Choosing the Right Onewheel: A Comprehensive Buying Guide

Oskar Fällman

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Which Onewheel should I buy

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on Onewheel boards, the revolutionary electric boards that are transforming personal transportation. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned rider, our article provides in-depth insights into the different Onewheel models – Pint, Pint X, XR, GT, and the powerful GT S-Series. We delve into their unique features, performance, and suitability for various riding styles and environments.

From budget-friendly options to high-performance machines, we’ve got you covered. So, gear up and let’s explore the exciting world of Onewheel boards together! Remember, the right board can elevate your riding experience to new heights. Happy reading!

Quick Summary of the Different Onewheel Models:

  1. Onewheel Pint: This is a good entry-level board for someone with a lower budget or just starting out. It has a range of 6-8 miles. However, it’s not recommended for longer rides due to its limited range.
  2. Onewheel XR: As of late 2021, this model is being discontinued. Future Motion will still carry spare parts, but it’s recommended to look into the Pint X or GT if you need more range or power.
  3. Onewheel Pint X: This is essentially a Pint with an extended range (12-18 miles) thanks to the XR battery. It’s slightly heavier than the Pint due to the larger battery. This model is great for city riding.
  4. Onewheel GT: This is the ultimate machine for trail riding or long-distance rides. It has a completely new powertrain and battery, increasing the available power by 50% and the range to 20-32 miles. This model is ideal for off-road trail riding or exploring.
  5. Onewheel GT S-Series: This is a powerhouse, perfect for those who crave more power and speed. It’s ideal for pro riders, speed addicts, and weekend warriors alike. However, it comes with a higher price tag of $3,200, so it’s a significant investment. If you’re looking for a fun, safe, and powerful ride, the GTS might be the right choice for you.

Each model suits different types of riders, so the best one for you depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re a city rider, the Pint X might be the best fit. If you’re into trail riding or long-distance rides, the GT could be the right choice. If you’re just starting out or on a budget, the Pint could be a great option.

Onewheel Pint – the Budget Option

Onewheel Pint riding on pavement

For the price-sensitive person or someone wanting to start riding with a lower budget, the Pint is a good board and the one I have personally. The Pint has a disadvantage when compared to the two other options with the lack of range. The Pint has a range of 6-8 miles, which is something I can confirm too.

As I state in my 1-year review of the Pint I usually ride it to work, ~3 miles one way, with a bit above 50% left. Charging the board at work before going home in the afternoon. I don’t recommend anyone riding the board below 10%. You are increasing the risk of a nosedive.

If you are looking for a good entry board and will not ride longer rides, then the Onewheel Pint is a great option.

Don’t get the Onewheel XR in 2021

I would not recommend anyone in late 2021 or later get a Onewheel XR, the XR is getting discontinued. Future Motion has stated that they will carry spare parts, still, I would look into the Onewheel Pint X if you need the range in a smaller package or the Onewheel GT for the ultimate shred machine.

Onewheel Pint X – The long-range Pint

Onewheel Pint X

The X stands for eXtended range. The Onewheel Pint X is an Onewheel Pint with the XR battery giving it the increased range everyone has been asking for. The range of the Pint X is 12-18 miles. The downside is the slightly larger battery increasing weight. The Onewheel Pint is 27 lbs making it 4 lbs heavier than the pint.

Here is a full comparison between the Pint X and Pint.

EXTENDED RANGESPEED BOOSTTAKE IT TO GO
Get up to 18 miles on a single charge. Freedom feels good.Pound for pound the people’s champ. At 18 mph Pint X packs a punch.Small enough to fit anywhere. Built-in maghandle to grip and rip.

To summarise Future Motion Inc. decided to increase the front bumper to match the bigger battery, this is only cosmetics and will decrease the clearance of the board. An easy fix is to change the front bumper to either a stock Onewheel Pint or if you want fangs, the Fangs 2.0 for Land-Surf. They are fully compatible with the Pint X and here is my review of the Fangs 2.0 on my Pint.

The larger battery comes at a price, increasing the base model to $1400.

The Onewheel Pint and Pint X are both nimble machines that shine in the city traffic and curving down pavements. The smaller wheel and rounder profile makes turning easier and quicker than the old Onewheel XR or the larger Onewheel GT.

Onewheel GT – The adventurer

Onewheel GT hillside

If you are looking for the ultimate machine for trail riding or long-distance rides then the Onewheel GT is the right board for you. The Onewheel GT is the latest evolution of boards coming from Future Motion Inc. It packs a completely new powertrain and battery increasing the available power by 50%, going from 2 to 3 horsepower.

A quantum leap in Onewheel performance.

Also, the upgraded cells will at the same time increase the range of the board to 20-32 miles. From experience, most riders would feel it in their legs if riding this long, even if you are taking pauses. Still, this really enables some good trail riding and exploring the outdoors.

With the Onewheel Pint, you are stuck and you can’t ride that far until you need to plan your way back. With the GT the possibilities of places to go to increase.

Onewheel GT

Another added benefit of the GT, which comes at a price, is the possibility of getting a threaded tire from the manufacturer. Installing an aftermarket tire will void the warranty of the board. As stated above for me the GT is a trail/off-road board and I recommend anyone to buy the board with the threaded option.

For a better breakdown of the threaded or slick check out my full comparison, Onewheel GT Threaded vs Slick Tire.

Onewheel GT S-Series – The Powerhouse

The Onewheel GT S-Series, often referred to as the GTS, is a significant upgrade from the GT model, offering a substantial increase in power. The GTS uses a 27s1p cell configuration, which means it has 27 cells in series in a single parallel configuration. This setup allows for more voltage output but at the cost of a 20% range loss over the GT. Despite this, the GTS still offers a respectable range of 16-25 miles.

Onewheel GT S-Series
Onewheel GT S-Series

The most notable feature of the GTS is its power. It boasts a 54% increase in power over the GT, which is almost 80% more than the XR model. This added power is noticeable at all speed ranges and can contribute to better performance, especially at higher speeds2.

The GTS is also slightly lighter than the GT, shedding 2 lbs primarily due to the batteries. This makes it a great option for those who prioritize power and speed over range.

The Onewheel GT S-Series is a powerhouse, perfect for those who crave more power and speed. It’s ideal for pro riders, speed addicts, and weekend warriors alike. However, it comes with a higher price tag of $3,200, so it’s a significant investment. If you’re looking for a fun, safe, and powerful ride, the GTS might be the right choice for you.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the right Onewheel model is crucial for getting the experience that’s right for you considering your price point. Whether you opt for the budget-friendly Onewheel Pint, the long-range capabilities of the Pint X, the trailblazing adventures with the Onewheel GT, or the powerhouse performance of the GT S-Series, each model caters to diverse rider preferences.

Navigate the urban landscape effortlessly with the nimble Pint, conquer trails with the robust GT, or embrace the GTS for an exhilarating blend of power and speed. As the Onewheel XR bids farewell, consider the evolving options tailored to your needs.

Enhance your commute, explore new terrains, or revel in the thrill of speed – the Onewheel range offers something for everyone. Make an informed decision based on your riding style and preferences, ensuring an electrifying journey with your Onewheel companion. Ride into the future of personal transportation with confidence and style.

About Oskar Fällman

Oskar Fällman, founder of FallmanTech, is a seasoned Onewheel rider and a visionary system engineer with a master's in Industrial Management and Engineering from Lunds University. With thousands of miles under his belt, Oskar combines technical expertise with a passion for technology and innovation. As a leader in the Onewheel community, he not only rides Onewheel's but also prioritizes safety, new innovations and the growth of the sport. As a system engineer he also holds a multiple patents and innovations. LinkedIn, Academia profile, Contact, Twitter, Patents.