Project Overview

The moon scooter has a simple, bold, no-nonsense design. With RFID keyless start-up, you just step on the self-balancing scooter and go. It features extreme off-the-line torque and speeds up to 25 mph with a 20-mile range. The brake system is achieved through rear wheel regenerative braking paired with a front-wheel hydraulic disc brake. High output lithium batteries are located in the base to power an efficient 1000W geared hub motor housed within the rear wheel. A quick-folding handlebar gives the scooter pack-ability for quick storage and transport. Additionally, the bar adjusts to varying degrees for rider comfort. This scooter may be ridden stripped down or customized. Customizable components include seat, front/rear utility racks, headlight, brake light, phone holder/charger and custom rack bags. Cruise along for recreation, transportation, or attach racks and use for utility.

This vehicle is made of the proper materials for cost, function, and longevity. Each part can be replaced if damaged. Parts are over-sized giving added strength and protection. The large tires house and protect the mechanical components. The electronics are safely housed within the base and steel bar. The batteries are custom designed high-output, efficient 18650 cells that can withstand high recharge cycles. Batteries, motor, and tires can easily be replaced.

I intend to serve this market with a US made product offering a stripped down design that is fully customizable for individuals of various size and need. Different handlebar heights are available along with additional components as add-ons to fit user needs.

Assembly is minimal and simple and designed with local manufacturing and tooling in mind in order to create jobs and minimize start up costs.

Materials include:

Frame: Bent steel tubing, for cost most parts are made from flat sheet metal and bent and welded assemblies

Aluminum housings: CNC machined

Power: 1000W geared center hub brushless motor made housing

Battery: Custom packed 18650 with integrated BMC

Electronics: Custom designed

Tires: Off the shelf modified

Wheels: Off the shelf modified

Utility Bags: Custom made

Project Details

I saw a need for a simple, compact, energy-efficient, environmentally friendly vehicle that could be used to travel short distances. Most of the products currently on the market are overbuilt or add on to existing products. I took the opportunity to create a stylish vehicle, simple like a skateboard yet easier to ride and user friendly no matter the skill. Additionally, I wanted to design a vehicle with a bold look that is fully customizable through its components. The solution: a simple electric vehicle that is easy to ride. With its self-balancing design, the rider easily steps on and rides away. Parking is a snap, simple step off and walk away. It recognizes when the rider walks away and waits for the RFID to start up again.

After researching personal electric vehicles and looking at what is currently on the market, I decided to do what I call, "go into the black. " Once I started designing, I did not look at other vehicles or competing products with the intention to prevent any outside influence. I wanted the design to be something different and unique. Thinking this way allowed me to focus solely on the necessary components. I envisioned the design as a platform between two oversized wheels with a pole for a handlebar. I created the minimalistic form then worked to hide and protect all the components within. The design was initially based on function but as it developed, it began to follow an aesthetic theme. I broke down each mechanical assembly to its simplest form removing all unnecessary shapes or parts.

The target user is an individual traveling short distances for transportation or recreation looking for a bold customizable personal electric vehicle with style. This reaches many demographics, whether enthusiasts, ages 16-45 looking to travel in effortless style or a racecar pit crew, looking for a packable vehicle in which the team can share to get around and move supplies. It's appealing to individuals who grew up riding Razor scooters and are familiar with that riding style but would enjoy an upgraded style and customizable options in a powered vehicle and college age students that do not have a car but need to get to and from school or around a large campus. The scooter also provides a feasible solution to the increasing drop in numbers of today's youth who are not receiving drivers licenses. No matter the purpose, owners can choose to keep it in its minimal form or fully outfit the vehicle for utility with a light, seat, racks, and bags full of gear.

Timing was the biggest challenge in the design of this project. It began as a class assignment; a challenge to design and prototype a product within a span of ten weeks. I researched and studied the electric vehicle market and its needs vigilantly. Working through most nights, I designed and built the parts in my garage. The time constraint left no margin for error. Despite these challenges, this need to get the assembly right from the start, I have been riding the moon scooter for over a year and the only problem I have encountered are a few blown fuses.