An anti-tip system is provided for improving the stability of a powered
vehicle, such as a powered wheelchair. The vehicle includes a drive-train
assembly pivotally mounted to a main structural frame. A suspension
system biases the drive-train assembly and its connected anti-tip wheel
to a predetermined resting position. The drive-train assembly
bi-directionally rotates about a pivot in response to torque applied to
or acceleration forces on the vehicle. A linkage arrangement is provided
and is characterized by a suspension arm pivotally mounting to the main
structural frame about a pivot at one end thereof and an anti-tip wheel
at the other end. The linkage may further include at least one link
operable to transfer the bi-directional displacement of the drive-train
assembly to the suspension arm. The link may include a bell crank member
and/or may be resiliently compressible.