If you’ve outgrown your electric scooter or regular skateboard, and you are searching for an exciting, new riding experience, read on. As soon as the Onewheel Pint board came into our radar, we couldn’t wait to review.
If you are thinking about buying the Onewheel, but are a tad concerned about crashing into oncoming traffic (or anything in your field of vision), this article is for you. Learn the key facts about the Onewheel Pint, and the older, bigger version, the XR.
Discover our take on its riding performance, and of course, the safety aspects of this form of electric transport. Don’t forget to scroll down to check out our final verdict of the Onewheel.
Spoiler alert: The Onewheel feels like literal freedom.
What Is The Onewheel?
OUR TOP PICK
The Onewheel Pint is a self-balancing electric board, that features a wheel (that’s about the same size as a go-kart wheel) in the center.
This is a riding experience like no other. But, be under no illusions - it takes a little practice and some good balance.
The Onewheel was invented by founder of Future Motion Inc, Kyle Doerkson. Often referred to as a ‘last-mile device,’ and touted as being a ‘magical hoverboard,’ since the launch of the Onewheel, its popularity has soared.
The revolution in mobility devices is moving at a superfast rate. Innovations in battery technology and motion sensors is transporting our electric transportation possibilities to a new game-changing potential.
In recent years, we have seen eclectic transportation in the form of e-scooters, e-skates, electric cars, and hoverboards. But, the Onewheel truly is something else.
The Onewheel is motorized by the go-kart wheel, with the electric motor combined in the wheel. This is the only component, other than the board itself.
Like many of the greatest inventions, its design is refreshingly simple, but it transforms your vanilla commute or old and boring experience into something amazing (albeit, a little scary)
How Do You Ride The Onewheel?
Riding the Onewheeel takes a little getting used to. Basically you put one foot on the front center of the board, and the other behind the wheel, in the center back. You position your feet on the Onewheel just like you would a snowboard or larger skateboard.
Getting your balance right is surprisingly easy to achieve (thanks to the self-balancing design features. Next, bend your knee slightly (like you would on roller skates), look in the direction you intend to go (obviously), and w-hey, off you go!
One key thing you will need to be aware of (hopefully, before you step aboard), is how you slow down. All you have to do is lean back (but not too much).
In order to move and speed up, you lean forwards. Turning the Onewheel is just as easy to master. You can change direction simply by leaning your body to the left or right.
A good tip is to ensure your body’s gravity stays as much above the wheel as possible, when attempting to turn/tilt the board in a certain direction.
Trying to get off the Onewheel Pint is fairly simple as it includes the genius Simplestop technology. In essence, this means less embarrassing falls.
The Onewheel Pint reaches a maximum of 16 mph (ca. 26 km/h), while the XR can get to 19 mph (ca. 31 km/h). Both models are versatile, and work seamlessly on and off-road.
The big difference the Onewheel makes is that it actually feels like you’re just floating along, free as a bird. The Onewheel is incredibly quiet, and the riding experience (particularly on paved areas) is so seamless and smooth, the ride is like a next-level experience you will never forget.
Let’s take a closer look at both the Onewheel Pint and the XR model, to see how they fare.
The Onewheel Pint
The Onewheel Pint is more nimble and easy to maneuver than the XR version. Also combined is the SimpleStop design feature we previously mentioned. The outcome is fewer disasters when dismounting the board
The Pint reaches 16 mph (ca. 26 km/h), with a top range, before needing to recharge is only about 7 miles (ca. 11 km).
The Pint is incredibly quiet, smooth, and seamless to ride. Even though it is smaller, it can negotiate different terrain with ease, and can mount and dismount pavement without any trouble.
Although it is smaller than the XR, it is large enough to suit anyone’s preferences. To start with, you will wobble - a lot - but once you get your body in sync with the board, you will feel completely in tune with your Onewheel.
You will soon feel at one with your board, and you will have the ultimate fun riding experience.
Pros
- Nimble and easy to maneuver
- Compact and features a magnetic handle for ease of carrying.
- Simplestop design prevents accidents when dismounting
- Almost silent, smooth and floating ride experience
- LED bar to show battery usage
Cons
- Maximum range of 8 miles (ca. 13 km) before you need to recharge
- Not suitable for accident-prone people.
The Onewheel XR
The Onewheel XR is the older version of the Onewheel. It boasts a greater range and reaches speeds of 19 mph (ca. 31 km/h). It features a larger tire, and delivers a more stable feel when you are riding.
People who want to ride further distances, need the extra feeling of security to balance, or prefer to ride off-road on difficult terrain, should opt for the XR over the Pint.
Pros
- Larger and more stable feel than the Pint
- Range of 14-16 miles before you need to recharge.
- Maximum speed of 19 mph (ca. 31 km/h)
- Both models include LED lights at the front and back.
Cons - Not as easy to turn quickly or maneuver over pavements
- Double the cost of the Pint
Is The OneWheel Worth It?
We have to say having reviewed the Onewheel, it is a huge amount of fun, and so worth it.
If you have a short commute to work, and you are tired of your e-scooter, this may just give your life a supercharge of fun and excitement. If you are starting out, you may want to opt for the more cost-effective Onewheel Pint.
Is The Onewheel Safe?
The Onewheel is about as safe as any one-wheeled electric transportation device can be. You can expect to frequently fall off when you start out.
Additionally, if you get over-confident with your OneWheel and go too fast, you may find yourself flying head-first into a concrete bollard, or meet some other misfortune conclusion to your ride.
We recommend you exercise extreme caution, to prevent your ride turning into one of the blue light variety.
However, you will be surprised at how quickly you adapt. Before you know it, your body will be perfectly in tune with your Onewheel, and your commuting days will be filled with fun and a feeling of freedom.
That said, the Onewheel should never be use without proper safety gear. Also, if you are a beginner and want to use it to commute, you may want to go a little earlier to miss heavy traffic or obstacles.
Riding The Onewheel On Paved Areas
The Onewheel Pint is ideal for paved areas. It literally delivers a flawless, noiseless, and flexible ride. You can nip on and off paved areas, turn with minimal effort and at the last minute, and weave your way to work like you are standing on a magic carpet.
Off-Road Onewheel Riding
Both Onewheel models provide a great riding experience off-road. However, if trail riding is your thing, you may want to consider the XR. The XR offers a superb electric device for pushing trails.
Charging Times Of The Onewheel
The Onewheel Pint takes quite a while to charge. Charge time is about 2 hours. However, you can buy the Onewheel Ultra-charger which will cut charging time in half.
Final Verdict
The Onewheel is an awesome invention and both models make for immense fun. If you want a futuristic piece of transportation tech that actually makes you feel like you are floating, you have to give the Onewheel a try.
In comparison to e-scooters and skateboards, the Onewheel wins hands-down. Once you get the hang of it, It is so easy to maneuver, adaptable, and smooth. Changing direction with the Onewheel feels like a dream, compared to an electric skateboard.
One word of warning when using the Onewheel. It is an electric board with one big wheel, and potentially very dangerous to use.
Make sure you get the hang of your Onewheel before attempting to negotiate busy areas, or tricky trails. Always wear safety gear such as a good helmet, wrist supports, knee and elbow supports, and such like.
You can expect to fall off a lot to begin with. However, once you get used to it, your Onewheel will feel like an extension of your body, and you may just feel like you have superhero flying powers. Yes, it is that good!
- How To Bring A Skateboard On An Airplane - February 2, 2022
- How Much Does an E-Bike Cost? - February 2, 2022
- How To Charge A Hoverboard Without A Charger? - February 1, 2022
