The Onewheel, created by Future Motion, is an innovative and exhilarating product that has captivated the hearts of many, including myself. It's a self-balancing electric board with a single large wheel in the center, and it gives you the sensation of floating or surfing on land. The ride is smooth, intuitive, and allows for an incredible sense of freedom as you carve your way through city streets, trails, or even rough terrains.
The first Onewheel (Onewheel V1) was introduced through a Kickstarter campaign in 2014, and since then, Future Motion has released several upgraded models, such as the Onewheel+, Onewheel+ XR, Onewheel Pint, Onewheel GT, Onewheel PintX and recently the Onewheel GT-S. Each iteration brings improvements in terms of range, speed, and ride experience.
Onewheel was launched on Kickstarter on January 6, 2014. This was essentially the birth of the Onewheel V1 (version 1). It was released to the public in 2015. The platform did not vary significantly from its upgraded models (Plus and XR); however, it did receive a motor and battery overall on the following versions.
Written by David Bank
Onewheel Plus (also known as Onewheel +) was the second available Onewheel available to the public (sales began January 2017). This form factor stayed with the XR model and arguably is the most iconic Onewheel due to its years of use (platform spanned 2017-2022).
Written by David Bank
As of 2022, the Onewheel XR was the most popular board. This Onewheel preceded the the GT as Future Motion’s flagship product. The Onewheel XR had the longest production run spanning from January 8th 2018 to early 2022.
Written by David Bank
Issued out to the general public in 2019, The Onewheel Pint offers much of its predecessor’s power but within a compact frame. It’s initial marketing focused on commuters, adventurers, and anyone who wants to have some fun on a Onewheel but wanted something either more affordable or more compact.
Written by David Bank
Onewheel Pint X was issued out in November 2021 along with Future Motion’s flagship product – the Onewheel GT. The Pint X offers the same compact footprint as the Pint however it has been improved to keep up with its bigger brothers, the retired XR and GT.
Written by David Bank
The Onewheel GT was the Flagship Onewheel from late 2021 to late 2023. It has been replaced by the GT S-Series which has the same form factor. The standard GT replaced the XR Onewheel and still remains the board with the greatest battery range from the factory.
Written by David Bank
The Onewheel GT S-Series is the latest Onewheel for “sport” usage
Not written by David Bank, he hasnt wrote up a GT-S specs page yet.
I've been riding Onewheels since the Onewheel+ was released in January 2017, and it's been amazing to see the evolution of the product. The Onewheel+ XR, for instance, offers an extended range of up to 18 miles, while the smaller and more portable Onewheel Pint is perfect for shorter, fun rides.
However, while I'm passionate about the product, I have had my share of frustrations with certain aspects of how Future Motion manages things. Issues related to repairability and customer service have sometimes left riders like me feeling a bit disheartened. That said, the joy and sense of community that Onewheels have fostered are undeniable.
In the spirit of fostering transparency and community support, I'm eager to share information, guides, and tips to help fellow Onewheel enthusiasts get the most out of their rides while also advocating for better practices from the company. It's about celebrating the product we love while also pushing for improvements that would benefit the entire community.
Over time, I've observed an interesting shift within the electric rideables community. While many of us started our journey with products like the Onewheel, there's a growing interest in exploring more customizable and open-source alternatives, such as those based on the VESC (Vedder Electronic Speed Controller) project.
VESC is an open-source project that provides a highly configurable and versatile ESC (Electronic Speed Controller) designed for electric skateboards, scooters, and other vehicles. What makes VESC-based platforms appealing is the degree of control and customization they offer to enthusiasts. With VESC, riders can fine-tune their setups, optimize performance, and even create their own DIY electric rideables tailored to their specific needs and preferences.
This shift is not only about seeking better performance but also about embracing the principles of openness, customization, and the right to repair. VESC allows for a level of transparency and tweakability that's sometimes harder to achieve with proprietary systems like those used in the Onewheel.
People are experimenting with building their own boards using VESC controllers, creating a kind of grassroots movement within the community. It's fascinating to see the innovative designs, customizations, and the sense of ownership that comes from creating or modifying your own ride.
While Onewheels remain popular for their unique design and riding experience, this shift towards VESC and DIY solutions underscores a desire for more control and freedom. As someone deeply invested in this community, I'm excited to explore, document, and support these endeavors, ensuring that knowledge and innovations are shared openly for everyone's benefit.
- Chelsea