EUCs can be dangerous

[BKW]

I was going to make a large post about this but I'll try to keep it short. I put "can be" dangerous in the title on purpose because I realize everything can be dangerous to varying degrees and depending on many factors, but it seems to me EUCs are exceptionally dangerous compared to other PEVs. There are many reasons why I think this way (control factor of the wheel, visibility to motorists, power of the wheel, etc). I could be more specific with my examples, but they should be somewhat obvious to you (I hope).

I guess I wanted to write this because it seems to me a lot of people in the EUC community are a little too confident in their safety and their wheel. Combined with the fact that these wheels have powerful motors and speed, we sometimes feel compelled to ride on the street with traffic haphazardly.

It could very well be my experience only riding the wheel for a month, but I sincerely feel like these are much more dangerous than most PEVs considering what I've already listed, and the higher than normal skill level to ride safety, consistently. Also, in NYC where I live, the hazards are more vast than a rural area, so maybe that's also why I feel this way.

Thoughts?

[.....]

Some of us recognize and even embrace the danger. Give it time and even your perception will slowly change. We dont forget that its dangerous, we merely grow accustomed to it and don't focus on it. Mental conditioning to accept danger, is an everyday thing in so many things we do. Yup, euc's are dangerous. If a person doesnt see that or realize it from the beginning, they are pretty oblivious. Riding my euc at 45mph is actualy the most 'dangerous' activity I partake in atm. Excluding driving ANYHWERE in a vehicle of course...

My thoughts on categorizing just HOW dangerous and trying to place it on a scale in compared to other activities is well....

Edited December 30, 2021 by ShanesPlanet

[Silver]

34 minutes ago, bkw said:

but I sincerely feel like these are much more dangerous than most PEVs considering what I've already listed, and the higher than normal skill level to ride safety,

As someone who has been in to E-skates since 2015 and has broken both my collarbones because of that, I would say that my EUC is the safest PEV I own. I have had times I have been riding my EUC with some of my E-skate friends and I have hit bumps that weren't that big a deal to me but caused them to wipe out even though they had years of skating experience where as I had been riding my EUC for about a month one of those times. I'm sure i'll break something again one day but the time in-between has been a lot lower.

41 minutes ago, bkw said:

It could very well be my experience only riding the wheel for a month,

A month isn't very long, the change in my skill level in a year compared to my first month is very large.

[BKW]

1 hour ago, ShanesPlanet said:

 Riding my euc at 45mph is actualy the most 'dangerous' activity I partake in atm. Excluding driving ANYHWERE in a vehicle of course...

I only say this as my opinion, but I think most people are in more control of their vehicles than they would be on on an EUCs. The EUC is more squirrelly and takes more skill to ride safely imo

[BKW]

54 minutes ago, Silver said:

A month isn't very long, the change in my skill level in a year compared to my first month is very large.

I don't doubt that. Today, for instance, there was literally grease/oil on the bike path and I rode over it and my EUC spun out. It just looked like wet concrete, but it was greasy. This wasn't so much a skill issues as it was bad luck. Yeah, I could of dodged the wet concrete but usually if it's water it's not a concern. I know it was grease because it got on my shoe, stuck to the grip tape and wouldn't come off tire.

On my bike, I know not to ride over wet manholes or drains on the road because they are like banana peels, but today it just looked like wet concrete that I rode over on my wheel. I was trying to pass someone and so I was slanting making it more prone to slip if it was grease, however.

Edited December 31, 2021 by bkw

[Mossi]

I think that the steep learning curve is a huge plus for safety. EUCs require more than just to push a pedal or a button down to accelerate. You need a certain level of skill to go fast and due to the lack of grip with your hands, you are much more conservative when it comes to self-assessment. Inexperienced riders are likely less tempted to feel too safe or to behave recklessly with an euc compared to scooters or ebikes. Other PEVs feel much safer for beginners, so unsafe individuals are less likely to be tempted to ride an EUC if given the choice. In my opinion EUCs are safer than e-skates and onewheels, slightly more unsafe than e-bikes and about as safe as e-scooters.

[Tawpie]

7 hours ago, bkw said:

the higher than normal skill level to ride safety, consistently.

Perhaps? But hitting a patch of grease on any PEV is going to require a high level of skill to maintain control—I don't know that the skill to keep an EUC upright is that much 'higher' than keeping a scooter or esk8 or ebike upright in the same conditions. Maybe one could argue that your chances are better on an ebike, but first you had to learn how to ride a bicycle and during that process you probably avoided slippery surfaces too.

They're all dangerous in under skilled hands. But as you do your miles and practice in varied riding conditions, your skills will improve—the only thing special about becoming a competent EUC rider is you have to be stubborn and not give up when you're just starting out. After that, gaining the skill (and wisdom) to be a consistently safe rider is a matter of experience... just like it is for other PEVs.

[BKW]

1 hour ago, Tawpie said:

Perhaps? But hitting a patch of grease on any PEV is going to require a high level of skill to maintain control—I don't know that the skill to keep an EUC upright is that much 'higher' than keeping a scooter or esk8 or ebike upright in the same conditions. Maybe one could argue that your chances are better on an ebike, but first you had to learn how to ride a bicycle and during that process you probably avoided slippery surfaces too.

They're all dangerous in under skilled hands. But as you do your miles and practice in varied riding conditions, your skills will improve—the only thing special about becoming a competent EUC rider is you have to be stubborn and not give up when you're just starting out. After that, gaining the skill (and wisdom) to be a consistently safe rider is a matter of experience... just like it is for other PEVs.

I agree with this for the most part. I am more comfortable on an ebike and with more experience. My best bet is to give it more time, remain cautious when riding, and see how I improve in, say, a year's time from now. Perhaps my views will change. There are days where I feel completely comfortable with the EUC anywhere, but then days where I don't feel safe on it.

[Rotan]

I think the erected position is an incredible improvement in safety, you have an unmatched visual and awereness on the euc, and you also have freedom to turn around and look for cars coming from behind and such very easly. On the bike I find to have much less awereness, head low and angled sigh, hands stuck in position, can't look around and spot things as fast as on the euc. Yes the bike is more stable and if you miss a pothole you don't fall... though in the city the real danger are the cars, and you control them better on the euc. 

Scooters give you a false sense of control as you can see one for the first time in life and use it immediately... then when you find yourself in a situation that really requires control, you tragically realize you have none. The euc gives you no false sense of control. Scooters are less stable and nimble, can forgive a distraction in EXTREMELY small road imperfections but nothing more, and if you fall the hands are not ready to protect you. The euc for its nature constantly pushes you to be focused and awere, you can't ride passively and you learn it immediately. 

The only real con of eucs Is their full reliance on electronics 

Edited December 31, 2021 by Rotan

[supercurio]

Agree @Rotan on the attention and awareness.
I believe it's even a skill trained which seems to transfer to other vehicles, to some extent.

I ride all the time but drive seldomly nowadays since it's been 5 years since I owned a car.
And the last few times I rented a car or truck I was amazed by the feeling of attention while driving compared to before being an EUC rider.
Like I acquired a super-sense allowing to see and anticipate everything, feeling much more connected to the experience than before. Odd!

[Mayhem]

20 hours ago, bkw said:

I was going to make a large post about this but I'll try to keep it short. I put "can be" dangerous in the title on purpose because I realize everything can be dangerous to varying degrees and depending on many factors, but it seems to me EUCs are exceptionally dangerous compared to other PEVs. There are many reasons why I think this way (control factor of the wheel, visibility to motorists, power of the wheel, etc). I could be more specific with my examples, but they should be somewhat obvious to you (I hope).

I guess I wanted to write this because it seems to me a lot of people in the EUC community are a little too confident in their safety and their wheel. Combined with the fact that these wheels have powerful motors and speed, we sometimes feel compelled to ride on the street with traffic haphazardly.

It could very well be my experience only riding the wheel for a month, but I sincerely feel like these are much more dangerous than most PEVs considering what I've already listed, and the higher than normal skill level to ride safety, consistently. Also, in NYC where I live, the hazards are more vast than a rural area, so maybe that's also why I feel this way.

Thoughts?

Riding in nyc there are ALOT of outside factors that others don’t encounter on their rides that you have to deal with in nyc. 
 

while I understand that your still in the learning process of getting comfortable with your 16x. The bike lane in nyc is far more accident prone then riding in the street. You constantly have to deal with people stepping off the curbs while staring at their phones, not to mention all the other slower pev’s your competing for road space with, along with regular bikes as well. Not to mention all the cars making left turns cutting across the lane itself. The nyc bike lane is a moving obstacle course. It’s not an environment your going to feel comfortable with especially as a new euc rider. Nyc bike lane is a bad idea on an euc. Your best bet is stay out of the bike lane.
 

I understand that the thought of riding in street traffic may seem overwhelming to you right now. As your riding ability gets better your speed will increase. So riding with traffic going similar speeds around you will not feel as nerve racking. It will feel no different then riding a motorcycle with cars next to you. 
 

keep practicing best you can. Work on slow speed maneuvers & braking. Be very aware of your surroundings. Sounds obvious but you have to be thinking 3-4 moves ahead. It’s not like driving a car where you can zone out. You truly have to be in the moment of riding. The more you ride the more comfortable you will become. Good luck

Edited December 31, 2021 by Mayhem

[.....]

21 hours ago, bkw said:

I only say this as my opinion, but I think most people are in more control of their vehicles than they would be on on an EUCs. The EUC is more squirrelly and takes more skill to ride safely imo

You assume too much. MOST people get complacent n their cars and don't pay attention. Actual driving ability (or lack of) isn't the problem. I don't get nearly as compacent on my euc, even tho I've been doing it a while. Not to mention, just being able to ride an euc, would exclude a LOT of those car drivers completely, as you cant 'scam' your way into riding an euc w/o the required skills. A car.... yeah, a 4yr old could go 70mph and not know wtf they were doing. Lastly,  euc=60mph top speed and 80lbs. Car, 2,000lbs 200mph. Again, its the lack of respect and paying attention of car drivers, combined with the detachment of reality because yuo're in a box. Euc's are dangerous, but the REAL killer is the cars, not the rider or the wheel.

@supercurio I know what you mean. Try driving an 18whlr otr for a cpla years. Take 3-4 different safety courses during that time. On your days off, spend them at the track racing your bikes and cars. You will emerge a car driver that sees and anticpated things in a way that most construe as magic. This magic ability will follow you in euc riding, and many other daily activities. 

You wanna see how dangerous people are in cars? Take note of how many don't adhere to a 2 second following rule. How many dont use turn signals to show intent. How many stay focused rather than eating or doing makeup while on the phone. Euc's are inherently dangerous, but the cars make it become lethal. Regardless of weapon (car/truck), the biggest danger isnt the vehicle, its the person. Same as on bikes, eucs and even guns. Sadly, people forget the dangers and mortality rates rise.

Edited December 31, 2021 by ShanesPlanet

[RamonatheCat]

41 minutes ago, ShanesPlanet said:

You assume too much. MOST people get complacent n their cars and don't pay attention. Actual driving ability (or lack of) isn't the problem. I don't get nearly as compacent on my euc, even tho I've been doing it a while. Not to mention, just being able to ride an euc, would exclude a LOT of those car drivers completely, as you cant 'scam' your way into riding an euc w/o the required skills. A car.... yeah, a 4yr old could go 70mph and not know wtf they were doing. Lastly,  euc=60mph top speed and 80lbs. Car, 2,000lbs 200mph. Again, its the lack of respect and paying attention of car drivers, combined with the detachment of reality because yuo're in a box. Euc's are dangerous, but the REAL killer is the cars, not the rider or the wheel.

@supercurio I know what you mean. Try driving an 18whlr otr for a cpla years. Take 3-4 different safety courses during that time. On your days off, spend them at the track racing your bikes and cars. You will emerge a car driver that sees and anticpated things in a way that most construe as magic. This magic ability will follow you in euc riding, and many other daily activities. 

You wanna see how dangerous people are in cars? Take note of how many don't adhere to a 2 second following rule. How many dont use turn signals to show intent. How many stay focused rather than eating or doing makeup while on the phone. Euc's are inherently dangerous, but the cars make it become lethal. Regardless of weapon (car/truck), the biggest danger isnt the vehicle, its the person. Same as on bikes, eucs and even guns. Sadly, people forget the dangers and mortality rates rise.

I legit think you captured every single frustration I've had on the road (Even before getting an euc). The kind of detached, vacant attitude a lot of people have driving cars is a killer. 

[.....]

1 hour ago, RamonatheCat said:

I legit think you captured every single frustration I've had on the road (Even before getting an euc). The kind of detached, vacant attitude a lot of people have driving cars is a killer. 

When a scrawny teenager or young girl thinks its wise to flip off rednecks in traffic..... here's your sign. You know  the sign that indicates people think they are detached from reality once in their little boxes. I don't know wtf it is about cars, but its scary how people all a sudden get VERY selfish and think their actions don't concern others. Turn the key, throw courtesy and respect out the window. Turn lanes become merge lanes, crosswalks become mere reccomendations, turn signals become unimportant, speed limits are just suggestion, following distance is a scam.etc. . .Crank up the impatiece and floor it. Its not like the other cars on the road contain actual people, they're just cars..  Hell, you can run 'something' over and not even think twice or wonder too much about it. If the car keeps rolling, who cares? I wonder if this detachment goes so far as drivers not seeing euc riders as people, just mere odd machines in the way? Hell, car drivers cuss bicycles even. Geez, when did we all get in so much a personal hurry that we endanger everyone and dont even regard others as people. Once a person, now simply a car thats in my way...

Eucs and motorcycle riders don't have the luxury of this fake detachment. If i can't keep up with SPEEDING traffic on a street with my euc, I dont ride it. I shouldnt have to forgo using the street, as I pay taxes too. But the reality is that selfishness and impatience of others is a killer. I won't ride steets with limits above 45mph, even on my sherman. Legalities aside, I WILL eventually be run over or hit with something thrown from a vehicle. So I guess, I'm to the skill in an euc now, that its not me OR the euc I'm so worried about. Cutouts MAY happen, but I bet its less likely than any of the other road scenarios Im beginning to describe.

Eucs are dangerous, but more danger comes from outside influences. I aint talking about some wimpy fall at 10mph or a wussy broken collar bone. REAL danger, as in gna meet your maker. So, does the fact that everyone else endangers us while on an euc, also add into the danger of euc riding itself? Is it the bullet or the gun or the person, thats dangerous? Sound philosophical.

Edited December 31, 2021 by ShanesPlanet

[Paul A]

Three known EUC fatalities.

 

Ukraine, September 2020

Video evidence showed a new, inexperienced rider attempting to squeeze through a narrow gap between parked car and moving bus.  Lost control, hit by bus.

 

San Jose, California, May 2021.

A witness told police Jones was riding on the darkened roadway when he somehow lost control of the device and fell to the ground but didn’t get up.

“Immediately, he was run over by a vehicle that did not stop,” said San Jose Police Officer Steve Aponte.

 

Hawaii, December, 2021

According to police, the man was driving on Interstate H-1 near Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu when he lost control and was thrown from the electric unicycle he was riding.

He was then hit by a Honda CRV driven by a 56-year-old woman.

______________

EUC, top speed cutouts, with no protective gear is survivable as shown by the Brazilian video of drinking and riding on highway video.

 

 

https://dailyhornet.com/2021/onewheel-lawsuits-pile-up-after-deadly-nosedive-accidents/

Daily Hornet on August 27, 2021

Onewheel Lawsuits Pile Up After Deadly Nosedive Accidents

At least 3 wrongful death lawsuits have been filed after people died riding Onewheel, a self-balancing one-wheeled electric skateboard.

 

The first wrongful death lawsuit was filed in May 2020 by the wife and son of a man from Houston, Texas, who died of brain injuries when his Onewheel shut off and nosedived while he was riding it in a park.

Last month, two more wrongful death lawsuits were filed after similar accidents involving Onewheel skateboards that suddenly nosedived.

[Paul A]

WORLDS FASTEST UNICYCLE! 60MPH! Cool Electric Unicycle Speeding Through Town

765 views · 1 day ago

ONSCREEN CREDIT - @ratede.sco A man took to the city streets on the next wave of transportation. Sco, 30, from San Jose, California, US, has been on the forefront of speed for many years and has a background of skateboarding, rollerblading, pedal bikes, dirt bikes, gas scooters, and electric scooters.

____________

From Instagram page.

Ratede Sco

Public figure

Founder, Rated.E PEV Riding Club ⚡
📍Bay Area, CA

____________

6 days ago.

Lyfshort California मा हुनुहुन्छ।

२०२१ डिसेम्बर २६ तारिक ०२:३२ बजे · 

Riding an electric unicycle with @ratede.sco and his gang in California. Electric unicycle (EUC) is a self-balancing personal transporter with a single wheel.

https://m.facebook.com/lyfshort/videos/riding-an-electric-unicycle-with-ratedesco-and-his-gang-in-california-electric-u/430175418773745/?locale=ne_NP&_rdr

[mrelwood]

 

Quote

seems to me EUCs are exceptionally dangerous compared to other PEVs.

I bolded the important word. One can get very philosophical with the subject. But I'll try to keep it better structured, so I’ll approach it this way:

”Dangerous“, as in including a danger of what exactly?

Deaths? Statistics say otherwise. There are less than ten globally known EUC deaths overall, many of which is not related to the EUC as a vehicle. For example being rammed over by a bus while riding correctly and predictably, the same could’ve happened with any PLEV.

Serious accidents? Again, stats say otherwise. In Finland the local rental scooter laws had to be changed because they had been a cause of a huge number of accidents requiring hospitalization, including several severe cases, and a few deaths as well.

Danger to others? Past some NewYorkers clearly doing stupid things on EUCs, I don't think we've seen anything that would confirm this. A 60lbs projectile is a valid concern, but so far the only related accident I can think of is the old lady that was crossing the road, but suddenly jumped back and hit the rider that had slowed down to about 15km/h to make room for the elderly lady. The old lady hit her head in the pavement and later died as a consequence. The family of the deceased did not pursue legal action towards the rider, as they thought it wasn't his fault. Also, it wasn't an EUC specific incident.

Harmless tumbles? This is naturally an aspect that I don't think anyone has any actual data for. Then again, I'm not sure if "dangerous" refers to harmless tumbles, and besides, being harmless they really don't matter all that much.

What is clear though is that EUC riding looks much more dangerous than it is, which may well be a major factor preventing many people from even dreaming of trying to learn. This has been a common attitude of all the people that have come to talk to me during the 5 years I've ridden.

When I started, I was absolutely sure that I'd never ever want to reach the top speed of my first EUC. It was 27km/h (17mph). I was too afraid already at 23km/h (14mph). I can't imagine what I would've thought if there had been current 50km/h and faster wheels available, and being ridden like they are in the current YT videos. Most probably I would've thought them as seeming to be exceptionally dangerous.

I guess that's where you are right now. But believe me, your look of the hobby will change! Please reply to this thread after having ridden just a few months more.

 

[Tasku]

If we want to look into statistics it is them cars that are dangerous. Yet "nothing" has happened to em, other than keeping the people inside safer.

But lets say "I die on my one-wheel", atleast I would be happy. Driving  cars just do not make me happy anymore. I consider these devices hobby, and something I feel passionate about. Any way of form you leave the door is going to be dangerous, I choose the wheel. 

I started my new year riding in icy cold weather, and I feel it was the best start I could ever have for my new year.

Again, in this topic it seems that the design involved in the road networking is very different in other countries. America for one, has no other option than get mixed in the same lanes with em cars with these devices, so I feel your pain. But yet it seems most have adapt to that.

I often hear others talking about how dangerous it looks when I am having my fun. I often say it has been more safer than riding a bicycle looking at my statics of 30years of bicycling compared to 2+years on wheel. But I always like to say I wear my safety gear too, and hope my example inspires you to do same.

I hope this topic helps people talk about their fears too. Happy new year!

[Unventor]

I understand where you are coming from @bkw.

In short an EUC is not a stable platform. On a normal 4 wheel vehicle it is totally self stable. On a 3 wheel vehicle it almost totally stable. 2 wheels you have a risk of slide outs but it is possible to roll of many situations. 

On an EUC loss of traction or any fault to the power delivery can cause a crash. It is as I view it a 75/25 luck/skill. I took me the better part of 2500km of riding to not get a body reaction that made things worse in a bad situation. 

Where people are in a car they are somewhat protected from accidents and people are used to cars. EUC do not share this. It might prevent someone from taking unnecessary risks, but like you pointed out some are very confident in their skills. Like the incident on Hawaii this December. Apparently 3 cars at least hit the rider after he had crashed. 

As of the wet or grease concrete. It is a classic example how prone to accidents an EUC are. I tried it too but this was a 3" deep water filled pot hole. Hitting that with a V8 made the wheel stop. A car deciding to overtake into my lane (from oppersite direction) a car making into a parking lot. It gave me no option to miss this pothole. Even when I tried to hit it not too hard and with enough momentum to go over its edge it surprised me still. 

In most cases we can make fast maneuvers but it depends on our speed and road surfaces. Snow/ice/loose sand/gravel/mud/wet road markings are not in our favour. So it is a matter to be alert at all times. 

Used responsibility and with normal road safety in mind it can be a great alternative transport to use an EUC. Both for pleasure, fun and practical reasons. 

[drader]

I was in LA a couple days ago, and my bro-in-law handed me back the Tesla I had lent him. It rained so hard those cement river spillways were full! Never seen that in my life. So a couple days later when the water went down i just had to ride in them (been a dream, ever since Twisted Metal). I had a great ride, and when I was almost back I spotted a wet area, that looked like it could be extra slippery from algae, so I slowed down and got real square over the tire. The wheel slipped out from under me like I was on ice and I hit the ground hard. This was my first concrete wreck in the year I've been riding. I got bruised knees/elbows and I may have cracked a rib, and I was literally only going 5mph. Knocked the wind out of me good. These are the moment that make you think about the danger of these things. But I get a lot out of the hobby as well, so I ordered some protective-wear so I can keep playing.

[.....]

3 hours ago, drader said:

I was in LA a couple days ago, and my bro-in-law handed me back the Tesla I had lent him. It rained so hard those cement river spillways were full! Never seen that in my life. So a couple days later when the water went down i just had to ride in them (been a dream, ever since Twisted Metal). I had a great ride, and when I was almost back I spotted a wet area, that looked like it could be extra slippery from algae, so I slowed down and got real square over the tire. The wheel slipped out from under me like I was on ice and I hit the ground hard. This was my first concrete wreck in the year I've been riding. I got bruised knees/elbows and I may have cracked a rib, and I was literally only going 5mph. Knocked the wind out of me good. These are the moment that make you think about the danger of these things. But I get a lot out of the hobby as well, so I ordered some protective-wear so I can keep playing.

keep your momentum... Thanks for the share. Some of my worst injuries were riding things at 5mph or less. Only solution I have found is to "quit falling down". Sucks about the injuries, but sometimes the minor ones do help us remember we're alive and to NOT FALL DOWN! Dont be visiting any comedy clubs for two weeks. Remember, algae is NOT friends with rubber. Good news is.. you're one step closer to managing black ice(cuz LA gets so much of it) w/o batting an eye..

Edited January 4, 2022 by ShanesPlanet

[BKW]

I'm always thinking about this topic, especially when I'm on the wheel. I reflected on the posts in this thread and I agree that the more comfortable/skilled you get on an EUC the more safe you'll generally be. Here in NYC we have all sorts of PEVs on the road, so I get to witness them firsthand. These electric skateboards are also pretty sketchy because the maneuverability doesn't seem as sharp as other PEVs, and if you hit unstable ground it could easily launch you if you get your wheels/trucks caught in a hole. However, I used to ride skateboards growing up and I never felt unsafe on those and felt in very good control. So I suspect a lot of the danger obviously comes with speed, and therefore a cautious rider on an EUC is definitely a safer rider. When people always talk about how roads are safer than bike lanes, I am not so sure. It seems a bit like FAST EUC riders feel safer on the road BECAUSE they are going FAST. If, however, you lower your speed then the bike lanes are probably just as safe or safer.

Still, when I think of stability on an EUC it still seems less stable than, say, a bike. For instance, riding slow through slushy snow--I feel safer riding slower on a bike through slushy snow than an EUC because slowing on an EUC creates less stability; more so than a bike at low speeds. Also, consider I ride the 16x and use this as reference, so different EUCs with different components might differ my opinion, just like how some bikes will differ my opinion (fat ties, skinny tires, etc).

Edited January 7, 2022 by bkw

[Darrell Wesh]

On 12/30/2021 at 9:08 PM, Mossi said:

I think that the steep learning curve is a huge plus for safety. EUCs require more than just to push a pedal or a button down to accelerate. You need a certain level of skill to go fast and due to the lack of grip with your hands, you are much more conservative when it comes to self-assessment. Inexperienced riders are likely less tempted to feel too safe or to behave recklessly with an euc compared to scooters or ebikes. Other PEVs feel much safer for beginners, so unsafe individuals are less likely to be tempted to ride an EUC if given the choice. In my opinion EUCs are safer than e-skates and onewheels, slightly more unsafe than e-bikes and about as safe as e-scooters.

I will say that in the hands of a skilled rider an EUC is the safest PEV quite easily. With its much smaller footprint and incredible maneuverability you really don’t have much to worry about like the longer ebikes and less mobile escooters. You don’t need to brake if a car emergency stops in front of you- you can just go right to the side of it for instance. 

I feel safer on my Nikola in traffic then in my Mercedes, obviously that’s only if I’m not flaunting that hyper mobility and riding aggressively

Edited January 8, 2022 by Darrell Wesh

[HardyM]

The impact resistance is a must for any extreme sport athlete! I traveled 36 miles an hour on my electric skateboard when I hit a rock.
I slid on the helmet for 10+ feet, breaking my collar bone clean in half. If I had not been wearing my helmet, I have no doubt I would be dead as an impact on the pavement at 36 miles an hour would have shattered bones and tearing

[BKW]

Update:

I get it now. PSI, PSI, PSI.

I've been riding around lately compounding the belief that "EUCs are indeed one of the more dangerous PEV out there". I felt this way because when I rode the 16x it felt incredibly unstable and squirrely. For instance, I would be riding and the slightest movement of foot position, the EUC would start to wobble; the slightest breeze would made me feel like I was attached to a parasail.  I would be riding and I felt 40% confidence in the safety and control of the thing; felt like any unpredictable hole or movement had a chance of throwing me off.

As of now, I'm 450 miles into riding this thing as my first EUC. I've known for a while the importance of PSI and stability, but I could of swore I lowered the PSI -- so much so, I was convinced I was riding low PSI and still it felt squirrely. I went to take a quick break from riding and decided to lower the pressure even more in the tire. I let out what I thought to be a considerable amount of air from the tire. Then, all the sudden, I could accelerate with no wobbles, I could break with very little wobbles, the turning didn't feel like I was riding on a thin string, wind didn't blow me around like a feather, and most importantly my CONFIDENCE went up 100%. It was a night and day difference in how I rode and how I felt on the thing.

I made this update because it shows how confidence in riding is linked to the stability of your EUC, which, at least for me, is almost always a PSI thing.

So my views on EUCs being "dangerous" -- well, I am beginning to understand why so many people defend the safety of them when you're experienced.

Did I mention lowering my PSI made IT FUNNER TO RIDE AS WELL!?

Edited January 19, 2022 by bkw