Then I'd need a complete schematic that shows clearly, in one diagram, how everything is connected including the IR sensors with spec's on the sensors, relay(s), diodes, etc.
Without at least that I doubt anyone here can help you. Certainly I can't.
Sorry, but I don't understand much of your diagram. However, this part seems definitely in error and would prevent the motor from running.
Suggested corrections attached.
Actually power can -- and must -- always travel simultaneously down ALL paths in amounts inversely proportional to their resistance.
However, whether a motor can (simultaneously) turn in more than one direction is a question above my pay grade.
I think the explanation is obvious. One (or both) of us is inept.
Since we've already seen your circuit can't work, and I've explained why, the most plausible choice of those three possibilities seems pretty clear.
Simple? Well, since neither of your limit switches shows any connection to their NC contact, it's simple to see this circuit can never work.
So congrat's on achieving such a wonderfully simple, non-functional, worthless circuit.
Digikey will sell you 1 for $0.21. But if you can only buy them by the bag, take this one from the same bag you pulled the one from that protects switch contacts from coil kickback. As for mounting it, it could be simply connected between the unused NO contact and common terminals of the CCW...
I answered, but not in very good detail. Let me try again.
1. The fundamental reason that trying to control a DC motor's speed with a resistor (or pot) is that when the mechanical friction loading a motor changes, the current drawn by the motor will also change -- increasing when friction...
This is the ultimate extension of the series-diode concept. It is much simpler than your 555 based circuit and your chances of successfully using it are therefore much better.
Frankly, there are so many errors in the 555 schematic you drew that I won't even attempt to correct it.
You're looking at the wrong diodes. Check out D1 and D2.
Please recall that, per my original suggestion, there remains another solution: More pairs of diodes. 7 pairs, for example, would be guaranteed to stop the motor completely, since 7 x 0.7V = 4.9V. Somewhere between the 1 you have now...
On second thought, maybe best to forget the whole thing, given as little as we know about the "scooter" in question.
If Rudy WERE successful increasing motor torque, maybe that would cause the gears to strip, wheels to skid, or his antlers to fall off!