Im falling in love with EUC and the community that surrounds this wicked awesome sport/hobby/lifestyle.

[Peters]

Im falling in love with EUC and the community that surrounds this wicked awesome sport/hobby/lifestyle.

Im doing lots or reseach on which EUC to get as my first. Reading lots on the forum and watching tons of Youtube vids, created by many of the members of this forum.
First of all, to all the contributors, thank you so very much in giving of your reviews, comments, videos and suggestions. I LOVE them!

Im about to purchase my very first EUC and wondering what would you recommend?

Bit about me so you may gauge your suggestions.
Im 5' 7", 170 Lbs, medium build, size 9 shoes (LOL... thought id add that in for fun!).
I currently ride a Segway ES4 electric scooter as my last mile commuter. I also ride motorcycles (love speed, while keeping safe of course). Play lots of sports.

I want an EUC that I can grow into, I was thinking something more advance (even though its my very first).
Im so excited to get into an EUC, hope the learning curve is easy for me... I hope !?!

What would you recommend?

Thank you in advance for your suggestions.

[Marty Backe]

When I started, I bought the most powerful EUC that you could buy and grew into it. There was no place to go from there. You will see many people buy beginner wheels and after a few months (or less) they are itching to get a new wheel. Sometimes that's not easy because they spent a lot of money on the beginner wheel and now they have to wait to save up the cash for another one.

So I obviously like your plan. Buy the best that you can afford now.

Other than the Monster, you can ride any wheel currently in production. I know women smaller than you who ride MSX's as their primary wheel.

I'm stating the obvious here, but what follows is my opinion. It's not the gospel and I'm sure plenty disagree with me. But you asked for opinions.

I believe the best wheel that you can buy right now is the 100-volt Nikola Plus. There's nowhere to go from there. Buy that and you can ride for the next year without feeling the need to upgrade. You may want to buy more wheels, but that's a different problem.

You can buy any KingSong wheel and you'll be getting a great wheel. Specifically the KS18XL and KS16X. But it won't be the best wheel in terms of performance. Many people buy KingSong wheels and eventually they get caught in the Gotway gravity well from which there is no escape  So why not avoid that whole prolonged experience to begin with?

Your welcome 

[stephen]

I think we've all done the " read and watch videos routine😁" 

I thought I'd bought a good wheel at the time (ks16s) which it was but that lasted a month then bought the msx because i wanted more range and speed

As Marty said it's sensible to buy big first you'll save money in the long run, but do expect to scratch your new expensive wheel or wrap something around it 👍👍   

[milesteg27]

In my opinion the  long-term fun factor is higher if you dont start with the largest and most powerful wheel. A small wheel at the beginning can be a lot of fun. It is lighter and more agile. After some time you have reached the limits of the wheel and it is nice to know that you have the potential to change to a more powerful wheel.

[LanghamP]

I think new wheel prices are too high for new riders to comfortably kick around, and saving up for that one expensive wheel is too risky in case it breaks down (likely). Because there's only three manufacturers of EUCs, with perhaps just 1 or 2 dealers per country, it follows prices stay high, and probably just 20% of riders buy 80% or more of the wheels.

In contrast, the eBike industry has seen a tremendous drop in prices as multiple competitors build better and cheaper eBikes.

Because enthusiasts are frequenting this forum, they lose sight of how expensive these wheels are for almost all people in their twenties and thirties. The constant and dreadful mantra of saying, "oh just buy the $2000 wheel" ignores just how poor the average US person is (median salary 23,000-26,000 per year, 42,000 per household).

The Atlantic wrote an excellent article on how land use laws (such as the stop of property taxes in CA) and debt obligation to old people have made people in their 20-30 not just poor but in debt. 

When 60% of Americans don't have $400 cash, you know buying a $2000 wheel is ridiculous.

You get a lot more bang for your buck if you get a smaller wheel. Methinks the markup for the bigger wheels must be huge, because all wheels now use very similar motors and batteries. How could they not be? 

FutureMotion is probably the worst; go to their website and and it screams at you with unsecured financing options. I'm guessing OW sales are almost entirely financed. Everyone's business model; instead of offering a good product at an affordable price, offer a crap product at a high price and use advertising and subprime loans to sell it.

So, you buy the wheel within your budget. Ignore the guys telling you to buy the more expensive wheels; they won't respect you in the morning and they certainly don't understand your financial situation. A $950 KS16S (marked up to $1350 by ewheels) is perfectly fine that you won't grow out of, ever. You don't need to be bombing down the street on a 30 mph 18 incher, at least not until you get some idea of how to ride these wheels and what you want to do with them.

[stephen]

51 minutes ago, LanghamP said:

I think new wheel prices are too high for new riders to comfortably kick around

And experienced ones

 

52 minutes ago, LanghamP said:

Because enthusiasts are frequenting this forum, they lose sight of how expensive these wheels are for almost all people in their twenties and thirties. The constant and dreadful mantra of saying, "oh just buy the $2000 wheel" ignores just how poor the average US person is (median salary 23,000-26,000 per year, 42,000 per household).

That's more than my wage ☹️

 

53 minutes ago, LanghamP said:

So, you buy the wheel within your budget. Ignore the guys telling you to buy the more expensive wheels; they won't respect you in the morning and they certainly don't understand your financial situation. A $950 KS16S (marked up to $1350 by ewheels) is perfectly fine that you won't grow out of, ever. You don't need to be bombing down the street on a 30 mph 18 incher, at least not until you get some idea of how to ride these wheels and what you want to do with them.

I don't think he'd be asking if he couldn't afford it tbh . We all know you can only buy what you can afford but you will save money in the long run buying a better wheel first . Most people in this forum lost money due to upgrading fast

[meepmeepmayer]

I completely agree that wheels are becoming too expensive. Ask me why I don't have a 100V 1845Wh Nikola already (Answer: I'd hesistate to pay these inflated prices even if I had the money.) Anything over 1$ or 1€/Wh is a rip-off.

2 hours ago, LanghamP said:

You get a lot more bang for your buck if you get a smaller wheel.

No. For EUCs, the top or near-top of the market is where you get the most for your money. If you can afford it and such a wheel is right for you in the first place, the best course of action if you want to use your money efficiently is buying "the best" right away.

That's because every wheel, "cheap" or not, needs a motor, board, shell, etc. The only difference with more expensive wheels are the bigger batteries that allow for more speed and range and safety. So the initial cost for a wheel is high and grows slower after as only more batteries are added.

Reasons to not buy "the best":

• You can't afford it.
• You don't want it because it's not the right wheel for you. You want a lighter wheel, or are happy (or want) a slower wheel, or don't like the looks, or whatever.
• The big wheels are just that - big. 25kg wheels are not ideal for learning, and learning on a lighter wheel is going to be more fun.
• You have enough money so you can buy multiple wheels anyways so you start with a smaller (less money-efficient one).

-

Nikola, MSX, 18XL, and I guess 16X are currently "the best". If they're too big and unwieldy (or expensive) for you, get a Tesla, V10(F) (no big size diference there though) or 16S as general purpose wheel. Want to have fun and just curve around? MCM5 or mten3 are your best friends (and you can get a more serious wheel later). It depends on what you see yourself doing with the wheel. Trust your gut which wheel just looks right for you and whispers "Buy me!" into your ears.

I say Nikola 100V and don't look back (I may be biased... or maybe the Nik is just next-level awesome). If it's too big for starting and you have the money, get an mten3 or other small wheel to learn on and as a fun secondary wheel.

Or maybe you fall in love with the Z10 looks, who knows...

[Meelosh123]

I think the Tesla still hits a decent price-point for power/weight/range.  In my opinion, the MTen3's battery's too small if it's your only wheel and you're getting into the hobby.  Part of the fun is exploring and just going further and further.  If you're here, and you think you'll like it, then you'll probably love it and stick with it.  If that's the case and you've got the cash, then I'd get one of the newest 16" wheels.

[Dave U]

On 9/23/2019 at 8:19 PM, Peters said:

(love speed, while keeping safe of course)

You said it all!  

Your 2 options:

1. Nikola Plus 1845 Wh 100 Volt Longer Range (than the MSX) "for group rides" plus that Extra Speed .

2. MSX 1230 Wh 100 Volt Long Range plus Extra Speed

Stay away from the 84 Volts if you like Speed.

I see on this forum that guys that have the MSX are now riding the Nikola, what does that tell you? 

Get yourself the BIG Wheel. I started riding 14 months ago and have 3 wheels now, cause I started of with a small wheel KS16S. Save your money and go for it! Just pad it all up until it "Clicks In"(get the hang of it).

Let us know what wheel you pick?

Lets Roll, Have Fun and Be Safe!

[Peters]

Appreciate all your comments. Yes, this is going to be a very expensive hobby/sport for me, if I should get hooked on it.... even now, I feel like Im already hooked.... and... I dont even have a wheel yet... LOL !   I think I have a problem !  I need help (suggestions?..LOL)!

Watching all your crazy fun videos got me soooo hooked on this EV form factor (despite me having fun with my electric scooter - Segway ES4), I feel this EUC world is my natural next progression into the PEV (or FEV) world. I want to be free as a bird and fly though the air like all your videos... leaning right into the wind at 40mph +, while having both hands free, and my body controlling the acceleration and steering. I want to experience how this feels (in this lifetime) !!! (Thank you for all your videos that shows this amazing and inspiring experience!).

Many of you are correct in saying that cost is a concern. These EUC are quite expensive !!!  Specially when considering I will likely only ride it in the summer months (say 4 months) per year. I live in Vancouver BC Canada, so it rains here lots once October hits (as you North Westerners of the US would also attest to).

I really love the technical specs of the Nikola 100V... totally agree with you all ! I think we all geeky nerds inside and are turned on by LARGE numbers... LOL (or is it just me !?!)

Thank you once again for all your comments, suggestions and personal experiences in your journey into the EUC world. It really helps me gain a great perspective of where I will eventually be in few months/years........... likely addicted and buying everything new that comes out  (or dreaming/druling of it). With a collection of EUC, wondering what got over me !?!  Unsure if I look forward to that or dread that? Oh boy here we go!!!

[lioku]

1 hour ago, Peters said:

Watching all your crazy fun videos got me soooo hooked on this EV form factor (despite me having fun with my electric scooter - Segway ES4), I feel this EUC world is my natural next progression into the PEV (or FEV) world. I want to be free as a bird and fly though the air like all your videos... leaning right into the wind at 40mph +, while having both hands free, and my body controlling the acceleration and steering. I want to experience how this feels (in this lifetime) !!! (Thank you for all your videos that shows this amazing and inspiring experience!).

Hah. I got into this in a similar way.. tried out a friend's V8, was immediately obsessed, and it's only gotten worse (better?) since then! But I have no regrets at all because the feeling I get from riding an EUC is like no other.

I rode a V8 for a year until I got my 16X. I'm happy that I got a less powerful wheel to start actually. The V8 is still an awesome wheel for short trips and tricks. I plan to keep it.

If your goal is to go 40mph it sounds like you will want to go with a 100V wheel.. I'm still too chicken to go over 25mph on my 16X 😅

[dong]

Hi Peters

  I ride motocycle in canada as well, and start EUC 2 months ago. Love every mins of it. Remember your first motocycle ? remember we asked 250/300 or 650/1000 bike ??  I think it's the same (if you take out the insurance part :)) 

  I end up with the 250 bike (main factor is insurance, as you know it's crazy here), however, I wish I get bigger EUC than the ninebot one S2, but got lots of fun with this wheel and planing to keep it for awhile. My main concern was : "what if I give up? " It's took me couple weeks just to go straight-line. I almost gave up, but when I got it... it's ton of fun .

 

have fun with your 100V (if you already go with it :).  I do need to save more money for upgrade

[LanghamP]

2 hours ago, meepmeepmayer said:

No. For EUCs, the top or near-top of the market is where you get the most for your money. If you can afford it and such a wheel is right for you in the first place, the best course of action if you want to use your money efficiently is buying "the best" right away.

I look at expensive EUCs with great suspicion, because as motorized vehicles they get banged up and broken, or stolen. Two midrange models, preferably of different sizes, would make the buyer less vulnerable to breakdowns, while working better for most (not all) situations.

I don't think warranties are worth piss, because you have to ship out the wheel at cost, and now you have no wheel. Nothing of something is 0% efficiency. 

You could buy a $950 KS16S and also a $800 mcm5 for the cost of a $2000 KS16X. That way, you have a lot more options, including lending and riding with a friend (we're generous!).

An alternative is to look very seriously at your car ownership; the average cost per year of owning a car is $9500 per year. If you live in a place where you can use a wheel and taxi the rest (Uber and Lyft aren't long for this world) then consider buying a bunch of wheels, eBikes, and other electrics to your heart's content. $9500 per year buys a lot of electrics.

[Dzlchef]

If you can afford it, buy the 100V Nikola.  I have over 2k miles on my 84V and absolutely love it but consistently hit the ceiling on speed.  I'd buy a 100V now but with the prospect of a 126V I'll wait, but that's only because I already have a decent wheel.  

Good luck!

[Peters]

1 hour ago, dong said:

Hi Peters

  I ride motocycle in canada as well, and start EUC 2 months ago. Love every mins of it. Remember your first motocycle ? remember we asked 250/300 or 650/1000 bike ??  I think it's the same (if you take out the insurance part :)) 

  I end up with the 250 bike (main factor is insurance, as you know it's crazy here), however, I wish I get bigger EUC than the ninebot one S2, but got lots of fun with this wheel and planing to keep it for awhile. My main concern was : "what if I give up? " It's took me couple weeks just to go straight-line. I almost gave up, but when I got it... it's ton of fun .

 

have fun with your 100V (if you already go with it :).  I do need to save more money for upgrade

Dong... you nailed it! 250CC or 600CC, that was the great debate when I first started riding motorcycle.
And yes, its very much the same question at this juncture of my EUC initiation. Do I get super fast or something just for learning?

Based on my history of motorcycle, my first bike was a Ninja 600R, so its most likely that I may follow the same reckless path... and go with a crazy fast EUC for my first.... LOL !!!

I am considering 100V Nikola or KS16X based on user reviews and fun videos Ive watched. Its soooo expensive!!! May be the death of me if I get one of these super fast EUC!

Yes, cost of these EUC is a careful consideration on budgetary constraint... specially when you consider I live in Vancouver (stupid expensive).

Thank you so much for your input

[meepmeepmayer]

21 minutes ago, Dzlchef said:

I'd buy a 100V now but with the prospect of a 126V I'll wait

126V isn't happening in the foreseeable future... but maybe some new 21700 models.

[stephen]

21 minutes ago, meepmeepmayer said:

126V isn't happening in the foreseeable future... but maybe some new 21700 models.

Yes the 21700 nikola is on the list of gotway soon 2 battery packs ,,1800wh if i can remember👍

[Peters]

Excited on the prospect of havign 21700 Lion cells on EUC. Lighter weight and lower cost, what could be better?

Here is article I found on benefits of 21700 cells.

http://www.sum-battery.com/news/details-about-the-18650-battery-and-21700-batt-17363754.html

[Guest]

1 hour ago, LanghamP said:

You could buy a $950 KS16S and also a $800 mcm5 for the cost of a $2000 KS16X. That way, you have a lot more options, including lending and riding with a friend (we're generous!).

Do you mean used prices for the KS-16S and MCM5? If new, I'd like to know where please.

[LanghamP]

59 minutes ago, Vince23heat said:

Do you mean used prices for the KS-16S and MCM5? If new, I'd like to know where please.

I paid $926 for my KS16s through AliExpress but geolocking put an end to grey market imports. 

My KS16S was the last shiny new wheel I bought, before geolocking and tarifs brought an end to our fun. However, I'm guessing wheel prices will drop dramatically in the future, because mass produced electronic items from China have historically done so (eScooters and eBikes have already dropped dramatically).

 

[Marty Backe]

2 hours ago, meepmeepmayer said:

126V isn't happening in the foreseeable future... but maybe some new 21700 models.

Don't buy the Speedyfeet propaganda. I've never considered Ian to be on the leading edge of wheel development. He really doesn't participate in social media and often seems out of the loop with regards to what's happening. I think he's busy selling wheels instead of learning the finer details of what's going on in the EUC world. IMO.

[neurokinetik]

One benefit of buying a more expensive wheel is that it can provide more motivation to learn.  If it hurts the wallet more, you're going to want to commit to learning it so that it wasn't a huge waste of money.

[Dzlchef]

4 hours ago, meepmeepmayer said:

126V isn't happening in the foreseeable future... but maybe some new 21700 models.

The 84V & 100V were unheard of previously but it happened.  I’m optimistic about the 126V happening but who knows how long??? I’m willing to wait, at this moment in time. 

[Peters]

5 hours ago, LanghamP said:

I paid $926 for my KS16s through AliExpress but geolocking put an end to grey market imports. 

My KS16S was the last shiny new wheel I bought, before geolocking and tarifs brought an end to our fun. However, I'm guessing wheel prices will drop dramatically in the future, because mass produced electronic items from China have historically done so (eScooters and eBikes have already dropped dramatically).

 

What do you mean by geolocking? Sorry Im new to all this EUC lingo.

[mrelwood]

1 hour ago, Peters said:

What do you mean by geolocking? Sorry Im new to all this EUC lingo.

Pretty much all EUCs require the smartphone app, to control alarm speeds, riding mode settings etc. KingSong app phones home when in use, and in my understanding it checks wether your wheel is ok to have been sold to the region you’re at.

 @US69 explained how the geolocation is used, and IIRC it still doesn’t stop buying global versions from Aliexpress.

Regarding budget, if you plan on blasting at 30-40mph, you need serious protective gear that also cost several hundreds.

Regarding wheels, even as an MSX rider myself I wouldn’t recommend the MSX now that the Nikola is available. The Nikola just offers so much more in all aspects, especially comfort and features.

I consider the KingSong 16X and 18XL to complete the trio of current top wheels available (2000 USD). They are both limited to 33mph though.

Second value group (1000-1300? USD) of wheels that I’d recommend are Tesla and V10F.

Third, 16S and V8 (1000 USD). I wouldn’t pay US$1300 for a 16S. I bought mine for 970€ more than two years ago.

While buying cheap at first would make sense if you are unsure of the hobby, I think that 99% of people who give the hobby a chance are bitten by the bug. So the instant urge to upgrade is a common problem.