How to choose a monowheel

A monowheel is a modern eco-friendly type of individual transport that can give odds to a scooter and even a bicycle. Compact dimensions, high functionality, decent speed and battery life – these are its main advantages, available only if the device is selected correctly, and its characteristics fully correspond to the operating conditions.

The best unicycle manufacturers

Currently, about ten different manufacturers are considered the best, the most iconic and memorable of which are:

1. IPS;

2. Rockwheell;

3. Gotway;

4. Immotion;

All that the buyer needs when choosing such a device is to study the catalog characteristics and compare them with those of competing models, as well as get acquainted with the positive and negative reviews that can be found on thematic forums or on social networks on the Internet.

What to look for when choosing a monowheel? Selection options

The key functional elements of the electric unicycle are the following units:

1. Compact body with a carrying handle at the top;

2. The wheel is integrated into the body and provides movement;

3. Pedals that serve as a fulcrum for the feet when moving;

4. An electric motor that drives a monowheel, as well as a battery that supplies it with energy;

5. Gyroscope – a device that tracks the position of the body while driving and serves to control a monowheel;

6. The presence of special signal lamps that indicate a monowheel while driving in the dark;

7. USB port for synchronization, software updates and connection of peripheral equipment;

8. Multimedia system for playing music (not present on all devices);

When considering buying one or another electric unicycle, you should pay attention to the following characteristics.

Electric unicycle speed

This parameter can mean two main types – cruising and peak speed. The first means the amount of speed that the device is capable of developing over a long time. The second is the speed that occurs during short-term impulse acceleration.

Depending on the speed characteristics, all unicycle are divided into three conditional groups:

1. Low-speed electric unicycle – devices capable of developing up to 15 kilometers per hour. The peak speed of such devices can reach 18-20 kilometers per hour;

2. Medium-speed devices – electric unicycle, the speed of which can reach 20-22 kilometers per hour, while the peak speed can reach 24-26 km / h;

3. Fast unicycle can develop up to 25-27 kilometers per hour and 30-32 kilometers per hour at peak load;

There are also so-called ultra-high-speed electric unicycle, capable of developing up to 50 kilometers per hour, but such devices are not necessary for everyone, but they are bought purposefully and deliberately.

Carrying device

Relevant when operating a monowheel in an urban environment, with frequent transfers on public transport and regular descents in the metro.

1. The compact handle at the top of the monowheel is the standard solution for carrying the unit. Thanks to it, in the off state, the monowheel turns into a small and compact suitcase. A very convenient and ergonomic solution used by many modern manufacturers;

2. The retractable handle designed for rolling the monowheel is not present on all devices. Thanks to it, you can transport a monowheel like a suitcase on wheels;

Battery capacity

A parameter measured in ampere-hours and indicating the distance at which a device can travel on a single charge. The higher the battery capacity, the higher its resource, but also the higher the total weight of such a device. This is very important for urban use, which involves frequent carrying of the electric unicycle in your hands.

1. For typical urban use and those users who value the minimum weight of the device, you should pay attention to the models, the battery of which has a capacity of 250-350 Ah. Such a “battery” is quite enough to cover 30-40 kilometers;

2. For those who are looking for the most capacious and resourceful battery, models with a capacity of 750-850 ampere-hours, capable of covering 80-100 kilometers on a single charge, are suitable;

It is impossible not to mention such an important option as brake energy recovery. Thanks to it, the kinetic energy that is generated during braking up to a full stop is used to recharge the battery, thereby contributing to an increase in its operating time.

Moisture – and dustproof

A very important option that allows you to operate the device in wet and inclement weather. It is preferable to choose monowheels that meet the international protection standard IP68, which allows operation in the rain, in dusty conditions, and also allows you to withstand significant shock loads. The last parameter is especially important in the case when the unicycle is purchased for performing tricks.

Engine power

A parameter measured in watts and directly affecting the acceleration dynamics, as well as how quickly the battery will be consumed. The power of any electric motor has three interrelated quantities, each of which characterizes its technical features:

1. Rated power – the value that the unicycle develops in the monotonous driving mode;

2. Maximum power is a parameter reflecting the power that the engine is capable of delivering in the most efficient mode;

3. Peak power is the short-term impulse power that the engine can generate in an extreme situation. Typically 10-15% above maximum power;

When choosing a monowheel for this parameter, it should be remembered that the more powerful the device, the easier all kinds of obstacles and climbs will be given, and also the shorter the distance the monowheel will be able to run on one charge.

Electric unicycle weight

As noted above, the more powerful and resourceful the unicycle, the more weight it has.

1. Standard devices, the most popular among buyers, weigh about 12-15 kilograms.

2. Models of lighter weight, about 8-10 kilograms, are best chosen for children and adolescents who want to join this type of transport.

3. 20-25 kilogram mono-wheels are the lot of those who want to get the maximum speed and range at their disposal.

Based on the diameter of the unicycle, you need to adhere to the following recommendations:

1. 12 inches is suitable for users weighing up to 60 kg.
2. 14 inches are rated for loads up to 85 kg.
3. 16 inches is suitable for users weighing up to 100 kg.
4. Over 16 inches for users weighing over 100 kg.

The presence of a multimedia system and built-in acoustics

A monowheel is a modern gadget, and like all similar devices, it can be easily synchronized with smartphones or tablets. A USB port is intended for this purpose, which can also be used to recharge your mobile phone, as well as Bluetooth – a connection that allows you to play music tracks from the device through the built-in speakers. In addition, for many devices, manufacturers provide special software that is installed on a smartphone and allows you to monitor the status of the device and its main characteristics in real time. Here you can also add the presence of all kinds of bulbs and lights that are activated when driving at night and are intended to illuminate the road, as well as to be used as side lights to indicate the location of the rider on the road.

Optional accessories

The monowheel must be supplied with a power cord for charging the device, as well as a compact compressor that serves to pump it. It works, as a rule, from the USB port of the device, and therefore allows the possibility of using it directly on the road.

In the next article, our experts will tell you how to choose the right gyro scooter for adults and children.

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a purchase guide.