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ABSTRACT
A Schwinn S180 electric scooter has been modified for safe and comfortable use by an eleven-
year-old boy with right-side hemiplegia. The modifications include 1) a stabilizing mechanism to aid in
maintaining balance, 2) a foot guard to keep the right foot from sliding off the scooter, 3) an adapted seat
with armrest to support the torso while riding, 4) a handlebar extension to facilitate handling and steering,
and 5) a speed governor to limit scooter acceleration. As a result, the client can safely and comfortably
ride the scooter. These modifications are specific to this scooter but can be applied to other mobility
devices to assist individuals with other motor disabilities.
KEYWORDS: scooter; assistive mobility; armrest; training wheel; speed governor; handlebar extension
BACKGROUND
The client is an eleven-year-old boy with right-side hemiplegia as a result of a stroke incurred at
birth. Hemiplegia is a form of cerebral palsy, a disability that affects an individual’s motor abilities as a
result of brain damage (1). While the left-side of his body functions normally, the client’s right body has
decreased motor coordination and strength, limiting his ability to ride the Schwinn S180 battery-powered
scooter. His right arm does not extend to the handlebars, causing problems when steering and
maintaining posture. His right foot also slides off the scooter floor, posing a danger while he rides.
While projects have addressed similar modifications in the past, most of them have involved the
transformation of a commercial, two-wheel scooter into one with three wheels (2). Although a tricycle
guarantees stability, training wheels better fit the client’s needs as they more closely resemble a two-
wheeled bicycle and provide the opportunity to learn balance. The specified alterations provide the
comfort and stability necessary for the client to ride his scooter and also maintain its aesthetic appearance.
PROBLEM STATEMENT
The goal for the project was to improve the comfort, safety, and usability of a battery operated
scooter. Functional specifications included improving scooter balance, protecting the right foot from
falling off the scooter, providing comfortable support for the right arm, facilitating control of the scooter,
consisting of non-permanent modifications, and being easily transportable.
RATIONALE
The modifications will allow the client to ride his scooter safely for the first time under minimal
supervision. Aside from a tricycle that he used as a child, the altered scooter will be the first vehicle that
the client can operate on his own, allowing for a greater degree of mobility while engendering
independence and confidence. The final product consists of several features that can be implemented in
other designs for assistive mobility, benefiting a larger population of people with motor disabilities.
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Electric Scooter Modifications
stabilizing mechanism to help our client balance, 4) a modified seat and right arm support to maintain the
client’s posture while riding, and 5) a speed governor to maintain a safe operating speed (Photo 1).
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Insert Photo 1 Here: Finalized Scooter
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1. We created a foot guard out of aluminum sheet metal, which we molded to the contour of the floor
board’s right, outer edge (Photo 2). The metal wraps around the under side of the floor board and is
attached by four 3/16” flat headed bolts. The top edge of the foot guard extends 1.5” from the bottom
edge, which is sufficient to block a foot from sliding off that side of the scooter. Initially we decided
on thermoplastic, but it proved to be either too difficult to mold or deformable in hot weather.
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Insert Photo 2 Here: Foot Guard
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2. We modified the handlebars to sit in closer to the client’s body and facilitate steering with one
hand. Initially, we also considered developing a footbrake so that the client would not have to control
both the throttle and the brake with his left hand. After additional testing, we decided that the
footbrake would be difficult to implement and would not vastly improve our client’s ability to control
the scooter. The handlebars are only modified on the left side of the scooter. Two segments of
aluminum tubing, 8” long are used to form a handlebar extension (Photo 3). The throttle and hand
brake are reattached to this extension effectively bringing the scooter controls 8” closer to the user’s
body.
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Insert Photo 3 Here: Handlebar Extensions
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3. We implemented a stabilizing mechanism to assist the client with overall balance of the scooter.
Several mechanism designs were considered, such as a tricycle design and a “side car” design. We
ultimately decided on installing Fatwheels, a robust set of training wheels intended for off-road use.
One-inch axle extenders were added to properly attach the Fatwheels (Photo 4 & 5). During testing of
this mechanism, excessive stress on the training wheels caused the mounting bracket to bend. To
counter this possibility, an additional triangular plate was welded to the bracket, and a larger axle
extender was created to help absorb stress.
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Insert Photo 4 Here: Training Wheel Attachment from Above
Insert Photo 5 Here: Training Wheel Attachment from Side
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4. We modified the current bicycle seat because the client found it difficult to maintain his posture.
We purchased an 18” highback seat from Freedom Concepts, Inc., which came with side-supports to
help contain the client’s body within the seat (Photo 6). Seat straps were removed for safety purposes.
The backrest was mounted to the scooter with an aluminum rod, which we painted black and screwed
into the rear fender, which we then reinforced with two sheets of aluminum. An armrest was
fabricated from a sheet of aluminum, slightly curved to an arm’s contour, lined with an adhesive foam
and Poly-Fil, and covered with black vinyl. The armrest is supported by two aluminum shafts, one
attached to the backrest, and one attached to the bottom of the seat. A grip ball was attached to the
end of the armrest to provide support for the right hand (Photo 7).
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Insert Photo 6 Here: Modified Seat
Insert Photo 7 Here: Arm rest
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5. We implemented a speed governor to limit reckless driving while the client learns to ride safely.
We contacted a manufacturer for electric speed governors for Schwinn scooters but found that only
the older motor models could support such governors. We thus decided to create a mechanical speed
governor by placing set screws in three different locations on the throttle to physically inhibit full
rotation of the throttle (Photo 8). This alteration provides for three adjustable levels of speed control.
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Insert Photo 8 Here: Throttle/Speed Governor
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EVALUATION
We conducted several test rides with the client and determined that the modifications are effective
in enhancing the comfort, safety, and usability of the scooter. The client has little difficulty maneuvering
the scooter, as observed while he rode through a simulated obstacle course consisting of cones and uneven
surfaces. In addition, we tested the client operating the scooter outdoors on variable terrain and inclines:
the client had very little difficulty braking at the bottom of hills, but experienced some difficulty climbing
steep hills while the speed governor was in place. Some testing was performed at the client’s primary
residence, which is where he will normally operate the scooter. The only problem encountered there was
an inability to drive training wheels over the graveled driveway. As a result, the client must walk his
scooter to the road before operating, but the client has confirmed that this is not a problem.
REFERENCES
1. Zisook, Sheldon Oliver. Cerebral Palsy: Ask the Doctor. Lawyers Inc., P.C. 13 Sept. 2004
http://www.about-cerebral-palsy.org/index.html.
2. Follensbee, Debra, Dean Markiss, and Cary Munger. “Tri-Scooter: A Mobility Device for a Child
with Arthrogryposis.” in National Science Foundation 1989 Engineering Senior Design Projects to
Aid the Disabled, J.D. Enderle, NDSU Press, (1989): 32-33.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No.
0118558. We would like to thank our supervisor, Jodi Petry at Lenox Baker Children’s Hospital; our
machinist, Joe Owen at Duke University; and our supervising professor, Dr. Laurence Bohs. Each of
them provided immense guidance throughout the design procedure.
Author Contact Information:
Kevin Ko Aya Eguchi Eric Schwartz
7 White Clay Lane 7507 Oldchester Road 9335 Sprinklewood Lane
West Grove, PA 19390 Bethesda, MD 20817 Potomac, MD 20854
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GRAPHICS PAGE
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Photo 1: Finalized Scooter
---------------------------------
Handlebar
extension
Modified
seat
Arm rest
Training
wheels
Foot guard
Foot guard
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Photo 3: Handlebar Extensions
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Front lights
L-brackets Existing
handlebars
Hand brake
Electrical Throttle
conduit rods
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Photo 4: Training Wheel Attachment from Above
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Scooter floor
Bracket
Alternative Text Description for Photo 4: Training Wheel Attachment from Above
Image shows the top view of the training wheels. The wheels were ordered from FatWheels, Inc. and attached to the scooter
frame by manufactured steel brackets and axle extenders. The wheels are attached at slight angles so that the scooter can more
easily maneuver turns.
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----------------------------------------------------------
Photo 5: Training Wheel Attachment from Side
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Axle extender
Bracket
frame
Adjustable wheel
attachment
Training
wheel
Alternative Text Description for Photo 5: Training Wheel Attachment from Side
Image shows a side view of the training wheel attachment. The Fat Wheel is connected to the scooter frame through the axle
extender and steel bracket frame. The height of the wheels can be adjusted for variable assistance by placing the bolt at
differing height along the bracket frame.
-----------------------------
Photo 6: Modified Seat
Arm rest
-----------------------------
Grip ball
Attachment brackets
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-----------------------
Photo 7: Arm Rest
-----------------------
Arm rest
Grip ball
L-bracket 2
Rod 1
Attachment
brackets
Rod 2
L-bracket 1
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Photo 8: Throttle/Speed Governor
------------------------------------------
Handbrake
Throttle
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Our project will allow our client to use his electric scooter comfortably, independently, and safely.
The modifications will allow him to ride with family and friends during trips to the beach and foster a
greater sense of self-confidence. It will also offer him an enjoyable method of stimulation which will help
him to overcome the impact of his disability. The client has expressed gratitude and excitement in the
final project, as he informed us in a letter: “Thank you very much for all the hard work you all did on my
scooter. I will be able to ride with my brothers and sister and not be left sitting out watching them have
all the fun. I won’t have to work as hard as them! I’ll be the coolest kid in the neighborhood with the
coolest ride! Thank you.”
Figure B-1: This drawing shows the placement and attachment of the custom foot guard constructed for
the floor board of the Schwinn S180 Electic Scooter. The footguard is constructed from 1/8” inch thick
aluminum sheet metal. The footguard is 1.5” high when measured from the outer edge. 3/16” flat-headed
bolts were used to secure the footguard to the floor board.
Figure B-2: This drawing shows the modified handlebars for the modified electrical scooter. An L-
bracket connects the existing handlebars to a 7/8” aluminum tube, 8” in length. Another L-bracket
connects the aluminum tube to another 7/8” aluminum tube, 8” in length so that it runs parallel with the
existing handlebar. The throttle and brake handle were placed on this parallel piece of tubing (not
shown).
Figure B-3: This drawing shows the armrest which was added to the high-back seat purchased from
Freedom Concepts. A 7/8” piece of aluminum tubing approximately 3 ft. in length was bent to conform
around the seat back and bend 30° past perpendicular. This tube is secured by 2 1/4" screws in the back
of the seat. The bar is further supported using 2 aluminum tubes and an L-bracket. This support system
is secured with 2 1/4" bolts to a metal support brace underneath the seat. The armrest length was tailored
to our client’s exact position as he sat on the scooter. An L-bracket was placed at the end of the armrest
bar where a soft hand rest was placed on top of a short segment of aluminum tubing. The arm rest
cushion was constructed from a metal frame placed on top of a rectangular piece of plywood. A layer of
padding was placed over the metal frame followed by an additional layer of polyfill (details not shown).
The cushion was attached to the aluminum rod using two brackets.
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The objective of this quantitative analysis is to determine the minimum length that the training wheel
brackets need to be to allow the scooter to safely turn without either slipping or tipping. We determined
the bracket length by analyzing the effects of centripetal force on a force-body-diagram of the scooter.
Theory:
Centripetal force is the component of force acting on a body in curvilinear motion that is directed toward
the center of curvature or axis of rotation. Centripetal force is necessary for an object to move with
circular motion (1).
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In the figure above, the point mass, of mass m, is moving around a circular path of radius R at a constant
velocity, v. The mass, velocity, and radius are all related to each other by the equation for centripetal
force, which always points perpendicular to the velocity and towards the center of the circular path.
mv 2
FC =
R
An object moving in a circular path can fail in two ways: slipping and tipping. For an object to slip, the
centripetal force must overcome the static friction between the object and the surface. Static friction is the
frictional force between two bodies at rest that responds to any external force tending to slide one body
along the surface of the other (2). As the external force increases, the opposing static friction increases, as
well, until a maxim value is reached at
f max =µS N
where µS is the coefficient of static friction. Any external force greater than this maximum frictional force
value, will force the object out of its resting position in that direction.
For an object to tip, the centripetal force must create a moment around the inner-side of the object, with
respect to the circular path, that overcomes the moment around that same pivot point from the object’s
center of mass around. A moment is is a quantity that represents the magnitude of force applied to a
rotational system at a perpendicular distance from the axis of rotation (3) and is described in the equation
M = Fd
where M is the moment, F is the force, and d is the perpendicular distance between the force and the pivot
point. If the sum of the moments at a pivot is non-zero, the object will rotate at the pivot point.
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Analysis:
The force-body-diagram that will determine the minimum training wheel-bracket length can be found in
Figure C-2 below:
In the diagram above, the scooter is drawn in abstract form to simplify calculations. It is assumed that the
scooter is nearly symmetrical with respect to the vertical axis. Acting against each tire is a normal force,
N, and a frictional force, f. At the center of mass, the entire weight of the scooter plus the client, W, is
acting downwards. In addition, the centripetal force, F_C, acting on the scooter as it is making a turn is
drawn in the figure, which also acts at the center of mass. The center of mass is located ỹ inches above
the ground. Finally, the measurement we are interested in is the length, d, of the training wheel-brackets.
First, we determine the center of mass by dividing the scooter into its main components. The table below
shows the weights and location of the main components:
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~ W1 y1 + W2 y 2 + W3 y 3 + W4 y 4
y= = 21 .618 in. = 1.8015 ft
W1 + W2 + W3 + W4
Slipping:
We can now analyze the force-body-diagram with respect to slipping. An object is stable if the net force
and net moment on the force-body-diagram are both zero. By summing up the forces in the vertical
direction we get that
∑ F⊥ = 0
W − Nl − Nm − Nr = 0
W = Nl + Nm + Nr
∑ F= = 0
FC − f l − f m − f r ≤ 0
FC ≤ f l + f m + f r
FC ≤ µ S N l + µ S N m + µ S N r
FC ≤ µ S ( N l + N m + N r )
FC ≤ µ S W
We use “a less than or equal sign” in place of an “equal sign” because we want to make sure that the
centripetal force cannot overtake the frictional force and cause the scooter to slip. Substituting the
equation for centripetal force, we get that
mv 2
≤ µS W
R
mv 2
R≥
µS W
This equation shows what turning radius is needed to prevent the scooter from slipping when going
velocity, v, around the turn. The scooter was originally built to operate at a maximum speed of 15
miles/hour, or 22 ft/sec. Through our modifications, we have added not only extra weight to the scooter,
but added additional frictional force from the training wheels. As a result, the scooter is unable to reach
its maximum speed. To be safe though, we will assume the scooter can in fact reach its maximum speed
of 22 ft/sec. The static coefficient for a tire on pavement is about 0.9 (4). Inserting all of the values into
the equation, we get that R must be greater than
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R≥
(141 32 ) ∗ ( 22 ) 2
( 0.9) ∗ (141 )
R ≥ 16 .806 ft
The average lane width in the state of North Carolina, where the client’s primary residence is located, is
12ft (5). This is the maximum radius we want the scooter to have to operate in order to make the turn
(See Figure C-3). If we reverse the equation and solve for velocity, this relates to
v≤
( 0.9) ∗(141 ) * (12 )
(141 32 )
v ≤18 .59 ft / s =12 .675 mph
Given that we added a lot of weight and there is additional friction force provided by the training wheels,
the scooter should run well below 12.675mph at its maximum. Therefore, the scooter will not likely slip
while the client is riding a turn.
Tipping:
We analyze tipping by summing up the moments around the inner-tire on a turn. For example, we will
assume that we are making a right turn and the right wheel is the inner-wheel. We will analyze the point
when the two outside wheels leave the ground (at the start of the tip). Because neither the middle nor left
wheel are on the ground
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Nm = Nr = fm = fr = 0
∑Mr = 0
~
Wd − FC y + N r ( 0 ) − f r ( 0 ) = 0
~
FC y = Wd
Wd
FC = ~
y
Inserting the equation for centripetal force, ensuring that the centripetal force is less than center of mass
force, we get that
mv 2 Wd
≤ ~
R y
~
mv 2 y
d≥
WR
Supplementing the variables for values like we did before, with max velocity of 22ft/sec and max turning
radius of 12ft, we get that
d≥
(141
32 ) ∗ ( 22 ) ∗1.8015
2
(141 ) ∗ (12 )
d ≥ 2.2706 ft
Having training wheels extend well over 2ft in both directions is unpractical. The client insisted that the
scooter be able to fit through doorways and be easily transported in a car’s trunk. As a result, we made
the training wheels extend 11.25 inches, or 0.9375 feet, on either side. Reversing the equation for
velocity, this results in a maximum velocity of
v≤
( 0.9375 ) ∗(141 ) * (12 )
(141 32 ) * (1.8015 )
v ≤14 .14 ft / s = 9.638 mph
As was noted before, because of the additional weight and friction incorporated in the final product, the
maximum velocity of 15mph is inaccurate and a maximum speed of 9.638mph is much more reasonable.
It is important to note that the scooter will likely fail by tipping before it would by slipping because the
maximum velocity accepted for tipping (9.638mph) is less than that for slipping (12.675mph). However,
in rainy, icy, and snowy conditions, the static coefficient of friction between the wheel and the asphalt
decreases and it is highly possible that slipping will in fact occur before tipping. The client has been
made aware of the increase risk in driving the scooter during inclement weather. In addition, due to the
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inherent danger of riding a scooter, it is important to note that incorporated within the final product and its
design, is a speed governor that prevents the client from accessing high speeds before his parents have
determined that he is ready and responsible to access them.
References:
(1) http://www.thefreedictionary.com/centripetal%20force
(2) http://efunda.intota.com/multisearch.asp?mode=&strSearchType=all&strQuery=static+friction
(3) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moment_(physics)
(4) http://regentsprep.org/Regents/physics/phys01/friction/default.htm
(5) http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ohim/hs97/hm33.pdf
Risk Assessment: Intolerable Risk (I), Undesirable Risk (II), Tolerable Risk (III), Negligible Risk (IV)
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Severity of Risk
Potential Hazard Likelihood Plan
Consequence Assessment
Loose balance and Ocassional Marginal III Prevent training wheels from
topple over loosening by installing a
stopper; also, installed speed
governor to prevent dangerous
speeds around turns
Cut foot on foot Improbable Marginal IV Encourage client to wear
guard shoes while riding the scooter
Stab body with Remote Negligible IV Armrest was built to the side
armrest of the client’s body; cushion
is made of foam and poly-fil,
which would soften a blow
between it and the body
Stab body with Remote Marginal III Ample space was left between
handlebars the client and the handlebars;
also, client is encouraged to
sit as far back as possible in
the seat
Fly off the scooter Improbable Marginal IV Re-mounted the brake on the
as a result of a handlebars and decided not to
sudden brake create a footbrake; also, the
highback seat has side
supports that help contain the
client within the seat
Shock or burn Incredible Critical IV Encouraged client not to
from battery remove scooter floor, where
the batteries and wiring lie;
also encouraged to always
wear shoes when riding
scooter
Fall backwards Probable Negligible III Encouraged to not use speed
down a hill due to governor if planning to climb
insufficient power hills; also, lowered seat
enough so that the client can
stop the scooter with his left
foot if need be
Hit by another Remote Critical III Encouraged not to ride at
vehicle night; encouraged not to ride
in traffic; and encouraged to
wear helmet and pads
Table D-1: Risk likelihood, consequence, and assessment
APPENDIX E: FINAL BUDGET
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The list below is our development cost for the scooter modifications:
Item Amount
Training wheels $ 51.00
Highback seat 231.00
Steel tubing 30.00
Aluminum rod 25.00
Aluminum tubing (x2) 37.00
Axle extenders 30.00
L-brackets (x4) 34.00
Armrest padding 10.00
Helmet/pads 30.00
Lights 16.00
Total $494.00
Table E-1: Expenses
An estimated amount for the replacement cost for the scooter modifications is as follows:
Item Amount
Training wheels $ 51.00
Highback seat 231.00
Aluminum rod 25.00
Aluminum tubing (x2) 37.00
Axle extenders 30.00
L-brackets (x4) 34.00
Armrest padding 10.00
Helmet/pads 30.00
Lights 16.00
Total $464.00
Table E-2: Replacement costs
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