The Chinese giant Zongshen has patented a curious and complex rear steering system to develop an amphibious scooter. The patent
April 19, 2024
Going on an adventure, discovering new roads and clocking up kilometers are some of the reasons why we enthusiasts love two wheels, however – at the moment – there may be limits to adventure: a ford that is too high for example…
Zongshen has patented a complex and curious rear steering system, mounted on a scooter, which would transform the land vehicle into a truly unstoppable amphibian.
Here's what it is.
Rear steering
The concept is based on a modification of the vehicle's steering system, which goes from having a canonical front steering to a rear one. This solution allows the rear suspension assembly – and the rear tire – to rotate freely for classic asphalt driving. This system, in “aquatic” mode, would rotate 90° to position itself transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the scooter and function like a real propeller.
The scooter in “land” mode
The scooter in “aquatic” mode
A project that is anything but simple
Initially, Zongshen created the scooter's frame based on a steel structure equipped with four internal floats to ensure the “navigation” of the vehicle. Subsequently, he made the rear axle mobile to allow movement both by water and by land.
For propulsion in water, the rear wheel transforms into a propeller, a requirement that requires a suspension that allows this particular mobility, without compromising the driving dynamics on the road. The drivetrain, for both water and land driving, is operated by an electric motor located above the rear suspension.
At the moment, we have no further information on the practical application of this vehicle and it also remains difficult to imagine a concrete use, especially due to the very limited power.
Source and images: Motorbike Magazine