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Electric unicycles could be the next big thing in Singapore

YouTube screen grab of Solowheel. 
YouTube screen grab of Solowheel. 

How about riding an electric unicycle to work or school?

It’s almost like riding the Segway, except with one wheel and nothing to hold on to.

It is also weighs about 30kg lighter than the Segway, which typically weighs about 40kg.

The hassle-free and easy-to-use ride has been gaining popularity in Singapore in the past year, as several locals have been spotted using them at public parks.

Some electric unicyclists have formed a group called The Wheelies and meet every week to “wheel” together.

According to their Facebook page, which has 1,793 Likes since it was set up in August last year, members usually wheel at places like the Marina Barrage, East Coast Park and the Singapore Sports Hub.

A local tech vlogger, Simon Tay, put up a video on Sunday of his experience wheeling about with The Wheelies in a park in Choa Chu Kang.

He said, “It’s a very interesting and adventurous way of travelling. We travelled 11.6km, but according to The Wheelies, it can go much further.”

 

What is an electric unicycle?

An electric unicycle is usually made of aluminium alloy and a rubber tyre, and as the name suggests, is made up on one wheel. It runs on Lithium Ion batteries that are rechargeable at any household electric point and can also recharge by itself when going down a slope.

The futuristic-looking ride, which comes in various colours like white, black and orange, operates with a gyroscope, which allows it to balance by itself so that users will not fall over.

For those who don’t know, a gyroscope is a device that maintains the orientation of a mechanism.

Typical specifications of an electric unicycle are as follows:

 

·      12 kg

·      16 inch tyres

·      Operates on 400WH Lithium battery

·      Maximum speed of 16km/h

·      Maximum distance of 40km

·      Maximum load of 120kg

 

Invented in the US

The e-unicycle, also described as the electronic self-balancing unicycle gyroscopic, was invented in the United States.

Three companies – SolowheelSBU V3 and Ryno – have invented varying versions of it, but it is Solowheel’s design that has gotten popular in Singapore.

SBU V3 comes with a seat and an exposed tyre while the Ryno takes on a more stylish sci-fi look.

The Solowheel comes with a fully covered wheel that protects it from the rain and takes the shortest time of only two hours to charge – the other two takes three and six hours respectively.

These vehicles are intended for those aged 15 years and above.

Where to buy them in Singapore?

In Singapore, the prices of these unicycles range from $600 to over $2,000 depending on speed, maximum mileage, weight and charging duration, among others.

They can be purchased from The Wheelies’ website, ElectricBike.sg or Solowheel Asia.

Beware of knockoffs though.

Solowheel said that batteries used in fakes can cause a fire, and they can be spotted when the right and left foot platforms are secured at different heights.

Are there any regulations?

According to the Land Transport Authority: “Electric unicycles do not comply with LTA’s technical requirements for use on public roads as they are designed for off-road riding. Hence, for the safety of all road users, electric unicycles are not allowed for use on public roads.”

The National Parks Board said that electric vehicles are not allowed at public parks and connectors.