Onewheel vs Electric Skateboard: Guide to choose right one

Transporters and rides powered by electric motors have brought a whole new level of freedom to outdoor recreation. In addition to the convenience skateboarding brings, people are now looking for fun factors that electric skateboards and Onewheel bring. Having trouble choosing between Onewheel vs Electric Skateboard and looking to upgrade from simple skateboarding to an electric one, you’ve come to the right place.

As a skateboarder, you know how skateboarding and electric gears have revolutionized in recent years. Onewhwheel and electric skateboards have their streams of likenesses and contrasts. Inclusively, it is more than skateboard vs electric skateboard; now, you need to have a solid reason for choosing one over another.

This comprehensive comparison will correspond to and analyze all the necessary factors. The complete features analysis of both Onewheel and Electric skateboards to provide the final verdict on Onewheel vs electric skateboard to choose one. So, before choosing the one – read this for once.

Onewheel vs Electric Skateboard: Everything You Need to Know

If you are a skateboarder or a novice, you need to know certain factors significantly impacting the skateboard ride. We have used both boards to get the best verdict on all the features and aspects that make your decision-making easy. Let’s go for a detailed weighing up of these gears.

Weight and Portability Comparison of Onewheel and E Skateboard

For me, the weight of the gear is significant, and it does influence my buying habits.

Onewheel

When I unboxed the Onewheel Pint, it was pretty hefty, and usually, the Onewheels weigh around 20 to 26lbs. Evidently, the weight increases when you get the larger battery, thicker rails, and large wheel.

Electric skateboard

Similarly, the electric skateboards are also heavier but not heavier than Onewheel. My Meepo V4 shuffle weighs around 20lbs, and other electric boards weigh around 15lbs to 22lbs normally, but it varies according to the needs and battery sizes. In general, less weight is directly proportional to portability. The more weight of the electric gear will be left home while traveling.

Winner: When it comes to portability, the Electric skateboard stays on top because of its lightweight.

You can have a look at best electric skateboard for kids

Ease of Use/ Learning Curve Comparison

OneWheel learning curve and usage

When I rode on the Onewheel, the first thought that came to my mind was that I would have worn my safety guards. Luckily, after a few wobbles and pushbacks, I settled on it. If I had to conclude, I would say that it was not a breeze. There was a great learning curve in adjusting to the balance, and it could be hugely risky if you do not wear safety gear at the start.

Electric Skateboard learning curve and usage

On the other hand, the electric skateboard is relatively easy to handle and balance. You have all the controls in your hand (ESC- Electronic Speed Controller) that help you adjust the speed. In addition to the ESC, the trucks will bear the shocks and keep the skateboard flow.

Winner: Learning Curve winner is Electric Skateboard because of ease of use and less fear of falling and injury.

Have a look at some of the cheapest electric skateboards available in the market.

Onewheel vs Electric Skateboard Speed

The board’s speed matters a lot because more speed brings more convenience and saves time.

OneWheel Speed

The Onewheel Pint only goes up to 16 mph; that is quite a speed. Surprisingly, the XR goes around 19-20 mph, which makes it one of the suitable choices for fun enthusiasts riders.

Electric Skateboards Speed

Likewise, electric skateboards are lighter and possess less battery weight and thinner rails. It makes them a little faster than the Onewheel, which is quite a competitor. The electric skateboards fall around 18mph to 29 mph in general, in the case of my MEEPO V4.

Winner: Electric Skateboards are lighter and Faster.

Battery Life/ Range Comparison of OneWheel vs Electric Skateboard

In electric boards, the essential feature is the battery life. When you have a better battery life, you can commute more conveniently without charging again and again.

OneWheel Range and Battery Life

In the case of Onewheel, my Pint’s battery life or range was 5-6 miles, but when I upgraded to the GT, I was able to push the range up to 20-32 miles overall. You can drag it to 35 miles on straight roads with less maneuverability, curving, and avoiding terrain.

Electric skateboard Range and Battery life

On the flip side, the electric skateboard Meepo goes only 11 miles. But when talking inclusively, the skateboards go to about 26 miles and the maximum about 40 miles. With the lightweight, effortless control and better braking, it still prevails better than Onewheel.

Winner: With the advent of modern batteries, both electric boards are impressively capable of standing in the factor- so for me, it is a Tie.

Charging Time Comparison of OneWheel and Electric Skateboard

Undoubtedly, charging time is a significant factor in choosing your ride.

Onewheel Charging Time

The Onewheel usually takes about 225 minutes to charge fully; that is a substantial time. It needed to charge for almost 4 hours if I had to hit the road- exhausting, that I don’t like about the Onewheel.

Electric Skateboards Charging Time

Conversely, Electric skateboards use efficient technologies to reduce the charging time to the shortest. My skateboard usually takes about 30 minutes to charge fully; that allows me to charge at any place for half an hour to skate again.

Winner: Electric skateboards dominate the Onewheel completely in Charging Time.

Controls of Onewheel vs Electric Skateboard

Onewheel Controls

You learn driving ins and outs before even driving a car. The same is the case with Onewheel; you need to learn balance and control how to stand on it and turn on the motor. You need to calibrate yourself on the pressure sensors to start the Onewheel after pushing the power button properly.

Tip: Don’t be in contact with pressure sensors while powering it on.

Just place your left foot on the back and right on the front side and hit the road. The central aspect is How to control the movements, speed, and brakes. At this point, you need to learn  that if you:

• Heel lift of the back foot dismount – it breaks the connection 
• Pushback – Nose up and tail down to slow down the Onewheel
• Push forward or nose down to accelerate.

Onewheel does help you take pictures and use cameras while riding to record videos and look cool to your peers.

Electric Skateboard Controls

You get the wireless ECS that manages the control appropriately in the electric skateboard scenario. It means everything is under your hand’s control. Just speed up by pushing the button and slow down when you need to. Additionally, it is straightforward to balance on the flat skate compared to a hump wheel on the Onewheel.

Tidbit: You need to charge both the remote or ECS and electric skateboard separately, and if the remote battery dies, you are on your own.

Winner: The winner of the controls is Electric Skateboard, as I feel it takes quite an expertise and practice to master the Onewheel.

Rough Roads Experience of OneWheel vs Skateboard

Not all roads are smooth and straight. While on the skateboard, you can experience cracks, bumps, and different terrains with grass and even pits.

OneWheel Rough Roads Experience

Thanks to Onewheel, which has the durability and power to easily take on these terrains and make me feel like a regular ride.

Electric Skateboard Rough Roads Experience

On the opposite side, the electric skateboard is quite long-lasting, but I can not put my motor in danger when it comes to terrain and pits. You can use specific Offroad Electric Skateboard for such purposes, but they are still notwithstanding terrains like Onewheel.

Winner: The terrain winner is for sure Onewheel for its endurance.

Maneuverability – Clearance or Tight turns Comparison

OneWheel

In this factor, the Onewheel is not that efficient when it comes to clearance and tight turns; I always feel tiny nicks and bumps while taking tight turns that leave nudges and marks on the board. Onewheel vs electric skateboard commuting, one wheel does wonders and is fascinating. It helps you carve freely but don’t forget about the balance and expertise here.

Electric Skateboard

Electric skateboards are for carving and moving freely. The trucks and long nexus angle to turn around to make it a little less agile in maneuverability. And when we discuss sharp and tight turns, the electric skateboards are much better than Onewheel.

Winner: Onewheel stands up, and electric skateboards stand tall for tight turns in maneuverability.

Onewheel vs Electric Skateboard Safety Factor

If you don’t wear safety gear, you are always vulnerable to injuries, whether it’s Onewheel or Electric Skateboards.

OneWheel Safety

In the scenario of Onewheel, there is more of a learning curve in it, and you need to understand the balancing technique. It takes pretty much time to adjust the pushbacks entirely, and I did fall for 2 or 3 times. But after complete practice, it became a breeze.

Electric Skateboard Safety

On the other hand, the four wheels bring more balance and fewer chances of falling or head blasts. You can easily manage the riding, and with a bit of a learning curve, they are much safer than Onewheel.

Winner: For safety factors, we put Electric skateboards way safer because of ECS and no pushbacks.

Water-resistance/Waterproofing of Onewheel vs Electric Skateboard

Is Onewheel waterproof?

These questions are mostly asked, and people are interested to know about this fact. No, Onewheel is not waterproof, but it does come with water resistance and the ability to withstand rainy weather, but you need to take care of the electric device that can ruin your board completely.

Electric Skateboard Waterproofing

Electric skateboards submerged underwater at 30 meters for 30 minutes are rated P68 for waterproofness. As far as I know, this rating does not apply to electric skateboards. But some skateboards resist water, and you can also use them in rain and snow.

Tip: Don’t ever charge your skateboard or Onewheel while they are wet.

Winner: It is a tie. Both are electric boards and are water-resistant.

Fun Factor of Electric Skateboard and Onewheel

Both devices are for one purpose, and that is fun. What makes a skateboard lovable and perfect? It is how much you enjoy riding on it.

Level of fun on Onewheel

Onewheel with all the control by the just movement of your body, no hands are bound to hold ECS, lets you free and feel the authentic vibe of fun. You can more freely enjoy the carving and tricks on it. 

Level of fun on skateboard

At the same time, electric skateboards are fun too. You can skate all around town and go for a hill climb, and if the battery gets down or trailing back, you can use it as a simple skateboard. 

Winner: Onewheel is the winner because it is a new trend, and people get excited by watching to skate, and you feel different.

Customization – Third-Party Accessories

How do you customize your board? I did buy a DIY fender and placed my favorite Marvel sticker on it.

Onewheel customization

You will get different options to customize Onewheel because of its thick and hefty rail that provides space for handles, Flight Fins, float sidekicks – heavy-duty rail protection, Fangs, and Onewheel Stand for Trunk.

The third-party accessories of one wheel are expensive and can cost you a considerable fortune. If you need such tools and accessories, then buy; otherwise, don’t.

Electric skateboard customization

While electric skateboards win with the margin, I recently bought rear LED lights for my MEEPO V4. You can get the Sling Shoulder Carrier and Deck guards for nose and tail protection, Wall hanger, Stickers for fancy helmets, backpacks, remote straps, and many more options. Moreover, if you are an enthusiast, you can go for DIY Electric Skateboards, which is not easy with Onewheel.

Winner: The winner of the customization factor is an electric skateboard because of the various accessories readily available.

Electric Skateboard and OneWheel Price Factor

One of the most considerable comparisons is the price factor.

Price of OneWheel

When it comes to the price of the Onewheel, I must say it is heavily expensive, conforming to what it provides. It is a skateboard and has functions quite similar to the other electric skateboards. They can go up to $2000 and more.

Price of Electric Skateboard

The electric skateboards come in a variety of price ranges. Some are up to more than $2k, but most boards come under $1k, a vast margin electric skateboard provides.

Winner: Undoubtedly, Electric skateboards are the clear winner because of their affordability.

Maintenance Comparison of OneWheel and Electric Skateboard

Onewheel Maintenance

Onewheel is usually confined to everything in the hub, and you get less maintenance and repairing open spaces. But, still, you need to Check the Screws and Bolts, handle Bearing protection, need to grease, look for tire wear, or you may need to Change Grip Tape.

Electric skateboard Maintenance

In the case of electric skateboards, you have to look for trucks, tires, batteries, screws, bolts, remote assessment, and many other things. Moreover, you may look for bearings, pulley, grip, debris, and check for motor belts. In the off-roads, it brings more maintenance and repair issues, so in the One Wheel vs Off-Road Skateboard, the one wheel prevails.

Winner: With fewer maintenance needs, the Onewheel stands on top.

Onewheel vs Electric Skateboard: Design Comparison

The Onewheel and electric skateboards positively change electric boards and rides. Here we will discuss the design factor that hugely impacts the riding experience, and let’s see who is the winner in this feature.

Onewheel Design

It comes with a bigger hub motor that makes it powerful and robust. With the advent of motor technology, everybody wants more comfort, less pain in the knees, and more stability.

The larger motor and bigger motor could be potentially dangerous when there is less air between you and the road. So, choose one with a smaller hub to bring more stability while riding on the terrains and off-road.

The tires are usually smaller and rounder, depending on the hub’s battery and motor. Additionally, there are more expansive stances and concave-shaped footpads for more stability and dealing with gravity.

Electric Skateboards Design

These skateboards work typically as ordinary boards but with additional motors and batteries, their whole systematic design changes. A motor underneath the deck alongside the battery that runs the motor.

Mainly the shape of the boards is concave. There is a specific order in which the tires should be placed to support the load. The trucks manage the carving and maneuvering on the roads and terrains.

A dc power source battery is at the core of the design. Two-wheelers have motors attached to the front wheels. The attached wheel rotates along with the motor, creating motion for the vehicle.

Winner: Electric skateboard is a winner because it is designed to prevent you from falling and getting injured, meaning they are stable, durable, and perform well.

Concluding Comparison of Onewheel vs Electric Skateboard

Several features make the Electric skateboard stand on top, like less price, customization, and control. Still, when it comes to fun, rough terrains, and resistance, the Onewheel stands above the electric skateboards. We have tested both gears in the intense terrains, climbing, even in bad weather, both boards are top-of-the-line.

A Onewheel is a better choice than a skateboard if you like to feel free. If I had to choose one for myself, I would go for the best electric skateboard because of its safety and portability at its low cost.