Riding on two or ... on one wheel!

Segways, gyrocycles and e-scooters allow you to travel short distances without causing fatigue. And although they are most often used by employees of shopping centers, they can turn out to be a convenient means of transport for everyone, e.g. during a stop at a large campsite.

These vehicles have not yet received one common name, despite the fact that they have a lot in common. Most of them have an electric drive, are intended for one user and allow for short-distance driving, usually at a maximum speed of approx. 20 km / h. They all seem to be an alternative not so much to a bicycle or a scooter, but to walking. So they can be especially useful where you do not want to tire your legs back and forth.

Although these types of vehicles have many similarities, it is impossible not to notice the differences. So let's take a look at a few models, immediately pointing out that this short review does not exhaust the topic, because the offer of versions available on the market is much wider.

The pioneer and his followers

Segway was created in the USA and from the very beginning it was presented as a vehicle that will revolutionize the way we move. However, although the platform on two large wheels went on sale in 2002, its success can be considered moderate at best. Experts point to several reasons, but the price seems to be the biggest problem. The basic i2 SE model in Poland costs about 27 thousand. zloty.

In currently produced models, the change of the direction of travel causes the steering rod to move left or right, which - according to the manufacturer - results from the body's natural tendency to tilt in the direction we want to go. We can travel up to 38 km on a single charge, reaching a maximum speed of 20 km / h. The sale also includes a model with all-terrain wheels and other variants, prepared for business use (e.g. in warehouses).

In 2015, Segway was taken over by Ninebot - a Chinese manufacturer of devices that are very similar, but also much cheaper. The Ninebot Mini device costs 4.5 thousand. PLN, and Ninebot E, which can be considered the equivalent of the American platform - 12.5 thousand. zloty.

The Polish answer to Segway is Torqway . However, this device is the only one in this comparison that uses muscle strength, not engine power. A vehicle is in motion when its user moves the joysticks forward and backward. Therefore, the manufacturer classifies its platform as a training device.

The Torqwayam, which weighs about 20 kg, can be driven at a speed of up to 12 km / h. In addition to the promotion, the device costs PLN 5,535.

An alternative for the brave

Ninebot One E is completely different from the vehicles described above. This device consists of one wheel, a small motor and footrests. In order to maintain balance on such a gyroscopic device, you need to practice a bit. You can start with riding with the use of attached small wheels (as in a children's bicycle). Apparently, an hour of testing is enough to do well with this unicycle.

The advantages of the device are its dimensions and weight. The 13 kg wheel is easy to take with you on the bus, so it works well when moving around the city. The range on a single charge can be up to 20 km, with charging taking up to two hours. The price is about PLN 3,900.

You can go wild

Electric scooters are actually a different topic, but they share mobility and the way they are used with the vehicles presented above. We can use the vehicle as an ordinary scooter, pushing off with our foot, or use the engine - mostly electric. The simplest e-scooters for adults do not differ much from children's e-scooters - they are usually just bigger. However, there are also some that can be mistaken for a bicycle or a scooter!

One of the more extensive models available on the Polish market is the SXT H800 EEC . Suffice it to say that this scooter has a saddle (can be removed), mirrors, disc brakes, shock absorbers, LED lighting (front and rear), as well as an LCD display that shows, among others the current speed and distance of the trip. The range of the device on a single charge is a maximum of 28 km. The engine allows you to travel at speeds of up to 32 km / h. Charging the battery takes 6-10 hours. The price is about PLN 4,000. zloty. The scooter can be conveniently folded.

Among the scooters, the Polish, but definitely niche product, Huler stands out . This scooter, which looks like a bicycle, is currently mainly made to individual orders.

On the Huler you can sit, stand or push back, just like on a regular scooter. The vehicle has a top speed of 45 km / h, but an electronic lock can be set between 5 and 45 km / h. Huler has an on-board computer with a display that shows data on cruise control, maximum speed, power used, operating time or battery charge status.

An example model displayed on Allegro (with a 14Ah 48V VIPOW battery) costs PLN 6,800. The more expensive version (with a 48V 20Ah LiFePO4 battery) was priced at PLN 9,200. An interesting fact is the 18-inch alloy wheels in each model.

Huler can be included in the group of the most expensive electric scooters on the market, but who is looking for a simple model without "goodies", will easily find models for the price of approx. 2-3 thousand. zloty.