Electric vehicle power regulating control method with manual-assist hybrid modes

Abstract

We disclose a method for controlling power to a human electric hybrid vehicle that creates a superior ride compared to electric vehicles of the prior art. The present invention employs a large motor that can assist a rider at slower speeds but limits the amount of power that the motor can produce at greater speeds. We also disclose a controller and a human electric hybrid bicycle capable of utilizing the claimed method.

1 . A method for controlling the power supplied to the motor of a human electric hybrid vehicle comprising:
 a. detecting a throttle position;   b. detecting the speed of the vehicle relative to a threshold speed wherein said speed is due to an electric motor and manual power; and   c. determining the current to be supplied to the motor such that the motor provides no additional power beyond the power required to achieve said threshold speed.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising the step of incrementally reducing power to said electric motor as said human electric hybrid vehicle approaches said threshold speed. 
     
     
         3 . A human electric hybrid vehicle comprising:
 a. an electric drive system wherein said electric drive system comprises an electric motor.   
     
     
         4 . A human electric hybrid vehicle comprising:
 a. an electric drive system, wherein said electric drive comprises a throttle, an electric motor, and a speed sensor;   b. a manual drive system, wherein said manual drive system comprises pedals;   c. a speed sensor; and   d. a controller wherein said controller provides reduced power to the electric motor as the speed of the accelerating human electric hybrid vehicle increases toward a threshold speed.   
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 4  wherein said human electric hybrid vehicle is a bicycle. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 4  wherein said human electric hybrid vehicle is a motorized wheelchair.