· 4 min read
I've pack bonded with an electric unicycle: A true story
Exploring my journey with an electric unicycle and how its transformed my personal transportation.
I’ve pack bonded with an electric unicycle: A true story
Thousands of miles later, without a thought towards an upgrade
My primary mode of transportation is an Electric Unicycle, or EUC. In Chicago, I didn’t want to pay for a parking spot, especially with a hybrid work arrangement where the car could sit untouched for days. Riding an EUC daily has given me a unique perspective on the city’s connectivity and intermodal transport.
How I Discovered Electric Unicycles
Back in high school Segway announced the launch of its “Ninebot One” EUC. For some reason, despite living 12 miles outside of town and having a gravel driveway, my older brother made the investment into one. It was a gutless, volatile, and untrustworthy piece of equipment. However, Logan learned to ride it well enough to take it most anywhere he wanted. A few years later, my father’s impatience led him to not want to be forced to walk between the shop building and our house. Due to this he also picked up the skill of riding the Ninebot unicycle. Immediately after gaining proficiency, his evenings were spent browsing eWheels for a much-needed upgrade.
Why I Chose an Electric Unicycle
At this time I was in my freshman year of college at Colorado School of Mines. Living on campus and being able to walk from one side to the other in 10-15 minutes, and half of the school year doing it in snow, meant that I wasn’t overly interested in a one-wheeled deathtrap on hilly, ice-prone terrain. My sophomore year I moved off campus, and found out that a parking pass was just shy of $500, and even then the lots were still a 10 minute walk from my buildings. Not wanting the hassle of a bike, and being smart enough to not trust my life on an electric skateboard, I jumped on the EUC bandwagon.
My brothers and dad now all own at least one unicycle: Kingsong 18XL, Kingsong 16X, Kingsong 18S, and a NOSFET Aero
Features and Benefits
When my Kingsong 18XL showed up it was a good day. With ~60 miles of range, a top speed of 30 miles per hour, and weighing under 50 pounds I was set. Fast enough for some streets, perfect for bike lanes, and subtle enough to blend in on sidewalks. It felt purpose-built for urban navigation. The ability to ride up to the threshold and then extend the carry handle to walk it inside like a self-propelled suitcase was peak efficiency. Carrying it up staircases was easy, and riding it down staircases was an enjoyable challenge. Anywhere I went I could easily load the Kingsong in the back of a car and be on my merry way.
Implementation and Usage
The EUC became my primary mode of transportation to, from, and around campus for the rest of my time there. I spent my summers going around golf courses, taking the river trail up until it dead ends, and only charging on a bi-weekly basis, costing a total of 17¢ each charge.
After moving to Chicago for work I did not want the additional cost of insurance, gas, possible theft, and parking fees associated with having a vehicle. Chicago is known for its robust public transportation system, and I can speak to that firsthand. It is greatly improved through an EUC. There are adequate bike lanes allowing me to get from “the loop” (downtown) all the way to O’Hare International Airport with minimal actual roadway or sidewalk time. Due to this I can almost always beat the bus timing, and go directly to the train system. I live 1.03 miles from the closest Blue line stop, which can take me 0.55 miles from my work. On average I can be on the train platform in just over 7 minutes, and then after getting off I can be at my desk in 6 minutes. This saves me 30 minutes or more of walking every day. This unicycle is giving me precious time back, and helping me save money while doing it.
Analysis
The initial $2k price tag had me concerned. I offset that concern with the knowledge that I could replace any part, and that charging costs less than a quarter every 60 miles. I felt like the purchase was justifiable for a college student. Its quality of life improvement is hard to quantify, but I know I can confidently say it has been enormous.
Conclusion
After six years and thousands of miles, I’ve replaced two tires, a rim, and I still ride it daily. It has saved me time, money, and added a little adventure to the everyday. I’ve pack-bonded with this machine. I genuinely can’t imagine getting around without it.
