Electric Unicylce for extra heavy/big people

[Alex N]

Hi All!

I’m 6”2 22 stones ( 188cm 135kg) well built male and really want to get into this hobby.

I rode hoverboard,trikke and scooters in the past and now looking for safest unicycle/solowheel that safely can take my weight + backpack.

Is ninebot Z10 best option? Website suggest that its weight limit is 150kg but I wonder would I be able to take it off-road?

Looking forward for responses from big and small people alike :)

Many thanks 

Alex

Manchester,UK

Edited April 2, 2019 by Chriull

[Chriull]

34 minutes ago, Alex N said:

Hi All!

I’m 6”2 22 stones ( 188cm 135kg) well built male and really want to get into this hobby.

I rode hoverboard,trikke and scooters in the past and now looking for safest unicycle/solowheel that safely can take my weight + backpack.

In your weight class the King Song 18L/XL, Gotway MSX and Ninebot Z10 should be ok following the chart on ewheels.com:

https://www.ewheels.com/electric-unicycle-ultimate_ewheel_comparison_ips_airwheel_ninebot_king_song_gotway/

If safety is a real concern you should not start riding EUCs. There is no redundancy in the wheels system - so every fault will make one "flying" once the self balancing ceases. Also if one pays not enough attention to the road condition accidents can happen easily - it's very hard to impossible to handle potholes/bumps at higher speeds, especially if one does not expect them. Here most people share the attitute, that it's not the question if one will faceplant, only when... (I had good luck till now )

But beside of all this, EUCs got "quite" reliable (compared to prior generations) 

34 minutes ago, Alex N said:

Is ninebot Z10 best option? Website suggest that its weight limit is 150kg but I wonder would I be able to take it off-road?

The axels and pedal mounting were reinforced  with the last couple of wheel generations and there are ?not many? reports by now. So this could work out.

If your off-road driving includes many inclines you'll need much battery! Energy need to lift up mass is proportional to mass...

Although the wheels improved their "heat-managment" they still could struggle with longer inclines - @Marty Backe made climb tests with ?all? these wheels up the same mountain. Maybe he still has the numbers which perfomed best temperaturewise?

As the center of gravity (COG) is ~ half ones height above the wheel there is quite some torque needed for self-balancing. Heavy backpacks make this situation even worse. As the electric motor of EUCs have a not really intuitive max-torque over speed limit (https://forum.electricunicycle.org/topic/7855-anatomy-of-an-overlean/?tab=comments#comment-107721) one has to take care to not accelerate (too much) at higher speeds and leave speedwise enough safety margin so the wheel still can balance one over potholes/bumps/etc. The longer the leverage to the COG and the higher the weight at the COG the more safety margin should be needed?

 

34 minutes ago, Alex N said:

Manchester,UK

I'd assume you know the legal situation regarding EUCs in UK?

[Alex N]

Dear Chriull,

 

Thank you so much for your detailed response.

I’m fully aware of UK laws and planning to only ride it in parks up to 18mph.

Out of three mentioned unicycles  which one is most Recommended ( without backpack which doesn’t seems to be safe) for safety and stability and would AliExpress be good place to buy them from.

 

Many thanks 

Alex

 

[Mono]

I think it's much safer to ride 15mph with a 6kg backpack than 18mph without. A backpack with clothes may even contribute to your passive safety in a backward tumble (e.g. overbraking) as it can prevent the head from hitting the ground.

[Chriull]

24 minutes ago, Alex N said:

Out of three mentioned unicycles  which one is most Recommended

I have no experience with any of them.

There are just the reports of Z10 probs here:

Here the KS18L/?XL? probs:

I'm not really up to date with these reports/how and if the manufacturers solved them - anyhow here are many happy owners of all three wheels!

30 minutes ago, Alex N said:

( without backpack which doesn’t seems to be safe) for safety and stability 

Imo most of the people here ride with backpacks - just get accustomized to your wheel first 😁

33 minutes ago, Alex N said:

and would AliExpress be good place to buy them from.

If the wheel works one can save some money. If not, most aliexpress sellers provide replacement parts and one has to tinker.

If this does not work out for whatever reason aliexpress is quite safe with the customer protection (if one opens a complaint in time) - so one gets the money back, but imho one has to pay the return shipment, which financially makes no sense... So just some compromise with the seller will happen... 

 

[Marty Backe]

5 hours ago, Mono said:

I think it's much safer to ride 15mph with a 6kg backpack than 18mph without. A backpack with clothes may even contribute to your passive safety in a backward tumble (e.g. overbraking) as it can prevent the head from hitting the ground.

I agree. I think when you have a backpack you are safer for some falls since it acts as padding. I don't think it matters if the backpack only has clothes.

Edited April 1, 2019 by Marty Backe

[Marty Backe]

4 hours ago, Alex N said:

Hi All!

I’m 6”2 22 stones ( 188cm 135kg) well built male and really want to get into this hobby.

I rode hoverboard,trikke and scooters in the past and now looking for safest unicycle/solowheel that safely can take my weight + backpack.

Is ninebot Z10 best option? Website suggest that its weight limit is 150kg but I wonder would I be able to take it off-road?

Looking forward for responses from big and small people alike :)

Many thanks 

Alex

Manchester,UK

@Chriull has good advice for you. I'll offer a little more.

First, when considering your weight, include all of your typical clothes and safety gear. But regardless, you're a big guy, operating in the 95-percentile so your options are limited. It's good that you came here instead of believing spec's provided by the manufacturers. Nobody accepts their claims at face value.

IMO you have three worthwhile options: KS18XL, MSX, Monster. At your weight you want a robust wheel (thick axle, big tire, very strong motor, etc) with a lot of battery capacity. I think the Z10 is marginal for your weight.

Although not the ideal beginner wheel (primarily because of how easy the shell could be damaged during the learning process), the 2400wh Monster is probably the perfect wheel for tall heavy guys such as yourself.

So it probably comes down to the MSX or KS18XL. For an experienced rider the MSX may be the best, but the KS18XL would probably be the wheel I would recommend at the end of the day.

All three wheels can be bought from Speedyfeet. Highly recommended. Tell him I sent you    Oh, and if you do get the KS18XL, during the learning phase at least, you may want to consider buying the body protector that's sold by @The Fat Unicyclist

Welcome to the club and get ready for fun times 

[Jerome]

1 hour ago, Alex N said:

Dear Chriull,

 

Thank you so much for your detailed response.

I’m fully aware of UK laws and planning to only ride it in parks up to 18mph.

Out of three mentioned unicycles  which one is most Recommended ( without backpack which doesn’t seems to be safe) for safety and stability and would AliExpress be good place to buy them from.

 

Many thanks 

Alex

 

In the UK Speedfeet.com is the place you should buy. It's a no brainier. They give a 2 year warranty and have a reputation to maintain. At 18 mph maximum speed you will be good with a KS18XL or MSX. The axles should be okay for your weight unless you plan on doing a lot of drops off high curves, steps, or extreme off-road. If "off-road" just means riding on dirt/gravel, around rocks, then you should be okay. EUCs are pretty safe in and of themselves, but they are very unforgiving if the rider pushes the limits, does stupid things, or is not constantly vigil of the path ahead. That said riding one is addictive like perhaps no other vehicle. Hope to see reports of your learning process (Pictures, video?).

Edited April 1, 2019 by Jerome

[stephen]

5 hours ago, Alex N said:

Hi All!

I’m 6”2 22 stones ( 188cm 135kg) well built male and really want to get into this hobby.

I rode hoverboard,trikke and scooters in the past and now looking for safest unicycle/solowheel that safely can take my weight + backpack.

Is ninebot Z10 best option? Website suggest that its weight limit is 150kg but I wonder would I be able to take it off-road?

Looking forward for responses from big and small people alike :)

Many thanks 

Alex

Manchester,UK

I'm 90kg ,more with gear on , i have the z10 and the msx I'd recommend the msx as it's solid pedal sensitivity would suit you better , I'd recon you'd still have plenty power as long as your not mountain climbing hitting peak amps 

[RockyTop]

I agree with @Marty Backe Gotway MSX, Gotway Monster and KIngSong 18XL are the best fit. The Z10 might have power braking and over temp issues with someone of your size. I can say the following with experience. Keep the batteries charged above 40% when riding. When the batteries drop below 40% stop riding. The power the wheel needed for someone larger might not be there otherwise. This is a safety warning from someone that has overpowered a MSX at 25 MPH of a flat smooth road with a 37% battery. The MSX is more powerful  than the KS18XL but I am not sure about the Monster. 

 

Edited April 1, 2019 by RockyTop

[Mono]

4 hours ago, Marty Backe said:

I agree. I think when you have a backup you are safer for some falls since it acts as padding. I don't think it matters if the backpack only has clothes.

Of course, clothes are not needed. I just wonder sometimes whether the laptop I carry around in my backpack should be a concern, because when I fall I will probably try to adjust my trajectory to save it from impact.

[Smoother]

15 minutes ago, Mono said:

Of course, clothes are not needed. I just wonder sometimes whether the laptop I carry around in my backpack should be a concern, because when I fall I will probably try to adjust my trajectory to save it from impact.

Yesterday my back pack had a bottle of wine in it.  I was in no mood to roll over onto THAT! Face first all the way baby.

@Alex N there's some good advice here, especially the braking concerns about the Z10.  I haven't ridden one, but owners report weak braking, and a man your size would only exacerbate the situation.

One thing that hasn't been mentioned is relative size of the wheel in comparison to you.  The Z10 and MSX are both short form factor wheels, the King Song 18 L or XL is a taller wheel (so is the new Nicola come to think of it) You may want to consider that.  There is also the older design KS 18S.  I can't remember the specs. very tall.  Some people love it others, not so much. Marty and others have vids.

 

 

Edited April 1, 2019 by Smoother

[RockyTop]

3 hours ago, Mono said:

Of course, clothes are not needed. I just wonder sometimes whether the laptop I carry around in my backpack should be a concern, because when I fall I will probably try to adjust my trajectory to save it from impact.

Yeah! Don’t do that! It is not worth it. The ground  is very unforgiving. .

......( hippie voice) ” Gravity is always trying to bring me down maaan” 

Last year I set my backpack leaning against my work van. I was interrupted and forgot I had left it there. I backed over it. Not just a little either. When I looked in the mirror I was full on top of it. It damaged the backpack but not the computer. I was very surprised and would not expect the same results a second time. I am just saying that the computer is more protected than you may think. Personal safety is more important.  ( It was a cloth Milwaukee computer and tool bag. Nothing special) 

 

[Mono]

5 minutes ago, RockyTop said:

Personal safety is more important.

Obviously, but I fear my unconscious self thinks that I can have the cake and eat it too...

Edited April 1, 2019 by Mono

[stephen]

12 hours ago, Alex N said:

Hi All!

I’m 6”2 22 stones ( 188cm 135kg) well built male and really want to get into this hobby.

I rode hoverboard,trikke and scooters in the past and now looking for safest unicycle/solowheel that safely can take my weight + backpack.

Is ninebot Z10 best option? Website suggest that its weight limit is 150kg but I wonder would I be able to take it off-road?

Looking forward for responses from big and small people alike :)

Many thanks 

Alex

Manchester,UK

And if you watch speedyfeet 1000 mile trip ian and and john travelled 80 miles a day with heavy backpacks on so they would of been 120kg going uphills etc on the gotway monster  i think the msx has a better board so either the monster or msx would be ideal ,  send ian an email I'm sure he'll give you best advice plus he gives 2 year warranty

 

Edited April 1, 2019 by stephen

[RockyTop]

1 minute ago, Mono said:

Obviously, but I fear my unconscious self thinks that I can have the cake and eat it too...

You are absolutely right about that. It all happens too fast. It is more about explaining why you did what you did than actually making that decision. 

[The Fat Unicyclist]

15 hours ago, Marty Backe said:

All three wheels can be bought from Speedyfeet. Highly recommended. Tell him I sent you    Oh, and if you do get the KS18XL, during the learning phase at least, you may want to consider buying the body protector that's sold by @The Fat Unicyclist

I agree with @Marty Backe… Speedyfeet is the way to go in the UK.

And from one heavy rider to another...I would suggest that you cross the Gotway Monster off your list, as it is an awesome wheel, but quite specialist in a number of ways.

Either the Gotway MSX or KS-18XL would be ideal choices - both would sort you out for sure. The King Song does enforce a few more safety restrictions (which I think is good for riders near the limits of the wheel) and you can also buy a protective cover from us (at Roll.nz) - Not that I am steering you toward this to get a sale, it is just the way the wheels are programmed.

[Rywokast]

7 hours ago, stephen said:

And if you watch speedyfeet 1000 mile trip ian and and john travelled 80 miles a day with heavy backpacks on so they would of been 120kg going uphills etc on the gotway monster  i think the msx has a better board so either the monster or msx would be ideal ,  send ian an email I'm sure he'll give you best advice plus he gives 2 year warranty

 

or monster 100V 1845 Wh.. best of both worlds, but portability is horrible lol.. but both the new 84V and the 100V have the new board and motor https://www.ewheels.com/product/new-gotway-monster-22-1600wh2400wh/

[Alex N]

Hi Guys!

New day and new posts allowance! Mods - pls update title of this post from “Electric Unicylce for extra heavy/bug people”  to “ Electric Unicycle for extra heavy/big people”.

Really appreciate your input and now I have my final criteria:

1) In UK it’s wet and slippery - so would EUC cope with it? 

2) If I’m just lesurely coasting on the pavement at 10 mph - what gear do you recommend wearing. Helmet is motorcycle gear is ideal for terrain/high speed

3) Since this will be my first EUC and during learning I curve it will fall/scratch etc - which one is toughest/tank like on outside or can I put some sort of covering on it while I’m learning.

Or should I just get cheapest second hand one for learning and then upgrade once I’m a comfortable fast user. 

4) Pricewise KINGSONG 18S/16S seems best price - what do you think of it?

5) It was suggested that I need a high wheel which makes 22” Monster is ideal however Is the wheel diameter makes it easier to go over potholes etc and more safety 

6) Lastly In ideal world if I would have £2000 to spare and looking for tank-proof,super reliable EUC would you go for KS 18XL or Monster 100V

7) I fly to Europe often and wondering would any airlines allow me to take EUC with me 

8) Where in EUROPE can I rent/properly try for an hour or so different types of wheels before I buy

 

Thanks again and many likes for you 👌👌👌👍👍👍

[Chriull]

48 minutes ago, Alex N said:

Hi Guys!

New day and new posts allowance! Mods - pls update title of this post from “Electric Unicylce for extra heavy/bug people”  to “ Electric Unicycle for extra heavy/big people”.

Done - but you should be able to do this yourself (or shortly, once your member status raises)

48 minutes ago, Alex N said:

Really appreciate your input and now I have my final criteria:

1) In UK it’s wet and slippery - so would EUC cope with it? 

Slippery pieces are yours to handle. Once the wheel slips (too much) your down, as it's the only wheel supporting you. Wet is a bit tricky - wheels are not 100% waterproof, some people make them watertight, some not and most have no problem?

48 minutes ago, Alex N said:

2) If I’m just lesurely coasting on the pavement at 10 mph - what gear do you recommend wearing. Helmet is motorcycle gear is ideal for terrain/high speed

Wrist guards and knee pads. Elbow pads. If you wear a helmet it should be something with face protection - normal bicycle helmets to not protect from faceplants... ;(

Especially in the beginning maybe some robust shoes with ankle protection! The wheel pedals can hit one badly in this region - over and over again, until one learned to handle the wheel.

48 minutes ago, Alex N said:

3) Since this will be my first EUC and during learning I curve it will fall/scratch etc - which one is toughest/tank like on outside or can I put some sort of covering on it while I’m learning.

There is much "self adhesive plastic foam" available to stick on the wheel. Or some neoprene suit cut together to fit the wheel. Or you learn fast and take some scratches...

Imo old foam looks worse than some scratches...

48 minutes ago, Alex N said:

5) It was suggested that I need a high wheel which makes 22” Monster is ideal however Is the wheel diameter makes it easier to go over potholes etc and more safety 

I don't know the monster but you have read:

6 hours ago, The Fat Unicyclist said:

And from one heavy rider to another...I would suggest that you cross the Gotway Monster off your list, as it is an awesome wheel, but quite specialist in a number of ways.

 

48 minutes ago, Alex N said:

7) I fly to Europe often and wondering would any airlines allow me to take EUC with me 

None ;(

48 minutes ago, Alex N said:

8) Where in EUROPE can I rent/properly try for an hour or so different types of wheels before I buy

My reseller in Vienna has let me try some wheels he had in stock

But i did this only once i could drive - it makes no difference to try with which wheel ones stumbles around. But maybe some resellers offer beginner courses?!

[stephen]

1 hour ago, Alex N said:

In UK it’s wet and slippery - so would EUC cope with it? 

They don't slip that easy tbh but i don't like wet anyway but i have and its not a problem

1 hour ago, Alex N said:

Since this will be my first EUC and during learning I curve it will fall/scratch etc - which one is toughest/tank like on outside or can I put some sort of covering on it while I’m learning

I wrapped mine in carpet underlay 😀

 

1 hour ago, Alex N said:

Where in EUROPE can I rent/properly try for an hour or so different types of wheels before I buy

I live in Bradford i have a msx and a z10 your willing to look at mine maybe try stand on it 😊

Carpet underlay video

 

[meepmeepmayer]

And here I was wondering what kind of idiom "bug people" is. Even googled it...

Do not get a Monster as a first wheel. It's too heavy and unwieldy. A great distance and terrain eater, but the smaller a wheel (diameter) is, the more "fun" it is. Monster is too sluggish to be one's only wheel.

It's like being interested in cars and getting a semi-truck with a 25ton trailer as your only car and daily driver. You'd be missing out.

Don't get me wrong, you can do pretty much everything with pretty much every wheel. Question just is, how good and pleasant does a wheel work for that. Monster as the only wheel... nah.

16 or 18 inch are the allrounder sizes, depending on people's preference, size/weight, and state of the market (there are no current big battery 16 inchers atm, you'd have to wait for the 16X or Nikola), so get an MSX or 18XL.

18 minutes ago, stephen said:

I live in Bradford i have a msx and a z10 your willing to look at mine maybe try stand on it 😊

Now that's a great offer!

[Smoother]

13 minutes ago, meepmeepmayer said:

And here I was wondering what kind of idiom "bug people" is. Even googled it...

No doubt you found this "Heavy/Bug" person in your search

[stephen]

14 minutes ago, meepmeepmayer said:

Now that's a great offer!

If waiting longer i might have a kingsong 16x 😊😊😊😊

Just now, Smoother said:

No doubt you found this "Heavy/Bug" person in your search

Maybe second thoughts about coming to mine 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[RockyTop]

@Alex N I do not have a monster but agree with @The Fat Unicyclist That it would not be the best fit. ( theFatUnicyclist sells EUC’s in New Zealand) I truly believe that the best fit for your needs would be the KS18XL or MSX. The KingSong has stronger pedals and the MSX has a little more power. .............. I am a MSX fan boy and would still recommend the KS18XL. I believe it has a larger safety margin in that it is more vocal at telling you to cut that $#!¥ out when you near a limit. Not to mention the wheel has a better fit and finish. Also I would suggest getting a Body guard to protect your KS. They seem to work very well.  The MSX is mostly a punk hot rod for people like .... me. 

The KS16s is a great wheel. I love mine but I started overpowering it on my second week of learning. I am only 100kg but aggressive. I have hit the pavement many times. I have a natural talent at pavement surfing. I don’t recommend it to others. ( Always be aware of the dangers to bystanders) @Duf safety message