Onewheel Vs EUC: Key Differences and Similarities
The world of electric vehicles is quickly evolving. New models and designs come out every year, challenging the existing spectrum of personal electric vehicles, including electric unicycles. One such competitor is Onewheel, an innovative electric vehicle that takes the single wheel of an EUC and repurposes it in a sleeker model. But are these vehicles worth it? Here’s what you need to know.
What is an EUC?
An electric unicycle, often abbreviated to EUC, is a personal electric vehicle that consists of one central wheel with a motor on top and foot pedals on either side that the rider uses to balance and steer. The exact design varies from model to model and between manufacturers but is largely consistent in terms of size and operation.
The first EUCs started appearing in the late 2000s, though the first commercially available EUC didn’t hit the market until 2010. This was the Solowheel, created by Shane Chen. The EUC market boomed between 2014 and 2015, with major names like InMotion, King Song, Gotway, and Ninebot putting out their first lines and solidifying the competition in the scene. Now, there are many reliable and interesting EUC manufacturers to choose from, each with their own benefits.
The average electric unicycle can go around 20-30 mph comfortably, though some have top speeds as high as 50 or 60 mph. They typically have a range of about 35-40 miles on a single charge. These vehicles are often used as recreational or commuter vehicles by those who live in urban areas and are becoming a more popular personal transportation choice as the market grows. They don’t typically need much in the way of aftermarket accessories, though many come with additional features including lights, Bluetooth connectivity, and specialized foot pedals.
What is Onewheel?
Onewheel, created by Kyle Doerksen in 2013, is a personal electric vehicle resembling a skateboard. But, instead of having two sets of two wheels attached to the bottom of the board, Onewheel has, well, one wheel directly in the center of the board, which is exposed on top. Physically, the Onewheel differs from an EUC in that its central wheel is exposed rather than covered by the motor, which is instead built into the board itself. It has a sleeker profile than most EUCs and sits lower to the ground.
There are three models available - the Pint, GT, and Pint X - all of which have the same general design but vary in terms of range and top speed.
- The Pint has a 6-8 mile range with a 16 mph top speed.
- The Pint X, the most popular model, has a 12-18 mile range and an 18 mph top speed.
- The GT, Onewheel’s flagship model, has a 20-32 mile range and a 20 mph top speed.
The company also sells various accessories to go with their boards including fenders, extra chargers, rail guards, and stands, among others.
Onewheel vs. EUCs
As you can see, Onewheel vehicles are not as powerful as most EUCs. They tend to have shorter ranges and lower top speeds. This makes them fine for shorter commutes or recreational riding, but an EUC is likely the better choice for more regular or longer-distance travel.
Interestingly, at the heart of both Onewheel and EUCs lies a shared technological foundation: the self-balancing mechanism. Using gyroscopes and accelerometers, both devices continuously track the tilt and direction, adjusting the motor inputs accordingly to maintain balance. This intricate marriage of hardware and software offers riders that distinctive sensation of floating, regardless of whether they're on an EUC or a Onewheel.
Additionally, Onewheel has come under fire recently due to issues with its electrical systems, and though the company is working to resolve these issues, it is still worth noting when making the decision between the two products.
Beyond this, EUCs have a wider range of models and customization options than Onewheel does due to the fact that EUCs aren’t limited to one specific company. Onewheel’s designs may be innovative and unique, but they are also extremely specific and may not be the best fit for all riders.
Still, Onewheel’s vehicles are an interesting option that is worth watching as they advance and evolve over time.
Conclusion
Interested in trying out an EUC? Alien Rides has a wide range of models from the leading brands in the industry for you to explore. With vehicles for every purpose - from sport riding to everyday use - and a rigorous testing process to ensure you’re getting the best product every time, Alien Rides has something for almost everyone to love.
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