Electric Scooters vs Electric Unicycles: Key Differences and Similarities
The Main Differences & Similarities Between Electric Scooters and Electric Unicycles
Personal electric vehicles are on the rise in popularity, and for good reason. They’re quicker than walking, better for the environment than driving, and getting more affordable and accessible by the day.
So, which electric vehicle should you opt for: an electric scooter or an electric unicycle? Both are great in their own ways and have their own limitations, so let’s compare the two to giv you the best overview to make the right decision for your situation.
What are electric scooters and electric unicycles?
Electric scooters are two-wheeled electric vehicles with a footboard and handlebars. These vehicles are much like mechanical scooters except that they have small motors, usually mounted above the back wheel.
Electric unicycles are one-wheeled electric vehicles with foot stands on either side of the wheel. Instead of steering with handlebars, you control the movement of the vehicle with your body weight, shifting it in the direction you want to move.
Electric scooter vs electric unicycle
Electric scooters and electric unicycles are, of course, different in design, but are remarkably similar in capabilities. That being said, there are four key areas where the two vehicles have noticeable differences that may factor into your decision of which one is right for you.
Range
The range of the vehicle is how far it can travel on a single charge. This is useful to know if you plan to use your scooter or unicycle as a commuter vehicle.
The average range on an electric scooter is between 35 and 40 miles per charge, depending on factors like the weight of the vehicle and the battery it is equipped with. The longest range for an electric scooter is around 68 miles. In comparison, the average range on an electric unicycle is about 30-40 miles per charge, which is comparable, though the current best average range on the market is around 65 miles.
So, while the average range is roughly the same for both types of vehicles, the electric scooter has a slightly higher high range than the electric unicycle. This may change soon, though, as the technology behind electric unicycles develops.
Speed
The top speeds of personal electric vehicles are thus far almost always relatively slow when compared to larger motorized vehicles like motorcycles and cars, but much faster than walking or using the mechanical versions of the vehicles.
The average speed of an electric scooter is around 15 to 30 mph in a commuter setting, though some performance models can get up to an impressive 55 mph at a push. Comparatively, electric unicycles average about 20 mph, but performance models can get as fast as 80 mph or more. That being said, going as fast as the top ranges on either machine is considered incredibly dangerous and should only be attempted by experienced riders under monitored conditions.
Still, the speed of both machines in a commuter setting is roughly the same. Your exact speed will vary depending on things like the weight of your machine, your weight, and the conditions you’re driving in.
Portability
How easy it is to store your electric vehicle can make a big difference in which style of vehicle you opt for. If your commute includes public transportation like a bus or train, or if you plan to store your vehicle with you at work, having something more compact might be beneficial.
Electric unicycles are relatively portable because of their small size and compact design. Most machines can fit under a desk or (in some cases) in a locker when not in use, and almost all are easy to stow on public transport. Electric scooters are also relatively compact but do need to be folded away to store, though some models do not have this capability.
Weight should also be considered when thinking about portability as well. The average electric unicycle weighs between 30 and 60 lbs, though some models can weigh as little as 15 lbs. By comparison, the average electric scooter weighs between 25 and 50 lbs, with some getting as heavy as 60 lbs and some as light as around 20 lbs.
Add to this that you can still ride an electric scooter if the battery dies and the electric scooter comes out as more conveniently portable than the electric unicycle.
Safety
Safety should always be your top priority when it comes to handling any vehicle. Considering what safety features are included and what hazards you should be aware of can help you to avoid major injury or other serious complications down the line.
An electric scooter is navigated using upright handlebars and either hand-controlled or foot pedal breaks. This is an arrangement that many people are familiar with from other vehicles like bikes, which can make electric scooters relatively easy to use and much easier to stop in the event of an emergency.
On the other hand, an electric unicycle is controlled strictly through body weight shifts from the rider, which can be a steep learning curve and can lead to more accidents during the initial learning phase of riding and making it slightly easier to lose control of the vehicle. That being said, this control method would feel relatively familiar to those who have ridden on other unhandled vehicles like skateboards or hoverboards.
Overall, electric scooters are slightly safer to ride in terms of mobility and braking ability than electric unicycles for most people.
Electric Scooters Vs. Electric Unicycles: Which is Better?
No matter which option you choose, Alien Rides has you covered. We carry some of the best model of electric scooters and electric unicycles on the market today, each one tested and vetted by our expert team to ensure that you get the highest quality products possible. Explore our lineups to find affordable, powerful, and practical machines for hobby riding, sports, or daily riding. Whatever you’re using your PEV for, we’ve got you covered.
Read More: The Best Electric Scooters for Commuting in Busy Cities: Safety and Efficiency Considered
Read More: How to Choose the Best Electric Unicycle for Your Commute
Read More: Electric Unicycles: The Complete Maintenance Guide