A smaller rider?

[bumblebee]

Hi everyone-

New here. I'm a petite woman (<50 kg) interested in getting and learning to ride an EUC to make my commute a little quicker. I was wondering if folks could give me some advice on how difficult or easy it is for a smaller person to handle some of the bigger wheels (like Ninebot). If it helps, I am reasonably athletic and coordinated but not exceptionally so. I am attracted to the Fastwheel Eva Classic because my need for distance is not that great and it seems like it would be nice to have the machine be lighter (and a bit less expensive), but I see Fastwheel has gotten a lousy review on here. Any input or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Oh, and I live in a rainy place--I of course would not go out on it in the pouring rain, but sometimes you get caught in the rain unexpectedly ....

[dmethvin]

Remember that these wheels have been built mainly by Asians who are usually not as big (height or weight) as Americans or Europeans. I don't think you would have a problem on any 14 or 16 inch wheel once you learned to ride it. The 14 inch models would be easier to pick up and carry if you had to go up stairs or other places where you couldn't ride it. 

How far is your commute? Can you charge the wheel when you get to your work, or would you have to go round trip on a single charge?

[Cloud]

Just a few general notes to help you decide. Its good for your purpose that you dont need a large battery as batteries add a lot of weight. I would still not get anything less than 340 wh as you should plan for more distance on a charge than you think you need. Get a 340wh battery - you will be glad you did.

 Wheel size in general also adds weight so you definitely dont want to go with anything over 16". Smaller wheels dont hadle obstacles and pavement irregularities as well as the bigger wheels BUT considering your weight, lighter people do much better over obstacles, so bascally  the resistance you will have over the same obstacle on a 12" wheel will probably be equal to the experience someone like me (100 kg) will have on a 16" , so id say go with 12 or 14. 

You never said anything about the speed you want to have. If you had a preference this could help you narrow down the search.

 

also like dmethvin said you should have no problem handling a 16" wheel, but if you want to have more control over the wheel, id think that being a petite lady you would be more comfortable with a smaller one, especially since you are looking for a lighter wheel. You can attach a trolley handle to a 16" wheel though.

how about IPS zero? 340 or 260wh if you want to spend less. Its 14" and comparatively light and pretty stylish for a lady to ride

 

[bumblebee]

3 hours ago, dmethvin said:

How far is your commute? Can you charge the wheel when you get to your work, or would you have to go round trip on a single charge?

Good question! The trip is about 2.5 miles each way but I cannot charge at work (it's actually school).

3 hours ago, Cloud said:

 

You never said anything about the speed you want to have. If you had a preference this could help you narrow down the search.

 

how about IPS zero? 340 or 260wh if you want to spend less. Its 14" and comparatively light and pretty stylish for a lady to ride

 

I want to go fast enough that I'm getting some advantage over walking, but I don't wish to go super fast -- I don't think I would feel safe. I think 8 mph or better would be great, since that's about twice as fast as walking. I'll check out IPS zero! Edited to add: I did a bit of surfing and it looks like it might be difficult to actually buy this thing? Or take care of a problem if one arises? I'm in the US ... any thoughts on a legit seller who will help if the wheel is faulty?

Thanks both of you for the tips.

[Jurgen]

Decide on size first (smaller is lighter, but more difficult over bumps), then choose reputed buyer, choose model (min IP 65 rating if you want to ride it in rain), then buy the biggest battery you can afford.

Stay clear of cheap clones, or too good to be true kind of (internet) deals.

A local reseller with a physical address is more expensive, but when problems arise you'll have someone to talk to face to face if necessary.

[Milo Dorigo]

For resellers in the US you can look here:

http://forum.electricunicycle.org/topic/458-where-to-buy-incomplete-reseller-list/

[dmethvin]

A 5 mile round trip is definitely very close to the limit of a 132Wh battery, so get something larger unless you might be able to charge the battery at school. 

[SuperSport]

+1 on a NineBot One E+.  My local dealer (Forwardca.com) can sell it to you for $799 out the door with a 1 year unlimited warranty.

E+ is very suited to what you are trying to do.  Plenty of speed for what you describe, plenty of power, and mileage won't be any issue (10+ Miles. You being lighter, should mean further).  It's very easy to drive, and if you get a Trolley Handle, won't be a problem to move around.  Also, VERY comfortable on the legs for us shorter people due to being narrow and pads placed in good positions.

[Jason McNeil]

@bumblebee, the Ninebot is the heaviest Wheel out there & is not a good choice for what you describe.

We're about to launch a complete product line that has a product that caters for everyone. Have a version of the very light (19lbs) IPS a130 that has upgraded LG cells, expect to offer a 50% increase in range over the 'stock' model, while also providing a substantially higher peak power rating for acceleration & hill climbing. 

eWheels.com is a US company based in Florida.

 

[Alice]

I now have 2 Wheels.  One is a 14" an the other is a 16" Both generics.  Just want to say I don't notice much difference in the weight.  I don't feel the 16" is harder to ride.  It is hard to explain without you getting on my wheels one after the other.  The 14" is more "sporty"   Keep in mind just because it is more responsive, doesn't mean it make it easier to ride.   I had my 16' first, so the 14" doesn't feel natural to me until I'm on it a few minutes. 

Jumped on Alice's log on again!  Need to start look at the upper right of the web page before I start typing!!

[Colestien]

Ya Guy's  before anyone asks,,  She has moved in now.

[SlowMo]

6 minutes ago, Alice said:

I now have 2 Wheels.  One is a 14" an the other is a 16" Both generics.  Just want to say I don't notice much difference in the weight.  I don't feel the 16" is harder to ride.  It is hard to explain without you getting on my wheels one after the other.  The 14" is more "sporty"   Keep in mind just because it is more responsive, doesn't mean it make it easier to ride.   I had my 16' first, so the 14" doesn't feel natural to me until I'm on it a few minutes. 

Jumped on Alice's log on again!  Need to start look at the upper right of the web page before I start typing!!

Haha that is why I was wondering who is this Alice?

11 hours ago, bumblebee said:

Good question! The trip is about 2.5 miles each way but I cannot charge at work (it's actually school).

I want to go fast enough that I'm getting some advantage over walking, but I don't wish to go super fast -- I don't think I would feel safe. I think 8 mph or better would be great, since that's about twice as fast as walking. I'll check out IPS zero! Edited to add: I did a bit of surfing and it looks like it might be difficult to actually buy this thing? Or take care of a problem if one arises? I'm in the US ... any thoughts on a legit seller who will help if the wheel is faulty?

Thanks both of you for the tips.

I think @johnc415 still has some Zero 340wh units  in stock. He is a reputable seller here in the forum and he is based in the US.

[Colestien]

@SlowMo Alice an I will be Married on February 14 of this next year.  So far she is mostly reading this forum to help her understand my "craziness".  She is petite as well.  She was just starting to do the 6 foot beginners runs. She stepped off wrong, and twisted her knee.  So she might not get back on it, or after her knee feels better.  

@bumblebee If you only want to do 10 mph, it doesn't mean you want a Wheel that "the company" says will do 12 mph.  As you can read here, with the exception maybe the Big names, you will not be able to believe what they say.  Of course you'll also read here that most people want more speed after they learn.

[Roue Libre]

There are some videos on Facebook of little girls less than 10 years old who do impressive tricks/stunts on EUC. So being little is no big issue. Except maybe if you have to carry the device by hand.

[SuperSport]

1 hour ago, Jason McNeil said:

@bumblebee, the Ninebot is the heaviest Wheel out there & is not a good choice for what you describe.

Yeah, sorry, I missed she wanted a lighter wheel.  It's still a super comfortable and easy to ride wheel for us smaller people (I'm 5' 8" 73kg).

[Cloud]

5 hours ago, Colestien said:

 

@bumblebee If you only want to do 10 mph, it doesn't mean you want a Wheel that "the company" says will do 12 mph.  As you can read here, with the exception maybe the Big names, you will not be able to believe what they say.  Of course you'll also read here that most people want more speed after they learn.

Also @bumblebee just because you THINK you inly need 10mph, doesnt mean you actualy only need that:) once youhop on yhe wheel you may experience an unexpected need for speed!

If you can borrow someone elses wheel to try it out this woukd be the best before you buy. I am not sure where you are located but if you are close to NYC you are welcome to try my wheel.

i think you need to get the IPS Zero:)

[Michael Vu]

17 hours ago, bumblebee said:

Good question! The trip is about 2.5 miles each way but I cannot charge at work (it's actually school).

Why can't you charge at school? Does the school explicitly not allow it? I'd figure there would be plenty of outlets at schools since students need those outlets for laptops and phones. 

[Colestien]

@bumblebee  or anyone for that matter would like to try a Wheel,  I'm in the center of the US....God bless Kansas.  I would be Happy to let anyone try a 14" or 16"

[bumblebee]

On 12/21/2015 at 0:50 AM, Jurgen said:

Decide on size first (smaller is lighter, but more difficult over bumps), then choose reputed buyer, choose model (min IP 65 rating if you want to ride it in rain), then buy the biggest battery you can afford.

Stay clear of cheap clones, or too good to be true kind of (internet) deals.

A local reseller with a physical address is more expensive, but when problems arise you'll have someone to talk to face to face if necessary.

Hi-Thank you all for your thoughts and comments! This is all really helpful. But some more noob questions ... @Jurgen, what is IP 65 rating? (Where do I look for this number?)

23 hours ago, Jason McNeil said:

@bumblebee, the Ninebot is the heaviest Wheel out there & is not a good choice for what you describe.

We're about to launch a complete product line that has a product that caters for everyone. Have a version of the very light (19lbs) IPS a130 that has upgraded LG cells, expect to offer a 50% increase in range over the 'stock' model, while also providing a substantially higher peak power rating for acceleration & hill climbing. 

eWheels.com is a US company based in Florida.

 

Jason, I looked for ewheels.com but it looks like a UK outfit? What am I missing? 

Okay, I thought I had more of everyone's posted quoted here to respond to but I seem to have lost them ... I'll post a bit more below. Thanks again, everyone!

22 hours ago, SuperSport said:

Yeah, sorry, I missed she wanted a lighter wheel.  It's still a super comfortable and easy to ride wheel for us smaller people (I'm 5' 8" 73kg).

So @SuperSport, what do you think about Ninebot One C+? It seems to me Forward has a good price on that. And do you think it's worth the extra weight to have the Ninebot reputation, possibility for stateside help if a problem arises, etc?

18 hours ago, Cloud said:

Also @bumblebee just because you THINK you inly need 10mph, doesnt mean you actualy only need that:) once youhop on yhe wheel you may experience an unexpected need for speed!

If you can borrow someone elses wheel to try it out this woukd be the best before you buy. I am not sure where you are located but if you are close to NYC you are welcome to try my wheel.

i think you need to get the IPS Zero:)

Unfortunately I am on the West Coast (but in a smaller place, so unlikely to find someone to let me try!). Thank you, though! I am thinking IPS Zero looks pretty awesome but I am a bit afraid to spend so much right away.

17 hours ago, Michael Vu said:

Why can't you charge at school? Does the school explicitly not allow it? I'd figure there would be plenty of outlets at schools since students need those outlets for laptops and phones. 

I will actually be starting school only in August. So it is possible that I could charge at school, but I just don't want to count on it. They definitely have outlets for laptops and phones but I'm not sure I will get enough time where I can stay nearby and let the wheel charge, and I wouldn't want to leave it unattended.

16 hours ago, Colestien said:

@bumblebee  or anyone for that matter would like to try a Wheel,  I'm in the center of the US....God bless Kansas.  I would be Happy to let anyone try a 14" or 16"

Unfortunately I am on the West Coast (but in a smaller place, so unlikely to find someone to let me try!). Thank you, though!

[SuperSport]

56 minutes ago, bumblebee said:

So @SuperSport, what do you think about Ninebot One C+? It seems to me Forward has a good price on that. And do you think it's worth the extra weight to have the Ninebot reputation, possibility for stateside help if a problem arises, etc?

I've never ridden the C+, so I cannot give an honest opinion.  I do like the build quality of the NineBot One E+, and the guys at Forward California have been nice so far.  They will even let you try a wheel before buying it at one of their 2 locations.  I'm sure that includes a small amount of training if needed too.  Of course I have not had an issue yet, but it seems they will be willing to help when needed.  The One Year Unlimited Warranty was a big thing for me.  Of course, it's not in writing, but the kid that sold me mine said that they even cover broken parts due to damage (Crashes), including if you tear one of the side pads!  He said the side pads are the most Warranty Covered part.  Now that's a warranty!  I would confirm with them that that's accurate, and I'd hope they don't have kids saying stuff that is not true, but that's what I was told.

NineBot Asia Online Support is less than stellar so far (as are most of the Asian EUC Companies), and they did have issues with Firmware Releases, but I'm hoping Forward CA will be there when they are not.  NineBot also just bought Segway this year for $80 Million, so I'm hoping they are going to be around for a while.

It is a bit heavier than the TG F3 that I have.  I would not want to carry it very far.  I just installed a Trolley Handle yesterday, and while I'm not thrilled about the Handle Quality, I think it will do the job in a pinch if the battery dies.

WAY more comfortable than the TG F3 on the legs and feet.  That means I can go 10+ miles without ever stepping off to rest my feet.

I don't know the distance you will get out of a C+ either (probably can count on 10 Miles+ due to your weight).  They rate the E+ for 22 miles, but I've only hit 15 so far.  Still pretty good, but not as rated.  Although, NONE of the manufacturers live up to their ratings as far as I can tell.

If you are near Sacramento, CA, I can let you try a wheel also.  Not sure where on the West Coast you are, but I'm about 35 miles from Sac in Placerville.

IP65 rating is the Water Resistance Rating and should be listed on the specs of each wheel you look at (Some don't say, and I would take that as they are NOT rated unless proven otherwise).  It basically means that dust and rain will not hurt your wheel.  A lesser rating should probably not be ridden in the rain.

Here is an IP Ratings Chart:  http://www.dsmt.com/resources/ip-rating-chart/  The NineBot One is IP 65 - 

Protected from total dust ingress.

Protected from low pressure water jets from any direction.

PS:  The NineBot is made from AZ91D Magnesium Alloy, And LEXAN Polycarbonate.  I have a LOT of experience with GE Lexan as I used to own a sign shop.  That's what we used on all of our lighted signs. We spared no expense, and it appears NineBot didn't either.  It is ALMOST unbreakable.  I have found ways to break it, but it took very cold conditions to do so.  It's what Bulletproof Glass is made with.

[Jurgen]

@bumblebee IP stands for Ingress Protection Electrical equipment often has an IP rating. This tells you how resistant it is to dust and fluid (like rain).

[Cloud]

52 minutes ago, Jurgen said:

@bumblebee IP stands for Ingress Protection Electrical equipment often has an IP rating. This tells you how resistant it is to dust and fluid (like rain).

Well eithe that or just put a plastic bag over the wheel  

[Lovely]

If you are tired and you will have to carry your wheel for some greater distance, lift it up, go upstairs and etc. you will see the difference between 8.8kg or 10kg wheel, so you should buy the light one and not bigger than 14" and see if you can find the compact design shell, but the optimal battery should be about 260wh for your distance. FASTWHEEL EVA CLASSIC is an amazing value for money, powerful enough, stylish, very light and compact machine, but you would probably need to charge it at school, not sure..   My small story:   I spent more money than necessary for my commuting to work.. I am 65kg rider. I thought I will need 680wh gotway for sure, to get home, few miles and steap 25-30% hills more than half way! But my 680wh gotway is around 13kg! I am not happy.. Now I bought (Yoobao E1 350 watt/130wh) and (Pinwheel T1 350w/ 180wh changeable batterry) and they are light and does same job, but slower, so gotway was pointless for me. Additional to, you may not go fast in most areas in the town, for the obvious reason ..

[Egbert]

My 680wh Gotway has nearly 18kg and its no fun to go upstairs or carry it more than an few meters.
on the other hand, driving feels secure under nearby all circumstances. And I am no 'small rider', I have about 90kg weight and 194cm height ;-)

so , when I decided to order an EUC, I thought about my typical use case... and this is driving a distance of 7km oneway, not walking and carrying the EUC around ;-)

[SuperSport]

3 hours ago, Lovely said:

...so gotway was pointless for me.

Is it for sale?