* comprise a first or passive portion, and at least one second or active portion. In such instance the at least a portion of the platform may comprise the at least one second or active portion of the second or upper platform member or deck or footplate. Also, in such instance, the top surface of the platform may comprise a top surface of the first or passive portion and a top surface of the at least one second or active portion of the upper platform member.

The at least one second or active portion may be located on or near a substantially central, non peripheral or mid-portion of the upper platform member. By such provision the second or active portion may help and/or assist a user in position his/her foot/feet on an optimum location of the platform. The at least one second or active portion may comprise, e.g. one second or active portion located on or near a substantially central portion of the upper platform member. Alternatively, the at least one second or active portion may comprise, e.g. two second or active portions, e.g. one or each in the shape of a foot, located on or near a substantially central portion of the upper platform member and/or first or passive portion.

The first or passive portion of the second or upper platform member may be substantially stationary relative to the first or lower platform member.

The at least one second or active portion of the second or upper platform member may be movable and/or depressible relative to the first or lower platform member and/or relative to the first or passive portion of the second or upper platform member.

The first or passive portion of the second or upper platform member may comprise a peripheral or at least partially peripheral portion and at least one recess or lower portion configured for receiving the at least one second or active portion. In such instance a bottom surface of the second or upper platform member may comprise a bottom surface of the first or passive portion. Alternatively, the first or passive portion of the second or upper platform member may comprise at least one hole of cavity configured for receiving the at least one second or active portion. In such instance a bottom surface of the second or upper platform member may comprise a bottom surface of the first or passive portion and a bottom surface of the at least one second or active portion.

The second or upper platform member may be at least partially transparent or translucent.

The switch means may comprise an on/off switch means, e.g. for electronically actuable means.

The switch means may comprise electronic switch means.

The switch means may comprise <ai i«a»i one switch arid preferably a plurality of spaced switches, e.g. on/off switches.

The first platform member may comprise a metallic material, e.g. aluminium or an alloy thereof.

The second platform member may comprise a metallic material or advantageously may comprise a polymeric material, e.g. a rigid polymer material.

There may be provided means for resiliency and/or biasedly spacing the first platform member and the second platform member, the first platform member and the at least one second or active portion of the second platform member, or the recess or lower portion the first or passive portion and the at least one second or active portion of the second platform member. The resilient or biased spacing means may act to space a first (lower) surface of the second platform member and a second (upper) surface of the first platform member, a bottom surface of the at least one second or active portion of the second platform member and a second (upper) surface of the first platform member, or a bottom surface of the at least one second or active portion and an upper surface the recess or lower portion the first or passive portion of the second platform member.

The resilient/biasing means may be provided between the first platform member and the second platform member, the first platform member and the at least one second or active portion of the second platform member, or the recess or lower portion the first or passive portion and the at least one second or active portion of the second platform member.

The resilient/biasing means may comprise a plurality of spaced resilient biasing means.

The resilient/biasing means may comprise a spring(s).

There may be provided means for fixing the first platform member and the second platform member, the first platform member and the first or passive portion of the second platform member, the first platform member and the at least one second or active portion of the second platform member, and/or the first or passive portion and the at least one second or active portion of the second platform member relative to one another, e.g. in a plane of a footplate of the vehicle, e.g. in a plane substantially perpendicular to an axis of action of the resilient/biasing means.

The means for fixing may comprise interengaging or interlocking means provided on the first platform member and the second platform member, the first platform member and the first or passive portion of the second platform member, the first platform member and the at least one second or active portion of the second platform member, and/or the first or passive portion and the at least one second or acuve portion ui me seuunu piaiiuint ii ietno r, e.g. aiong eoges u iereot, i or example, the interengaging means may comprise overlapping first and second lip portions.

The means for fixing may additionally or alternatively comprise screws or bolts.

The switch means may be provided on the first platform member, e.g. on an upper surface thereof. Alternatively the switch means may be provided on the second platform member, e.g. on a bottom surface of the at least one second or active portion of the second or upper platform member, or on an upper surface of the recess or lower portion of the first or passive portion of the second platform member. A switch member of the/each switch means may resiliency or biasedly extend into a space or gap between the first platform member and the second platform member, the first platform member and the at least one second or active portion of the second platform member, or the recess or lower portion of the first or passive portion and the at least one second or active portion of the second platform member, e.g. when such are spaced by the resilient/biasing means.

The switch member(s) may be caused to be depressed when the first platform member and second platform member, the first platform member and the at least one second or active portion of the second platform member, or the recess or lower portion of the first or passive portion and the at least one second or active portion of the second platform member are caused to be moved together {against an influence of the biasing means), in use.

The switch means may be activated upon relative movement of the first platform member and second platform member, first platform member and at least one second or active portion of the second platform member, or recess or lower portion of the first or passive portion and at least one second or active portion of the second platform member towards one another. Such relative movement may comprise movement of the second platform member or at least one second or active portion thereof when a user mounts the vehicle or stands thereupon.

In one implementation the switch means may be deactivated upon relative movement of the first platform member and second platform member, the first platform member and at least one second or active portion of the second platform member, or the recess or lower portion of the first or passive portion and the at least one second or active portion of the second platform member away from one another.

Such relative movement may comprise movement of the second platform member or at least one second or active portion thereof when a user dismounts the vemcie or stands thereof.

In another implementation the switch means may remain activated upon a next relative movement of the first platform member and second platform member, the first platform member and the at least one second or active portion of the second platform member, o the recess or lower portion of the first or passive portion and the at least one second or active portion of the second platform member away from one another. In said another implementation the switch means may be deactivated upon a next relative movement of the second platform member and the first platform member, the first platform member and at least one second or active portion of the second platform member, or the recess or lower portion of the first or passive portion and the at least one second or active portion of the second platform member towards one another.

The vehicle may comprise a compartment for at least one battery or cell.

The foregoing features of the foregoing aspects may be provided individually or in combination. The following features may optionally and/or advantageously be provided in either of the foregoing aspects.

Preferably the self-propelled, rider-propelled, human- propelled or foot- propelled vehicle is a scooter, such as a collapsible scooter or microscooter.

The scooter may comprise a/the platform footplate, at least one front wheel, at least one rear wheel, a steering column and handlebars. A lockable hinge means may be provided between the platform/footplate and the steering column, e.g. between a front end of the platform/footplate and a bottom end of the steering column.

The platform may comprise a metallic material, e.g. aluminium or an alloy thereof. Aluminium is a strong, low cost and low weight metal, which may be particularly suited to this use. The platform may be formed by an extrusion process. The vehicle may comprise at least one output means (e.g. electronic sensory output means), electronically actuabie or actuatable means, e.g. illuminatable or illumination means and/or acoustic means, e.g. for producing light and/or sound from the vehicle.

The vehicle may comprise switch means.

By switching the switch means on, the output means or electronically actuabie means may be caused to be actuated by electrical power from the at least one battery or cell.

The illuminatable or illumination means may comprise at least one and preferably a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs).

The output means/electronically actuabie means may comprise sound producing means or at least one loudspeaker.

The output means/electronically actuabie means/illumination means may be provided on the platform, e.g. on or within the first platform member, on or within the second platform member, on or within the at least one second or active portion of the second platform member, on or within the first or passive portion of the second platform member such as on or within the peripheral portion and/or on or within the at least one recess or lower portion of the second platform member, along at least one side edge of the platform, on a front end(s) of the platform (e.g. on either side of a front wheel and/or on an end of a pair of spaces or voids), on a rear end(s) of the platform (e.g. on either side of a rear wheel and/or on an end of a pair of spaces or voids), on a/the steering column, and/or on or adjacent a/the handlebar.

The switch means, output means electronically actuabie means and at least one battery or cell may form part of an electronic circuit. There may also be provided microprocessor means for controlling the output means/electronically actuabie means.

Preferably the at least one battery or cell is/are removably insertable into the space or void without a need to disassemble or collapse the vehicle/scooter.

Preferably the at least one battery or cell is/are removably insertable into the/a space or void with the vehicle/scooter in an operational erect disposition.

Preferably the at least one battery or cell is/are removably insertable into the space or void from an end or a face or an edge of the platform.

The end may be a rear end, e.g. on one side of a rear wheel. The edge may be an inner facing face or edge.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a platform adapted for use in or when used in a self-propelled, foot-propelled, rider- propelled, user-propelled, or human-propelled vehicle, such as a scooter, according to the first or second aspects of the present invention.

It will be appreciated that one or more of the features of one or more of the foregoing general solutions or aspects of the present invention may be swapped with or combined with one another. Merely for reasons of conciseness all such options and combinations are not recited herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are:

Figure 1(a) a side view of a scooter according to a first embodiment of the present invention in a first (collapsed) state;

Figure 1(b) a side view of the scooter of Figure 1(a) in a second (erected) state;

Figure 1(c) an end view of a platform of the scooter of Figure

1(a);

Figure 1(d) a perspective view from one end and to one side of the platform of Figure 1(c);

Figure 1(e) a cross-sectional view of the platform of Figure

1(c) along line A - A of Figure 1(d);

Figure 1(f) a cross-sectional view of a platform according to a first modification along line B - B of Figure 1(d); Figure 1(g) a circuit diagram of circuitry of the scooter of

Figure 1(a);

Figure 2(a) a side view of a scooter according to a second embodiment of the present invention in a first (collapsed) state;

Figure 2(b) a side view of the scooter of Figure 2(a) in a second (erected) state;

Figure 2(c) a cross-sectional end view of the scooter of Figure

2(a);

Figure 2(d) a circuit diagram of circuitry of the scooter of

Figure 2(a);

Figure 2(e) a side view of a variant of the scooter of Figure

2(a); Figure 2(f) an exploded view of the platform of the scooter of

Figure 2(e);

Figure 3(a) a perspective view of a scooter according to a third embodiment of the present invention in a first (collapsed) state:

Figure 3(b) a perspective view of the scooter of Figure 3(a) in a second (erected) state;

Figure 3(c) an end cross-sectional view of a platform of the scooter of Figure 3(a);

Figure 4(a) a perspective view from above and to one side of a

i u ic present invention;

Figure 4(b) an exploded side view of part of a platform of the scooter of Figure 4(a);

Figure 4(c) a perspective view of an underside of a platform of the scooter of Figure 4(a);

Figure 5(a) a close up side view of a rear of a scooter according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5(b) a partial rear view of the scooter of Figure 5(a); Figure 5(c) a view from below of the scooter of Figure 5(a); igure 5(d) a close up view from the other side of the scooter of Figure 5(a);

Figures 6(a) to 6(f) various views of a scooter and a platform thereof according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention; and

Figures 7(a) to 7(c) various views of a scooter and a platform thereof according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Referring initially to Figures 1(a) to 1(g) there is shown a self-propelled, foot- propelled, rider-propelled, user-propelled or human-propelled vehicle, such as a scooter, generally designated 5a, according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The scooter 5a comprises a platform 10a comprising at least one space or void 15a, at least one of the at least one space or void 15a being adapted for receiving at least one battery or cell 20a, The at least one of the at (east one space or void 15a is capable of removably receiving (and retaining) the at least one battery or cell 20a.

The platform 5a comprises a footplate 25a. The/each space or void 15a is defined by one or more walls 30a, defining an enclosed space or void 15a. At least one of the walls 30a comprises a portion of a lower side or under-side 35a of the footplate 25a.

The/each space or void 15a comprises at least one first wall 40a. The/each space or void further comprises a second wall 45a. A first end of the first wall 40a is provided substantially at or adjacent one side of the footplate 25a. A first end of the second wall 45a is provided inward of the first wall 40a relative to the footplate 25a. The first and second waiis 4ua,45a each extend away ίιοιη t e lower or under side 35a of the footplate 25a. The first and second walls 40a, 45a are elongate, and are provided substantially from a front end 50a to a rear end 55a of the footplate 25a. A second end of the first wall 40a and a second end of the second wall 45a are connected together. The first wall 40a, second wall 45a and a portion of the lower or under side 35a of the footplate 25a defines the space or void 15a.

In this embodiment the space or void 15a is of elongate triangular, e.g. right angled, isosceles, or equilateral, cross-section. However, it will be appreciated that other shapes can be envisaged, e.g. part circular or quadrilateral.

The at least one of the at least one space or void 15a is provided at or adjacent one side edge 51a of the footplate 25a on a/the lower side or under-side 35a thereof. A similar or matching further at least one space or void 15a is provided at or adjacent another (opposite) side edge 52a of the footplate 25a on a/the lower side or under-side 35a thereof. The further at least one space or void 15a can be empty or can receive at least one further battery or cell 21a.

At least one of the at least one or more walls 30a of the/each space or void 15a comprises means for strengthening and/or reinforcing the platform 10a/footplate 25a.

The one or more walls 30a of the/each space or void 15a are beneficially integrally formed or formed in one piece with the footplate 25a, e.g. by an extrusion process. The at least one of the at least one space or void 15a comprises a hollow portion or section provided on a lower side or under-side 35a of the platform 10a/footplate 25a.

The at least one of the at least one space or void 15a comprises means for removably receiving the at least one battery or cell 20a. The means for removably receiving the at least one battery or cell 20a comprises a battery compartment 56a, and typically comprising an anode 60a, a cathode 65a and a biasing means or spring 70a and optionally an elongate body 75a, e.g. made from a plastics material. The at least one battery or cell 20a comprises a plurality of batteries or cells which are longitudinally disposed. The battery(ies) or cell(s) 20a can be of any size, e.g. any standard size, e.g. AA, AAA or the like.

The at least one battery or cell 20a can be removed from and/or received in the space or void via an aperture 80a. The aperture 80a is openably closable by removable closure means 85a.

In one implementation (see Figure 1(e)) the aperture 80a is provided at an end of the space or void 15a, e.g. at a front end or a rear end of the platform 10a. The removable closure means 85a comprises an end cap(s).

In another implementation (see Figure 1(f)) the aperture 80a ^" is i vide l on a side wall 80a' (e.g. an inner facing wall) of the space or void 15a'. The removable closure means 85a ^* comprises a side plate, e.g. removably fixed by screws.

The removable closure means 85a;85a ^* comprises a plastics or polymer material or a metallic material. The removable closure means 85a;85a' and/or the aperture 80a;80a' comprise releasable lockable means (not shown) for removably securing the removable closure means 85a;85a' relative to the aperture 80a;80a ^* .

The scooter 5a also comprises a switch means 100a operably associated with the battery(ies) or cells 20a.

Referring now to Figures 2(a) to 2(d) there is shown a self-propelled or foot- propelled vehicle, such as a scooter, generally designated 5b, according to a second aspect of the present invention. The scooter 5b is similar to the scooter 5a of the first embodiment in many respects, like parts being denoted by like numerals but suffixed "b".

The scooter 5b comprises a platform 10b and a switch means 100b which are operated by depressing on at least a portion of the platform 10b.

The platform 10b comprises a first or lower platform member 105b and a second or upper platform member or deck or footplate 110b. The at least a portion of the platform 10b comprises the upper platform member/deck/footplate 110b. The upper platform member 110b is, in this embodiment, at least partly transparent or translucent.

The switch means 100b comprises on/off switch means. The switch means 100b comprises electronic switch means. The switch means 100b comprises at least one switch, e.g. a plurality of spaced switches.

The at least a portion of the platform 10b comprises a top surface 115b of the platform 10b, i.e. a top surface of the second platform member 110b. The first platform member 105b comprises a metallic material, e.g. aluminium or an alloy thereof. The second platform member 1 10b comprises a metallic material or advantageously comprises a polymeric material, e.g. a rigid polymer material.

There are provided means 115b for resiliently and/or biasedly spacing the first platform 105b member from the second platform member 110b. The restlient or biased spacing means 115b act to space a first (lower) surface 120b of the second platform member 110b from a second (upper) surface 125b of the first platform member 105b.

The resilient/biasing means 115b are provided between the first and second platforms 105b, 110b. The resilient/biasing means 115b comprise a plurality of spaced resilient biasing means, in tnis emoodiment, the resitient/biastny tnwan¾ 11Gb comprise helical spring(s).

There are provided means 130b for fixing the first platform member 105b and second platform member 110b relative to one another, e.g. in a plane of a footplate of the scooter 5b, e.g. in a plane substantially perpendicular to an axis of action of the resilient/biasing means 115b.

The means for fixing 130b comprise interengaging or interlocking means 135b, 140b provided on the first and second platform members 105b, 110b respectively, e.g. along edges thereof. In this embodiment the interengaging means 135b, 140b comprise overlapping first and second lip portions carried on edges of the first and second platform member 105b, 110b.

The means for fixing 130b additionally (or alternatively) comprise screws or bolts 145b.

The switch means 100b are provided on the first platform member 105b. Alternatively the switch means 105b are provided on the second platform member. A switch member 150b of the/each switch means 100b resiliently or biasedly extends into a space or gap 155b between the first platform member 105b and second platform member 110b, e.g. when such are spaced by the resilient/biasing means 1 15b.

In use, the switch member(s) 150b is/are caused to be depressed when the first platform member 105b and second platform 110b member are caused to be moved together (against an influence of the biasing means 1 15b).

The switch means 100b are activated upon relative movement of the second platform member 110b and the first platform member 105b towards one another. Such relative movement typically comprises movement of the second platform member 110b when a user mounts the scooter 5b or stands thereupon. In one implementation the switch means 100b are deactivated upon relative movement of the second platform member 110b and the first platform member 105b away from one another. Such relative movement comprise movement of the second platform member 110b when a user dismounts the scooter 5b or stands thereof!

In another implementation the switch means 100b remain activated upon a next relative movement of the second platform member 110b and the first platform member 105b away from one another. In said another implementation the switch means 100b are deactivated upon a further next relative movement of the second platform member 1 10b and the first platform member 105b towards one another. Such next relative movement comprises movement of the second platform member 110b when a user dismounts the scooter 5b or stands thereof. Such iuii! ier next relative movement comprises movement of the second platform member 110b when a user (again) mounts the scooter 5b or stands thereon.

The scooter 5b comprises a compartment 55b for at least one battery or cell.

Referring now to Figures 2(e) and 2(f) there is shown a scooter, generally designated 5b ^' , according to a variant of the second aspect of the present invention. The scooter 5b ^* is generally similar to the scooter 5b, like parts being denoted by like numerals but suffixed

As in the scooter 5b of Figures 2(a) to 2(d), the scooter 5b ^* of Figures 2(e) and 2(f) comprises a platform 10b' comprising a first or lower platform member 105b' and a second or upper platform member or deck or footplate 110b'.

However, in the scooter 5b' of Figures 2(e) and 2(f), the second or upper platform member 110b' comprises a first or passive portion 111b' and a second or active portion 112b'.

The top surface of the platform 10b ^* comprises a top surface of the first or passive portion 111b ^* and a top surface of the second or active portion 112b' of the upper platform member 110b'.

The first or passive portion 111b' of the second or upper platform member 110b' is stationary relative to the first or lower platform member 105b'.

The second or active portion 112b' of the second or upper platform member 1 10b' is movable and/or depressible relative to the first or passive portion 111b' of the second or upper platform member 110b'.

In this embodiment, the second or active portion 1 12b' of the upper platform member 110b' is at least partly transparent or translucent.

In this embodiment, the second or active portion 112b' is located on or near a substantially central portion of the first or passive portion 111b" of the second or upper platform member 110b'. In this embodiment, the first or passive portion 111 b' of the second or upper platform member 110b' comprises a peripheral portion 113b' and a recess or lower portion 114b ^* configured for receiving the second or active portion 112b', Thus, the bottom surface of the second or upper platform member 110b ^* comprises the bottom surface of the first or passive portion 1 1 1b'.

In an alternative embodiment, the first or passive portion 111b' of the second or upper platform member 110b' may comprise at least one hole of cavity configured for receiving the second or active portion 112b'. In such instance a bottom surface of the second or upper platform member 110b' may comprise a bottom surface of the first or passive portion 111b' and a bottom surface of the at least one second or active portion n2b ^: .

In this embodiment, the switch means 100b' comprises a plurality of spaced switch members 150b' provided on the recess or lower portion 114b' of the first or passive portion 111b' of the second or upper platform member 110b'.

There are provided means 115b' (not shown) for resiliently and/or biasedly spacing an upper surface of the recess or lower portion 114b' of the first or passive portion 111b ^* and a bottom surface of the second or active portion 112b' of the second or upper platform member 110b'.

In use, the switch members 150b' are caused to be depressed when the recess or lower portion 114b' of the first or passive portion 1 1 1b' and the second or active portion 112b ^* of the second or upper platform member 110b' are caused to be moved together (against an influence of the biasing means 115b'). Such can be caused, in use, by a user standing on the second or active portion 1 12b ^* .

The other features of the scooter 5b of Figures 2(a) to 2(d) can be applied to the scooter 5b ^* of Figures 2(e) and 2(f), and are therefore not repeated here for brevity.

In the foregoing embodiments the self-propelled or foot-propetled vehicle is a scooter 5a;5b;5b\ such as a collapsible scooter or microscooter. The scooter 5a;5b;5b' comprises a/the platform 10a;10b;10b', footplate 25a;25b;25b', at least one front wheel 200a;200b;200b', at least one rear wheel 205a;205b;205b', a steering column 210a;210b;210b" and handlebars 215a;215b;215b'. A lockabie hinge means 220a;220b;220b' is provided between the platform/footplate and the steering column 210a;210b;210b'. e.g. between a front end of the platform 25a;25b;25b' and a bottom end of the steering column 210a;210b;210b'. The scooter 5a;5b;5b' also comprises a rear brake 221a;221 b;221 b' comprising a spring biased rear brake member.

The platform 25a;25b;25b' comprises a metallic material, e.g. aluminium or an alloy thereof. Aluminium is a strong, low cost and low weight metal, which is particularly suited to this use. The platform 25a;25b;25b' is typically formed in one piece by an extrusion process.

The scooter 5a;5b;5b' comprises at least one electronic output means or electronically actuable means 225a;225b;225b\ e.g. illuminatable or illumination means 300a;300b;300b ^* and/or acoustic means, e.g. for producing light and/or sound from the scooter 5a;5b;5b'.

The scooter 5a;5b;5b' comprises switch means 100a; 100b; 100b'. By switching on the switching means 100a; 100b; 100b' the electronically actuatable means 225a;225b;225b" are caused to be actuated by electrical power from the at least one battery or cell 20a;20b;20b'.

I. ι μι a of light emitting diodes (LEDs).

The electronically actuable or actuatable means 225a;225b;225b' additionally or alternatively comprises sound producing means or at least one loudspeaker.

The electronically actuable or actuatable means 225a;225b;225b7illumination means 300a; 300b; 300b ^* are optionally provided along at least one side edge of the platform 10a; 10b; 10b', on or adjacent a top of the platform 10a; 10b; 10b', on a front end(s) of the platform 10a; 10b; 10b' {e.g. on either side of a front wheel 200a;200b;200b' and/or on an end of a pair of spaces or voids), on a rear end(s) of the platform 10a; 10b; 10b' {e.g. on either side of a rear wheel 205a;205b;205b' and/or on an end of a pair of spaces or voids), on or adjacent a/the steering column 210a;210b;210b\ and/or on or adjacent a/the handlebar 215a;215b;215b'.

A the switch means 100a; 100b; 100b" {e.g. on/off switch means), electronically actuable means 225a;225b;225b' and at least one battery or cell 20a;20b;20b' form part of an electronic circuit. There can also be provided microprocessor means for controlling the electronically actuable means 225a;225b;225b', in use.

Referring now to Figures 3(a) to (c) there is shown a scooter, generally designated 5c, according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The scooter 5c is similar to the scooter 5a of the first embodiment, and/or the scooter 5b or 5b' of the second embodiment incorporating the features of one or both.

The scooter 5c is also similar to the scooter of GB Patent No. 2 397 808 B {H GROSSMAN LIMITED), the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The scooter 5c comprises;

platform 10c for supporting a foot or feet of a user, the platform 10c having at least one longitudinal edge; and

at least one illuminatable means 300c. At least one channel 305c is provided on or mounted adjacent to at least a portion of the at least one longitudinal edge, the at least one channel 305c being configured to receive and entrap the at least one illuminatable means 300c, a height or width or an inner portion of the at least one channel 305c being greater than a height or width of an opening of the at least one channel 305c, and a height or width of the at least one illuminatable means 300c being greater than the height or width of the opening of the at least one channel 305c.

The at least one illuminatable means 300c typically comprises an elongate member providing a plurality of illumination devices {e.g. light emitting diodes (LEDs)). and the at least one channel 305c comprises an elongate channel.

ι , ι y < lyui <so \a ) tu u ioi o lo a ουυυιοι , yet icn eitijf designated 5d, according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The scooter 5d is similar to the scooter 5a of the first embodiment and/or the scooter 5b or 5b' of the second embodiment incorporating the features of one or both.

The scooter 5d is also similar to the scooter of EP Patent No. 1 686 052 B1 (H GROSSMAN LIMITED), the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The scooter 5d comprises a platform 10d for supporting a user, the platform 10d having an upper surface having illumination means 300d characterised in that the platform 10d comprises a lower platform portion 105b and an upper platform portion 110b, the upper platform portion 110b being at least part transparent or translucent and comprising a foot-plate.

Referring now to Figures 5(a) to (d) there is shown a scooter, generally designated 5e, according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The scooter 5e is similar to the scooter 5a of the first embodiment and/or the scooter 5b or 5b' of the second embodiment incorporating the features of one or both.

The scooter 5e is also similar to the scooter of WO 2008/090309 (H GROSSMAN LIMITED), the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The scooter 5e comprises a platform 10e and at least one illumination means 300e or light, wherein the at least one illumination means is a brake light and/or is provided on a rear facing portion of the platform 10e.

The at least one light comprises at least one illumination means 300e on a left hand side rear portion of the platform 10e and at least one illumination means 300e on a right hand side rear portion of the platform 10e. The left and right hand side rear portions are provided on or adjacent to either side of the rear wheel 205e.

Referring now to Figures 6(a) to (f) there is shown a scooter, generally designated 5f, according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The scooter 5f is similar to the scooter 5a of the first embodiment incorporating features thereof. Referring now to Figures 7(a) to (c) there is shown a scooter, generally designated 5g, according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. The scooter 5g is similar to the scooter 5b of the second embodiment incorporating features thereof.

It will be appreciated that the embodiments of the present invention hereinbefore described are given by way of example only, and are not meant to limit the scope thereof in any way. It will be appreciated that various modifications may be envisaged to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.