Modeling of the Vertical Dynamics of a Kick e-Scooter on Distributed Road Irregularity

Vehicle dynamics modelling is a widely used tool to run the design phase without the need of expensive prototypes. Models allow to understand the dynamic properties of the system and run sensitivity analysis faster, cheaper, and easier way with respect to physical testing. Being kick e-scooters a breakthrough introduction in the vehicular field, widely accepted mathematical models are still not available. In this paper a lumped parameters model for the vertical dynamics simulation of an electric kick scooter is presented. The mechanical impedance of the driver is accounted in the model since it deeply influences the dynamical properties of the whole system. For model validation purposes, acceleration results from computer simulations are compared with those acquired in an experimental campaign on distributed road irregularity. Dealing with a random input, power spectral densities of vehicle acceleration at most interesting points are used to perform the comparison, thus validating the model. The model proposed in this paper can thus be an important tool for the vehicle design stages, allowing to estimate vehicle’s road holding properties and driver’s comfort while riding kick e-scooter.