In Russia, a curious means of transportation - the unicycle, is also rapidly gaining popularity, it is also called the unicycle. Customer reviews suggest that this is not another fleeting gadget, which, having survived a short peak of popularity, will disappear without a trace from store shelves. On the contrary, it is likely that in the near future this device will turn into ordinary city transport, like modern bicycles and skateboards.
How it works?
If you describe the unicycle schematically, without technical details, then it is a wheel with an inflatable tire and two steps, it becomes a rider. The upper part of the wheel is hidden by a plastic case, in which there is a battery, an electric motor, magnets, a stabilizing system and a computer controlling the wheel. On the case there is a handle for carrying the wheel, a power button, sensors and a charging connector.
Often the unicycle causes amazement in those who have never seen it. Indeed, the man on the wheel resembles a circus performer, but at the same time skating is clearly given to him easily and brings pleasure. The question immediately arises: is it difficult to master an electric unicycle? Owner reviews clearly convince that usually a couple of hours is enough to drive confidently, and in a few days the monocycle control will become a completely natural and very comfortable process.
The fact is that stabilizing gyroscopic sensors perform the same function as the inner ear of a person: they are responsible for balance. The inner ear does not allow a person to fall, so the gyroscopes inside the body constantly take care that the wheel is held in the right spatial position.
The control principle is extremely simple. A man standing on a wheel tilts the case slightly forward, the sensors react to the tilt of the system and transmit a signal to the computer, it controls the engine, which starts to spin the wheel more so that it regains balance, as a result - the unicycle rides forward. The stronger the slope, the higher the speed. Tilting back causes the wheel to brake; tilting to the side is responsible for turns.
Advantages of the unicycle
The reviews of the happy owners of this wonderful unit allow us to identify its undoubted advantages:
- Compactness. The unicycle practically does not take place, it can be put in the trunk, in the back seat of the car, taken in the subway, office or cafe. In terms of compactness, only folding scooters and skateboards can compare with it.
- Mobility. The average speed is 15 km / h, but if necessary, some models can race at speeds above 30 km / h. Having stood on a wheel, a person immediately gets a noticeable advantage over pedestrians.
- Maneuverability. Reviews describing the unicycle often compare riding it with ice skating: the same freedom and ease of movement, the same amazing opportunity to flow around obstacles.
- Patency. Thanks to the rubber tire, the wheel travels not only on a flat road, but also on soil, grass, small pits, and shallow puddles. With proper dexterity, you can jump onto fairly high curbs.
- Free hands. Only the body and legs are involved in the control, so that when driving you can talk on the phone, switch music in the player, but, of course, not to the detriment of security.
- Pleasure. Reviews of the unicycle are full of enthusiastic epithets: the ride is a pleasure, and the surprised and envious glances of passers-by become a pleasant bonus.
disadvantages
Some disadvantages of the monowheel should also be pointed out. Reviews of dissatisfied consumers, first of all, concern too much weight of some models. The wheel can weigh up to 18 kilograms, which becomes an unbearable burden for a fragile girl or child.
It doesn’t matter with road infrastructure. If in large cities there are enough places with normal coverage, then in small towns it is sometimes difficult to find even sidewalks for skiing. It is difficult to overcome obstacles on a monocycle , in this regard it is much inferior to a bicycle and even a scooter. Another drawback in some models is the low battery capacity, the charge lasts only a couple of hours. But such problems can be avoided by reasonably approaching the choice of wheels.
How to choose?
In order for the unicycle to bring pleasure, it is necessary at the purchase stage to clearly understand for whom it is purchased, in what conditions it will work. For example, it makes no sense for a child to buy a powerful, high-speed and heavy unit. This increases the risk of injury. Even for a strong teenager, the weight of the wheel will be burdensome. On the other hand, for a lover of extreme sports, a small wheel with low power and a modest power reserve will not bring joy.
When choosing you need to rely on the following criteria:
- Weight and dimensions. Weight varies on average from 8 to 18 kilograms, diameter - from 12 to 22 inches (from 30.5 to 55.9 centimeters).
- Battery capacity. It depends on the time and range of the wheel, but usually the higher the capacity, the greater the weight of the monocycle. There are models with a very low capacity, they are lightweight, but they have to be constantly charged. Some AirWheel products and IPS monowheels do this. Reviews about them are disappointing. For example, the battery capacity of the IPS 103 model is from 88 to 110 watts per hour, which provides only 10 kilometers, that is, less than an hour's drive at an average wheel speed.
- Motor power and speed. These are interrelated characteristics: high power of the electric motor leads to high maximum speed and fast acceleration. Modern monocycles have a power in the range of 350-1500 watts and are capable of speeds exceeding 35 km / h. For example, the GotWay MONSTER 22 model corresponds to its name, having a power of 1600 watts. This wheel is capable of speeds up to 50 km / h. A completely different Wmotion w8 monowheel. Reviews characterize it as an excellent purchase option for a child: top speed up to 20 km / h, mileage - 30 kilometers, engine power - 500 watts.
- Additional functions. Attention should be paid to additional functionality. For example, monocycles equipped with light bulbs make travel at dusk and darkness safer, because other participants in the movement see a person on a wheel. In addition, some manufacturers supply their products with convenient handles for moving the unit as a suitcase. Applications that connect the unicycle to a tablet or smartphone are also very useful, they allow you to comfortably monitor the amount of charge, speed, distance traveled.
Security
In general, the unicycle is a safe and easily controlled transport. But anyway, during training it is better to wear protective equipment for the head, elbows, knees. Do not try to overcome deep holes and high obstacles - this is fraught with a fall. Also a common problem is the “punching” of the wheel. With an excessive inclination, the engine starts to work at maximum capacity. Having reached the limit of power, it turns off, and a person can fall.
Exploitation
It is a pleasure to work with a monocycle; it is easy to manage, maintain and operate. The main thing is not to drive on too broken surfaces. It is undesirable to use the wheel in frost or rain: the cold negatively affects the battery, and water is contraindicated in electronics hidden under the body. For the same reason, the unicycle cannot be washed with a jet of water.