US Patent 9745013 Self-balancing electric vehicle with strain-based controls

A self-balancing electric vehicle may include an elongate platform having a first foot placement section and a second foot placement section rigidly coupled to each other, a first and second wheel being respectively coupled to opposite ends of the platform. Rider presence and turning intentions may be determined based on strain induced in the platform by the rider. The strain may be detected by one or more strain gauge systems. One of the strain gauge systems may be configured for use in a steering control circuit, and may include a strain gauge sensor mounted diagonally with respect to a long axis of the platform, such that the strain gauge detects only twist-induced strain.