ACADEMIC WRITING SKILLS

What are the challenges of Portable Mobility Devices and What is the future of
portable transportation?

JANUARY 11, 2017

PSB ACADEMY
Table of Contents
Abstract..................................................................................................................... 4
Justification .............................................................................................................. 5
1.Introduction ........................................................................................................... 6
1.1 Definition ................................................................................................................... 6
1.2 Origin ......................................................................................................................... 6
1.3 Different Types of PMDs ........................................................................................... 7
2.Technical Aspects of the PMDs .......................................................................... 9
2.1 Evolution of the Design: ..................................................................................... 9
2.2 Safety: ...................................................................................................................... 10
2.3 Maintenance: ........................................................................................................... 12
3.1 Social Implications .................................................................................................. 13
3.2 Legal Restrictions ................................................................................................... 14
4. Future of Portable Transport Devices (PTD)s ................................................. 15
4.1 Social Acceptance................................................................................................... 15
4.2 Safety Technological advancements ..................................................................... 17
5. References .......................................................................................................... 20
Attn.: Ms. Tracie Wong
PSB Academy
355 Jalan Bukit Ho Swee
Singapore 169567

Date: 19 July 2016

Re: Submission of Group Research Report

Dear Ms. Tracie Wong,

As agreed in our first meeting on December 9th, we are submitting the attached
research paper entitled What are the challenges of Portable Mobility Devices and
What is the future of portable transportation?

Our aim of this research is to show the current state of PMDs in general and the
evolution of these devices.

We hope u find our research satisfactory,

Sincerely yours,

Ullas

Samarth

LPB
 Abstract

This research paper aims to provide a clear view of PMDs, and how the devices
have evolved over the years with different designs. The safety problems we are
currently dealing with and how we can solve it. However, we dont want to force a
singular view of the subject, these devices are currently not the norm in our society
but we are seeing the signs that can change it.
The goal of the Portable Mobility Devices is to reduce pollution from cars and
gasoline and make transportation and plan to create this device for making all new
means of travel. This invention will reduce the amount of cars sold and the amount of
gasoline used and put into the air and plane to create the worlds first
environmentally safe hover boards.
 Justification
Research on this project is justified by the fact that we are seeing the increase
in global warming and more electric cars. In order for us succeed in having a
sustainable transportation for the future we need PMDs. They are the devices thatll
help us with major problems we are facing currently like rising fuel rates and
pollution.
1.Introduction

1.1 Definition

PMD or Personal Mobility Devices are appearing on our day to day

lives. This research will be slightly focused on hoverboard. A self-balancing scooter
or hoverboard is a 2 wheeled, portable, rechargeable scooter. They usually have two
wheels on either side with a platform in between where the rider stands. The entire
device has gyroscopic sensors which allow the rider to maintain balance.

1.2 Origin

An American businessman by the name of Shane Chen has the earliest claim
in inventing Self-balancing scooter [6]. He named it swegway back then, but the
device has been given many different names over the years. Shane Chen started a
Kickstarter shortly after the patent for a device called Hovertrax. In recent times the
devices increasing popularity especially in western countries can be associated with
many celebrities using it. Many companies have been giving away boards to
celebrities which in 2014 became a viral hit on social media.

The first trademark of hoverboard was in 1996 for a collecting and trading game but
its first commercial use was representing a wheeled scooter in 1999. Although many
people use the term hoverboard to describe these devices, the term originally was
used in 1967 science fiction novel by M.K. Joseph. But it was further popularized by
Back to the Future film franchise where hoverboards were a fictional floating device
that floats slightly above the ground.
 Fig 1. Self-balancing scooter (source:Wikipedia.org)

1.3 Different Types of PMDs

Personal Mobility Devices is a direction for living for a few and a requirement
for others. It speaks to opportunity from the imperatives (and steady fight) of open
transportation frameworks and from the high dangers and expenses of every day
auto driving. Our extremely informal perception demonstrates that individuals who
are free from these societal requirements of day by day drive are less pushed and
are more casual at home and at work. Elderlies and the physically impeded who
have received an individual portability transport way of life can encounter more
prominent flexibility of development and a more joyful way of life subsequently.

Individual portability vehicles incorporate a wide range of bikes including

collapsing, fixies, half breeds and so forth and electric vehicles like electric
wheelchairs, e-bikes, e-bicycles and so on. Collapsing bicycles have been
developing in enthusiasm for late circumstances and its conservativeness and
lightweight element makes it exceptionally down to earth for urban travel. Minimal
electric vehicles are additionally getting some consideration from the urban open as
it gives an object free, vigorous method for associating individuals from their homes
to their working environments or their neighborhood enhancements.
In Singapore, there are a lot of bike shops offering lightweight bikes like half and
halves, fixies or folders. For the electric portion that offers moderate electric
wheelchairs and electric bikes, a few organizations like Falcon Mobility and Falcon
PEV emerge as specific players of individual electric vehicles in the worldwide
market.

Figure 2: Segway (source:www.Segway.com)

Technical Aspects of the PMDs

2.1 Evolution of the Design:

Hov-Board: The Hands-Free Segway: This is the thing that is considered the
initial step to hoverboards. No it doesn't really drift yet when first observed
this child in real life everyone was both confused and excited. Taking away
the handle from a segway, this item is essentially a self-adjusting board with
two engines that move it advances and in reverse. You can even get one that
plays music.

Figure: Hov Board (source: thehunt.com)

Hoverboard:This is presumably the nearest thing to Marty McFly's 2015 board
that you can purchase at this moment. It's a board with a solitary mechanized
wheel in the center. You can just get it on Kickstarter or the model at auction
at this moment however its speculated that we will see more development in
the late future.

Figure :Hoverboard (source:tech-ph.com)

Hendo Hover: The First Real Hoverboard:Author, Greg Henderson, calls the
innovation as a part of making Hendo hoverboards Magnetic Field
Architecture (MFA), a term he trademarked. This is a more noteworthy
thought than boards that drift off the ground. Henderson's vision reaches out
 to the design of our earth, the greater part of our homes, office structures,
hospitals and all the more so that the greater part of our structures can
securely lift off the ground at the flip of a switch if there should arise an
occurrence of characteristic calamity. Since changing the way we fabricate
everything on earth is a huge deed, Hendo chose to begin little with
hoverboards.

Figure :Hendo Hover (source:techcrunch.com)

Lexus Hoverboard: In spite of the fact that the Lexus Hoverboard has been
disclosed in their "Slide" advertisement, it is almost as unrealistic as the
Hendo idea at this moment. Likewise, you require an uncommon magnetic
field beneath this superconductor-activated board and Lexus has no aim of
mass creating their board as of now.[15]

Figure :Lexus Hoverboard (source:lexus-int.com)

2.2 Safety:
Numerous self-balancing hoverboards are powered by lithium-ion
batteries. There have been reports of defective or damaged batteries,
which have either short-circuited, or overheated, making it self-
ignite. Several accidents have been accounted for from board-related
 incidents. Spontaneously igniting boards have prompted to claims in
Louisiana and Alabama.[10]
In the Philippines, the Departments of Health and Trade and
Industry issued a joint consultative alerted general society against getting
them, because of reports of wounds and "potential electric shock
associated with its use". The consultative additionally expressed "as a
careful step, the DOH and DTI-Consumer Protection Group accordingly
advise parents against purchasing hoverboards for kids under 14 years of
age."[12]
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) propelled an
examination concerning the safety of the device. On December 16,
2015, CPSC chairman, Elliot F. Kaye, discharged a composed
explanation declaring the organization's examination concerning " the
configuration of the battery packs and compatibility with the chargers ".
On February 18, 2016, CPSC's Robert J. Howell discharged an open
letter asking "producers, shippers, and retailers" to "verify" that the boards
they " import, manufacture, distribute, or sell in the United States comply
with currently applicable voluntary safety standards, including all
referenced standards and requirements contained in UL 2272 Outline of
Investigation for Electrical Systems for Self-balancing Scooters." Noting
that "no hoverboard has passed the affirmation procedure at this
time", (referring to the voluntary UL confirmation) Howell undermined the
CPSC would confine or seize imported hoverboards and seek domestic
recalls. Retailers including Toys R Us, Target, and Amazon.com pulled
the item from their stores and websites. The CPSC examination found
that 60 fires in more than 20 states had brought about over $2 million in
property damage.[11]
In July 2016, the CPSC issued a wide recall of more than 500,000 self-
balancing boards across 8 makers, including Digital Gadgets,
Hoverboards LLC, Hype Wireless, Keenford Ltd., PTX Performance
Products, Razor USA, Swagway, and Yuka Clothing. The CPSC
authoritatively expressed that "the lithium-ion battery packs in the self-
balancing hoverboards can overheat, representing a danger of the items
smoking, bursting into flames as well as exploding." The Swagway X1
display constituted most of the reviewed models, at 267,000 units.[13]
2.3 Maintenance:
To keep your hoverboard functioning admirably, accordingly, the first thing
that you ought to do is clean its board as frequently. Detach its energy
connector as well as link from the electrical outlet in your home and the
charging station on your board. With a soft moist cloth, clean the board
through and through, while in the meantime check for the structural
impairments that might have happened throughout the years. You should
also clean its footrests and pedals, and fix all screws to reestablish its
strong state. Hoverboards are electrical accessories that draw power from
inherent battery packs. Despite the fact that most batteries are safe
guaranteed and have inner checking systems that keep them from
breaking down, maintaining them every once in a while could increase the
life of your hoverboard significantly. And its not as difficult as it sounds.
When you unplug your hoverboard from its charging station and use out
its battery pack, check it for both physical and structural impairment.
Cracks and burns are a couple of cautioning signs that you should pay
special attention to while evaluating the battery. In the event that it is in
great physical condition, clean its contacts with a cushion free fabric to
remove dust and grime before reinstalling in your hoverboard.

Figure :Battery(source:besthoverboardscooter.com)
At last, abstain from overcharging as well as depleting your hoverboard's
battery completely. Such mistakes frequently alter their electrical
hardware, initiate the memory effect, and increment the risk of explosions.
Most hoverboards have dual-wheeled systems that move them back and
forth. For your hoverboard to function properly, its wheels need to be
smooth rolling and have well-manufactured tires that support footing on
surfaces when being used. After you have cleaned your hoverboard's
board and kept up its inbuilt battery pack, always check to know whether
your hoverboard's wheels are in good state or not.
3. Challenges faced over the years

3.1 Social Implications

Personal Mobility Devices are being explored as low emission means of

getting around short distances unlike the current norm of using a car or a motorcycle.
People have turned their thoughts to more environmentally friendly ways of getting
around . Several automobile manufacturers have started development on
technologies that provide alternatives to car especially for shorter distances and for
use on footpaths as well as roads. These are devices are known by several terms
like low speed mobility devices or low speed transportation devices or as we call in
this paper Personal Transportation Devices. Such technologies allow the rider to
travel short commutes with no physical effort required of cycling, this allows these
devices to be sustainable transportation for the future.

Use of a private car is regularly associated with global physical, social and
ecological harms such as climate change and the high incidence of diseases.
Attempts to address these problems generally include arrangement for daily physical
mobility based on alternatives to the private car. There are many alternative
transports, these modes include public transport and cycling. Still the private car is
regarded as the preferred way to travel in many countries. A deeper understanding
of this preference can reveal under explored sites of resistance to alternative
transport modes [1].

New PMDs are entering the transport system and becoming common features of our
daily commutes. PMDs were meant to be used as alternative to other forms of
getting around like cars, motorcycles, bicycles, buses. This enables sustainable
transportation with public transports [2].

Rose and Richardson [3] have noted that:

The motor car continues to evolve but it is being complemented by
alternative means of independent motorised mobility including personal
mobility devices, low powered two wheel vehicles and small footprint
 four wheel vehicles. For road network managers, the growth of
alternative vehicles can have a variety of impacts and implications,
from the design of individual elements of the road system, such as
parking bays, to the refinement of the regulatory structures that govern
vehicle use. (p.1)

The sustainable transport future will undoubtedly result in significant reduction of

private car. Whether or not existing patterns of personal mobility can be sustained
through other modes is far more contentious, especially when we look at strongly
held preferences of the autonomy held by a car [1]. One of main themes in research
of PMDs is usability and prominence of the devices. A Japanese study found a very
low level of recognition of PMDs among general public and that acceptance
increased significantly after use [4]. Nonetheless, this research was conducted with
only 10 minutes of riding a PMD. To better understand acceptability, it is necessary
to undertake a more comprehensive analysis in terms of both extents of PMD use
and evaluation of acceptability.

3.2 Legal Restrictions

The sustainability of potential of PMD is currently diminished by legal aspects

of PMD. In many jurisdictions across world it is not legal to ride PMDs on roads and
in some even on footpaths. The speed and their interaction with both pedestrians
and with other vehicles are main issues. Main concern is especially around the
impact of speed and weight of such devices on collisions with people.

In February 2016, 42 US states and the District of Columbia enacted regulations

authorizing Segway use on sidewalks, bicycle paths, and some roads. In Europe, the
Segway is permitted in practically all countries except Britain where it is illegal to use
on pavements but not on personal property. However, in countries like Czech
Republic, it is completely illegal. Several Asian countries have their own specific
restrictions on these devices [5].
PMD representatives have successfully lobbied countries across the world to allow
their use. The device can be used on private property. The vast majority of countries
have enacted permissive use of the device.

There are concerns about use of such devices upon pedestrian base designed for
walking. These devices are therefore considered by many countries to be unsuitable.
Several airlines have restricted the transportation of boards on flights. Several
universities have outright banned or imposed restrictions on use of devices on their
campuses.

4. Future of Portable Transport Devices (PTD)s

4.1 Social Acceptance

A PMD rider can travel short distances quickly. Electric-powered devices are suitable
for environmentally reasonable and also can use diesel or petrol-driven personal
motor vehicle for short trips. Portable transport devices can be easily integrated with
public transport, make public transport more attractive as there is a long way to the
nearest bus stop.
There are more reasons to use PMD as saving fuel and reducing emissions. For
most people, the daily travel on the road transport system coincides with a period of
high demand. Another critical safety issue is the interaction of PMDs with
pedestrians and cyclists.[7]

Advantages of Future Portable Mobility Devices (Hover Boards)

It enables a new generation of lift and motion technology that will change the
way of view in transportation.
Hovering modes of transportation are now possible and practical, so the
customer can be easily ridden.
Lifting a wide range of loads - whether it's a person riding a hover board or a
building riding out an earthquake is all within reach.
The hover technology can shift the current transportation paradigm and it is
just the tip of the iceberg.
 There is also a large range of industries and factories that hover technology
can significantly interrupt and improve.
Hover systems are inexpensive and completely sustainable as compare to
other magnetic levitation systems.

In early 2016, the Consumer Product Safety Commission investigated the

safety of all hover boards across all brands, recommending that any new
hover boards manufactured be "certified UL 2272 compliant" to be eligible to
be imported into the US. Compliant hover boards are less likely to end in
flames.[8]

Disadvantages of Future Portable Transportation Device (Hover Boards) in the

market and the social

Falling off and hurting physically and mentally if the situation is risky. By riding
a hover board if any fast-moving vehicle hits it and even lead to dead or
physically injured.
Traffic accidents are also much similar with the previous one, as with bikes,
cars, and skateboards because its a risk of getting into the traffic accident
especially if its closer to the street.
 Weight Limitations, hover boards limits a minimum of 45 pounds and a
maximum of 300 pounds. So especially as for the children under the weight
limit will have trouble in riding it, since the scooters cant detect their weight
and cant be able to balance correctly.

Steep Hill problems, most of the hover board cant operate or work going up or down
steep hills usually over 30 degrees. And a taller person must be more aware as
theyll get a greater risk of hitting the head while riding.

4.2 Safety Technological advancements

Some portable transport devices have been blowing up and catching on fire, as they
reduce the risk factor for their entertainment value and more have been nabbing
headlines. Security Risks are important to understand why some suspension boards
are exploding. The problem boils down to the use of lithium-ion batteries in most
gadgets. In more economical hover boards, the price is lower as manufacturers cut
costs and use less expensive parts, including batteries. Especially Chinas cable
manufactures are used the cheaper lithium-ion batteries instead of the higher-grade
and Samsung batteries. These low-cost batteries help to lower the cost of MSRP,
but it reduce cost: Lower quality parts mean that the separator is responsible for
keeping the anode and cathode separate batteries, and more likely to have
impurities and holes that can lead to battery short circuits. Poor quality chargers may
overcharge the battery, which may cause the battery cell to burst and dry.
Therefore to prevent and to protect the blasting of hover boards in the
future, one must have the knowledge about it before theyride. So they must beware
of the following steps

There are some very simple steps to ensure that the battery in the package
does not overcharge or undercharge. However, it requires some more electronics
and software, and many manufacturers, especially those without the protection of
domestic corporate entities and simply isnt implementing these simple measures.[9]

1st Step: Buy Legitimately

The cheaper hover boards are naturally made of cheaper materials, so the
batteries and chargers that power them are more likely to break and explode. The
best protection against this type of flame is to pay attention to the UL-approved
suspension plate. UL is a certification body approved by the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration to run safety tests on all types of equipment. If the charger of
the suspended board is UL-certified, it is unlikely to damage the battery of the
device.

2nd Step: Charge Carefully

Suspended boards are powered by the same lithium-ion batteries as like
smartphones, tablets and laptops batteries. Unfortunately, the hoverboard battery is
dumb. The hardware and software in the gadgets work together to prevent the
battery from overcharging and may explode on the faces.The chargers powering up
hoverboards, on the other hand, could potentially damage the cells in the battery if
they're defective or are left juicing up longer than necessary. And should not leave
an unattended suspension board while charging, unplug it after finishing. Moreover,
in contrast to the smart phones, hover boards will get banged during use. The
batteries are generally placed in the trunk of a hover board as they get stepped on,
kicked and abused in every single ride. And the battery itself can damage makes
them more susceptible to malfunction or explosion.

3rd Step: Ride Safe

Hover boards are actually more than a toy, a means of transportation. Since
these things speed can reach up to 10mph and must wear a helmet, Knee pads,
elbow pads and wrist guards. Also, because the people fall over backwards to these
things, a form of protection tail-bone protection would be a good idea. The best form
of protection while riding a overboard to avoid first situations. Avoid at all costs go
out for a ride on a busy city street. In fact, it is illegal to hoverboards riding on public
streets in New York City, Australia and the United Kingdom.

There have some safety technological design for future. They are portable
mobility device will automatically stop when detecting a slip or unbalanced rider.
Feature a maximum speed limit, which will prevent the device from accelerating to
unsafe speeds. Features enhanced grip performance tires for maximum safety. Tires
protection shield to effectively prevent clothing from getting stuck and also acts as
collision shield and non-slip pedal platforms for maximum grip. LED lights for high
night time visibility.
5. References

1. Kent, J. L. (2014). Driving to save time or saving time to drive? The enduring
appeal of the private car. Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice,
65, 103-115.

2. Faulks, I., Irwin, J., Howitt, R., & Dowling, R. (2013). Electric unicycles,
minifarthings and the future of urban transport. In The Conversation, 6 May 2013.
https://theconversation.com/electric-unicycles-minifarthings-and-the-future-of-
urbantransport-13331 Downloaded 6 May 2013.

3. Rose, G., & Richardson, M. (2009). Implications for road system management
of emerging types of private passenger vehicles. In ATRF 2009: 32nd
Australasian Transport Research Forum, 29 September 2009 to 1 October 2009.
(pp. 1-17). New Zealand Ministry of Transport.

4. Ando, R. and Li, A. (2012) An analysis on users evaluation for self-balancing

two-wheeled personal mobility vehicles. Proceedings of the 15th International
IEEE Conference on Intelligent Transportation Systems, 1525-1530.

5. Segway. Retrieved January 11, 2017, from http://www.segway.com/about/our-

story

6. Inventist. About Inventist. Retrieved January 11, 2017, from

http://www.inventist.com/about/

7 Baral, S., & Medina, N. (2016, February 1). The future of Hoverboards: How
safety and government regulations will dictate their future. Culture. Retrieved
from http://www.idigitaltimes.com/future-hoverboards-how-safety-and-
government-regulations-will-dictate-their-future-507925

8 Baral, S., & Medina, N. (2016, February 1). The future of Hoverboards: How
safety and government regulations will dictate their future. Culture. Retrieved
 from http://www.idigitaltimes.com/future-hoverboards-how-safety-and-
government-regulations-will-dictate-their-future-507925
9 Shetye, A. (no date) Why do we need hover boards? Available at:
https://www.quora.com/Why-do-we-need-hover-boards (Accessed: 11
January 2017).
10 Enderle, R. (2014, December ). The trouble with Hoverboards and lithium-ion
batteries. Retrieved from The NEWS WORLD,
http://www.technewsworld.com/story/82868.html
11 Copenhaver, S., & Rubenstein, A. (2015, December 4). Oh what fun it is to
ride . . . A Hoverboard? This years must-have holiday gift poses potential
litigation risks for manufacturers. Retrieved from The Natinal Law Review,
http://www.natlawreview.com/article/oh-what-fun-it-to-ride-hoverboard-year-s-
must-have-holiday-gift-poses-potential
12 DOH, DTI warn public vs use of hoverboards. (2017, January 10). Retrieved
from PhilStar Global,
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/01/10/1540992/doh-dti-warn-public-
vs-use-hoverboards
13 Kastrenakes, J. (2016, July 6). More than 500, 000 hoverboards are being
recalled. Retrieved from The Verge,
http://www.theverge.com/2016/7/6/12105506/hoverboard-recall-swagway-
razor-others-over-500000-units-cpsc
14 Evans, J. (2016, January 02). How to maintain a hoverboard. Retrieved from
Best Hoverboards Scooter, http://besthoverboardscooter.com/how-to-
maintain-a-hoverboard/
15 Brown, S. (2015, October 3). The evolution of the Hoverboard. Retrieved
January 6, 2017, from Gear & Gadgets, http://tech.co/the-evolution-of-the-
hoverboard-2015-10

1.