Second-hand electric unicycles
Second-hand electric scooters
One of the most fascinating and innovative means of transport in the 21st century, the electric unicycle offers a unique travel experience. However, getting into the world of the gyrorou requires patience, learning and a dose of courage. Whether you're passionate about new technologies, a fan of soft mobility or curious about exploring new sensations, this tutorial for learning how to ride an electric unicycle is just for you!
Which electric unicycle should you choose to get started?
Do you want to start learning to ride an electric unicycle but don't know which wheel to choose? We recommend you choose a 14-inch wheel model like the Inmotion V5F or the Kingsong KS-14, which offer a good balance between speed, manoeuvrability and stability.
As a reminder, electric unicycles are motorised devices limited to 25 km/h, so no matter which electric unicycle you choose, it's impossible to go faster than that. Electric unicycles use a gyroscopic stabilisation system that allows you to move forwards, backwards and turn using your body.
If your electric unicycle isn't a 14-inch, don't panic. In fact, you can learn to ride an electric unicycle on a larger or more powerful wheel. As they say, it's not the destination but the journey that counts!
Learning to ride an electric unicycle: the steps to follow
Step 1
First thing: find the right terrain for learning the electric unicycle. Just like when you're learning to ride a bike, it's best to choose a dry, clear, smooth surface that gives you enough room to accelerate, brake and turn your wheel properly. So avoid your garden or green spaces if they're too narrow or uneven, and prioritise streets, car parks or even skate parks instead.
Step 2
Preferably position yourself next to a post or barrier and learn to ride on the wheel. Above all, avoid bending over if you haven't yet got the hang of it. It's important to find the right balance and measure the weight of your wheel on your support leg. To do this, feel free to make pendulum movements while holding on to the pole. Above all, don't forget to protect yourself (helmet, knee pads, elbow pads) so that you can ride and learn the electric unicycle in complete safety. Prevention is better than cure!
Step 3
The beginner's mistake is to look at the ground. By doing so, you will undoubtedly be attracted to the ground. To remedy this, relax, sit up straight and look into the distance. To learn how to ride an electric unicycle, trust yourself and launch yourself from one pole to another, and learn to manage the transfer of weight by accelerating and braking. To do this, stay upright, looking into the distance and keeping your shoulders relaxed.
Step 4
Are you getting the hang of your electric unicycle? Now it's time to learn how to turn and avoid obstacles! On an electric unicycle, you'll need to use your shoulders and look in the direction you want to turn. It's simple, just pivot your shoulders where you want to go and your pelvis will follow on its own!
Step 5
Getting on the electric unicycle is great, but mastering the "scooter start" is even better. To do this, you're going to have to push yourself to give speed to your start and make it easier. To do this, place your support leg on the wheel and step forward, tilting your other foot up to the toe. Repeat the movement several times until you take off once and for all.
Bonus: 2 advanced moves to master
Walking backwards
You're pretty comfortable now, aren't you? How about complicating things by learning how to reverse? You can also use a pole to familiarise yourself with the movement. Unlike the forward position, when you're going backwards, you'll be in a 'seated' position. Shoulders forward, pelvis back and knees bent. It's all up to you!
Descending the pavements
The most fun part comes at the end: riding down obstacles (in moderation) such as stairs or pavements! Very useful in town, this allows you to move forward without having to get off your electric unicycle. First of all, here are a few rules to know in order to master this movement:
- Always bend your knees to cushion the impact
- Always land flat-footed
- Always balance your landing position
- Always approach the obstacle from the front
To go further and become an electric unicycle pro, we can only encourage you to follow this week's series of tutorials initiated by Inmotion France. Presented by electric unicycle expert Hirsute, you're going to learn a whole host of starts and tricks that are sure to make you shine in society and, above all, in the electric unicycle community.
