The Onewheel GT is the latest board from Future Motion Inc., overtaking their old flagship model Onewheel XR. At first, glance what’s clear is that the new GT is both thicker and heavier than the XR. Let’s look under the hood, here is the breakdown of the differences and similarities between the Onewheel GT and XR.
Both boards are sold for people looking for big adventures, long commutes, and hitting the trails and off-road tracks.
Powerful, Rugged, Supremely Confident, Bold, Uncompromising, Fierce, Gritty, Earthy Top Note.
 Onewheel XR |  Onewheel GT | |
| Starting Price | $1,799 *discontinued | $2,300 |
| Range | 12-18 miles (19-29km) | 20-32 miles (32-52km) |
| Top Speed | 19mph (30km/h) | 20mph (32km/h) |
| 2hp max Power | 3hp max Power | |
| Motor: | 750W Hypercore® hub motor | 750W Hypercore® hub motor |
| Battery: | NMC: 18650 | NMC: 21700 |
| Charge Time | 110min | 200min |
| Tire | 11.5″ x 6.5-6″ Vega Square Profile | 11.5″ x 6.5-6.5″ Onewheel Round profile |
| Dimension | 9.5” x 29.5” | 9.5” x 29.5” |
| Weight | 27lbs | 35lbs |
| Footpads | Flat | Concave |
More Power
The GT is packing what looks like an 18s2 battery back giving a drastic increase of voltage compared to the 63V 15s2 18650 battery pack in the XR. The 21700 has a nominal voltage of 3.7V-4.2 depending on the charge level giving the board a good increase in the Voltage rating.
This is the reason for the increase in power, torque, and dynamic performance increase state by Future Motion Inc. The XR had a maximum power of two horsepower, the GT will deliver 50% with three horsepower as peak output.
It’s not only the increase in voltage, but the added cells. The additional cells enable the controller to pull more current without damaging the battery. The Voltage and Current drawn are what give the board the possibility to increase the power output to the motor. Both boards have the same 750W HyperCore motor, don’t get fooled by the motor rating. It’s not the motor that states the maximum power output of the board.
Power is voltage times current (P= V*I),
More Range
The increased range comes from the increase in capacity moving from 18650 to 21700 cells. The 21700 is slightly larger but can pack 3000 to 5000mAh, this is compared to standard 18650 batteries that have an mAH in the range from 2000 to 3500mAh.
The range is increased by ~30% corresponding to the updated cell capacity increase. This allows the user to ride up to 32mi/52km on a single charge, enabling almost a full day of riding without recharging the board.
More Control
One of the first things XR riders are doing is to change the back footpad for concave footpads. This allows for more control and a better locked-in feel. This now comes standard with the GT also including an updated grip tape that Future Motion Inc. is claiming to be grippier than compared to the old XR.
Tire
Another big change is the possibility of changing to a treaded tire from the start. If you plan to ride any off-road, which is where the XR and GT will shine, then a treaded tire is a must. During Floatfest there were a lot of people slipping on the muddy ground with their slicks where a treaded tire would have kept the traction to the ground.
The downside with the new Onewheel GT tire is its size, it’s 11.5″ x 6.5-6.5″ making it custom-made for Future Motion Inc. There are now a couple of aftermarket alternatives and you can also buy new official tires from their homepage.
Another update is the tire profile of the GT. It’s now a rounder feel allowing for a more carvy feel when compared to the XR. A lot of people have asked to get the carvability of the Pint in the XR body, this is the answer to this request. If you have an XR check out the Growler kit if you still want to get it without buying a new board.
Build Quality
The Onewheel GT is a step up in the build quality following the path of Onewheel Pint. We will see if it on paper will be more water-resistant than its predecessor.
The LED light is claimed to be 300% brighter.
Weight
The weight of the Onewheel GT is 35 lbs. It’s a large increase when compared with the XR of “only” 27 lbs. The added pounds are coming from the batteries and the needed increase of compartments to hold them.
Carrying The Board
The is a change in how you carry the board. The Onehweel GT comes with the premium aluminum Maghandle as a default addition to the board, allowing you to carry it as the Onehweel Pint. This is necessary as the board is heavier than the XR and the front handle would be cumbersome to use for a longer period.
Price
All the upgrades come at a cost, the Onewheel GT is starting at $2,300 compared to the $1,799 of the XR. Still, this is a good price with all the upgrades as range, concave footpads, and power. The Onewheel+ XR is now discontinued.
Conculsion
In conclusion, the Onewheel GT emerges as a powerful and robust electric board, surpassing its predecessor, the Onewheel XR. Packed with a 3hp max power and a 20-32 mile range, the GT’s performance enhancements stem from its upgraded 21700 battery pack, delivering increased voltage and current for superior dynamic performance.
The addition of concave footpads and enhanced grip tape provides riders with better control, addressing a common modification among XR users. Notably, the GT introduces a treaded tire option, perfect for off-road adventures, and boasts a rounder tire profile for a more carvy feel.
While the Onewheel GT comes at a higher starting price of $2,300, the investment brings a notable increase in build quality, brightness of LED lights, and an aluminum Maghandle for easier portability. With the Onewheel+ XR now discontinued, the GT stands as Future Motion Inc.’s bold and uncompromising flagship model, offering enthusiasts a thrilling and reliable riding experience. Explore more details about the Onewheel GT in our comprehensive post for an in-depth understanding of this earthy and gritty electric board.
Check this post if you are looking for more information about the Onehweel GT.
Check out the short review and test of the Onewheel GT done by Tyler James.
