It is hard to imagine, but it has been as much as 14 years since Dean Kamen presented his development, which many predicted an unprecedented success and the accomplishment of the transport revolution. Did not happen. The uniaxial "standing" Segway electric scooter did not become a mass product. There are many reasons for this, and the unfamiliarity of this mode of movement played a significant role. Many years have passed since then, Segway was bought by the Chinese and continues to produce scooters of the same name.

Naturally, businessmen from the South-East soon offered their options for segways, already under different brands. And the name itself has become a household name for this type of vehicle. And though Segway products did not become world-wide in demand, but it is a pioneer who shaped the image of a uniaxial electric scooter in the mass consciousness - and at the same time paved the track for a not-so-massive, but separate market. And today we want to talk about two interesting models of uniaxial electric scooters that slowly but steadily penetrate cities, offering an alternative to bicycles.

Both devices are manufactured by the Chinese company Inmotion. This is a fairly strong manufacturer, producing quite high-quality products. In particular, we will consider their segway with small diameter wheels and the so-called monowheel. Moreover, both devices have their own interesting features.

Monowheel Inmotion V3

Main characteristics

• Speed: 18 km / h
• Load: 120 kg
• Cruising range: 25 km
• Max. rise angle: 18 degrees
• Dimensions: 420 x 515 x 178 mm
• Wheel Size: 14 ''
• Weight (without packaging): 13.5 kg
• Max. load: 120 kg
• Price - 60 000 rubles

This device is known in the world as Inmotion V3. Don't let the term “unicycle” bother you - the wheels are two, they are simply located very close to each other. If you want, you can call it one, but a wide wheel. This solution gives the device better stability. V3 is easy to learn, you can quite confidently move after 15-20 minutes of practice. Not masterly, of course, but quite understanding how to do it.







Soft inserts are located on the sides to make the calves comfortable, the steps are corrugated and the soles do not slide on them. The unicycle is equipped with small headlights and rear signal lights. For ease of transportation, a retractable handle is provided with which the device can be transported like a suitcase on wheels. At the same time, V3 automatically holds the vertical application and goes to where you direct it.



Also on the side is the touch panel and a connector for the charger. To charge the V3, it is enough to have access to the most common 220 V outlet. If necessary, you can use it through the converter to the car cigarette lighter. A full charge of the battery lasts for 25 kilometers. In most cases, this is enough to get to the place of work. And many users do not even have to recharge the V3 for the return trip.





V3 has a top speed of 18 km / h. Pretty interesting feeling, despite not the highest speed performance. The maximum load is 120 kg. Do not pay attention to the fact that the V3 looks pretty fragile, this is a deceptive impression. Even at maximum load, the dynamics of the monowheel does not change. Stability on the road is good, dynamics and maneuvering are smooth, but fast, the reaction to a change in the center of gravity of the rider is vigorous.





The manufacturer equipped the V3 with a rather funny function - a Bluetooth module and a speaker, thanks to which the monowheel can helpfully play your favorite music broadcast from a smartphone. On the other hand, it is not surprising that some motorcycles have built-in acoustics.

Segway Inmotion R2

Main characteristics

• Speed: 15 km / h
• Load: 120 kg
• Cruising range: 30 km
• Max. rise angle: 24 degrees
• Dimensions: 460 x 490 x 1440 mm
• Wheel Size: 200mm
• Weight (without packaging): 16.5 kg
• Max. load: 120 kg
• Price - 140 000 rubles

This is a more familiar device. Inmotion R2 has just entered production, and it is only possible to purchase it by pre-order. This is a purely urban model, small wheels practically do not allow the use of R2 in nature. On the other hand, the device turned out to be very compact.





As in the case of V3, the learning curve here is very steep, the device is ready for use almost out of the box.



The main control commands (choice of driving mode, turns) are given by tilting the steering column. In addition, the device is able to interact quite closely with mobile devices, however, a non-localized sample with limited functionality was provided for testing. In serial devices, the ability to fully control the segway directly from the smartphone will be implemented. It will also be possible to read and set the route by GPS coordinates, download device operation statistics and even search for other R2 located nearby. Both in V3 and V3, the Bluetooth module and speakers are built into the Segway. Also, the device is equipped with USB and microUSB connectors, so you can charge your gadgets directly from the Segway. Segway management mobile application is available in versions for Android and iOS.



We have not in vain mentioned the possibility of setting a route. Segway is able to independently adhere to it, while he determines the obstacles in his path and tries to go around them. The kit comes with an infrared remote control, which the Segway can follow inextricably, so that it can be used as a small cargo platform. If you intend to give R2 to your children, then you can program the boundaries for which he refuses to travel and just stops.





There are also headlights and side lights, and the device itself comes in different colors.



The handle is detached, not folded, which increases the convenience of transporting the segway in the trunk. If desired, it can be easily transferred if you are not confused by 16.5 kg of live weight. For comparison, a full segway with large wheels weighs under 50 kg.





The maximum speed is 15 km / h, the power reserve is 30 km. The battery charges to the eyeballs for three hours. Although patency is low, but you can learn how to freely manage R2 in a couple of minutes.

Conclusion

Despite user friendliness, compactness and unpretentiousness, both devices are unlikely to blow up the market. The reason for this is commonplace - cost. So far, the Segway and the unicycle are hardly a mass product. Nevertheless, with the growth of production volumes the price will fall - and the volumes will grow, we have no doubt about that. Of course, such devices will not succeed in crowding out bicycles, but they will occupy their niche.