Rider detection systems

A rider detection system for an electric vehicle, comprising:

• a self-contained, substantially planar sensing unit configured to be disposed in a deck portion of an electric vehicle, the sensing unit including two sensor zones enclosed within a waterproof enclosure and each having an associated active area configured to lie under a rider's heel and toe, respectively;
• an air-permeable, water-resistant vent disposed between the two sensor zones and configured to permit barometric equilibrium of an internal space inside the enclosure with an exterior environment;
• and
• an electrical connector configured to communicate rider presence information to a motor controller based on outputs of the two sensor zones.

A rider detection device for a self-balancing electric vehicle, comprising:

• first and second pressure sensing transducers encased in a waterproof enclosure and configured to be disposed within a deck portion of an electric vehicle, the pressure sensing transducers arranged such that the first pressure sensing transducer has an active area configured to register with a toe portion of a rider's foot and the second pressure sensing transducer has an active area configured to register with a heel portion of the rider's foot, the first and second active areas configured to sense rider presence information based on one or more forces applied to the deck portion by the rider's foot;
• and
• an electrical connector configured to communicate the rider presence information to a motor controller based on outputs of the first and second pressure sensing transducers;
• wherein each of the pressure sensing transducers includes an upper partially conductive, proportionally conductive layer and a lower fully conductive layer, separated by a spacer layer.