A onewheel electric skateboard is a self-balancing single-wheel electric board. Riding is a unique floating experience, somewhat like a skateboard but with superior carving possibilities (even uphills) and with a sensation much like snowboarding or surfing. They are very popular amongst skateboaders and anyone that wants a very cool and fun way to get around, both on and off road.
There are three principal manufacturers of onewheel electric skateboards:
- The Onewheel is the largest selling brand in the US, produced by Future Motion in Santa Cruz (California). The current Onewheel models are the smaller and more nimble Pint X, the larger and longer range GT, and the more powerful GT S-Series introduced in October 2023. Older models include the original Pint (still in production) and the ever popular (but discontinued) XR. In the US in 2023 all Onewheels were subject to a safety recall by the CPSC and introduction of haptic buzz to help warn of unexpected potential cutouts, something we’ve experienced firsthand ourselves even at lower speeds.
- The Chinese manufacturer Floatwheel originally made popular do-it-yourself self-balancing board kits. In 2023 they introduced their first two complete boards to challenge Onewheel’s dominance in the marketplace, the Floatwheel adv and the adv pro. Both are based on the open-source VESC software, support the right to repair/modify a board, and use a new high-torque CannonCore motor. They also make conversion kits for Onewheel models. The new Floatwheel adv2 has an improved battery management system to provide extra safety and battery protection when charging, an improved version 3 motor with N52 curved magnets, and Samsung 50S battery cells.
- Fungineers also produce onewheel components and are well respected in the VESC community. Fungineers manufacture the powerful Superflux motor generally considered the best onewheel motor, and the popular Thor controller. At the end of 2024 they announced they would also sell the Funwheel X7, a complete board using the Superflux, Thor300, and their own Stompies footpad sensor. Unlike the GT, GT S, and adv2 the X7 is designed to be compatible with the original Onewheel XR accessories, so many third-party accessories can be used. Its battery is UN 38.3 certified but has smaller capacity than the battery in the GT and adv2. In 2025 Fungineers will also be releasing their long range 134 Volt Funwheel with the Thor400 controller, having a free spin speed of 115 km/h it is likely to be the most powerful onewheel commercially available.
Onewheels, Floatwheels, Funwheels in NZ
Future Motion offers Onewheels for sale through their US website, with delivery possible to New Zealand. Their nearest official distributors are in Australia. Their warranty however explicitly excludes Products purchased from an unauthorised reseller, including any online purchase other than directly from Future Motion. As in Australia many Onewheel warranty and service claims require the board to be sent back to California for repair, whose delay can breach the promptness required under New Zealand’s Consumer Guarantees Act.
The Floatwheel has proved to be a popular and more powerful alternative to the Onewheel in the DIY community, and allows full right-to-repair. Preorders of the adv2 with cryptocurrency payment are now available directly through Floatwheel, and Atomic EV will aim to have them available in NZ once their adv2 teething issues are resolved and Tony at Floatwheel starts allowing retail distribution. Since December 2023 Floatwheel and Future Motion have been locked in litigation in the US over potential patent infringements. Further information can be found on the Floatwheel discord server.
Fungineers are opening sales of their fully-assembled Funwheel X7 in early 2025, an even more powerful and dependable alternative to Onewheel. Further information can be found on the Funwheel discord server. Atomic EV will have them available across NZ with one-year warranty support and right-to-repair, allowing customers to add their own third-party components.
Comparing Popular Models
| Model | Top Speed | Range | Charge Time (optional fast charger) | Weight | Motor | Battery | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onewheel Pint X | 29 km/h | 19-29 km | 225 (110) minutes | 12.2 kg | 750 Watt | 324 Wh | 22 Nm |
| Onewheel GT | 32 km/h | 32-52 km | 200 (90) minutes | 15.9 kg | 2726 Watt | 525 Wh | 26.6 Nm |
| Onewheel GT S | 40 km/h | 26-40 km | 150 (80) minutes | 15.0 kg | 3913 Watt | 437 Wh | 31.3 Nm |
| Floatwheel adv | 40 km/h | 54 km | 228 (48) minutes | 18.5 kg | 4470 Watt | 584 Wh | 47.9 Nm |
| Floatwheel adv2 | 40 km/h | 56-72 km | 240 (50) minutes | 18.5 kg | 5960 Watt | 740 Wh | 52.7 Nm |
| Funwheel X7 | 50-65 km/h | 24-40 km | 60 minutes | 16.8 kg | 4000 Watt | 403 Wh | 50-80 Nm |
Protective Gear
One-wheeled skateboards can quickly accelerate to 30 km/h suitable personal protective gear should be worn while riding. At a minimum a helmet and wrist protection is essential at all times. Knee and elbow pads are also recommended, along with leading-shoulder protection if pushing higher speeds. There is always a potential risk of nose diving on many models.
At higher speeds a full-face helmet and abrasion resistant armoured clothing is also recommended.
Learning to Ride a One-wheeled Skateboard
Most people can pick up the basics of riding a one-wheeled skateboard within one or two hours, but mastering riding can be deceptive so patience in pushing the bounds is smart.
Atomic EV offers free demos in our shop and around our shopping centre, where you can test ride one of our wheels in a safe environment regardless of the weather. For customers that want more support we are happy to explain the basics of riding, board safety and maintenance, and provide a hands-on experience with our boards.
Explore the World of One-wheeled Skateboards
