Onewheel has a video detailing 10 things you need to know before buying a Onewheel. I’ll post their notes here, then add some of my own below. Check out their video and my additions below.
1. Riding a Onewheel is like snowboarding
The Onewheel was invented to recreate the feeling of fresh powder in snowboarding.
Future Motion says riding a Onewheel is the closest thing to shredding powder to non-powder.
Riding a Onewheel is smooth and amazing and similar to other board sports, but also completely different because of the big wheel in the middle of the board.
2. Onewheels are self-balancing
When you ride a Onewheel, it sort of balances itself out for you.
The board’s gyroscopes and accelerometers keep you balanced, but you still need to balance yourself with your heels and toes.
The most important tip is to let the board do the work for you and have fun.
3. Onewheel lets you ride anywhere
You can ride it on road, off road, on things, off things. Literally anywhere.
The whole world opens up to you when you’re on a go-kart tire with a mind-reading computer.
Keep in mind that you cannot ride on water, the board is water resistant, not waterproof.
4. Practice Makes Perfect For Onewheel Mastery
Like any new activity, there is a learning curve.
Yes, that’s a balance for you, and if you’re experienced with boardsports, the learning curve will be easy.
In fact, according to Future Motion, a recent driver survey shows that over 70% of new drivers embraced it and felt comfortable within the first 30 minutes.
5. The Onewheel does not need a remote control
You don’t need it, completely hands-free for maximum shredding.
In fact, you’ll have to know what to do with your hands, but don’t text and ride responsibly.
6. The Onewheel is designed for carving
The Onewheel is not a racing car.
It’s a cutting machine.
It’s not the fastest machine, so if you want a personal electric vehicle (PEV) for speed, it’s not for you
Onewheel is all about carving everywhere.
The most maneuverable and manoeuvrable PEV ever.
Onewheel opens up a whole new world of possibilities in urban and outdoor environments.
7. One-Wheel Recoil
A crucial part of Onewheel is understanding and respecting pushback.
You might be inclined to throw the manual away, but don’t.
Read the manual, don’t throw it away.
The pushback is the card that alerts you that you are maximizing the power the card has to offer.
Don’t force pushback or you’ll end up regretting it.
If you ignore pushback, you will first get a warning, then the board will give and it will hurt.
8. Personalize your Onewheel and use the Onewheel app
Don’t just buy it, customize it with accessories, fenders, bumpers, guard rails, mag grips, decals, foot pegs, everything.
You can even customize how the board rolls using custom shaping so you can control how the board rolls.
It’s not much cooler. Dazzle him. All that you want.
9. Onewheel is assembled in the USA
Yes, you read that right, Onewheel is proudly assembled in San Jose CA and designed in Santa Cruz.
Onewheel comes with a one-year warranty, but it still has electronics so don’t ride in the ocean.
10. Onewheels aren’t for everyone
Young, old, dog, whatever.
If you like chasing new experiences and doing new things, this is for you.
If you like to sit on the sofa, this is not for you. Not serious. That’s why Xbox exists.
Shredding Eddie is 86 and he got up and rolled.
11. How to get off your Onewheel
Getting off your Onewheel can be tricky, especially for beginners.
The easiest way is to enable single stop.
Basically, you slow down on a Onewheel where the single stop has been activated and lean back.
The board will disengage and you can descend.
The other 2 ways to descend are to slow down and lift the front heel or jump.
Which brings us to…
12. Release early and often
Because these boards are built in the USA, they are built like tanks (usually).
My advice to new runners is “jump early and often”.
The board will likely survive any type of bump, bruise or fall, you might not.
13. Always wear safety gear
Many runners (myself included) will tell you that wearing safety gear is crucial, especially if you’re trying to do tricks or go off-road.
I wear a full face helmet (see below) for everything. I think if I get hit by a car, my face should survive as much as possible.
14. Protect your investment
I strongly recommend that you buy accessories and protection for the board, not just for you.
These boards are expensive and you can buy spares, but the accessories are much cheaper, so arm yourself!
Conclusion
If you have any other tips, tricks, or great ideas for things to know before buying a Onewheel, let me know! I will add them to this list.
Also check out the original video here.