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Can kids ride an EUC on the road in California


Goblyhoo

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Ok, concerns about car drivers to be considered as well though.

Even adults on large motorcycles are at considerable risk at times on roads.

Can be wearing a high viz vest, car driver can be looking in your direction, and they still don't see or ignore you.

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17 minutes ago, Paul A said:

Can be wearing a high viz vest, car driver can be looking in your direction, and they still don't see or ignore you.

they might not see you when you're on foot and entering a marked zebra crosswalk, with the warning lights flashing, and the driver has a red light.

cars have crumple zones and armored side doors and super strong roof pillars and airbags and seat belts and safety glass windscreens because... we aren't situationally aware when we're driving.

I only say you should get it for him if in your judgement as his parent, you feel he has the maturity to learn, understand and apply the things necessary to minimize risk. If he's not there yet, stick to the bike. But at some point, he'll need to start making his own decisions about personal safety… as a parent, we eventually must come to terms with that. It's tough.

Edited by Tawpie
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@Goblyhoo

It might look simple or hard to learn depending on what you see and who you ask. 

I couldn't stand one 1 leg/foot to put on a sock or shoe when I started. Most take between 30-a few hours to learn. Ideally broken up into sessions so your brain get to process this new skill. 

Have a look on where I started and how it improved. 

I started indoor due to snow outside

One of my first rides outdoors

My first commute to job.(1800m) was about a few weeks later (17th April). This is a little later. And I started on a V8.

This was one of my first real rides with suspension wheel. I think is is about 2 years later.

Note: I started to ride due to rheumatic diagnoses to lower back and severe in the knee.

Anyway great to see you seek advise here. I like that people make educated decision. 🌟👍

 

Edited by Unventor
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4 hours ago, Unventor said:

@Goblyhoo

It might look simple or hard to learn depending on what you see and who you ask. 

I couldn't stand one 1 leg/foot to put on a sock or shoe when I started. Most take between 30-a few hours to learn. Ideally broken up into sessions so your brain get to process this new skill. 

Have a look on where I started and how it improved. 

I started indoor due to snow outside

One of my first rides outdoors

My first commute to job.(1800m) was about a few weeks later (17th April). This is a little later. And I started on a V8.

This was one of my first real rides with suspension wheel. I think is is about 2 years later.

Note: I started to ride due to rheumatic diagnoses to lower back and severe in the knee.

Anyway great to see you seek advise here. I like that people make educated decision. 🌟👍

 

Looks fun!

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1 hour ago, Goblyhoo said:

Looks fun!

It is hard to explain until you get that magical clicking moment when you get the hang of it. It took me about 5 or 6 sessions of 10mins of training. 

Closest description is it feels like alpine skiing. Only that you can go up or down hill and almost anywhere from A to B that you would bicycle or walk to. It is also a new way for generations to connect and share an comen interest.

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I say go for it. I got my first one when I was 15, I had saved up quite a bit and not bought anything for a long time. I was also really into it looking into all the models and such. I absolutely loved it. Being a twelve year old, I don't think Id recommend a Nikola for him, the wheels in that class are quite heavy and better suited towards higher performance riding. I would recommend something in more the 14d/s, 16s, inmotion v8/v8s, or MCM5 range. I would personally have prefered the mcm5 over the 14s I started on, but I turned out to be a bit of an adrenaline junkie and mcm5 is faster and more powerful. Also I am mechanically inclined, so repairs are no problem for me. Have fun!

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1 hour ago, Unventor said:

It is hard to explain until you get that magical clicking moment when you get the hang of it. It took me about 5 or 6 sessions of 10mins of training. 

Closest description is it feels like alpine skiing. Only that you can go up or down hill and almost anywhere from A to B that you would bicycle or walk to. It is also a new way for generations to connect and share an comen interest.

I find its similar to riding a bicycle with no hands while standing.

@Goblyhoo tell your boy to ride his bicycle as fast as he possibly can. While standing, take his hands off the bars and do the 'titanic pose'.  THIS is what it feels like to ride an euc. Of course, if he gets a BIG euc, he'd need double the speed, or try it on a motorcycle.:popcorn:

Edited by ShanesPlanet
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You think it would be a good way to practice? I'm thinking about getting him one end of October. It would be fun to try and learn it before its even here. While he's trying to figure out how to ride the thing I zoom past.

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5 hours ago, ShanesPlanet said:

I find its similar to riding a bicycle with no hands while standing.

@Goblyhoo tell your boy to ride his bicycle as fast as he possibly can. While standing, take his hands off the bars and do the 'titanic pose'.  THIS is what it feels like to ride an euc. Of course, if he gets a BIG euc, he'd need double the speed, or try it on a motorcycle.:popcorn:

Why to do it?

Just buy an euc and learn on it. Anithing else is just surrogate and do not give any real euc feeling and user experience.

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7 hours ago, Goblyhoo said:

You think it would be a good way to practice?

nope! Bikes are dangerous lol. 

Just let the anticipation build, he'll watch videos on learning and riding and get all excited. Been there, done that… anticipation is the best.

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5 hours ago, Sun_Storm said:

Why to do it?

Just buy an euc and learn on it. Anithing else is just surrogate and do not give any real euc feeling and user experience.

some people may not have an euc and are curious what the sensation is like. Why not?

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8 minutes ago, Goblyhoo said:

Ok I am thinking the MCM5 v2 any thoughts?

Good middle/small sized wheel. Definitely keep pace with bicycles and a OneWheel. Not a bad option, tho I tend to think most the KS wheels are a little more refined. Be sure to get one with a speaker, he will use it...

Edited by ShanesPlanet
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Its really kind of splitting hairs. There is no clear superior here. The KS16 is a little larger tho not in power. I would say the 16s would offer a somewhat refined and laid back ride. Something thats like a Honda accord. The mcm5 is smaller but more torque in feel. It would be more like a mildly upgraded Ford escort. The mcm is faster and heavier. Faster and smaller makes a pretty wicked combo in terms of responsiveness for sure. I'm a little more to lean towards refined over raw power, but Im also not a 12yr old boy. Is he more a go get dirty and beat the crap out of stuff kid, or more a laid back take care of and smell the roses type? You can't go wrong with ANY of the wheels you mention. They dont make very many whoafully underpowered wheels anymore. If his friends are always in the dirt and trying stupid shit, I'd probaby expect the mcm would win. If they simply like to travel all over the place, a 16" would prove better. There is no clear winner. THink of it in terms of bicycles. His first won't be his last, and as long as you shop from the "real bicycle" section, you really can't lose. If you want a nice wheel he will grow into, keep an eye out for a used 16X. I'd say thats touching the edges of big for a 12yr old, but not too big. Typically what we pay most for is batteries. BAtteries offer headroom and distance. ALL the euc's smoke the onewheel, so thats not even a concern. With more batteries, also comes cost and weight tho. Again, its more a matter of finding the right combo of compromises to fit his certain needs. Some wheels do it all a little bit, and some do a little bit perfectly. None do it all perfectly. The best thing to do is simply get one. Also be aware that it MAY not come as easy at it looks. Some people get it immediately, some have to work on it. EVERYONE who figures it out, soon forgets the road behind and starts leaning into the road ahead. Be VERY careful, euc riding becomes a disease and collecting wheels just happens.

Edited by ShanesPlanet
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As much as I like my KS, I'd tend toward the mcm5. Not that I've ridden one mind you (which means I'm talking out my... nose. yeah that's it, nose). But I did debate the mcm when I was wanting a small wheel for goofing around and what I read says it's a pretty nice rig all in all. My sense of the 16s (again, talking out my nose) is that some people grow through it very quickly—it gives them a taste of the good life and they want the next great thing. The mcm on the other hand, has a place of its own in people's collections. For me the MTen filled that niche, but I don't consider it a general purpose wheel. Although it can keep up with the one wheel pints—maybe not the XRs.

I do agree with @ShanesPlanet, the 16s and mcm5 are kind of splitting hairs. He will (almost certainly) grow out of both of them… and this cannot be helped. This wheeling business is in fact, a disease with no practical cure.

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40 minutes ago, Tawpie said:

As much as I like my KS, I'd tend toward the mcm5. Not that I've ridden one mind you (which means I'm talking out my... nose. yeah that's it, nose). But I did debate the mcm when I was wanting a small wheel for goofing around and what I read says it's a pretty nice rig all in all

That's exactly how I feel. I considered getting the mcm5 v2 just to have something real zippy and portable even after having gotten my RS, I didn't end up getting it in favor of buying Clark pads and new bearings and saving money, but I was close to getting it.

 

1 hour ago, Goblyhoo said:

Ks 16s?

The 2.5 in tire on the MCM5 v2 is probably better than the 2.125 on the 16s, and it is close to the same diameter. It will handle loose surfaces better, and just feel more fun in general. It also has more sidewall which should make pinch flats less of a problem. A 12 year old guy would probably prefer more power and speed to a slightly more refined product (I would have at least), especially if he's going to be using it to have fun rather than just ride to the grocery store. I would recommend the MCM5 v2 over the 16s, being a relatively young guy too (17).

Edited by Menace
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1 hour ago, Goblyhoo said:

Ok I am thinking the MCM5 v2 any thoughts?

+1 on the MCM5 

Compared to the 16s, the MCM5 v2 has a wider 2.5 tire, more stable and will even be better if upgraded to 14 x 3 (which also makes the OD close to 16"). MCM5's  torque makes it more responsive in braking and acceleration. Gives a confident ride - more fun.

I rode a friends 16s briefly last year. Any wheel with less than 2.5" wide tires doesn't do it for me, anymore.

 

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1 hour ago, ShanesPlanet said:

Its really kind of splitting hairs. There is no clear superior here. The KS16 is a little larger tho not in power. I would say the 16s would offer a somewhat refined and laid back ride. Something thats like a Honda accord. The mcm5 is smaller but more torque in feel. It would be more like a mildly upgraded Ford escort. The mcm is faster and heavier. Faster and smaller makes a pretty wicked combo in terms of responsiveness for sure. I'm a little more to lean towards refined over raw power, but Im also not a 12yr old boy. Is he more a go get dirty and beat the crap out of stuff kid, or more a laid back take care of and smell the roses type? You can't go wrong with ANY of the wheels you mention. They dont make very many whoafully underpowered wheels anymore. If his friends are always in the dirt and trying stupid shit, I'd probaby expect the mcm would win. If they simply like to travel all over the place, a 16" would prove better. There is no clear winner. THink of it in terms of bicycles. His first won't be his last, and as long as you shop from the "real bicycle" section, you really can't lose. If you want a nice wheel he will grow into, keep an eye out for a used 16X. I'd say thats touching the edges of big for a 12yr old, but not too big. Typically what we pay most for is batteries. BAtteries offer headroom and distance. ALL the euc's smoke the onewheel, so thats not even a concern. With more batteries, also comes cost and weight tho. Again, its more a matter of finding the right combo of compromises to fit his certain needs. Some wheels do it all a little bit, and some do a little bit perfectly. None do it all perfectly. The best thing to do is simply get one. Also be aware that it MAY not come as easy at it looks. Some people get it immediately, some have to work on it. EVERYONE who figures it out, soon forgets the road behind and starts leaning into the road ahead. Be VERY careful, euc riding becomes a disease and collecting wheels just happens.

I feel like he does dumb shit with his friends but he is not an absolute idiot and when it comes to doing something very stupid will probably think twice.

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I can add a few things to consider. 

Since it is your "near" adult kid (15 years old) to use it there are a few things that might be different to what others would choose at a higher age. I explain this later. 

As a first EUC you are not to enter something new that develop fast and still move ahead. Reliability and quality is different and so is safety thinking between brands. People debate this back and forth here a lot. But it is VERY important to fully understand an EUC to let the guards down to not go beyond what it can do 

I don't know you kids weight but this impact a lot how to approach this. A 50kg kid will not be at same risk as a 120kg adult. And in general kid don't get hurt as bad in cash of a fall as the often react faster and are more athletic too.

If he is to ride this to school. Then he would properly need to leave it some place secured. Fixed lifting handles can be a place for a chain lock or similar. But size can also make it possible to store in a locker or not. A compact yet capable wheel could be Inmotion V8 or better V8f. The V10 or V10f have wider tire and bigger battery to in my opinion a better choice for range and speed. But question here is how fast do you want it to be able to go. Full impact of motorized vehicles speed is not intuitive and even adult seem not to understand how it changes risk factors. 

I strongly suggest buy from a US "local" reseller Vs any China based saleportal. The money saved can be costly in the long run. So Ewheels or EUCO are good reputation resellers and they can help make your wheel choice too. 

I personally don't regard much of GW of their spin off companies. This has to do with their product philosophy and design. Other argue the "freedom" they offer and speed at low price makes it good value. But in your case there are other things to consider. KS wheels can be an option but in my view the V8 series are a smart place to start and they are lighter so easier to lift up stairs for smaller persons. 

But in these things you have to look if it is possible to buy a wheel. Component shortage can be a real pain these days to what you can choose. And this only seem to get worse other the next 6months or maybe more.

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5 hours ago, Goblyhoo said:

Does a top speed really show the top speed because I have been on my friends one wheel and gone 24 mph does that mean the euc can’t keep up being the v8f going 22mph?

Take top speed with a big pinch of salt. And if you want to go at a certain speed then buy something that can do a bit more. 

The big reason is how much the wheel can pull of power from battery is limited on small battery packs.  The next thing is the motor need to supply the torque to keep up the speed and maintain balance.  The last part is what most tend to forget as a bike or car don't require motor power to "balance".

A onewheel can't keep in general as the tipping forward motion add higher risk to nose dive due to scraping the ground. Also EUC in general is more flexible for off roads.  I also think going off a curb could be hard or even dangerous on a onewheel. But yet some like them. I don't as I don't have a skateboard background. 

I would still aim for one of the smaller wheels I mentioned earlier. Speed is a dangerous thing when you ride unskilled. It is so easy to get over confident or miss an obstacle on the ground and it is all about intuitive body reaction needs to be relearned. From most talking about this it takes 2000-3000kmh on first wheel. Every new wheel you start over but it then goes faster to learn. I am talking what you do in a suprise incident situation and there are a few things that can trigger this.

To me this should be comen sense, but apparently many focus on speed and not the impact when things goes wrong. My advice still stand as above.

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