The Self Balancing Electric Unicycle (commonly abbreviated EUC) is a really interesting form of transportation. Instead of having 2 wheels like a hoverboard, it only has a single wheel, which is usually between 12 inches and 16 inches in diameter, with some outliers having a massive 18″ wheel. That’s why some people call it a one wheel scooter.
The user steps on two platform on either side of the wheel, and moves by simply shifting his/her weight backwards and forwards. While most 7 inch wheel hoverboards are used just for a fun ride around the mall, Electric Unicycles, with their torque-y and powerful motors and the one wheel design, are a real option to commute to work or to do a bit of off roading.
What are the Advantages of an Electric Unicycle over a Hoverboard?
The most obvious advantage of all is SPEED.
The fastest Electric Unicycle we tested, the GotWay MSuper has a max speed of 22mph. That’s scary fast!
Compare that with the usual 6.2mph max speed of a 6.5 inch wheel hoverboard.
The ability to go off road.
Having one, bigger wheel, means you can ride your electric unicycle on dirt, grass, gravel, and pretty much any surface you can imagine. A 10-inch wheel hoverboard may manage some rougher terrain, but a 7-inch wheel hoverboard will work only on really smooth surfaces.
Climbing up and down curbs (and even stairs!)
The larger the wheel of your electric unicycle, the bigger the obstacles you can overcome. With a bit of practice, people go up flights of stairs with relative ease on a self balancing unicycle. That’s impressive!
What are the Disadvantages of an Electric Unicycle over a Hoverboard?
The main disadvantage is riding a self balancing unicycle is considerably harder than riding a hoverboard. It takes way more practice to learn to ride an electric unicycle properly.
Many experienced users actually recommend buying a cheaper electric unicycle to learn, and then investing in a more expensive, more capable unicycle later on. We absolutely agree, with our first unicycle ending up really roughed up. (Another option is to use these rubber bumper strips, which are made specifically to protect your unicycle. Just wrap the areas that take the most punishment, and take them off once you feel more confident. They’re also useful if your shins/calves tend to get sore after rubbing on the body of the unicycle itself.)
Electric Unicycles are also heavier than hoverboards, with most models being in the 30lbs+ range. Pretty heavy.
Another big one is that most unicycles get pretty uncomfortable after extended periods of use. An hoverboard is overall easier on your feet and legs.
Best Electric Unicycles List
Here are the contestants:
1. The Airwheel X3
The cheapest electric unicycle we’ve tested, the Airwheel X3 does its job well and is a really good entry level EUC. While not very fast, this self balancing unicycle is built like a tank, which makes it a good starter unicycle. We recommend stopping when you have one battery light left: the Airwheel has a tendency to turn off while you’re riding it, without notice. Better to be safe than sorry. Overall, if you have some extra cash laying around, though, you may wanna shell out for an IPS instead.
2. The IPS 121
A very well built unicycle, the IPS 121 is a great all-rounder. Decent max speed, exceptional range, and a pretty comfortable ride with its 16 inch wheel and narrow body width.
The IPS 121 has a 340wh battery, which gives it a range of 24.8mi (40km). There is also the IPS122 with a smaller 260wh battery, and a range of 18.6 mi (30km) which retails for around $100 less.
3. The Ninebot One E+
The best looking Electric Unicycle in our opinion. It features a 16 inch wheel, futuristic design, really good all-round specs, and a pretty unique modular design which allows you to customize and replace individual parts of your unicycle. This is probably gonna deliver higher longevity for your unicycle.
The Ninebot is also the safest unicycle we’ve tested with its proprietary alarm system, which will vibrate and play a sound to warn you of any malfunction, or if you’re overleaning.
4. The Gotway MSuper 18
The beast. This massive EUC sports an 18 inch wheel, which makes for a very comfortable all-terrain ride, but also for a very hefty package at 38lbs (17.4Kg).
The MSuper is the fastest self balancing electric unicycle out there, with a top speed of 22mph. This thing is incredible. If you are gonna wanna go through the woods regularly, this is the EUC for you. It can tackle anything you throw at it. Just be careful — overleaning on the MSuper 18 can result in a pretty gnarly crash.
A Quick Summary
| Model | Description | Max Speed | Max Range | Top Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AIRWHEEL X3 | 11.2 Mph (18 Kph) | 14.2 Mi (23 Km) | Cheap and Sturdy. Great for beginners. |
| IPS 121 | 18.6 Mph (30 Kph) | 25 Mi (40 Km) | Comfortable and fast. |
| NINEBOT ONE E+ | 13.7 Mph (22 Kph) | 21.7 Mi (35 Km) | Great design, very safe to ride. |
| GOTWAY MSUPER 18 | 21 Mph (34 Kph) | 43.5 Mi (70 Km) | Monster speed and range. |
The Best Electric Unicycle
Based on its overall performance, ease of use, design and price-to-quality ratio, we have decided on a winner.
The IPS 121 hits the sweet spot, with its impressive features and really affordable price, it gets our TOP PICK.
If you care more about aesthetics and safety than top speed (and you can spend just a little bit more), we recommend you opt for the Ninebot One E+ instead.
Make sure to check back as we continue testing our self balancing unicycles and we update the reviews constantly!
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