The present invention is directed to a road condition estimation apparatus for
estimating a road condition for use in a vehicle having steering control unit for
actuating a device mechanically independent of a manually operated steering member
to steer each wheel. The apparatus includes a reaction torque detection unit for
detecting reaction torque for detecting a reaction torque when at least a wheel
of the vehicle is steered by the steering control unit, an aligning torque estimation
unit for estimating an aligning torque produced on the wheel on the basis of the
reaction torque detected by the reaction torque detection unit, a wheel factor
providing unit for providing at least one of wheel factors including a side force
and a slip angle applied to the wheel, and a grip factor estimation unit for estimating
a grip factor of at least a tire of the wheel, in accordance with a relationship
between the aligning torque estimated by the aligning torque estimation unit and
the wheel factor estimated by the wheel factor providing unit.