One of the most common issues is that the Onewheel footpad sensor is not working or engaging properly. This can be shown in a different type of ways. Are you having any of the following problems with your Onewheel? Then read this article on how to fix it.
- Spontaneously shutdown when moving at slow speeds, forward or backward
- It frequently fails to engage the motor when mounting the board
- Throws error message while riding: “Alarm – Foot pad sensor: You have been off one footpad for more than 10 sec. while riding 5.5 MPH – please be careful not to deactivate the footpads while riding!
Alarm – Foot pad sensor
The alarm foot pad sensor, you have been off one of the two footpad zones is common on all Onewheel, from the XR, Pint, and Pint X to the new GT and GT S-Series. Still, it has been getting more common from the Pint because of the protective film over the sensor zones.
Footpad Sensor Zones
The Onewheel is using two pressure sensors on the lead foot to detect the rider and engage the motor. A common problem with low-weight riders or depending on the shoes is that the board loses the signal on one of the sensors. Changing shoes makes a big difference and many riders use skater shoes like Vans to fix this problem. If changing shoes doesn’t work or you want to ride in your favorite shoes here is how to fix it.
Fixing Sensor Problem Without Changing Shoes Or Riding Stance.
The fix is to install some small foam/felt pieces normally used as furniture feet to hinder scratches on the floor. These foam feet can be found in black color to match the grip tape. The foam pieces are easily compressed and will give a small pressure point on the sensors from your feet.
They will not result in any discomfort or impact on the riding feel of the board.
How to install foam feet
- Turn on your board mount up, and ride a couple of meters to get comfortable with your stance.
- Mark, photo, or remember your riding stance and how your leading foot is located over the sensor.
- Dismount and power down the board
- Install a couple of foam pads where your feet are sitting on both sides of the sensor.
Changing Shoes
The shoes will be the interface between you as a rider and the board, applying the pressure to activate the front pad sensor making the board move. Changing shoes can help the issue by activating the foot pad sensor. The goal is to get flat-sole shoes like VANs or Nike – SB Here is a complete guide to the best shoes for Onewheel
The key feature of skate shoes is that the sole is wide, especially around the heel & toes. The wide sole helps stabilize your foot and get you what riders call, being locked in.
Now when you are ready to float again remember to be padded up so you don’t miss any more days because of road rash or even worse, here is what I use every day when I commute to work!
