What is an Electric Monowheel?
If the electric monowheel is more and more present on a daily basis in our cities, you should know that this type of electric machine was invented about ten years ago.
Indeed, it was in 2006 that the (French) pioneer Solowheel launched its first unicycle . Initially intended for enthusiasts, the electric monowheel has since become more popular with the development of many other competing brands. Whether Ninebot, Inmotion, Goyway, IPS or Airwheel , there is now a very wide range of models.
The electric monowheel is a gyro-stabilized wheel , without handlebars and without controls . On an electric wheel, you therefore have your hands free, which reinforces the feeling of freedom in urban sliding journeys.
In this article we will explain how to choose your electric monowheel to help you make the right choice between the different manufacturers .
The criteria to take into account for the purchase of an Electric gyroroue
Before embarking on the purchase of an electric monowheel, it is important to compare in particular the power of the engine , the capacity of the battery as well as the maneuverability of the machine .
wheel diameter
The principle of the electric gyro being to operate on a central wheel, the first element to be taken into account being the diameter of this wheel.
The majority of unicycles have 14 inch (35.5 cm) or 16 inch (40.6 cm) wheels. With these diameters you have a good compromise between maneuverability and stability of the device .
You will also find smaller 10 or 12 inch wheels for greater responsiveness as well as larger 18 inch wheels for increased stability.
In absolute terms, you should know that the width of the wheel is not essential . It is not because you opt for an 18-inch wheel that you will necessarily have better driving sensations.
Finally, be aware that there are also electric unicycles equipped with 2 central wheels (like the Airwheel Q3). If these models offer greater safety and faster learning, you also lose sensations on the road .
Electric monowheel speed
The second important criterion in its choice of electric wheel is that of the speed and the power of the battery.
In general , electric monowheels are equipped with a "brushless" (brushless) motor.
In the specific context of this type of machine, power is a main element because this is where the general nervousness of the wheel will come from, which serves to counterbalance the weight of the user. Engine power is also important for climbing hills .
In general, the motor power is between 500 W and 1800 W. This results in speeds between 18 and 25 km/h . This is more than enough for urban travel.
That said, once the device has been tamed, you quickly experience a feeling of slowness, even at 20 km/h. We therefore advise you not to opt for wheels that are too slow, especially if your journeys consist of long straight lines . This could give you some boredom that would affect your alertness.
Autonomy of the electric unicycle
The third criterion of vigilance is autonomy . It depends on the battery , and is often expressed in ampere-hours (Ah) and volts. To compare the models, you only have to multiply these two data and you will then obtain watt hours (Wh). They correspond to the total energy stored in the machine.
Battery life varies widely between models. It can range from 10 to 100 km . You should know that manufacturers often tend to overestimate it because they test it in the most optimal conditions (65 kg user on flat ground).
In general, the larger a battery, the longer it lasts , but the longer it will take to recharge (between 1 and 3 hours). On average, a 130 Wh battery lasts a distance of about 10 km , a 340 Wh battery within 30 km and a 680 Wh battery close to 60 km .
It is recommended to choose the battery capacity according to your journey . Indeed, there is little point in opting for a high-end unicycle based solely on its battery when your daily trips are only 10-15 km. In any case, you can recharge it at night to leave the next morning.
Ideally, check in the wheel's data sheet that the brand of the battery is from a recognized manufacturer such as Samsung, LG, Sony or even Panasonic .
Weight and carrying handle
The weight of your unicycle is also an important criterion. As you often have to carry it up or down stairs or in transport, you have to be aware of its weight.
To compensate for their weight, some electric wheel models are equipped with telescopic handles that allow it to be moved easily like a suitcase. On other machines, this type of accessory is sold as an option.
Generally, the weight of a wheel is between 10 and 20 kg .
Safety and equipment
In terms of safety, most models are equipped with an automatic pedal lifting system when the user is leaning too far forward. This is often caused when you demand speed that the wheel is unable to provide (such as on hills).
This system is commonly called "tilt back" and it requires a minimum motor power of 500 W to activate. We therefore recommend that you do not opt ââfor models without this system . Because on an electric wheel, a motor that cuts out suddenly means a guaranteed fall.
Some models also have front and rear LED lights to be visible to other users even in the dark.
You can also be vigilant about other equipment such as the grips of the footrests or the comfort of the protections of the central part of the wheel . Indeed, as your calves are stressed on the ends of the unicycle, it is useful to benefit from good reinforcements.
Connectivity
The market for electric monowheels is also surfing on the trend of connected objects. Indeed, many models are compatible with an Android / iOS mobile application that communicates with the device via Bluetooth.
These applications allow you to know the level of the battery, the mileage , and to follow the routes on a map. Other parameters can also be consulted such as the speed, the sensitivity of the pedals or the color of the LEDs. Finally, some can be equipped with speakers to play music from the smartphone .
Comparison of electric monowheel characteristics
Maximum speed of electric unicycles:
- 16km/h: Airwheel X3
- 18km/h: Solowheel, Airwheel X8 , Inmotion V3
- 20-25 km/h and above: Ninebot One E+, Gotway MCM2, Gotway MCM4, IPS
Autonomy of electric monowheels:
- 10-15km: Solowheel, Airwheel X3, Airwheel Q3
- 20-25km: Airwheel X8; Inmotionn V3, FL D5
- 30km and above: Ninebot One , IPS Zero , IPS Lhotz , Gotway 340, Kingsong 340
- + 40 km: Gotway MCM4 680, Kingsong 14C 680
Electric unicycle battery charging time:
- between 1h and 1h30 min: Solowheel, Ninebot E, Gotway 320
- between 2h and 4h: Ninebot E+
- between 4 and 5 a.m.: Gotway MCM4s 680, Gotway MCM2 680, Kingsong 680Wh
Conclusion on how to choose your Electric Monoroue
One last piece of advice before making the purchase, consider choosing a model from a seller with stores in France . You will thus be sure that your monoroue complies with the standards and laws in force.
The after-sales service must also be easily reachable (by telephone is always better) in the event of a problem or to find spare parts for your machine.
For example, at Weebot, all our models are guaranteed for 1 to 2 years and our repair workshops are located in the Paris region.