Electric skateboards and Onewheel boards are both great alternatives to traditional skateboards and longboards, but which is the better option for you and how do these boards compare?
Electric Skateboards vs Onewheels
Electric skateboards, as the name suggests, are electrically powered boards. They have four wheels and look just like traditional skateboards.
The Onewheel has one wheel and is also powered by a motor. It’s basically a one-wheeled electric skateboard, but it has a steeper learning curve and is not as easy to ride.
Let’s take a look at some key features of the Onewheel and the electric skateboard to see how these boards compare with regard to balance, control, top speed, terrain, power, and more.
Ease of Riding
The electric skateboard was designed for easy riding.
You will still need to balance on the board and that might take some getting used to, but the fact that it is powered by a motor and is controlled via a remote means that you don’t need to propel yourself forward.
If you have any experience riding a skateboard or a snowboard, you shouldn’t have any issues with electric skateboards.
The Onewheel works on a similar principle and has a lot of great tech built into it, but it’s not as easy to ride and requires more skill and experience.
Weight, Size, and Portability
Electric skateboards and Onewheels are heavy and aren’t very portable.
However, the electric skateboard is a little lighter, with the Boosted Board Stealth (as an example) weighing 17 pounds compared to the 25lbs of a Onewheel.
If weight and portability are important, however, you will be better off with a mini cruiser.
Speed, Battery, and Performance
The top speed of electric skateboards and Onewheels are very similar, although the former edges ahead.
The Onewheel top speed is advertised as 19 miles per hour while many electric skateboards offer 22 mph.
As far as the battery life is concerned, the Onewheel XR offers up to 18 miles on a single charge, which is much higher than the 6 miles provided by earlier Onewheel models.
Many electric skateboards are limited to around 14 or 15 miles on a single charge.
The difference is that an electric skateboard can still be ridden when the battery dies.
You can use it as a traditional skateboard, making sure you get to where you need to go. If the Onewheel dies, you’ll need to pick it up and carry it with you.
Convenience and Control
Electric skateboards operate via a controller that you carry in your hand.
The Onewheel is a little more complex and everything is controlled via your movements.
It’s essentially like operating a snowboard or skateboard, only your movements are backed by a motor.
The freedom of riding without a remote is one of the things that makes the Onewheel so fun.
Terrain Comparison
The Onewheel can tackle any terrain and there are also off-road electric skateboards that you can take onto tougher terrain.
Generally, however, electric skateboards are limited to flat and smooth surfaces and are not suited to tough trails and bumpy roads.
Safety
Both electric skateboards and Onewheels can be dangerous, as is the case with all boards and all methods of transportation.
It all comes down to your level of skill and experience, as well as the precautions that you take.
Accidents seem to be more common on the Onewheel, but most of those are the result of inexperienced users trying to hit top speeds before they fully understand the board.
Summary: Electric Skateboard vs Onewheel
Whether you should opt for an electric skateboard or a Onewheel all comes down to your personal preference.
What will you be using the board for, how much experience do you have riding skateboards, and are you willing to invest the additional time into learning a Onewheel?
If you’re looking for something to help you with your commute, something that is easy to learn and has minimal risk, the electric skateboard could be ideal.
If you want more of a challenge, something that is fun to ride and will test your balance, opt for a Onewheel instead.
