So you’re thinking about buying a Onewheel and want to make sure it’s right for you? There are many videos and articles that talk about the challenges and risks with riding a Onewheel. We are here to break down fact from fiction and clear up the misinformation out there.
To begin with, Future Motion believes you should ride at least 100 miles before no longer considering yourself a beginner. Trying to go too fast too quickly is just one of the common mistakes for new users. Today, we will take a look at 8 common Onewheel mistakes so that new riders can avoid mishaps and get the very most out of their Onewheel experience.
- Nosediving
Each Onewheel model provides a groundbreaking riding experience, but every machine has its limits. To help protect riders from pushing the Onewheel beyond its capabilities, the nose of the board will lift to help slow the rider down. This is what rider’s call a nosedive, but it’s actually a Pushback warning. If the rider ignores the Pushback warning and leans forward, they can eventually overpower the board resulting in a nosedive.
Fortunately, all a rider needs to do is lean backward when they experience Pushback, which will help decelerate the board to a speed within the board’s safe operating limit. The common scenarios in which a rider can push past pushback and nosedive are when a rider is going faster than the speed limit of the board, or when a rider accelerates suddenly with all of their weight. Every rider needs to take time to understand the limits of the board in different Digital Shaping modes and different riding scenarios. We would recommend getting a feel for Pushback while in the introductory Digital Shaping setting on each respective board.
- Looking Down
When you start your first rides, it’s tempting to look down at the board. It’s important to keep your sight line on where you want to go, instead of the ground below you. This will give you more stability and help you steer when you start to learn to turn.
- Going Too Fast Too Quickly
It’s tempting to get on your new board and see how fast it goes. That would be a mistake. It’s incredibly important to take the time to learn how your Onewheel works at low speeds before pushing it. Just as you wouldn’t go down a black diamond run on your first time snowboarding, new riders certainly should not be in the most advanced Digital Shaping settings pushing the board to its highest speeds.
- Forgetting to Practice Dismounting
The dismount is the most technical element of riding a Onewheel. It requires practice and muscle memory to do the classic ‘heel lift’ dismount technique properly. A new rider can always have ‘Simple Stop’ engaged through a setting in the Onewheel App which allows a rider to dismount by simply leaning backwards to set the board down. Before cruising out on the streets, a new rider should also master the emergency ‘jump off’ dismount technique. This is when a rider simply hops off with both feet. It’s important to practice all of the dismount techniques to become a confident rider.
Don't miss out on any breaking news or insightful opinions!
Subscribe to our free newsletter and stay updated on the go!
By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Global Banking & Finance Review. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email.
- Not Wearing Safety Gear
New riders are going to fall. It’s part of the learning curve. The good news is that new riders won’t be riding at a speed where they are putting themselves in any real danger. Still, Onewheel riders should have at least a good helmet and knee pads. Riding without any protective gear early on is reckless.
- Only Riding on Pavement
One of the best ways to improve as a Onewheel rider is to travel on all types of terrain. The Onewheel performs magnificently on concrete, grass, up and down ramps, on bumpy roads and asphalt. Each different terrain provides a unique riding experience. By mixing up the terrain traveled, Onewheel riders advance their skill levels because they build muscle memory that allows them to enter a flow state as opposed to having to consciously think about reacting to each riding situation. The more time spent practicing, the better a Onewheel rider will become.
- Buying Too Many Accessories
Purchasing the Onewheel brings a ton of excitement. When a person is hyped about adding Onewheel riding into their daily routine, they can overdo it by buying accessories before they know what they actually need. There are a ton of Onewheel accessories available, but many are overpriced and unnecessary for riders that are not advanced in their riding skills. New owners who do want to purchase accessories should consider accessories that offer an added layer of protection to their Onewheel board like rail guards or float plates.
- Getting Discouraged Too Easily
Experienced Onewheel owners will always encourage new riders to stick with it. The sensation of riding a Onewheel is incredible and it really takes 100 miles before you stop feeling like a beginner. It is well worth the learning curve. No one should let a fall during their first ride stop them from hopping back on. It will get easier, and then it’s just pure joy ahead.