Rookie Purchase Advise

[KYWheeler]

Absolute rookie - I have never seen an electric unicycle in person.  But am resolute to purchase one.  No dealers in my town; will have to order.  I've been trying to study up on these things, but I am a bit lost.  So many models and brands, I don't know what's new and improved.  Thanks for any helpful opinions rendered!

About me:  47 yo male - 5'11" (180 cm) 155 lbs (70 kg).  In good shape - runner and weights - good balance.  I live in Louisville, Kentucky USA.  I intend to use this as a novelty entertainment in my neighborhood, local parks and outdoor events (park far away and ride EUC to event).  I feel like I will be a patient, conservative learner.

My wants:  

1. Long battery life - I'd like to get at least 10 miles (16 km) out of the thing.  Right?
2. Speed - I know that once I get past the learning curve, I will want a little more speed
3. Safety - I'd prefer not to break a limb or die
4. Reliable - I'd prefer it not break down on me
5. Bigger tire - They are more stable with a larger tire, right?
6. Learning - I think that I'd like to have the training wheels and strap for learning
7. Reputable supplier -  I'll have to order it.  Don't want to pay for a EUC and end up with a skate board
8. US compatible charger - Since I live in the US and it would be inconvenient to have to take to another country each time I wanted to charge it...

Nice to have:

1. Lights - LED lighting would be cool
2. App - I guess that having an app would be useful (speed, distance, battery life)?

Not as concerned about:

1. Price - I'll pay for quality.  But remember, this is my first try with a EUC.  Better to get a cheaper one, then move up??
2. Weight - I don't think that weights up to 35 lb (16 kg) would be unreasonable
3. Tricks - I'm not interested in stunts (other than turning and not falling over very often)

What do you think??  In the end, I just need a little nudge as far as what to purchase, so that I can pull the trigger!  Thanks.

[Donafello]

Gotway Msuper all the way. I to have never seen a unicycle in person before purchasing mine. i was hesitant in making the msuper my first EU because of the learning curve but I'm so happy I did becuase once I got good I would have been purchasing one anyway. Its a real pleasure to ride and the speed is amazing. I would not buy anytrhing else especially if you feel your going to want something fast. I know the nine bot e plus would also be a great first wheel. I originally purchased the 680wh HS from johnc here on the forums which I then sold a couple weeks ago and purchased the 850wh HS. Both were amazing and I had zero issues with them. The 850 just lasts about 20% longer. If your in the states and on the east coast I would deff recommended using johnc for a purchase. His customer service is amazing before and after the sale on both occasions. I think he will also ship but you need to get a hold of him. I think his username is johnc415

[Citi Wheel]

I think you would be happy going with an IPS zero (both the 260 wh or 340 wh will get you 10 miles) or the Ninebot One E+ for your first wheel.

 

9bot E+ Advantages over IPS.

16 inch tire (more stability if you hit bumps), More powerful motor (max output 1500 watts), so it's harder to overlean the unit.

 

IPS advantages over 9bot E+

Price $700-800 depending on whether you get the 260 or 340 wh vs. $950 for the E+

Lighter (23 lbs vs 32 lbs), very portable, don't really need a trolley handle (additional $75). 

Personally I think the IPS zero looks a little better. 

Faster: It can be unlocked to 18 mph although I don't think this a safe speed to ride it because with a 14" wheel at that speed, and a less powerful motor, you have to be hypervigilent for bumps, otherwise you're going off. I think you can safely ride it 15 mph. The real top speed of the E+ is 14 mph (gps confirmed).

 

Tie:

Both have great apps, large comfortable pads, led lights (ninebot on the side and ips on the front and back), and come with 1 year warranties. Both have U.S. chargers.

 

You can honestly go either way and be happy.

 

EDIT:

Although I haven't ridden it, I would add the kingsong 14" to that list. $950 for a 800 Watt motor (average rating), and 520 WH battery. It's very fast also.

 

[fearedbliss]

Don't use the training wheels/strap, that will just slow down your learning. Use a wall to get the initial feeling and motion of the wheel. You will get it within a few hours of practice (1 hour every day).

Also, I am willing to sell my Ninebot One E+ since I've upgraded to a Ninebot One P and a KS Mark 3. So at the moment I have too many unicycles. PM me if you are interested.

[Nevin@Tec-toyz.com]

1 hour ago, KYWheeler said:

Absolute rookie - I have never seen an electric unicycle in person.  But am resolute to purchase one.  No dealers in my town; will have to order.  I've been trying to study up on these things, but I am a bit lost.  So many models and brands, I don't know what's new and improved.  Thanks for any helpful opinions rendered!

About me:  47 yo male - 5'11" (180 cm) 155 lbs (70 kg).  In good shape - runner and weights - good balance.  I live in Louisville, Kentucky USA.  I intend to use this as a novelty entertainment in my neighborhood, local parks and outdoor events (park far away and ride EUC to event).  I feel like I will be a patient, conservative learner.

My wants:  

1. Long battery life - I'd like to get at least 10 miles (16 km) out of the thing.  Right?
2. Speed - I know that once I get past the learning curve, I will want a little more speed
3. Safety - I'd prefer not to break a limb or die
4. Reliable - I'd prefer it not break down on me
5. Bigger tire - They are more stable with a larger tire, right?
6. Learning - I think that I'd like to have the training wheels and strap for learning
7. Reputable supplier -  I'll have to order it.  Don't want to pay for a EUC and end up with a skate board
8. US compatible charger - Since I live in the US and it would be inconvenient to have to take to another country each time I wanted to charge it...

Nice to have:

1. Lights - LED lighting would be cool
2. App - I guess that having an app would be useful (speed, distance, battery life)?

Not as concerned about:

1. Price - I'll pay for quality.  But remember, this is my first try with a EUC.  Better to get a cheaper one, then move up??
2. Weight - I don't think that weights up to 35 lb (16 kg) would be unreasonable
3. Tricks - I'm not interested in stunts (other than turning and not falling over very often)

What do you think??  In the end, I just need a little nudge as far as what to purchase, so that I can pull the trigger!  Thanks.

Based on what you said, yes you should start off with a cheaper wheel, learn it first off that wheel, then you can upgrade later. Do your research first, you like LEDs.  Look up Gotways MCM4, Ninebots, and Teamgee F5 I believe. Flashy wheels, I no I missed some.... Like IPS zero I think. But there's a start. Other peeps can mention the rest.

Good luck!

[Jurgen]

Decide 14", 16" or 18" first. Then brand (GW,IPS,9BOT...) Take biggest batt. you can get.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Villac]

@KYWheeler Get in the pool, you won't regret it!

You will find reputable dealers here on this forum. I like many have no access to a walk-in EU store and ordered by mail.

Plan to buy right the first time, not learn and upgrade. If you meet all your requirements, you will be buying right (a generic won't meet your speed/distance criteria). From the way you described yourself, it seems like you have documented high interest and the athleticism to get past the tedious learning to the fun zone. I'm not discounting @NevNutz good advice about the initial cheap learner wheel. The pros for a starter wheel are 1)you might not like it and can back out cheaper 2)the starter wheel may teach you what is your ideal wheel and 3)if you have a potential riding buddy, they get your starter wheel when you graduate.

In reviewing your list, I didn't see off road (grass in the parks doesn't count  that's just a grass road). In my opinion, you don't need an 18". A 14" or 16" should do, but if the roads in your town are poorly maintained, you will appreciate the 16".

It's not clear if you want LED "magical" lights (like a ninebot) or LED head/tail lights (like a King Song) or maybe you want both! It is easier to add on head/tail lights than it is to add on dancing lights (but it is possible)

I personally own a Gotway Msuper2 18" and love it: it is great for my hilly commute day or night (I've added on head/tail lights; it comes with none) and for weekend off-road trail rides the big wheel and surplus motor/battery capacity get me up and down. (and then there's the Gotway's sick speed  though mine is an MS model, limited to 33 km/hr, not 40 km/hr like the HS)

Lastly, safety is all on YOU not the EU (except for maybe the tiny battery jump scare power cutoff in a starter wheel) so stay in control and wear gear.

I'd agree the ninebot E+ is a good choice, unless you feel the lure of the wild trails in which case think about the extra weight and cost of a King song or Gotway 18"

 

 

[Cloud]

Dont get anything less than 340 wh battery if you want to do 10 miles year round including colder temperatures. You wanna have some capacity margin there. I think you will be better off with a 16 incher. Probably IPS is your best bet but not sure the max speed of a 16 inch ips. If not, ninebot is a good option

[SlowMo]

12 hours ago, KYWheeler said:

About me:  47 yo male - 5'11" (180 cm) 155 lbs (70 kg).  In good shape - runner and weights - good balance.  I live in Louisville, Kentucky USA.  I intend to use this as a novelty entertainment in my neighborhood, local parks and outdoor events (park far away and ride EUC to event).  I feel like I will be a patient, conservative learner.

 

The IPS Zero is a show stopper. People at our park riding their balance boards and wearing led shoes stop and say "Oh look at that!"

[Sweet M]

Just as another option, here's a copy of my post on the IPS T350+ review that I presented back in October..............  Everything still stands true to this date!!!

I began on an Airwheel X8.  Experienced several cut outs with my own testing and, luckily, survived them all!  My biggest, most scary cut out was experienced with just about 1/3 mile remaining at the end of an 8 mile ride and backward I went.  Sent the X8 speeding forward about 50', down an embankment toward a creek. After getting off my rear and realizing I was still living, I crawled down a thorn infested bank to find my unit also still alive.  Anyway, through those experiences, I learned what was important to me during my rides and took those things into consideration when deciding which upgraded wheel to buy. 

Since receiving my IPS T350+ about a month ago, I've thoroughly tested many parameters like rapid start/stop (although I know this is dangerous), speeding up quickly as to simulate crossing a street, slowing down quickly to sim coming up to a street corner or encountering a pothole or something, hill climbing/descending acceleration/deceleration, steep hill climbing, max speeds, carving back and forth, etc.....

And to my, so far, extreme satisfaction everything has checked out great!  The IPS T350+ is not a bells and whistles EU as far as aesthetics, but I have added a few things to spruce it up a little.  It seems, according to my tests thus far, to be very smart and reliable, adjusting speed and warning feed backs according to current battery levels.  Typically get a slow green light warning beep at 22 kph, rapid green light warning beep at 24 kph, and a sustained green light warning beep with more noticeable tilt back (not aggressive though) at 27 kph.  These parameters lower slightly when the battery is at a low enough level to challenge remaining power.  Also, if battery is low enough, rather accelerating quickly or simply trying to climb a hill, the beeps almost get skipped all together and the unit goes directly to a sustained red light beep and tilt back to alert the need to slow the unit down due to a lack of power to perform the current task.

Anyway, needless to say, I'm a fan of the decision I made to purchase this particular IPS model.  Cost shipped to my USA address was $818. Installed an APP that I graciously acquired on this forum to immediately unlock the 30 kph speed upgrade and am getting at least 16 miles on a single charge riding on a variable hill intensive course that I've mapped out in my city.

[esaj]

5 hours ago, Villac said:

Plan to buy right the first time, not learn and upgrade. If you meet all your requirements, you will be buying right (a generic won't meet your speed/distance criteria). From the way you described yourself, it seems like you have documented high interest and the athleticism to get past the tedious learning to the fun zone. I'm not discounting @NevNutz good advice about the initial cheap learner wheel. The pros for a starter wheel are 1)you might not like it and can back out cheaper 2)the starter wheel may teach you what is your ideal wheel and 3)if you have a potential riding buddy, they get your starter wheel when you graduate.

Although the chance is pretty small, I'd add 4) you won't be as pissed if you wreck the cheap wheel during practice vs. a more expensive one   Usually though they just get scratched (a lot) during the training, maybe a small crack in the casing. Breaking the entire wheel due to a crash is pretty rare (but possible, for example if the wheel gets stuck so that the motor can't turn but the mainboard is still trying to drive it, it will short and can cause the mosfets to blow: http://forum.electricunicycle.org/topic/832-so-my-friend-just-destroyed-my-one-e/ )

 

5 hours ago, Villac said:

It's not clear if you want LED "magical" lights (like a ninebot) or LED head/tail lights (like a King Song) or maybe you want both! It is easier to add on head/tail lights than it is to add on dancing lights (but it is possible)

It is easy to add separate "static" (always burning lights) afterwards, but at least in Firewheel (and maybe King Song, Solowheel Xtreme?) the tail-light also acts as a brake light, becoming brighter when you slow down (or in Firewheel, also turning on only when braking, if the lights are otherwise off). That's kinda hard to add afterwards.

[SlowMo]

19 minutes ago, esaj said:

 Breaking the entire wheel due to a crash is pretty rare (but possible, for example if the wheel gets stuck so that the motor can't turn but the mainboard is still trying to drive it, it will short and can cause the mosfets to blow: http://forum.electricunicycle.org/topic/832-so-my-friend-just-destroyed-my-one-e/ )

This is typical of the Ninebot One.

[Nevin@Tec-toyz.com]

On December 4, 2015 at 9:52:40 AM, KYWheeler said:

Absolute rookie - I have never seen an electric unicycle in person.  But am resolute to purchase one.  No dealers in my town; will have to order.  I've been trying to study up on these things, but I am a bit lost.  So many models and brands, I don't know what's new and improved.  Thanks for any helpful opinions rendered!

About me:  47 yo male - 5'11" (180 cm) 155 lbs (70 kg).  In good shape - runner and weights - good balance.  I live in Louisville, Kentucky USA.  I intend to use this as a novelty entertainment in my neighborhood, local parks and outdoor events (park far away and ride EUC to event).  I feel like I will be a patient, conservative learner.

My wants:  

1. Long battery life - I'd like to get at least 10 miles (16 km) out of the thing.  Right?
2. Speed - I know that once I get past the learning curve, I will want a little more speed
3. Safety - I'd prefer not to break a limb or die
4. Reliable - I'd prefer it not break down on me
5. Bigger tire - They are more stable with a larger tire, right?
6. Learning - I think that I'd like to have the training wheels and strap for learning
7. Reputable supplier -  I'll have to order it.  Don't want to pay for a EUC and end up with a skate board
8. US compatible charger - Since I live in the US and it would be inconvenient to have to take to another country each time I wanted to charge it...

Nice to have:

1. Lights - LED lighting would be cool
2. App - I guess that having an app would be useful (speed, distance, battery life)?

Not as concerned about:

1. Price - I'll pay for quality.  But remember, this is my first try with a EUC.  Better to get a cheaper one, then move up??
2. Weight - I don't think that weights up to 35 lb (16 kg) would be unreasonable
3. Tricks - I'm not interested in stunts (other than turning and not falling over very often)

What do you think??  In the end, I just need a little nudge as far as what to purchase, so that I can pull the trigger!  Thanks.

 

What happened to my comments? Lol

[Nevin@Tec-toyz.com]

Ok since my comments didn't show up, weird and I didn't even press for a quote either. I used Fastwheel EVA Pro as my first wheel to learn back in March. Never had a cut off like I hear about on a lot of the generic wheels. The foot pedals have rubber padding which gives a new rider more than enough grip to feel comfortable learning. And the usual APP which controls the front lights for some night time riding. It controls the speed also and you download firmware updates. I wish Gotway had this option. Every now and then I still bring it out to ride. Fastwheel also makes it now with a wide tire so it's much easier to learn.

One tip, don't use the training wheels to learn. You slow down the progress of learning. I was too dependent on the training wheels. Mainly use them to learn to going forward. Good luck on finding that first wheel.

And make sure to wear protection! Helmet is a must, wrist, knee and elbow pads...

[KYWheeler]

Thank you for all the comments!  They are a huge help.  I'm leaning heavily toward the IPS Zero or IPS T350+.  Now I just need to find out where to get one.  Suggestions?  I'm in Kentucky USA...

[Sweet M]

1 hour ago, KYWheeler said:

Thank you for all the comments!  They are a huge help.  I'm leaning heavily toward the IPS Zero or IPS T350+.  Now I just need to find out where to get one.  Suggestions?  I'm in Kentucky USA...

I got my IPS T350+ (as well as 2 other EUs) from electricunicycleonline.com and have had good luck with receiving quality products delivered to my door in Oklahoma in ~21 days from ordering.  There are several quality US resellers here on our forum from what I've read, notably there's @KaleOsaurusRex (who I purchased my KS 18A from with great ease) at ElectricUnicycleReviews.com and @Jason McNeil (who recently opened a Florida based site/store) at ewheels.com. Great resources and info available on those sites and if deciding on a King Song EU, definitely check 'em out.........but not sure that they deal in IPS products.  You'd have to ask them or they may see this post and respond themselves.

[castShadow]

I would like to suggest buying two dissimilar wheels.  If you were thinking you might upgrade anyway then you could plan the 2nd purchase at the same time if possible.  You would then budget for the two wheels - maybe a $500 and a $999 for the first and second.  That's $1500 total which is big bucks!  I like cheap wheels but they will have issues that I myself don't mind working with, but I wouldn't recommend them for others, so would then recommend $500+ for better quality.

Battery size I would say 240Wh or more - the old standard was 132Wh which will get you 6+ miles.  Double that would be great which is 264Wh which may get you the 10 miles you want as minimum.  What are the battery prices now, roughly $100 per 132Wh, anyone?  The battery will take up a lot of the budget.

The reason I would recommend two different wheels is because you will find your preference easier when you can tell the differences by directly comparing them.  Also by trying to master both, you will become a better rider on your favorite one - it will be an accelerated way of learning.  You will also find the 'other' wheel could be good for backup or other purpose like shorter range runs or for training friends.

Finally this leads to two size recommendations, a 14" and a 16" - and I see you already mentioned the IPS Zero and T350+ - it looks like either one or get both!  You'll be the IPS man in KY - I do not own any IPS myself but the specs looks good.  Looks foolproof for your stated needs.

Good luck and let us know how you like 'em!