I’ve always been skeptical of trying out unicycle because they seemed dangerous. However, trying out a self-balancing electric variant made me a fan.
Unicycles need a little more focus than a hoverboard or a skateboard, but once you get a hang of it, you won’t love anything else.
This article is about the 7 best electric unicycles available in the market today. Read on check if your favorite model made the cut.
Table of Contents
- How does a Self-Balancing Unicycle Operate?
- Considerations for Selecting an Electric Unicycle
- Riding Position
- Top Speed
- Size
- Controls
- Your Skills
- Battery Timing
- Price Range
- The Top 7 Self-Balancing Unicycles in the Market Today
- 1. KingSong S18
- Specs
- Pros
- Cons
- 2. Inmotion V8
- Specs
- Pros
- Cons
- 3. Veteran Sherman
- Specs
- Pros
- Cons
- 4. Gotway Nikola
- Specs
- Pros
- Cons
- 5. Gotway Tesla
- Specs
- Pros
- Cons
- 6. Inmotion V11
- Specs
- Pros
- Cons
- 7. King Song 16X
- Specs
- Pros
- Cons
- Our Verdict
How does a Self-Balancing Unicycle Operate?
Before we start, it’s important to make sure that you know what exactly a self-balancing unicycle is and how it operates. Just as its name suggests, a unicycle consists of a single wheel and allows you to travel while sitting or standing on top of it.
The self-balancing element of electric unicycles originates from a gyroscope. In simple terms, a gyro is a small wheel spinning on a free axis and it resists any kind of orientation change. This spinning motion allows you to enjoy your ride and maintain your balance with minimum exertion.
Contrary to popular assumption, it’s not like that an electric unicycle will not need any skills on your part. You’ll still need to learn how to maneuver the electric unicycle and may fall occasionally. However, the self-balancing system will significantly help you by facilitating the process.
Considerations for Selecting an Electric Unicycle
No matter what you are buying, it’s important to know about the important qualities of that item. This allows you to make an informed decision and weigh the pros and cons of any product you select.
We believe this is a failsafe approach that ensures that you select the best product.
For electric unicycles, the following properties are essential to ensure a comfortable riding experience. The next section will go through each of them and discuss why they are important.
Riding Position
This is perhaps the first thing you’ll notice in any electric unicycle. You’ll have the option to select either a seated unicycle or a standing one.
Controlling both types of unicycle requires considerable skills, but if you are accustomed to a hoverboard, you’ll easily master the standing unicycle.
Top Speed
Electric unicycles, even with self-balancing systems, have considerable risks and they increase with your speed. Common sense dictates that you should always ride any kind of unicycle at a reasonable speed. However, you’ll still need some speed to ensure reliable performance.
When buying an electric unicycle, make sure that the top speed is suitable for your intended use.
Size
Self-balancing unicycles are generally compact that there are still significant variations in their sizes. The size you should select depends on your weight.
For heavier users, a fragile model would not be suitable and you will be testing its weight-carrying capacity to its end limit.
Controls
Unlike a regular bike or many other mobility devices, an electric unicycle does not have any handle. This means that you’ll only have your body to control the unicycle while maintaining your balance as well.
This may sound simple but it takes time to master. So, you’ll have to put in some hours for learning it.
If you are like many others, you probably won’t have any experience with a unicycle. As stated before, many times, self-balancing unicycles are easier to control, but they still need some skills.
So, it’s better if you choose a model that is easier to maneuver.
Your Skills
Building on the last point, your skills are very important in determining the kind of electric unicycle you should buy. Generally, self-balancing unicycles are very restrictive as they can’t navigate tricky surfaces.
Even with expert-level skills, you’ll have to use them on carpeted roads and avoid steep inclines.
Battery Timing
Unlike other electric devices, you see on SturdyWheel or anywhere else, a self-balancing unicycle is not a very suitable choice for commute over very long distances.
This may be my personal bias but the applications of unicycles are restricted. So, you can’t use them as easily.
However, this doesn’t mean that you don’t need the battery at all. A general rule for self-balancing unicycles is that the device should at least be able to give off 15 – 20 miles on a single charge. Anything lower than this range would be hindering your experience.
Price Range
Finally, the most obvious consideration is the price of the model you are considering. Buying the most expensive model and thinking that it has the best specs or buying the most cost-effective choice and thinking of it as a great deal is not a viable approach.
Numerous brands take pride in their ability to deliver top-tier features without putting a significant dent in your budget.
Focusing on providing the best value-for-money makes them a great option for both beginners and experienced users.
The Top 7 Self-Balancing Unicycles in the Market Today
Let’s take a look at the 7 best electric unicycles currently available in the market. All of these models come with excellent features and deliver great value for money. Read on to learn more about each model and find out which one is our favorite.
1. KingSong S18
The King Song 18S is one of the most popular choices for experienced riders who need an excellent product for regular use. This self-balancing unicycle wins full points in both functionality and aesthetics as it has great features, a powerful battery, and an excellent design.
The KingSong S18 electric unicycle is one of the few electric unicycles that can reach the top speed of 30 mph and has a similar high range.
The unicycle even allows the users to remove the seat, so you can use it in both seating and standing positions.
If you are looking for a budget option, then perhaps this is not the best choice for you. KingSong S18 is among the most expensive models on this list because of its additional capabilities and high power.
However, the comfortable riding experience you’ll get with this device is well worth the money.
Specs
- Retractable seat
- 30 mph top speed
- High range
Pros
- Excellent design
- Comfortable ride
- Stylish looks
- Powerful motor and battery
Cons
- Extremely expensive
2. Inmotion V8
The Inmotion V8 is one of the best choices for beginners and experienced users alike. This excellent self-balancing unicycle comes with all the features you can expect from a top-tier model but at a very reasonable price.
The 16-inch self-balancing unicycle comes with a powerful 900W motor that allows it to reach the top speed of 31 miles. The battery also charges 100% in only 4 hours and can give a range of 31 miles.
On the aesthetic front, the Inmotion V8 comes with an attractive and appealing design that looks decent. The polished exterior along with the rugged tire gives off a great vibe and allows you to travel in style.
Specs
- 19 mph speed
- 31 miles range
- Motor power: 800 W
- Charging time: hours
Pros
- Uniques design
- Excellent value for money
- Water-resistant
- A great choice for both beginners and experienced users
Cons
- A little heavier
3. Veteran Sherman
Key Details:
- Made by former Gotway Engineers, desiring the ultimate high-performance 20″ Wheel for the Veteran Rider in mind
- Largest 3,200Wh battery pack, 2,500W motor, max speed potential ~45MPH
- First Wheel with an integrated Dashboard displaying speed, mileage, battery state of charge
Just like the first listing, the Veteran Sherman is another top-tier electric unicycle that comes with extraordinary features and a hefty price tag.
It is a great choice for collectors who don’t care about the money but want to have the experience. For the rest of us, this self-balancing unicycle remains a luxury.
The first thing you’ll probably notice about the Veteran Sherman is its dominating design. This self-balancing unicycle comes with a 20-inch tire, an extremely powerful motor, and the largest battery pack on the market.
This increases the overall volume of the unicycle, but you won’t find it hard to control it.
The Veteran Sherman is another top-tier option that breaks the traditional cap on speed and can reach up to 45 mph.
It also has an integrated dashboard, a display, and numerous other advanced features that you might not find in any other product of this category.
Specs
- Max speed: 45 mph
- 20-inch wheel diameter
- 3200 Wh battery
- 2500W motor
Pros
- Integrated dashboard
- High-performance specifications
- Excellent range and top speed
- Powerful motor
- Long-lasting battery
- Dominating design
Cons
- Expensive
- Very heavy
- The speed can be too much to handle
4. Gotway Nikola
The Gotway brand enjoys a lot of popularity in the market for self-balancing unicycles and it is for all the right reasons. All of its products are excellent and give good bang-for-the-buck.
While we can’t classify the Gotway Nikola as a budget choice, but it is still among the best-sellers in the market today.
Perhaps the most distinguishing feature of the Gotway Nikola is its sleek design. We believe it’s quite hard to find any other choice that looks as attractive as this one, without compromising on the weight sustaining capacity.
The unicycle can handle around 325 lbs easily and can deliver a range of 100 miles.
Specs
- Max speed: 40 mph
- Charging time: 4 hours
- Load capacity: 325 lbs
- Range: 70 miles
Pros
- Powerful motor
- Elegant design
- Wide tires
- Bluetooth music speakers
Cons
- Weak handle
- Bulky
5. Gotway Tesla
Unlike the other Tesla in the automobile sector, the Gotway Tesla falls under the mid-range category. However, its functionalities put it on-par with the top-tier models available in the market.
The Gotway Tesla is a small, but a sturdy model for users who need something reliable that lasts for many years. The self-balancing unicycle comes with a powerful 1020 Wh battery and a 1900 W motor that gives it a range of 50 miles.
The electric unicycle can also reach the top speed of 30 mph, which is above the average for this product category.
Specs
- Max speed: 30 mph
- Charging time: 2 hours
- Max load: 300 lbs
- Range: 50 miles
Pros
- Excellent power
- Reliable performance
- Retractable handle
- Headlight and atmospheric LED
- Sleek design
Cons
- N/A
6. Inmotion V11
The Inmotion V11 would have been a splendid addition in the mid-range category but its price tag makes it a hard choice for many new buyers.
The electric unicycle, however, is excellent when you ignore the price as it comes with all the bells-and-whistles you expect from an Inmotion model.
Perhaps the most distinguishing features of the Inmotion V11 are its powerful motors, cooling system, and IP55 rating.
The motor can sustain its peak power for extended periods without overheating, which allows the unicycle to handle excessive weight and navigate on steep slopes.
Moreover, you also get access to advanced statistics that allow you to track your data and export it to your phone or any other device.
Specs
- Max speed: 31 mph
- Climbing angle: 35%
- Weight capacity: 265 lbs
- Motor power: 2200 W
- Battery: 1500 Wh
- Range: 75 miles
Pros
- Sturdy handle
- Dual charge ports
- Break lights and headlights
- Cooling system
- Large tires
Cons
- Unresponsive customer service
- Some reliability issues
7. King Song 16X
This is the second product by KingSong in this list because of the manufacturer’s consistent popularity in the market.
The King Song 16X is in many ways similar to the first listing. It features premium quality components, has a unique design, and comes with a powerful 2200 W motor.
The self-balancing unicycle has an overall range of 90 miles and comes with a powerful 1554 Wh battery. Its extra-wide tires allow it to navigate many tricky areas with greater precision and stability.
This model also supports KingSong’s official application and allows you to customize your self-balancing unicycle according to your preferences.
Specs
- Top speed: 31 mph
- Motor power: 2200 W
- Battery: 1554 Wh
- Max load: 265 lbs
Pros
- Built-in handle
- Customizable
- Excellent stability and control
- Extra-wide tires
- Bluetooth speakers
Cons
- A low value for money
- Expensive maintenance
- Heavy
Our Verdict
Time for the moment of truth. All of the aforementioned options are excellent choices. However, we at Sturdy Wheel believe that you deserve the best without paying inflated rates.
The competition between Inmotion V8 and Gotway Tesla was severe, but we believe that the latter is the better choice. Only the Gotway Tesla fulfills our criteria as it provides you incredible features at a very reasonable price.