With the hoverboard craze, there’s been an increase in other electric personal transporters available on the market. Electric skateboards and other hoverboard alternatives have become very popular among kids, teens and adults. Electric Unicycles, which have existed since before hoverboards became one of the hottest personal transporters, are enjoyed by casual riders and commuters alike.
If you’re not familiar with electric unicycles, they are similar in many ways to two wheel self-balancing personal transporters like hoverboards. Obviously, by the name, they only have one wheel. On each side there is a footpad that you stand on, straddling the wheel in the middle. Riding an electric unicycle is similar to a Segway, you lean your body to control speed and direction. If you’re interested in learning more about these transporters, including the best electric unicycles available keep reading.
Best Electric Unicycle
Airwheel X3 Electric Self-Balanced Unicycle
This classic Airwheel model is the perfect entry-level electric unicycle for teens and adults. Built to be easy to ride, the gyroscope system helps the rider maintain balance. The unicycle is easily controlled by leaning forward or backward.
The X3 provides a variety of riding options thanks to the Cheng Shin Tire, a high-quality rubber tire with an anti-skid design and a unique tread pattern to grip the road. You can ride comfortably on wet or dry pavement without worry. It weighs about 20 lbs, so it is portable to use as a part of a city commute. With a max speed of 9 miles per hour, the performance is similar to many hoverboards on the market, making it a great choice for teenagers.
Available colors: white
Max Speed: 9 mph (15km/h)
Max Distance: 11 miles (18km)
Notable features: 14″ rubber tire, aluminum footpads, 90 minute charge time, rider weight limit 265 lbs, battery level indicator lights
9bot One A1
Another affordable option, the 9bot One A1 is priced and sized for teens and adults alike. The design and look are similar to other electric unicycles, with a strong polycarbonate shell on a magnesium alloy structure.
This model, like the lower-priced ones, is meant for urban riding on asphalt and concrete, though it can ride up and down slopes. With a max speed of 11.5 mph and a riding distance of 9 miles on a single charge, the One A1 is a great option for casual riding or commuting in a city or on campus. Parents can set a maximum speed limit in the app to protect younger riders. The minimalist design features a built-in carrying handle, and the footpads fold up to make it extra compact.
Available colors: white
Max Speed: 11.5 mph
Max Distance: 9 miles
Notable features: Max rider weight 220 lbs., smartphone app, 14″ rubber tire, built in carry handle
INMOTION V11 Electric Unicycle
If you’re willing to pay a premium, the INMOTION V11 offers amazing features and versatility. Thanks to the sturdy off-road design, you can ride your electric unicycle down the street, across grass, and on uneven surfaces. The 18″ wheel design also features built-in air suspension, to make your bumpy rides smooth. Climb slopes up to 35 degrees so you can ride easily in hilly locations or on hiking trails. The design is also weather resistant so you don’t need to worry about a little rain or riding through small puddles.
If you have a need for speed–or want a quicker commute–you’ll appreciate the max speed of 31 mph. The riding range of 75 miles means you’ll recharge less often. The built-in headlight means you can ride day or night and easily be seen by other riders and drivers. Use the carrying handle to easily transport this electric unicycle when you’re not riding. While the V11 is much more expensive than entry level models, it’s worth the price for off-road riding ability. Make sure to wear proper safety gear especially when riding of road in steep areas.
Available colors: black
Max Speed: 31 mph
Max Distance: 75 miles
Notable features: 35 degree slope, smartphone app, adjustable headlight, break lights, 18″ rubber tire, max rider weight 265 pounds, built in carrying handle, IP55 Weather-resistant, 4 hour charge time
SWAGTRON SwagRoller Electric Unicycle
Swagtron was one of the first companies to get into the hoverboard game, so we’re not surprised that now they offer an awesome electric unicycle. The SwagRoller is a slick personal transporter great for urbanites and college students. It’s a little bit cooler than the Segway and even has a built in Bluetooth speaker if you want to listen to music on the go. The 14″ dual tires give you excellent traction for riding and work on all terrains. For new riders, the Swagroller comes with training wheel accessories to make learning a little easier.
The SwagRoller is super portable and compact. The metal footrests fold in and it also includes a carrying handle so it’s easy to transport it when you aren’t riding. The handle even extends so you can roll the electric unicycle along the ground like a suitcase. With built in LED lights for visibility and safety, the SwagRoller is a great option for teens and college kids. Ride it on sidewalks, in the park, or just around town. This is a great option for anyone interested in an electric unicycle.
Available colors: White
Wheel Size: 14″
Max Speed: 9 mph
Max Distance: 12.4 miles
Notable features: UL2272 certified, max weight 264 lbs., Bluetooth speaker, smartphone app, LED lights, 3 hour charge time, retractable carry handle, IP55 water resistant, gyroscopic balancing technology
Electric Unicycle vs. Hoverboard
A lot of people aren’t sure whether they should buy a hoverboard or an electric unicycle. If you can’t afford both, there are a couple of things you should consider before you make your purchase.
Electric Unicycle Pros
- Electric unicycles are faster than even the fastest hoverboards. Hoverboards top out at 12 mph, while most electric unicycles can hit speeds around 20 mph and others reach up to 30 mph.
- Great for off-road riding. While most hoverboards are best to use on sidewalks or streets, electric unicycles can go off-road. They work on dirt, grass, and gravel. They can also go up stairs and over curbs, which is super convenient for a lot of commuters.
Electric Unicycle Cons
- Electric Unicycles have a bigger learning curve. While it’s not impossible to use, it may take longer to learn how to ride them. If you already have experience with a hoverboard or riding a regular unicycle you may be able to learn it more quickly. Do not expect to just get on your EUC and go like you can with a hoverboard.
- Price. Usually, electric unicycles are more expensive than hoverboards, especially because there are fewer models available. If you’re on a budget, you may want to consider a cheap hoverboard instead.
- Electric unicycles are heavier than hoverboards, often around 30 lbs. That can make them inconvenient to carry around if you use them to commute or get around campus.
How to Ride an Electric Unicycle
Electric unicycles are a little harder to learn to ride than a hoverboard. It may take some time before you can master it. But just like anything else, if you fall you should get back up and try again.
Here are some tips to help you as you learn to ride your electric unicycle.
- Try to find a location where you can practice that has a rail or other tall object you can use for stability.
- Turn your electric unicycle on.
- Hold onto your rail or stabilizer. Place your outside foot (the one away from the stabilizer) on the footrest while holding the EUC with your outside hand.
- Holding the rail, jump your other foot up onto the footrest.
- Use your rail to support yourself as you practice moving the electric unicycle.
- With your knees slightly bent, lean forward a little to move forward. Keep your hand on the rail in case you lose balance. Lean back to stop. Repeat this until you feel comfortable enough to let go of the rail and ride.
- To increase speed, lean forward more. To slow down or stop, lean back.
- To mount the unicycle without the assistance of a rail, you should put one foot on the footrest and hold the handle with the same hand. Push off the ground with your other foot and lean forward at the same time so the unicycle starts moving. It may take some practice to do this without losing your balance.
- Once you’ve mastered going straight, you can practice turning. To turn an electric unicycle, you need to lean your body in the direction you want to turn. Try gradual turns at first. Usually, if you’ve mastered riding without a rail or support you should be able to turn without losing your balance.
It may take a couple of hours of practice to really feel comfortable on your electric unicycle.
Check out this video that shows you how to ride an electric unicycle:
When you are new to riding your electric unicycle, you will fall. Make sure to wear appropriate safety gear to prevent injuries. Otherwise, just get back up and try, try again!