14 DAY TRIAL // Unicycles may not be appealing to everyone, but they are nonetheless used by quite a few people, especially in cities where the traffic is so horrible that you can't hope to arrive in time for work if you take your car, or even a bus ride.
Knowing this, a team of designers created the Ninebot One monowheel, a seatless unicycle with the ability to actively balance itself.
You're probably familiar with the concept of unicycle: a vehicle that uses a single wheel to move you around, provided your balance is good enough that you can actually sit on the lone seat above it.
Monowheels are unicycles with machinery inside, as well as a battery or some other kind of power supply. It's what allows them to act semi-independently.
The Ninebot One can balance itself
This particular monowheel can tilt left or right depending on how badly you sway in this or that direction. It's a good way to compensate for a less than stellar sense of balance.
The monowheel is somewhat awkward to ride, but all such things usually are. Especially when you pass by people who have it in them to openly gawk. Which is most of them.
The Ninebot One can reach a speed of 12 mph / 19 kph and can last for up to 12-18 miles, or around 30 kilometers.
It lacks a seat, meaning that you have to stand upright, your feet on the two platforms near the bottom. Quite frankly, this may actually make you look less ridiculous than if there was one available. You still won't look as cool as if you were riding a skateboard instead, though.
Then again, the Ninebot One does look pretty great compared to other monowheels, quite elegant in fact, with its clean and white outer design.
How to ride the Ninebot One
Once you get both feet up (no small task), you have to lean forward to start, lean back to stop, not to mention steer with your feet. Tip too far too fast and you might end up kissing the pavement.
All in all, it's pretty awkward to use, especially in the beginning. Still, if you like a challenge, learning to ride it might be just what the doctor ordered.
Availability and pricing
The 15 kg / 28 pound Ninebot One monowheel has a price of $799 / €641, but copycats can be found for $200 / €160. While not as “safe” to be seen on as a bike, the product nonetheless looks nice and is small enough to shove under your desk to recharge while you're at work or a friend's house.
