The Onewheel is a self-balancing single wheel electric board, produced by Future Motion in Santa Cruz (California). They are very popular amongst skateboaders and anyone that want a very cool and fun way to get around. Built tough, a Onewheel is a great all-terrain personal electric vehicle.
Riding a Onewheel is a unique floating experience, somewhat like a skateboard but with superior carving possibilities (even uphills) and with a sensation a bit like snowboarding or surfing.
The current Onewheel models are the smaller and more nimble Pint X, and the larger and longer range GT, with the more powerful GT S-Series introduced in October 2023. Older models include the original Pint (still in production) and the ever popular XT.
The Chinese manufacturer Floatwheel originally made popular do-it-yourself self-balancing board kits.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 VESC components, including the powerful Superflux motor. At the end of 2024 they announced that they too will sell a complete board using the Superflux, called the Funwheel X7. Unlike the adv2 it is designed to be compatible with Onewheel XR accessories, but has a smaller battery than the adv2.
Onewheels, Floatwheels, Funwheels in NZ
Future Motion still has not allowed the official distribution of Onewheels in New Zealand, although they can be purchased in Australia (and shipped to New Zealand at the owner’s expense and voiding warranty). 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. In the US in 2023 all Onewheels were subject to a safety recall and introduction of haptic buzz to help warn of unexpected potential cutouts, something we’ve experienced firsthand ourselves even at lower speeds.
The Floatwheel has proved to be a popular and more powerful alternative to the Onewheel, and allows full right-to-repair. Preorders of the adv2 with cryptocurrency payment are now available directly through Floatwheel, and we are aiming to have them available in NZ once Tony at Floatwheel agrees to allow NZ 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 Funwheel X7 in early 2025.
Comparing Popular Models
| Model | Top Speed | Range | Charge Time (optional fast charger) | Weight | Motor | Battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onewheel Pint X | 30 km/h | 19-29 km | 225 (110) minutes | 12.5 kg | 1500 Watt | 342 Wh |
| Onewheel GT | 32 km/h | 32-52 km | 200 (90) minutes | 15.9 kg | 2240 Watt | 525 Wh |
| Onewheel GT S | 40 km/h | 26-40 km | 150 (75) minutes | 15.0 kg | 3913 Watt | 437 Wh |
| Floatwheel adv | 40 km/h | 54 km | 228 (48) minutes | 18.5 kg | 4470 Watt | 584 Wh |
| Floatwheel adv pro | 40 km/h | 58 km | 240 (50) minutes | 19 kg | 4470 Watt | 622 Wh |
| Floatwheel adv2 | 40 km/h | 65 km | 240 (50) minutes | 18.5 kg | 5960 Watt | 740 Wh |
| Funwheel X7 | 64 km/h | 37-40 km | TBA | 16.5 kg | 4000 Watt | 414 Wh |
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 strongly recommends at least an introductory training session for everyone, which we will offer in-store once they become available in New Zealand.
Explore the World of One-wheeled Skateboards
