Some small local shops might let you try the board before you buy it for a short amount of time. Even give you some instructions before usage. This is how I bought my board and I always recommend you call your local shop. You can take a look at the Future Motion Inc. homepage to see if there is a local dealer near you, you find the link to the interactive map here.
If that’s not an option there are two ways, “Try Before You Buy” or just rent a board to test it.
Quick Guide:
These are the key points to think about when renting a board.
- Safety Gear: Always prioritize personal protection by using helmets, wrist guards, knee-elbow pads, and any additional safety equipment. Most rental agreements may include a helmet, but bringing your own protective gear is recommended.
- Insurance and Damage Protection: Check your insurance coverage and consider purchasing additional damage protection offered by rental providers. Damage protection typically covers accidental damage and wear and tear under normal riding conditions but may not cover theft, loss, water damage, or sand damage.
- Beginner Tips: Whether you’re a new or experienced rider, familiarize yourself with the basics of Onewheel riding. Some rental partners may offer a short lesson and instructions. Learn the proper techniques for mounting, riding, and especially dismounting to avoid accidents.
- Rental Options: Explore both “Try Before You Buy” services and traditional board rentals. Understand the pricing structure, location, and terms of the rental agreement. Some services may deduct the rental fee from the purchase price if you decide to buy.
- Review Company Policies: Be aware of the specific terms and conditions of the rental provider. Understand any restrictions, return policies, and potential additional fees. Keep the Onewheel within your line of sight to prevent loss or damage.
Try before you Buy
A relatively new thing on the market is the rise of services that have “Try Before You Buy Rental”. These companies work on the same principles that we are used to seeing in the skiing world. Here it’s common for buyers to often rent skis for a fee to get the feel for them before deciding if they want to buy. If they decide to buy new skis after renting them the fee will be deducted from the list price.
This is perfect for Onewheel but has a quite hefty price. It is a relatively small investment that ensures you do not spend a lot of money on something that may not suit you.
The “Try before you buy ” allows you to do the same as what is done in the ski industry. Some companies let you decide if you want to rent a new or used Onewheel, if Onewheeling is not for you then return it and you will get the deposit back minus the cost for the renting period.
How does it work?
Let’s take SUPrents as an example. You choose to rent a new Onewheel Pint or XR and for how long time (3 days to 10 days). Pay a deposit and SUPrents sends the Onewheel to you for free. You typically put a deposit for the total amount of the board.
Try it out, and if it’s not what you expected, ship it back and they will refund your deposit (minus the cost of the demo period). If Onewheel and floating around is for you, keep the board!
Let’s break it down and see the options for an Onewheel XR:
Option 1 – New Board – For your rental SUPrents will send you a brand new Onewheel XR. Should you decide to keep the new board at the end of your rental you can purchase the board for $1600.
Option 2 – Used Board – For your rental SUPrents will send you a USED Onewheel XR. Should you decide to keep the used board at the end of your rental you can purchase the board for $1499.
| Store: | Price: | Location: | Address: |
| SUPrents | $199.00 / 3days ($66.33/day) | Shipping is free of charge anywhere in the US (lower 48 states). | |
| eCARVE | $300.00 / 3day ($100.00/day) | Florida | 5707 Main St. New Port Richey, FL 34652 |
Using the Onewheel XR as a reference for pricing. *Prices as of the day of this article and can be changed
Traditional Renting a board
There is always the traditional way of renting a board for a set amount of time to try it out. Most businesses will include a helmet and some training before you head out on your own. If you want to be more prepared read up on my Beginner tips for riding a Onewheel before you rent.
Always check what insurance is included and your own. The Onewheel is considered a dangerous device and I strongly recommend you rent or bring your own protective gear, bare minimum ride with a helmet and wristguards/gloves/support with protection against hyperextension of the wrist.
| Store: | Price: | Location: | Address: | Information: |
| Elite Watersports | $100/day | Florida | St. Petersburg, Florida, USA | |
| FriendWithA | $40-$80/day | All over the USA | All over the USA | |
| SUPrents | $199.00 / 3days ($66.33/day) | Shipping | Shipping is free of charge anywhere in the US (lower 48 states). | |
| eCARVE | $15.00/hour (2h min) | Florida | 5707 Main St. New Port Richey, FL 34652 | |
| San Diego Onewheel Rentals | $79.00/day (8 hours) | California | San Diego Liberty Station Park or Delivery available | Lesson and Safety Gear Included |
| Kingston Wheeling | $100/day (24 hours) | ONTARIO, CANADA | 1407 JOHN COUNTER BLVD. KINGSTON, ONTARIO, CANADA | |
| Colorado Onewheel Rentals | $75/day | Colorado | Buena Vista, Colorado 719-966-5233 Vail, Colorado 970-471-8491 | Helmet included |
| My Michigan Roots | $99.00 /day | Michigan | 126 River St. Elk Rapids, MI 49629 | Damage Protection option is available* |
| Rent Eboards | $59-100/day | Austin, Beaumont, Destin, DFW, Galveston, Houston, Nashville, San Antonio, San Diego | Free 30min Lesson, Safety Gear. Helmets are required and provided Knee, elbow, & wrist protective equipment. Flat Rate:+$10 |
What to think about when renting an Onewheel
There are a couple of things to think about and take into consideration before renting an Onewheel. This goes for both new and experienced riders.
Safety gear and personal protection.
It’s important to use personal protection and safety gear when riding the board. Most companies will include a helmet in your rental agreement, I would recommend you to if you have wristguards at home and/or knee-elbow pads to bring them. For inspiration here is my list of gear I use when I commute and my recommendation of the best gloves for Onewheel if you decide to purchase a board down the line.
Insurance and Damage Protection.
It’s important to look into your insurance and I would buy the added damage protection package if it’s something you need to pay extra for. Read up on the specific provider, typical adding damage protection covers your Onewheel rental against accidental damage and normal wear and tear under normal riding conditions. Like scuffs, dings, and scratches from riding the board and dismounting.
Damage protection usually does not cover theft or loss or water damage or sand damage. So keep the board in line of sight.
Range of Onewheel Models: Choosing the Right Fit for You
When considering an Onewheel, it’s essential to be aware of the various models available, each catering to different preferences and riding styles. Two prominent models in the Onewheel lineup are the Onewheel Pint and the Onewheel XR.
- Onewheel Pint:
- Compact and Agile: The Pint is known for its compact design, making it more maneuverable in tight spaces. This makes it an excellent choice for urban commuting or riders who prefer a nimble and agile board.
- Shorter Range: The Pint generally has a shorter range compared to its counterpart, making it suitable for shorter commutes or recreational rides.
- Ideal for Beginners: Its user-friendly design and slightly lower speed range make the Pint an ideal choice for beginners looking to ease into the Onewheel experience.
- Onewheel XR:
- Extended Range: The XR, or “Extended Range,” lives up to its name by offering a longer battery life, providing riders with an extended range per charge. This makes it suitable for longer journeys or those who plan to use it for commuting purposes.
- Higher Speed Capability: With a higher top speed compared to the Pint, the XR caters to riders seeking a more exhilarating experience and those covering longer distances.
- Versatile Terrain Handling: The XR is designed to handle a variety of terrains, making it well-suited for riders who want to explore beyond smooth pavements and venture onto rougher paths.
Beginner tips for riding an Onewheel.
It’s recommended to take a look at the basics before riding an Onewheel. Some renting partners will include a short lesson and instructions before renting. If you get your board shipped I recommend you to go to my Beginner tips of Riding an Onewheel before you jump onto the board. There are also good videos on Future Motions Inc. homepage, Basic Operation.
The most important thing to learn is to safely dismount the board. An improper dismount with the footpad still activated can lead to strained muscles or even broken bones when the board launches away from your feet. There is also a risk of hitting a bystander or car.
