Robotics in motion - the magic inside every 3Scooter

While the word ‘robotics’ often conjures images of futuristic designs, the technology at work in the 3Scooter right now is subtle, intuitive, and transformative.

Dr Fred Russell-Pavier has a background in robotics, a Ph.D. in Physics and is one of Supersmith’s founders. He explains it like this: "Robotics, in this instance, refers to the ability to sense, interpret, and respond in an autonomous way." So why have we used this technology in our revolutionary scooter, and how will it benefit our users?

What Do We Mean by Robotics?
In Fred’s words: “It’s the coupling of sensing and motion—responding to real-time sensor inputs in a way that creates behavior.”

By using sensors, the 3Scooter constantly evaluates forces acting upon it. It responds instantly, adjusting to maintain balance, much like your own body does when correcting for uneven ground or a sudden tilt.

How Robotics Work in the 3Scooter
The 3Scooter is equipped with advanced sensors that detect rotational motion and the forces on the scooter. These sensors relay information to a microprocessor that acts as the scooter’s “brain.” It doesn’t map out the ground or require a supercomputer to analyse complex terrains—instead, it operates using real-time data.

Fred explains: “It’s a bit like how your ears sense motion. They can’t tell where you are or what actions you are doing specifically, but they can sense relative changes. The 3Scooter operates similarly. It responds to forces and makes adjustments quickly to stabilise itself.”

For instance, Fred shared a fascinating insight into testing: “We took the scooter onto ice to ensure the sensors didn’t get confused by sliding forces. It’s like fine-tuning a reflex. If it thinks it’s tipping when it’s not, that could cause instability. So, we’ve designed it to be robust and reliable in all environments.”

Why Did We Choose Robotics?
Stability is a significant challenge for traditional mobility scooters, especially three-wheel designs. Many users have experienced tipping over when navigating curbs, slopes, or even tight turns. As Fred explained, “Our problem to solve was clear—how do we make a mobility scooter that is much more stable? Robotics gave us the answer.”

Robotics enable the 3Scooter to address several core needs:

• Enhanced Stability: The scooter adjusts its “legs” to counterbalance the forces acting on it, like active suspension systems in Formula 1 cars.
• Ease of Use: Users don’t need to constantly think about stability; the scooter does the hard work, reducing stress and the need to concentrate hard on the terrain in front of you (cognitive load).
• Energy Efficiency Stabilisation: Fred highlighted another innovation: “The legs work together in a paired way, which only uses a small amount of power to adjust the rider position and can make the scooter lighter, and in some cases more efficient than for instance a heavier scooter.”

The Real-World Benefits for Users
Whilst you can’t easily see the robotics in our 3Scooter you can feel them in the quality of movement and the experience of the ride. Our community describes the sensation as ‘floating’ - “It felt alive! It wasn’t like sitting on a bike because it responded to me. That responsiveness was unlike anything I’d expected.”

Fred elaborated on this: “The 3Scooter behaves like it has a personality. It interacts with the user in real-time, helping them stabilise without them even realizing it. It’s like riding with a supportive friend.”

This level of innovation directly translates into tangible benefits for our community:

• Confidence to Navigate New Terrain: Whether crossing uneven paths or descending steep slopes, you can trust the 3Scooter to keep you stable.
• Safety and Peace of Mind: The active stabilisation system reduces the likelihood of tipping, even in unexpected situations.
• Less weight for stability: Lightweight design means less strain when handling the scooter around indoor environments and lifting it in and out of the boot.

Innovation Rooted in Expertise
Fred draws inspiration from a range of industries. “We’ve learnt ideas from technologies such as noise-canceling headphones and active gyroscopic stabilization systems used in drones. Both reduce cognitive load, so the user doesn’t have to mentally focus on every tiny input from the environment they’re in.”

Fred's passion for creating user-friendly, intuitive systems was evident when he compared the scooter’s operation to a reflex: “It’s programmed to respond consistently to the same inputs every time, much like your knee jerking when tapped.”

A Revolution in Mobility
Robotics in the 3Scooter are more than just a technical feature—they’re a promise of empowerment. They allow us to tackle the challenges of social inclusion, stability and usability head-on, enabling our users to focus on living their lives without the fear of tipping over, struggling with uneven ground or being talked over.

As Fred aptly put it: “The scooter is always thinking in the digital world, but its actions feel analog and natural. It’s smooth and intuitive.”

We’ve extensively tested the 3Scooter with our community every step of the way, to ensure that it works for as many different users, with different needs as possible. The smile on peoples faces when they experience the stabilisation system in their first test ride is proof that it works and our mission to create a product that feels as good as it looks is being realised

Riding a 3Scooter feels different to anything you may have tried before…

Conclusion: Transforming the Journey
The 3Scooter exemplifies what’s possible when cutting-edge technology meets user-centered design. At Supersmith, we’ve embraced robotics not just for the sake of innovation, but to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

Whether you’re navigating a slope, tackling a curb, or simply enjoying the freedom of movement, the 3Scooter is your partner on your journey, With robotics ensuring safety and stability, it’s not just about getting from A to B—it’s about doing so with confidence, ease, and a touch of magic.

As Fred says: “It’s not just a scooter—it’s a revolution in motion.”

Find out more here and be the first to own a 3Scooter here