HOVERBOARD VS ONEWHEEL – WHICH ONE IS A GOOD OPTION?
Image Credits: istockphoto
You must have witnessed many people riding a two-wheeled or a one-wheel smart scooter in the streets. And you must have thought – “Man! I need to get one of those”. But, which should you buy? Rest assured because we have the solution for you to mitigate your doubts and queries.
Hoverboard vs. OneWheel
The most significant difference between a hoverboard and a one-wheel is the number of wheels. Hoverboards operate on two wheels, whereas OneWheel, as the name signifies, is a single-wheel ride.
But, before we dive into comparing both these mobile electrical devices, let’s first individually understand what a hoverboard and a one-wheel are. And to grasp that, let’s take a quick peek at their history.
A Brief History of Hoverboards and OneWheel
Shane Chen, an American entrepreneur, was the one who invented a Hoverboard in 2013. Since then, hoverboards have garnered a lot of popularity and soon became a hit around 2015. However, it saw a lot of drawbacks in 2016 due to reports from people of their hoverboards exploding and catching fire. Hence, manufacturers became vigilant in producing hoverboards and getting them UL2272 certified (US certification for mobile electrical devices). At present, hoverboards are a rage among the young population for their ease of riding, brilliant LED lighting effects, and sound system.
Invented by Kyle Doerksen in 2014, the One-wheel is a novelty and much more fashionable. However, it still hasn’t gained as much popularity as a hoverboard. So far, unlike hoverboards, there are limited models and options available for OneWheel. To put it bluntly, the success of OneWheel surpassing that of a hoverboard is yet to be seen.
What is a Hoverboard?
Image Credits : hover1
When you think of a hoverboard, the first thing that comes to your mind is a flying board that hovers above the ground, like the one shown in Back to the Future. Well, the hoverboards of the 21st century are much different in reality. It is a self-balancing electric scooter with two wheels, running with the help of a motor, connected through a platform where riders place their feet. The riders control the speed of a hoverboard by leaning forward or backward. And the direction of a hoverboard while riding gets manipulated by the riders with a twist of their feet.
Furthermore, a hoverboard consists of LED lights, providing visibility and illumination at night. Some hoverboards come equipped with built-in speakers connected to your smartphones through Bluetooth. As a result, you can listen to your favorite playlists or podcasts while cruising on a hoverboard.
What is a one-wheel?
Image Credits : istockphoto
A one-wheel is a self-balancing single-wheel electric scooter, often also known as an electric skateboard. But, unlike a hoverboard, the rider’s feet and body make a perpendicular angle to the wheel while traveling. The single wheel, powered by a brushless motor, helps riders balance on OneWheel.
The two footpads are on either side of the wheel, with two pressure-sensitive pads in the front footpad that detects the weight of the rider’s foot. Furthermore, you can steer the OneWheel to travel in the desired direction by leaning in that way. And to stop the OneWheel, lift the heel of your front foot from the pad to the side.
Specifications of Hoverboard and OneWheel
Some hoverboard models have a small light near the charging port or in front of the board. The hoverboard light should turn red when you plug in the charger. Red light indicates charging and you must check your pin and connect again if the light is dim. When the battery is fully charged the red light turns green. Furthermore, some models flash an orange light, indicating that the battery needs immediate replacement.
Comparison Chart
| Specifications | Hoverboard | Electric Skateboard |
| Frame | Aluminum | Plastic or wood |
| Speed | 6-15 mph | 18-28 mph |
| Average weight | 25 lbs | 15-28 lbs |
| Weight capacity | 120-220 lbs | 220- 330 lbs |
| Lights | LED lights | LED headlights and tail lights |
| Motor | Electric motor | 150-350 W (average), 350-500 W (premium) |
| Mode of operation | Sensor pad | Wireless remote controller |
| Customizable | No | Yes |
| Charge time | 3-4 hours | 2-5 hours |
| Battery life | 45 mins-1 hour | 1-3 years |
| Tilt sensor | Yes | No |
| Self-balancing technology | Yes | No |
| Average Price | $300-$600 | $200-$500 |
Note – The values mentioned here are average values, not exact ones
Why Should You Choose A Hoverboard over OneWheel?
Image Credits : hover1
Okay, so the most critical question you may encounter is which is the better of the two – hoverboard or OneWheel. Of course, the answer lies in individual preference, first and foremost. But, if you are a beginner as a self-balancing scooter rider without handles, a hoverboard would be the best option for you.
Tires – The most distinctive difference is the number of wheels. Riders benefit from bracing their feet between two wheels on hoverboards, offering more balance. However, riders’ feet straddle the single wheel on both sides on OneWheel, which is less easy to balance.
On the one hand, a one-wheel electric scooter offers a smooth ride, almost like snowboarding, on all terrains. On the other hand, hoverboards are primarily safe to ride on paved roads or indoors. However, hoverboards come with many options – from a wide array of wheel sizes to types of wheels suitable for different terrains. But, one-wheel only offers limited options to the users.
Posture – Riding a hoverboard proves to be a lot less straining than a one-wheel. The reason is that riders on hoverboards face the direction they are riding in, allowing them to focus more and appropriately move their body.
On a one-wheel, your feet are in a right-angled position compared to the direction you are riding in, making it less easy to focus. Hence, riding a one-wheel requires a lot of focus, balance, and skill than a hoverboard.
Therefore, it might decrease your fun when cruising on a self-balancing smart scooter. Also, riding a one-wheel can cause aches or sprains from twisting your upper body, which is not the case when riding a hoverboard.
Affordability – Since hoverboards have been on the market longer than one-wheel, they are much more cost-efficient.
Conclusion
So, what’s your verdict? Yes, a one-wheel would stand out because of the “coolness” factor. But, if you want fewer injuries, more assurance in terms of balance, a safer speed limit, and are an amateur, then a hoverboard ought to be your pick. Moreover, it requires a lot of thought before investing in a one-wheel because it tends to make a big dent in your savings. So, now, which one will you choose?
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