Whether you’re commuting or exploring off-road terrain, electric personal vehicles like the EUC have revolutionized the way we move. EUC’s aren’t the only self-balancing PEV in the arena however. There’s also the Onewheel. The question is which self-balancing device is better and more enjoyable for you.
What’s a Onewheel?
Onewheels are similar to EUC’s in that they are self-balancing devices however Onewheels are in the form of an electric skateboard. They have a single large wheel in the center of the board where the rider stands on the board and uses their weight to control the direction and speed.
These are similar to EUC’s as both use gyroscopes and accelerometers to maintain balance and give directional power to the device. EUC’s travel in a skier-like stance whereas the Onewheel has a snowboarder-like (sideways) stance. Both have the ability to travel off-road, but which can handle better?
EUC vs Onewheel Comparison
There are several factors to compare the two devices (range, speed, terrain, portability, fun factor and price). EUCs have a wide variety of manufacturers where specs do vary significantly whereas the Onewheel is largely development by Future Motion and have slight variances. This is an important factor when considering the comparisons made.
EUC vs Onewheel - Range Comparison
When it comes to range, EUCs typically have an edge over Onewheels. EUCs can travel longer distances on a single charge due to their more efficient motors and larger battery systems. Some high-end EUC models can travel up to 60 miles on a single charge, while most mid-range models can cover anywhere from 20 to 40 miles. On the other hand, Onewheels typically have a range of 8 to 30 miles depending on the model and riding conditions.
While weight, riding conditions, terrain play a factor that impacts range, these factors affect both devices. Ultimately EUCs have more range due to their larger battery sizes. Onewheel’s flagship model has a battery that is 525wh which is still smaller than most EUC’s. In general, EUC’s dominate the range game.
EUC Vs Onewheel - Speed Comparison
EUC speeds can vary significantly and varies on the specific model and manufacturer. Entry-level EUCs typically have a top speed of around 15-20 mph, while more advanced models can reach speeds of up to 50 mph or more.
Onewheel’s top model, the Onewheel GT has an advertised top speed of 20mph. While EUC’s do vary, the top speed is generally going to be higher on an EUC. There are also VESC boards (Onewheels that utilize an open source controller) that can also exceed 20mph) however generally speaking top speed is higher on EUCs.
Euc Vs Onewheel - Terrain Comparison
Both the Onewheel and EUC can go off-road. I was able to speak to David from trailwheel.com which is an off-roading Onewheel site to get more insight on the Onewheel’s off-road capabilities. David says that “Onewheels can handle a variety of terrain, including pavement, dirt, gravel, sand and even snow. The large go-kart sized tire makes off-roading fun.” When asking him what he thought which was better at tackling off-road terrain, an EUC or Onewheel, he states “because EUC’s have larger tires and typically are suited with larger batteries and motors, EUC’s outperform Onewheels. They are able to overcome choppier and chunkier terrain with lesser effort than a Onewheel.”
David went on to say that “Onewheels are not going to ever catch up to EUC’s. I consider myself to be a good trail rider and when I ride with EUC’s, they typically can blast over the same terrain with ease due to their larger tire. I love the technical aspect of Onewheeling though. Both devices are incredibly nimble however because we have a smaller tire, we have to stay agile and stay alert at all times.
EUC Vs Onewheel - Portability Comparison
Onewheel’s largest board is the Onewheel GT weighs 36 lbs (16.3 kg) and their smallest board (Onewheel Pint) weighing 23 lbs (10.4 kg). EUC’s are typically heavier. The Mten3 is one of the smallest EUC’s and weighs 28lbs (12kg) however most will weigh over 30lbs. Onewheel’s have a portability advantage where they can be carried easier however many EUC models (Inmotion V11, King Song 16X, Gotway Tesla, and Veteran Sherman) have trolley handles that make it easier to walk with the EUC.
Unless you have to go up a flight of stairs, portability between the two is relatively similar if your EUC is equipped with a trolley handle. It is easier to carry a Onewheel but it can be wearing to lug around the board. If your travels allows for you to trolley an EUC, then the EUC may take the portability category otherwise it’s considered to be a tie.
EUC Vs Onewheel - Fun Factor
The “fun factor” is totally a subjective measure of how enjoyable and engaging each device is. When it comes to EUCs and Onewheels, both devices are fun, but in slightly different ways.
EUCs are often praised for their speed, maneuverability, and sense of freedom. Riders can weave through traffic, take sharp turns, and feel the wind in their hair as they cruise along at high speeds. For some riders, the thrill of mastering a difficult trick or navigating a challenging obstacle course is what makes riding an EUC so fun.
Onewheels, on the other hand, offer a more unique and immersive riding experience. The sensation of “floating” above the ground on a single wheel can be exhilarating, and the ability to carve and glide through turns feels almost like surfing or snowboarding.
Ultimately, the fun factor of riding an EUC or Onewheel is highly personal and dependent on individual preferences and riding styles (skier or snowboard stance). Some riders may enjoy the adrenaline rush of a fast and nimble EUC, while others may prefer the smooth and fluid feel of a Onewheel.
EUC Vs Onewheel - Price Comparison
When it comes to price, EUCs vary significantly as there are so many manufactures for them. Onewheels are created solely by Future Motion and they range in price from $850 to $2,200. A well equipped Onewheel (Onewheel GT) will run on the higher end. This will provide up to 30 miles of range and a top speed of 20 mph.
When factoring battery size and range, you typically see more value in EUC’s over Onewheels. Depending on EUC model, a Onewheel may be more affordable however when comparing price and performance, EUCs often come out ahead. EUCs typically have larger batteries, higher top speeds and longer ranges than Onewheels, which means they can cover more ground and go longer distances on a single charge. Additionally, many EUCs more advanced features, such as Bluetooth radio and customizable LED lights.
While Onewheels may offer a more unique riding experience, the performance advantages of EUCs can make them a more cost-effective choice for many riders. If you’re looking for a fast, powerful, and versatile personal transportation device, an EUC may be the better option, especially if you need to cover longer distances or tackle more challenging terrain.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing between an EUC and a Onewheel, there’s no single right answer. Both offer unique riding experiences and have their own advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference – what type of riding do you prefer, how important is portability, and the budget are you working with. Just make sure to do your homework and understand the marketplace before making your decision.
