Beginning in 1881, isolated prototypes of electric tricycles and bicycles were patented and sometimes tested. Limited editions followed in the 1940s, but it was not until the lithium-ion battery became available in the first decade of this century that urban pedelecs and more powerful open-road motorcycles--sometimes with speeds of over 200 mph--became possible and increasingly popular. Today's ever-growing fleets of one-wheel, two-wheel and three-wheel light electric vehicles can now be counted in the hundreds of millions. In this third installment of his electric transport history series, the author covers the lives of the innovative engineers who have developed these e-wheelers.

Accident reconstruction utilizes principles of physics and empirical data to analyze the physical, electronic, video, audio, and testimonial evidence from a crash, to determine how and why the crash occurred, how the crash could have been avoided, or to determine whose description of the crash is most accurate. This process draws together aspects of mathematics, physics, engineering, materials science, human factors, and psychology, and combines analytical models with empirical test data. Different types of crashes produce different types of evidence and call for different analysis methods. Still, the basic philosophical approach of the reconstructionist is the same from crash type to crash type, as are the physical principles that are brought to bear on the analysis. This book covers a basic approach to accident reconstruction, including the underlying physical principles that are used, then details how this approach and the principles are applied when reconstructing motorcycle crashes. This second edition of Motorcycle Accident Reconstruction presents a thorough, systematic, and scientific overview of the available methods for reconstructing motorcycle crashes. This new edition contains: Additional theoretical models, examples, case studies, and test data. An updated bibliography incorporating the newest studies in the field. Expanded coverage of the braking capabilities of motorcyclists. Updated, refined, and expanded discussion of the decelerations of motorcycles sliding on the ground. A thoroughly rewritten and expanded discussion of motorcycle impacts with passenger vehicles. Updated coefficients of restitution for collisions between motorcycles and cars. A new and expanded discussion of using passenger car EDR data in motorcycle accident reconstruction. A new section covering recently published research on post-collision frozen speedometer readings on motorcycles. A new section on motorcycle interactions with potholes, roadway deterioration, and debris and expanded coverage of motorcycle falls. This second edition of Motorcycle Accident Reconstruction is a must-have title for accident reconstructionists, forensic engineers, and all interested in understanding why and how motorcycle crashes occur.

Motorcycle Engineering is a primer and technical introduction for anyone interested in motorcycles, motorcycling, and the motorcycle industry. It provides insight into how motorcycles are made and operated. Motorcycles, mopeds, and scooters are important factors in world transport, and they are playing an increasingly important role in transport policy as we move towards greater environmental awareness. Motorcycles and scooters give freedom of personal transport that enable large commuter distances to be covered quickly and easily. Their small footprint offers easy storage as only minimal space is required. To celebrate the importance of motorcycles on the world stage, a brief history is included with a detailed timeline detailing the development of the motorcycle alongside major world events. Written in an accessible fashion, no previous knowledge of engineering or technology is required, as all technical terms are readily explained and a glossary and abbreviation list is included. Whether you are an enthusiast, racer, student, or industry professional, you will surely find this an enjoyable read and a handy reference book on your shelf.

It’s a widely recognised trend that powered-two-wheelers (PTWs) use has been steadily increasing and is projected to increase further. While providing benefits to the community in the form of reduced traffic congestion and environmental benefits, the risks to PTW riders remain and visibility will always be a key issue. Increasing Motorcycle Conspicuity aims to illustrate how driving simulation, field studies and laboratory experiments can be used to improve rider safety through the design and evaluation of a range of safety measures. The book outlines the factors that contribute to PTW visibility and detection by car drivers, and presents case studies to illustrate how the various methods can be used to explore the contribution of these factors. The final chapter of the book highlights the utility of a simulation-based approach to improving PTW safety and discusses this method’s future applications. The case studies collected within the volume cover phases of the design of conspicuity treatments and provide a broad spectrum of empirical strategies for assessing the interventions. The book is most directly relevant to researchers and applied scientists from the fields of traffic/transportation psychology and human factors, as well as to practitioners from the traffic safety sector.