Buying Motorized Unicycle? 15 Things You Absolutely Need To Know

A couple of years ago, I would have considered unicycles for people who are thinking of a career in a circus. However, electric unicycles changed everything.

Motorized unicycles are a popular choice in the market because of their compact design and powerful performances. However, buying them is a major decision, and you need all the information.

The following sections will take a look at the 11 most important things you must know about electric unicycles.

1. Is it Safe to Ride on an Electric Unicycle?

There is no simple answer to this question. Riding an electric unicycle can be both safe and dangerous depending on how you use it. There are certain risks involved due to the design and rider position. This is especially true for a one-wheel motorized unicycle. However, most electric unicycles come with inherent safety features that practically eliminate these risks.

If you ignore all the safety precautions and use the electric unicycle in dangerous areas without the proper training and safety equipment, you might get seriously hurt. Note that this is not limited to electric unicycles only. E-boards, bikes, scooters, and all other similar items have some associated risks and some recommended precautions to avoid them.

On the other hand, for users who understand the importance of taking all the precautions while using their motorized unicycle properly, nothing can be better.

2. How much do Electric Unicycles Cost?

There are multiple budget options and high-end luxurious Electric Unicycles available in the market. The price depends on the manufacturer, the features it comes equipped with as well as the type of Unicycle you’re purchasing.

You can easily get a unicycle with adequate features and high performances under 1000 dollars. But, if you’re looking for new, premium features, with a wider range and a higher speed, then the price point can jump up to $2000.

You’ll be able to find the best choice for yourself without going over budget.

Once you purchase an Electric Unicycle, maintaining it is a cheap endeavor. You’ll be easily able to recharge the battery for under a dollar. For shorter commutes, it’s far more economical to invest in a Unicycle than a car.

Also Read: Top 7 Electric Unicycle Perfect For Off-Road!

3. What’s the best speed for you?

The top speed varies for each type of brand. On average, an Electric Unicycle can give you a top speed of 15 mph.

At the lower end of the spectrum, some budget models can give you a speed of only 5mph. While the models available at a higher price point, however, can give you a top speed of 20 mph and even 40 mph!

It’s important to understand that as a beginner, using an electric unicycle at a higher speed is not advisable. There’s a steep learning curve associated with an Electric Unicycle, and taking the unicycle on a ride at a high speed can be dangerous as maintaining the proper balance can become difficult.

4. Are electric unicycles environmentally friendly?

Yes! Electric Unicycles are stylish, fun, and green. It runs entirely on electricity. There are no emissions nor depletion of fossil fuels. If you’re environmentally conscious and are looking for a fast, easy way to travel to your commute, then Electric Unicycles have got you covered.

Also Read: 9 Best Electric Unicycle Helmets for Max Safety

5. What are the main benefits of buying an Electric Unicycle?

If you looking for a convenient way to travel short distances, Electric Unicycles are the best. Their compact design makes them easier to carry compared to other Electric vehicles. Unicycles are designed to be lightweight. Even if you run out of battery in the middle of your ride, you can easily fit it in your backpack and walk.

Most of all, they’re a fun and exciting way to move. Unicycles are a unique and exciting way to travel and they’ll make you stand out. Once you get the hang of its balancing mechanism, riding an Electric Unicycle can be an extremely rewarding and satisfying experience. Furthermore, you don’t even have to worry too much about their maintenance. After the initial cost of purchase, service for Motorized Unicycles is usually cheap.

6. Do you need any license to drive it?

It depends on where you are. Some local laws treat Motorized Unicycles as if they were a bicycle or a scooter. Meaning that there aren’t any laws regulating its use. While others necessitate a license as well as other documents such registrations, insurance, etc.

You’ll need to take a detailed look at your local laws before purchasing a unicycle to see which category your locality falls into. Moreover, if it’s the former, you need to be aware that these laws can be changed and updated later on.

7. What are the cons of using an Electric Unicycle?

Before purchasing a motorized Unicycle, you need to be aware that it’s relatively harder to use compared to other alternatives like E-Bikes and electric scooters. There’s a steep learning curve you’ll have to go through before you can properly ride the Unicycle. You’ll have to learn how to self-balance and ride without handles or seats. This will take some time to get used to.

Another disadvantage is that the technology is new and keeps updating. You’ll get an expensive model with several new features only for it to be outdated as the technology improves. E-Unicycles can also be an expensive purchase. Sure, you can get a cheaper model that does the basics, but if you’re looking for something exciting, the price points can be relatively high.

Also Read: One wheel vs Boosted Board – Comparison & Review

8. Which type of Electric Unicycle would fit your needs?

There are 3 main types of Electric Unicycles: One-wheel, Dual wheel, and finally seated Unicycles. Their characteristics are self-explanatory.

One wheel and dual wheel are similar in style and usage except for the additional wheel. This makes the former weigh more. Dual wheel Unicycles are more stable and can ride through rough terrain more easily. If you live in an area with inclines and steep hills, then the power of an additional wheel would fit your needs better.

A seated Unicycle bypasses the difficulties in learning how to balance. It puts less strain on your body as you can sit and relax your legs. However, this makes carrying your Electric Unicycle problematic.

9. What’s the maximum range you can get?

It’s important to calculate the best approximation of the range you need. E-unicycles can’t be used without their battery, once it loses its charge, you’ll have to carry it around. Despite its lightweight and the wheeled suitcase feature that some unicycles come with, it would still be inconvenient for you.

Fortunately, several motorized unicycles offer a huge range. Some models can reach a range of around 80 miles or more on a single charge. The range of a Unicycle depends on three main factors, its battery, motor power, and the user’s overall weight. You’ll have to make an informed decision considering the distance you’re planning to travel.

10. Do I need additional safety equipment?

Yes, you absolutely need it! You’ll have to get proper safety equipment to avoid getting hurt. This includes helmet, shoulder pads, knee pads, the whole deal. Learning how to balance on a motorized unicycle isn’t an easy task to accomplish. You’ll need to accept a few risks such as a few slips and falls as you learn how to balance on the device.

Moreover, if you’re planning on using this device on the road, then it’s even more imperative to wear safety equipment. Bumping into a pedestrian or in a car can cause you to lose your balance and fall. With protections, you’ll be able to mitigate some of the damage.

11. Are Electric Unicycles worth it?

After careful consideration of all the above factors, you’ll be able to decide whether you need an Electric Unicycle.

While the initial investment might be a bit expensive, Electric Unicycles are well worth the money spent depending on your usage. They’re a unique, cost-effective, and green personal transportation device which are excellent for traveling around your neighborhood, to your office or commuting on campus.

12. How fast can you go on a unicycle

Electric unicycle has the ability to reach 40MPH and beyond. Although this can be quite dangerous so despite having the power to do so, many electric unicycles come with the option of putting a cap on the top speed.

13. Unicycle where to buy

If you are a beginner, and you’re looking to buy a motorize unicycle choices can feel quite limited. There aren’t too many sellers legally allowed to sell certain electric unicycles in the USA. So far websites like eWheels and amazon seem to have the best selection.

14. Are they easy to wash?

If you’re a new electric unicycle owner or just getting into riding them, it can be hard to figure out the best way to clean it. The fear of messing something up or just overall laziness can make for a daunting cleaning process.

Luckily an electric unicycle is smaller and requires less effort than other bikes and cars. Simply using items like damp microfiber towels on delicate areas, along with polish spray cleaner for the outer casing can do wonders.

15. Self-balance on a motorized unicycle

Back in the day, a self-balancing gyro was only for aerospace applications and other high-budget projects. However, the technology advanced considerably. Self-balancing gyros are now a part of cell phones and other electronic devices like an electric unicycle.

Self-balancing gyros play an important part in maintaining the balance of a unicycle. The user will still have to exert some degree of control over the EUC, but the self-balancing aspect makes this job a lot easier.

Key Takeaways

Electric unicycles are cool. Definitely! But buying them for the first time is a significant decision. You’ll have to spend a considerable amount of time learning the basics, invest in safety equipment, and deal with the occasional fall.

It’s best if you know what you are getting into before you spend your hard-earned money on something you might not like. In this article, we tried to introduce you to motorize unicycles and answer the most common questions that might pop in your head when you decide to buy one for yourself.

Also Read: 7 Creative Electric Unicycle Stands You Can Try