Onewheel

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Future Motion Inc.
Company typePrivate
IndustryElectronic transport
Founded2014; 10 years ago (2014)
FounderKyle Doerksen
Headquarters
Santa Cruz, California
,
United States
ProductsElectric skateboards
Number of employees
100
Websiteonewheel.com

Onewheel is a self-balancing electric skateboard with a single tire, used as a means of transportation and as a boardsport. Riders place their feet on either side of the tire to face sideways, leaning forward to accelerate and leaning backward to slow down. The board was engineered to emulate the feeling of snowboarding on powder.[1] There have been 7 Onewheel models created since their introduction in 2014. They have been ridden in over 40 countries for over 100 million miles.[2][3]

History

Future Motion Inc. founder and CEO Kyle Doerksen created a commercial version of the concept several years later.[4][5] Doerksen holds two engineering degrees from Stanford University, including a master's degree in mechanical engineering.[4] In 2013, he left his job at IDEO and started Future Motion Inc. in Santa Cruz.[6] He launched Onewheel on Kickstarter on January 6, 2014; the Kickstarter exceeded its campaign goal of $100,000 and reached over $630,000 by January 27, 2014.[7][6] The original Onewheel was released in 2014.[8] Future Motion Inc. was first headquartered in Mountain View, California. In 2015, the firm moved its headquarters to Santa Cruz, California, and operated out of the Old Wrigley Building. In 2018, they expanded their operational footprint and now assemble Onewheels at their factory in San Jose, California.

Racing

Onewheel has grown into a boardsport with participants racing on off-road terrain, similar to mountain bike trails. The first official Onewheel race took place in 2016 at Vail Ski Resort during the GoPro Mountain Games in a boardercross-style competition.[9] The race was titled Race for the Rail, where competitors raced for a trophy constructed from a Onewheel frame rail. Future Motion has hosted Race for the Rail in each subsequent year and the event has become the main competitive event for Onewheel racing. In 2020, the cash prize increased from $2,500 to $10,000 for the winning men’s and women’s riders.[10] In 2021, the Onewheel Racing League was formed to formalize a number of grassroots racing events which allow riders to qualify for Race for the Rail. The 2022 and 2023 Race for the Rail events were hosted at Sky Tavern Ski Resort in Reno, Nevada and were re-aired on ESPN Ocho and ESPN 2.[11]

Board technology

Operation

To use the board, riders place their feet on either side of the wheel. A rider's front foot goes on top of a pressure-sensitive pad that detects when a rider is on the board; there is also a back footpad.[12][13] To direct the board, riders lean slightly in the direction they want to travel.[12] To stop, riders lift their heel off the side of the front footpad.[14][15] Since the Onewheel Pint, riders can use the optional dismount system, Simplestop,[16] by leaning back to make the board stop slowly and disengage, allowing riders to step off. This convenient feature can be turned off in the Android/iOS app.[17] The Onewheel GT comes with the new Digital Shaping 3.0 and the Simplestop feature from the Pint and Pint X.[18] According to a review by Wired magazine, Future Motion has taken steps to make their boards safer by including the Simplestop technology and the pushback feature.[19]

Engineering

Onewheel's single wheel contains a brushless electric motor that spins to propel riders forwards or backwards making constant small adjustments to keep riders balanced. Each Onewheel has three internal accelerometers and gyroscopes that continuously measure the orientation of the board in space. These monitors take readings approximately 14,000 times per second in order to tell the motor what to do to help riders balance and move.[12]

All of the models use 'Pushback' and Haptic Buzz to warn the rider that they are about to reach the maximum safe speed.[16] Pushback gently forces the nose of the Onewheel up when riders approach unsafe speeds, alerting riders that they need to slow down.[20][16]

Riders are able to choose to use an app that displays battery charge and miles traveled, and regulates different modes for the rider.[12] The app also allows riders to control other board functions to personalize how the board responds to their riding style.[12][15]

Terrain ability

One major advantage of Onewheels over e-skateboards is their ability to ride over a variety of terrain. "Onewheels are equipped with a go-kart sized tire allowing for off-road and all-terrain use."[21] CleanTechnica has noted, "Onewheel brings together the benefits of electric mobility in a portable package that’s easy to master. It is extremely stable without sacrificing the fun factor."[22]

A Future Motion Onewheel GT with Jewel Grey Rail Guards and the Full Flight Systems by Flight Fins. Flight Fins allow the riders feet to more easily remain on the footpads by adding a soft lip above the foot.

Models

Starting in 2014, Future Motion has released 7 iterations of Onewheel boards. Each model varies in range, speed, and size. The current flagship is the GT S-Series, which was released in late 2023.

GT S-Series

The Onewheel GT S-series is the newest model announced on October 27, 2023. It is being advertised as the most powerful Onewheel having a top speed of 25 mph (40 km/h). It has a reduced ranged of 16-25 miles compared to the 20-32 mile range of the GT. This is being called the first performance Onewheel by the manufacturer Future Motion. The new battery pack is increased from 75 volts of the current GT up to 113 volts, a 50% increase. The all new battery pack utilizes p45b 21700 cells for "more torque at speed". The GT-S also weights 2 pounds lighter than the current GT. MSRP is $3,200 as of the announcement date. The launch of this model is coming on the heels of the recent controversial "Haptic Buzz" firmware update that stemmed from safety issues and recalls of the previous versions.

GT

The Onewheel GT,[23] introduced in October 2021, has a range of 20–32 mi (32–51.5 km) and a top speed of 20 mph (30 km/h) - slightly faster than the XR -. It uses a 6.5" diameter hub, rather than a 6" hub as previous models did, preventing standard go-kart tires from being used.

Onewheel GT with black bumpers, carbon fiber fender and 'murdered out' themed rail guards.
Onewheel GT with optional Carbon Fiber Fender & 'Murdered Out' themed Rail Guards.

The launch of the GT has been criticized because of boards that were dead on arrival or boards that exhibited "ghosting," whereby the board would rapidly accelerate without a rider on it.[24]

Pint X

In October 2021, Onewheel announced 2 new models, the Onewheel GT,[23] and the Onewheel Pint X.[25] The Pint X has a top speed of 18 mph (30 km/h), slightly faster than the Pint; and a range of 12–18 mi (19.5–29 km). It is slightly slower and has more notable pushback than an XR, but a similar range.

Pint

Onewheel Pint with a range of 6–8 mi (9.5–13 km) and top speed of 16 mph (25 km/h); The Pint includes an LED light display that indicates battery status and a handle for ease of carrying.[26] It is still in production as of 2023. This smaller platform has a lower max weight recommendation of 250 lbs (113kgs)[27]

Onewheel+ XR

A Onewheel XR with optional fender and decorative stickers on a college running track.

The Onewheel+ XR was introduced in 2018 with a range of 12–18 mi (20–30 km) and top speed of 19 mph (30 km/h).[28][29] In 2021, the Onewheel+ XR was discontinued in favor of the Onewheel GT, and was on sale at a $300 discount until the remaining XR inventory sold out on December 13, 2021. In late summer of 2022, the onewheel+ XR was put on sale again on the Onewheel website for a brief amount of time due to extra inventory.[30] It is a favorite in the community of riders due to its range, speed, durability, and ability to be modded.

Onewheel+

The subsequent version, Onewheel+, introduced in January, 2017, had an improved range of 5–7 mi (8–11.5 km) and top speed of 19 mph (30 km/h).[31][29] It was discontinued in favor of the Onewheel+ XR.

Onewheel

The original model, Onewheel, had a range of 4–6 mi (6.5–9.5 km) and a top speed of 13 mph (20 km/h). It was shown at the Consumer Electronics Show on January 6, 2014; it has since been discontinued.[32]

Criticism

Right to repair

Future Motion has faced criticism for not allowing third party modifications or repairing of the board outside of their one repair center in California. The lack of cooperation to license other shops to do repairs including a tire replacement is problematic, according to YouTuber Louis Rossmann.[33] Future Motion did soften their stance on third-party tires, no longer treating them as warranty-voiding alterations. There is a third-party modifications community for Onewheels, with modifications including larger battery packs, "Flight Fins", custom angled rails, and protective ("float") plates.[34]

GT issues

On August 11, 2022, Future Motion announced a voluntary recall of approximately 20,500 Onewheel GT front footpads. This was in response to 813 reports of the footpad failing to disengage after the rider had dismounted.[24][35]

Safety issues and recall

On November 16, 2022, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a warning saying that consumers should stop using Onewheels, citing the deaths of four riders (three of whom were not wearing a helmet) and others injured after being ejected from the board.[36] Future Motion originally objected to the CPSC statement, stating that Onewheel products were safe when operated following basic safe riding principles common to any board sport, including wearing a helmet and other safety gear.[37][38][39] In September 2023, Future Motion changed its position and recalled all Onewheels, not by physically taking them back but as a firmware update.[40][41] The company said the devices can stop balancing if their performance limits are exceeded. It offered an update that gives haptic feedback when the limits are reached, for the Onewheel GT, Pint X, Pint, and XR models only.[42]

See also

References

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference :52 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Staff (10 August 2022). "You Don't Need 4 Wheels to Go Electric". Hawaii Business Magazine.
  3. ^ "Future Motion Inc.'s Onewheel Boards Will Always Be Made in America". Inside Business. 17 April 2023.
  4. ^ a b Gumz, Jondi (October 30, 2018). "Startup Onewheel embarks on expansion". Santa Cruz Sentinel. Retrieved October 31, 2018.
  5. ISSN 1059-1028
    . Retrieved 2021-04-19.
  6. ^ a b Yakowicz, Will (2015-10-27). "The Next Best Thing to a Real-Life Hoverboard". Inc.com. Retrieved 2021-04-19.
  7. ^ "Onewheel :: The Self-Balancing Electric Skateboard". Kickstarter. Retrieved 2018-10-31.
  8. ^ "Onewheel Pint hands-on review". www.digitaltrends.com. Retrieved 2021-04-22.
  9. ^ Cluff, Jilli (2021-07-28). "Onewheel World Championship: Off-Road Race to Crown the Best". GearJunkie. Retrieved 2024-05-01.
  10. ^ Roberson, William. "Onewheel's 'Race For The Rail' May The Wackiest Thing You See This Year". Forbes. Retrieved 2024-05-01.
  11. ^ "From obscure to unknown, The Ocho's eight weirdest sports explained". ESPN.com. 2023-08-03. Retrieved 2024-05-01.
  12. ^ a b c d e "How this one-wheeled skateboard lets riders cruise without crashing". Popular Science. 2019-05-08. Retrieved 2021-04-06.
  13. ^ Roberson, Bill. "The Onewheel Pint Is The Fun Machine From The Future You Need To Experience". Forbes. Retrieved 2021-04-06.
  14. ^ "Onewheel's Pint Offers a Cheaper Thrill". Wired. Retrieved 2021-04-06.
  15. ^ a b "This Insane Motorized Board Is Dangerously Fun". Wired. Retrieved 2021-04-06.
  16. ^ a b c "Simplestop on a Onewheel [How-to]". Trailwheel. Trailwheel.com. Retrieved 31 October 2022.
  17. ^ Etienne, Stefan (2019-03-12). "Onewheel's Pint is a new and more portable electric rideable for novice riders, costs $950". The Verge. Retrieved 2021-04-06.
  18. ^ "Onewheel GT (Information, Specs) - Fallman.Tech". fallman.tech. 2021-11-06. Retrieved 2022-01-11.
  19. ^ So, Adrienne (9 August 2019). "Onewheel's Pint Offers a Cheaper Thrill". Wired.
  20. ^ "Onewheeling: Like floating on air, only better". manchesterinklink.com. 2018-06-19. Retrieved 2021-05-10.
  21. ^ "Onewheel Terrain List – What Can You Ride on a Onewheel".
  22. ^ Field, Kyle (14 January 2022). "The New Onewheel Pint X - CleanTechnica Review". CleanTechnica.
  23. ^ a b "Onewheel GT". Onewheel // Future Motion. Retrieved 2021-10-28.
  24. ^ a b "Onewheel GT CONTINUES to ghost & injure people, with no safety recall. Do they care about safety?". YouTube.
  25. ^ "Onewheel Pint X". Onewheel // Future Motion. Retrieved 2021-10-28.
  26. ^ "The Coolest Ways to Get Around Town This Summer". UrbanDaddy. Retrieved 2021-05-10.
  27. ^ Stapleton, David. "Onewheel Weight Limit: V1, Plus, XR, Pint, Pint X, GT".
  28. ^ "Onewheel_UserManual_v2.3" (PDF). p. 54. Retrieved 10 October 2019.
  29. ^ a b "Onewheel Website". Retrieved 31 October 2018.
  30. ^ Roberson, Bill. "To Honor A Friend Felled By Cancer, This Guy Rode A Onewheel 2,900 Miles Across Canada". Forbes. Retrieved 2021-03-28.
  31. ^ "Onewheel_UserManual_v2.3" (PDF). p. 55. Retrieved 10 October 2019.
  32. ^ "Onewheel_Owners_User_Manual_v1.0 " (PDF). p. 41. Retrieved 10 October 2019.
  33. ^ "Why the company behind OneWheel sucks in 5 minutes or less". YouTube.
  34. ^ "Best Onewheel 3rd Party Accessories in a 1st Rate Community – oneRADwheel". 3 April 2020.
  35. ^ "Future Motion Recalls Footpads for Onewheel GT Electric Skateboards Due to Bystander Injury Hazard".
  36. ^ "CPSC Warns Consumers to Stop Using Onewheel Self-Balancing Electric Skateboards Due to Ejection Hazard". U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. November 16, 2022.
  37. ^ Trumka, Richard (November 16, 2022). "Future Motion Refuses to Recall Deadly Onewheel Skateboard". U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Retrieved October 1, 2023.
  38. ^ Raemont, Nina (November 18, 2022). "Future Motion Refuses to Recall Onewheel Skateboards After Deaths". CNET. Retrieved October 1, 2023.
  39. ^ "Future Motion Responds to the CPSC's Unjustified and Alarmist Claims Regarding Onewheels". PR Newswire. November 16, 2022. Retrieved October 1, 2023.
  40. ^ Toll, Micah (September 30, 2023). "After first refusing, OneWheel recalls all of its self-balancing electric skateboards". Electrek. Retrieved October 1, 2023.
  41. ^ "2023 Onewheel Recall". Onewheel.
  42. ^ "All Onewheel e-skateboards are recalled after reported deaths". NPR. 30 September 2023.

Further reading

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Self-balancing one-wheeled boards.
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