Electric vehicles and alternative transportation have become increasingly popular in recent years, and a wide variety of electric vehicles have emerged to bring transportation into the future.
But while you’ve probably heard of electric cars and bikes, you might not be as familiar with the Onewheel: the single-wheeled electric skateboard.
In this article we will be looking into what is a Onewheel, how they work, and how to ride one.
These strange devices are becoming more and more widespread, but what exactly is a Onewheel?
Don’t worry – we’re here to clear up any confusion. This guide will take you through everything you need to know about what a Onewheel is, how it works, and even how to ride one yourself.
Ready to get started? Then let’s get right into it!
So What Is A Onewheel?
As their name suggests, a Onewheel is a type of electric skateboard that is built around a single large wheel in the center of the board. Like other electric vehicles, Onewheels move independently, without the need for the rider to push themselves along.
You ride it like a regular skateboard, with your feet perpendicular to the central wheel. This wheel is similar to those used by go-karts; that is to say, it’s big and wide.
The wheel’s size makes it easier to balance, and gives the board the power it needs to carry the rider around.
Onewheels are powered by an electric motor and use a range of sensors to control their movement. While it can feel weird to ride one at first, with some practice it becomes easy to glide around smoothly.
Riding a Onewheel is truly its own experience. Smoother than a hoverboard, simpler than a segway, and with a speed to match most e-bikes, a Onewheel is the peak of alternative transportation.
There are two types of Onewheel that have a few small differences between them.
The Onewheel Pint is a smaller model that is perfect for traveling around on, whether you’re going to work or simply want to ride around for leisure. It’s the simpler of the two models, but don’t think that means it skips out of any of its functionality and features.
The Onewheel+ XR is the larger model, with extra power and speed to match. It can also travel further, with a long 19-29km range and a top speed of 32km/h. This is an upgrade from the Onewheel Pint’s (still respectable) 10-13km range and max speed of 26km/h.
Onewheels also charge in no time at all, with both models only taking around two hours to go from empty to full.
How Do They Work?
Now we have explored ‘What is a Onewheel?’, how does an electric skateboard with a single wheel through the middle actually work?
It might seem confusing at first, but the Onewheel’s clever design makes it incredibly simple to use.
The wheel isn’t the only thing connected to the battery on a Onewheel. There are also several sensors and mechanisms inside the board itself that measure everything from your angle to the pressure you’re putting on the board.
These sensors control how fast the board goes, as well as which direction you’re traveling in. Not only that, but they also make constant and slight adjustments to the electric motor to help keep you balanced as you ride.
When you’re riding a Onewheel, all the work is being done by a single wheel. Unlike Segways and hoverboards, which use two wheels to keep the rider balanced, a Onewheel uses its wide, central wheel to keep you stable.
This design also makes it easier to ride. 2-wheeled hoverboards need you to lean forwards to move, but this shifts your center of gravity past the board and makes it easier to lose your balance.
Because they have a similar design to a skateboard, Onewheels give you more control over how you move by keeping your body centered.
Although a Onewheel looks pretty symmetrical, you need to be facing the right direction to ride it properly. You can tell which part of the board is the front by the footpad; the front footpad is divided into two parts.
The sensors on the Onewheel don’t activate unless both sides of the footpad are being pressed down. When your feet are on the board, you can lean in either direction to move either forwards or backwards.
Depending on the pressure and angle you apply with your feet, the speed of a Onewheel can increase or decrease. By making small adjustments to the speed and strength of the motor, the Onewheel is able to keep the board steady and balanced.
Combine that with the built-in motion sensors and gyroscope, and the Onewheel is an incredibly smooth ride that can handle sidewalks, asphalt, and off-road riding with ease.
How To Ride A Onewheel
So now that you know what is a Onewheel and how they work, let’s take a look at how to actually ride one. It can be intimidating at first glance, but riding a Onewheel is quick to learn and easy to do.
First things first, you’ll need to get on the Onewheel. This is the tricky part, and the bit that you might have the most trouble with at first. Switch the power button on to get the board ready, and prepare it so the back half is on the ground.
Now, step your back foot onto the rear half of the board. When you’re ready, put your dominant foot on the front half of the board, covering both of the pressure-sensitive pads.
Keeping your body as straight as possible, bring the back end of the board up. Try to keep your body central to the board, as any weight either in direction will start you moving.
When you get the board level, you should be able to feel the Onewheel begin to balance for you.
From here, you’re able to start riding.
To go, turn your body in the direction you want to face and lean forwards to accelerate. The further you lean, the faster you’ll go.
Turning your Onewheel is similar to turning on a skateboard. Shift your weight either onto your heels or your toes to move in that direction.
When you want to get off the Onewheel, bring it to a stop. Lift your front foot off of one of the pads – this will disrupt the sensors and stop the Onewheel from moving. Bring the back end down to the ground, and step off the board.
When you’re riding a Onewheel, it’s important to wear the proper safety gear. Even if you aren’t planning on taking your Onewheel into busy areas with traffic, there is still the risk of you falling off or crashing.
The minimum safety equipment you should be wearing is a helmet, but you’re better off also wearing kneepads and elbow pads. Appropriate footwear is also necessary, and you should wear a pair of close-toed shoes with a good grip.
Wearing the right gear will greatly reduce the risk of injury in case of an accident, and will ensure you have the best and safest experience riding your Onewheel.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it! Now you know a bit more about what is a Onewheel, how do they work, and how do people ride them.
A Onewheel is a great alternative way to travel. They are eco-friendly, convenient, and deliver an incredibly smooth ride. Whether you are interested in getting a Onewheel for yourself, or simply just wanted to find out more about these unique vehicles, now you know everything you need to know about Onewheels!
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