What is an electric monowheel?
If the electric monowheel is more and more present in our cities, it is important to know that this type of electric machine was invented about ten years ago.
Indeed, it was in 2006 that the (French) pioneer Solowheel launched its first gyroroue. Initially intended for enthusiasts, the electric monowheel has since been democratised with the development of many other competing brands. Whether it is Ninebot, Inmotion, Goyway, IPS or Airwheel, there is now a very wide range of models.
The electric monowheel is a gyro-stabilised wheel, without handlebars or controls. With an electric wheel, you have your hands free, which reinforces the feeling of freedom when you're gliding through the city.
In this article we will explain how to choose your electric monowheel to help you making the right choice between different manufacturers.
Criteria to consider when purchasing an Electric Gyro Mower
Before buying an electric monowheel, it is important to compare the power of the motor, the capacity of the battery and the handling. handling of the machine.
The diameter of the wheel
The principle of the electric gyrorou is to operate on a central wheel, the first element to take into account is the diameter of this wheel.
Most unicycles have 14 inch (approx. 35.5 cm) or 16 inch (40.6 cm) wheels. With these diameters you have a good compromise between manoeuvrability and stability.
You will also find smaller 10" or 12" wheels for greater responsiveness as well as larger 18" wheels for increased stability.
In absolute terms, you should know that the width of the wheel is not important. It is not because you choose an 18 inch wheel that you will necessarily have a better driving sensation.
Finally, you should know that there are also electric unicycles equipped with 2 central wheels (like the Airwheel Q3). If these models offer a greater safety and a faster learning process, you also lose in sensations on the road.
Speed of the electric monowheel
The second important criterion in choosing an electric wheel is the speed and power of the battery.
In general, electric monowheels are equipped with a brushless motor.
In the specific context of this type of machine power is a key element because it is from this that the general nervousness of the wheel is derived, which serves to counterbalance the weight of the user. The power of the motor is also important for climbing slopes.
In general, the motor power is between 500 W and 1800 W. This translates into speeds of between 18 and 25 km/h. This is more than enough for urban travel.
That said, once you get the hang of it, you quickly get a feeling of slowness, even at 20 km/h. We therefore advise you to don't opt for wheels that are too slow especially if your journeys consist of long straight lines. This could lead to a certain amount of boredom, which would impair your alertness.
Autonomy of the electric unicycle
The third criterion to watch out for is the range. This depends on the battery, and is often expressed in ampere-hours (Ah) and volts. To compare models, simply multiply these two figures and you will get watt-hours (Wh). This is the total energy stored in the device.
The range varies widely between models. It can range from 10 to 100 km. It should be noted that manufacturers often tend to overestimate it because they test it under the most optimal conditions (65 kg user on flat ground).
In general, the bigger the battery, the longer it lastsIn general, the larger the battery, the longer it will take to recharge (between 1 and 3 hours). On average, a 130 Wh battery lasts about 10 km, a 340 Wh battery about 30 km and a 680 Wh battery about 60 km.
It is recommended to choose the battery capacity according to your journey. Indeed, it is not very useful to opt for a top-of-the-range unicycle based only on its battery when your daily trips are only 10-15 km. In any case, you will be able to recharge it at night and set off again the next morning.
Ideally, check the wheel's technical data sheet to ensure that the battery brand is from a recognised manufacturer such as Samsung, LG, Sony or Panasonic.
Weight and carrying handle
The weight of your gyro is also an important criterion. As you often have to carry it up and down stairs or in transport, you should be aware of its weight.
To compensate for their weight, some electric wheel models are equipped with telescopic handles that allow it to be moved easily like a suitcase. On other machines, this type of accessory is sold as an option.
Generally, the weight of a wheel is between 10 and 20 kg.
Safety and equipment
In terms of safety, most models are equipped with an automatic automatic pedal lift system when the user is leaning too far forward. This is often caused when you demand a speed that the wheel is unable to provide (such as on slopes).
This system is commonly called "tilt back" and requires a minimum motor power of 500 W to activate. We therefore recommend that you do not choose models without this system. Because in an electric wheel, a motor that suddenly cuts out is guaranteed to cause a fall.
Some models also have Front and rear LED lights for visibility of other users even in the dark.
You can also pay attention to other equipment such as the grips on the footrests or the comfort of the protections on the central part of the wheel. Indeed, as your calves are stressed on the extremities of the gyrorou, it is useful to have good reinforcements.
Connectivity
The market for electric monowheels is also riding on the trend of connected objects. Indeed, many models are compatible with an Android / iOS mobile application that communicates with the device via Bluetooth.
These applications allow you to check the battery level, the mileage, and to follow the routes on a map. Other parameters can also be consulted, such as speed, pedal sensitivity and LED colour. Finally, some can be equipped with speakers to play music from the smartphone.
Comparison of the characteristics of electric monowheels
Maximum speed of electric unicycles :
- 16 km/h: Airwheel X3
- 18 km/h: Solowheel, Airwheel X8, Inmotion V3
- 20 to 25 km/h and above: Ninebot One E+, Gotway MCM2, Gotway MCM4, IPS
Autonomy of electric monowheels :
- 10 to 15 km: Solowheel, Airwheel X3, Airwheel Q3
- 20 to 25 km: Airwheel X8; Inmotionn V3, FL D5
- 30 km and above: Ninebot One, IPS Zero, IPS Lhotz, Gotway 340, Kingsong 340
- + over 40 km: Gotway MCM4 680, Kingsong 14C 680
Battery charging time for electric scooters :
- between 1h and 1h30 mn: Solowheel, Ninebot E, Gotway 320
- between 2h and 4h: Ninebot E+
- between 4 and 5 hours: Gotway MCM4s 680, Gotway MCM2 680, Kingsong 680Wh
Conclusion on how to choose your Electric Monowheel
One last piece of advice before you buy, remember to choose a model from a vendor with shops in France. This will ensure that your monowheel complies with the standards and laws in force.
The after-sales service should also be easily accessible (by phone is always better) in case of problems or to find spare parts for your machine.
For example, at Weebot all our models are guaranteed for 1 to 2 years and our repair workshops are located in the Paris area.