Need Advice Please

[Barrett Roberts]

Hello!

first post but I discovered this forum researching an upcoming purchase and wanted to reach out for help.  

I've been getting into riding lots of different and new vehicles now that I have the time and funds to do so.  I've so far been riding Segway, onewheel, and would now like to try an EUC after seeing some of the videos.  

Some info on me is that I'm on the rather large side at 5'10" and 200 pounds.  I've never ridden one of these vehicles before so my only experience is what I have seen and read.

I was initially drawn to the Gotway M3 Super but before making the order I wanted to see what the experts here could suggest   

Top Priorities for me:

1.) Safety and Stability

2.) Reliability 

3.) Riding range 

I'm not concerned with going fast or doing tricks    I want to cruise around on and off road and just relax and have a good time.   I'm also not concerned with price.

Thanks for any advice and happy riding!

-Barrett

 

 

[US69]

28 minutes ago, Barrett Roberts said:

Hello!

first post but I discovered this forum researching an upcoming purchase and wanted to reach out for help.  

I've been getting into riding lots of different and new vehicles now that I have the time and funds to do so.  I've so far been riding Segway, onewheel, and would now like to try an EUC after seeing some of the videos.  

Some info on me is that I'm on the rather large side at 5'10" and 200 pounds.  I've never ridden one of these vehicles before so my only experience is what I have seen and read.

I was initially drawn to the Gotway M3 Super but before making the order I wanted to see what the experts here could suggest   

Top Priorities for me:

1.) Safety and Stability

2.) Reliability 

3.) Riding range 

I'm not concerned with going fast or doing tricks    I want to cruise around on and off road and just relax and have a good time.   I'm also not concerned with price.

Thanks for any advice and happy riding!

-Barrett

 

 

First:

Welcome to the forums....have fun here!

Whatever answer you will get here for your specific question....thats a difficult one!

There will be the ones that praise the GWs V3 (i would go for the V3s+) for their performance...and there will be some that will talk about the GW's for there  ongoing quality problems...

So the BEST in MY opinion would be, you go and use the wide variety of threads we have here and build your very own opinion about the different wheels that are available! Just take some time and read through the different threads and dont go for ONE opinion of another owner alone!

 

my 2 cents....

 

[Bob Eisenman]

20 minutes ago, Barrett Roberts said:

Safety

A quick review of key posts on the forum includes a few gems:

There are two kinds of EUCers. Those who have fallen and those who have not.

Granted your EUC choice is one of the best , but the consequences of falling entail exposing the hands, wrists, arms, shoulders and other upper and lower body parts to stresses that lead to severe sprains and or breaks. See protective gear responses here on the forum.

What causes a fall or 'faceplant'?

If for a moment your attention span fails to see an oncoming bump or rut in the path of your choice you may find you and your best choice EUC separating from controlled progress. 

Side impacts on the foot plates (pedals) create twisting forces the EUC is not able to handle leading to dismounts or falls.

A variety of electronics specialists on the forum can lead you down the road with regard to electronics based failures leading to falls.

If you like your extremities the way they are , then the risk of injury makes the EUC  not your best friend. If you like the fraternal atmosphere that reading this forum brings then recovery from your predicted injuries will likely bring you back to this forum again.

On the cool side, the video possibilities of recording your adventures or riding tricks are unique to the EUC.

 

[Tilmann]

Hi @Barrett Roberts, welcome to the forum!

Even though my signature gives away I'm sorta a GotWay fan boy, I believe your priorities will rather lead you to a KingSong wheel. GotWay and Rockwheel have a bit of a spotty reputation for safety these days with the possible exception of the GotWay Monster, which appears to have less problems than Msuper and ACM.

I exclude the new Segway/Ninebot One Z series for now, as it is completely open, by when yu can buy one outside of China.

So, I guess, KingSong 16S or 18S will be your best bets. Usually, I would have recommended the 16S for being the most flexible choice for beginners, but since you described relaxed cruising as your primary goal, an 18 inch wheel will certainly increase the comfort for that. 

Please take my advise towards a KS18S with a grain of salt as I have never actually owned one. I am sure, there will be more comments to guide you. Also: it's been announced, that the KS18S will undergo some cosmetic changes soon, so may wanna stay tuned for news on that or cut a bargain with the present model.

Main thing: have fun riding and let us know how it goes!

EDIT: of course, there are many more fine ewheels - I just did not consider them due to your preference for range, which I think excludes anything below at least 800Wh.

[Marty Backe]

56 minutes ago, Barrett Roberts said:

Hello!

first post but I discovered this forum researching an upcoming purchase and wanted to reach out for help.  

I've been getting into riding lots of different and new vehicles now that I have the time and funds to do so.  I've so far been riding Segway, onewheel, and would now like to try an EUC after seeing some of the videos.  

Some info on me is that I'm on the rather large side at 5'10" and 200 pounds.  I've never ridden one of these vehicles before so my only experience is what I have seen and read.

I was initially drawn to the Gotway M3 Super but before making the order I wanted to see what the experts here could suggest   

Top Priorities for me:

1.) Safety and Stability

2.) Reliability 

3.) Riding range 

I'm not concerned with going fast or doing tricks    I want to cruise around on and off road and just relax and have a good time.   I'm also not concerned with price.

Thanks for any advice and happy riding!

-Barrett

 

 

Welcome to the club 

I guess I'll step forward with the first biased opinion. I would recommend the MSuper V3s+ (s = 84 volts and + equals 1600wh). It's a pure pleasure to ride and has a great range. 90+ percent of my riding is under  20 mph, so I didn't buy mine strictly for speed. But it's nice to have a lot reserve power when/if you need it.

I'm 5'11'' and my riding weight it ~170 pounds. As I type this I just returned from a 55 mile ride on my MSuper, with the battery at ~10%. It was a 4-1/2 hour ride. Unless you're a real freak , that range and duration should satisfy the vast majority of your entertainment needs.

Your profile doesn't indicate what country you are from. Buy the MSuper from a reputable dealer and you can be assured a reliable wheel. Except for random failures, the Gotway wheels that are shipping now (from reputable dealers) are not known to have any problems. If you are in the United States you can have faith in the ride-worthiness of any wheels bought from EWheels. If you're in Europe, take a look at Speedyfeet.

Check out the Video Thread for tons of ride videos to wet your appetite.

[ir_fuel]

My biased opinion is formed from reading on this forum. My take on it is you should get a King Song wheel. They seem to have the best reliability and more than enough power/mileage. If you want the fastest wheels go for Gotway, but you risk reliability issues (just read the different subforums ...).

But just look around in the Gotway and King Song subforums and draw your own conclusions. That will be the best. A lot of experience there and many users with lots of miles on their devices. This is a lot more representative than a random youtube review of someone who bought/got a new wheel and rode it for 15 miles.

[CaptainKBLS]

I'm a new rider since April.  My first wheel is the Immotion V8 which took me a few weeks to learn.  Just recently, I bought the ACM16 mainly for its range.

The ACM16 is heavier by about 10 pounds.  I feel if I had started with the ACM16 it may have taken me longer to learn. The extra 10lbs does make a difference to me.   The V8 is higher and I can use my knee to keep stable when I need to.  The ACM16 is a lower machine and used more of the lower parts of the leg but feels more solid, stable and stronger during the ride.  Although the ACM16 pedal is only slighly bigger, it seems to feel a little better.

In my opinion, all these machines have ABOUT the same safety, risks, etc.

Like you speed didn't matter too much so I just went for the cheapest with longer range.

I'm wondering if the larger wheel 18+inch would give the extra safety since it can handle bumps better but wasn't ready to handle even heavier machine.  I wanted the portability to get in/out of the trunk, fit under table at restaurant, walk around without getting too much attention.

It sounds like you probably want a machine that can do at least 30-40 miles like me.

[abinder3]

Stay away from Gotways. Too much history of trouble. 

Go with either the KingSong 16S or the KingSong KS18s.  The KS18S will probably take longer to learn to ride than the KS16S though.  I really like my KS18AY (version before the KS18S.)  I'd take the KS18 model over a Gotway any day. 

[Marty Backe]

10 minutes ago, abinder3 said:

Stay away from Gotways. Too much history of trouble. 

Go with either the KingSong 16S or the KingSong KS18s.  The KS18S will probably take longer to learn to ride than the KS16S though.  I really like my KS18AY (version before the KS18S.)  I'd take the KS18 model over a Gotway any day. 

The ACM's, MSuper's, and Monster's that are currently shipping do not have intrinsic problems, only sporadic problems just like KingSong is having with their latest and greatest wheels.

But I'm sure if he goes with KingSong he'll most likely have a good experience.

[abinder3]

Just now, Marty Backe said:

The ACM's, MSuper's, and Monster's that are currently shipping do not have intrinsic problems, only sporadic problems just like KingSong is having with their latest and greatest wheels.

But I'm sure if he goes with KingSong he'll most likely have a good experience.

That coming from someone that's had problems with his Gotways and I've had no problems with my KS18AY. 

[Marty Backe]

1 minute ago, abinder3 said:

That coming from someone that's had problems with his Gotways and I've had no problems with my KS18AY. 

Both of our experiences are anecdotal. What would the guy who's having problems with his new KS18S say?

I'm certainly not trashing KingSong (I just bought one). I'm trying to provide a more nuanced view. A current Gotway (I just bought one) will probably have as many random failures as a current KingSong.

[abinder3]

Just now, Marty Backe said:

Both of our experiences are anecdotal. What would the guy who's having problems with his new KS18S say?

I'm certainly not trashing KingSong (I just bought one). I'm trying to provide a more nuanced view. A current Gotway (I just bought one) will probably have as many random failures as a current KingSong.

Oh I forgot, you know everything and only what you have is the best. 

[Marty Backe]

Just now, abinder3 said:

Oh I forgot, you know everything and only what you have is the best. 

Wow Allen. I best let this thread go 

[HermanTheGerman]

Hi, welcome to the forum!

The folks here already know my opinion, but I'll repeat it for your special question.

I had 3 preferred vendors in my mind in the last years, Kingsong, Gotway and Inmotion. Meanwhile only two,  I removed Gotway because of the reliability problems.

You may also search in the forum here and look how many people report about faceplants or other problems with Gotway, and how many e.g. with Kingsong wheels.

So for your specific question I recommend a KS18S, or the smaller KS16S, both have a long range and are great wheels for long cruises.

For doing tricks and having fun in the parks I would recommend an Inmotion V5F+ or V8, or a KS14, but that's not your usecase as you wrote.

[abinder3]

4 minutes ago, Marty Backe said:

Wow Allen. I best let this thread go 

The reason why I don't go on rides with you anymore is you (at least to me) seem to have the attitude that if someone doesn't have what you have, then their things are inferior. 

And you are extremely arrogant when it comes to common sense of where you shouldn't ride. 

 

[HermanTheGerman]

13 minutes ago, Marty Backe said:

The ACM's, MSuper's, and Monster's that are currently shipping do not have intrinsic problems, only sporadic problems just like KingSong is having with their latest and greatest wheels.

I hope so, Marty.

In Austria we say "Dein Wort in Gottes Ohr", directly translated "Your word in God's ear", which means a mixture of "I hope so" and "we will see".

I also liked the Gotways because of their range and power, but I'm not interested in faceplanting by just crossing a small bump (and that was not the only problem).  If the wheels are fine over the next year, I'll change my opinion again, but meanwhile also the other vendors don't sleep. For me most surprising are the new Ninebot wheels, which will come 2018.

If I would buy a wheel NOW for myself, it would be a KS16S, but that's for my special usecase only.

[US69]

30 minutes ago, Marty Backe said:

certainly not trashing KingSong (I just bought one).

 

heyHo Marty!

Really? Which one? 16S? 18L?

 

[US69]

24 minutes ago, abinder3 said:

seem to have the attitude that if someone doesn't have what you have, then their things are inferior. 

 

I must disagree :-)

Even if @Marty Backe has this strange Gotway love ;-)  I think he still has the common sense of what could be done better on their  wheels and where other brands might be better....

Other than that...you both should clear your personal feelings about one another per PM....

 

[Marty Backe]

9 minutes ago, KingSong69 said:

 

I must disagree :-)

Even if @Marty Backe has this strange Gotway love ;-)  I think he still has the common sense of what could be done better on their  wheels and where other brands might be better....

Other than that...you both should clear your personal feelings about one another per PM....

 

Yeah, that's a strange criticism of me. I actually love just about all wheels. If I had the cash and space I'd have a lot more wheels from all the brands. Of course I have some strong preferences, but just about all wheels have their unique advantages. I actually think the only garbage wheels are the generics, otherwise they can all be fun.

[Marty Backe]

20 minutes ago, KingSong69 said:

 

heyHo Marty!

Really? Which one? 16S? 18L?

 

You'll just have to be surprised , but hopefully I'll be riding it within a week or so 

[Marty Backe]

39 minutes ago, HermanTheGerman said:

I hope so, Marty.

In Austria we say "Dein Wort in Gottes Ohr", directly translated "Your word in God's ear", which means a mixture of "I hope so" and "we will see".

I also liked the Gotways because of their range and power, but I'm not interested in faceplanting by just crossing a small bump (and that was not the only problem).  If the wheels are fine over the next year, I'll change my opinion again, but meanwhile also the other vendors don't sleep. For me most surprising are the new Ninebot wheels, which will come 2018.

If I would buy a wheel NOW for myself, it would be a KS16S, but that's for my special usecase only.

Yes, that's a well know phrase in English too (from your mouth to God's ear). I have a positive outlook, so I keep rooting for Gotway  Maybe not very rational, I know.

[meepmeepmayer]

For relaxing cruising, range, and your weight, 18 inch or bigger sound best.

• Kingsong 18S 1680Wh
• Gotway msuper V3s (1300Wh) or V3s+ (1600Wh) (there are no other differences between the two)
• Or go for a Gotway Monster (22 inch), 1600Wh or 2400Wh. Even more stable due to the bigger tire.

All 3 have seat options. Kingsong 18S certainly has better quality electronics than the Gotways, but there aren't really any problems with them as well. msuperV3 may be easier to learn riding with than with the 18S or especially with the Monster (heavy, and the shell breaks easily on the falls/tumbles a new rider will very likely produce occasionally).

Don't get a battery with below 1000Wh if your first instinct is "range" (also at your weight). Only 16 incher that does that is the Gotway ACM (1300Wh or 1600Wh). But 18+ inches are more relaxing and stable anyways.

For a new rider, I think msuper > 18S > Monster. If you aren't new, it's a matter what you personally like. You can also consider getting a cheap 200$ generic wheel for training, and then choose one of the 3 more freely.

[US69]

4 hours ago, Marty Backe said:

You'll just have to be surprised , but hopefully I'll be riding it within a week or so 

As now also the Monster 100Volt is confirmed, you can directly order the next one .....

 

[Slaughthammer]

6 hours ago, Marty Backe said:

The ACM's, MSuper's, and Monster's that are currently shipping do not have intrinsic problems, only sporadic problems

Well, that was also true earlier this year, until all of a sudden this oscillating firmware was released without further notice or sufficient testing. So maybe the wheels shipped now are good, but no one knows if the wheel they are ordering right now is the first of the next faceplant series induced by "updates".

[Barrett Roberts]

Thanks so much for all the replies!  Didn't mean to start any arguments but I really do appreciate all the input.  

I'm leaning towards the KS 18S at this point based on the info here and also from other places.   It seems like it would be hard to go far wrong with this choice.