How fast is a monowheel?

Most monowheels cruise between about 20–60 km/h (12–37 mph) depending on design and power, purpose-built record machines have exceeded 100 km/h (62+ mph), and modern electric self-balancing “monowheels” (often called electric unicycles, or EUCs) can reach 60–90 km/h (37–56 mph) in short bursts, though safer sustained speeds are typically lower. The exact speed depends heavily on whether you mean a classic monowheel with the rider inside the wheel or an EUC with the rider standing on pedals beside the wheel.

What do we mean by “monowheel”?

In everyday conversation, “monowheel” can refer to two distinct vehicle types. Classic monowheels place the rider inside a large wheel driven by an engine or pedals; they are niche, mechanically unusual, and often built for exhibitions and record attempts. By contrast, electric self-balancing unicycles (EUCs) are compact, commercially available single-wheel transporters with onboard gyros and controllers, now common in urban mobility and enthusiast communities. Speed expectations differ significantly between these categories.

Typical speeds by category

The following list outlines realistic speed ranges you can expect from different monowheel types, from human-powered contraptions to high-performance electric models. Values reflect commonly reported ranges and practical use rather than extreme, one-off stunts.

• Human-powered monowheels (rider inside the wheel): roughly 15–30 km/h (9–19 mph), limited by balance, gearing, and rider power.
• Homebuilt or hobby petrol monowheels: typically 30–70 km/h (19–43 mph) on flat ground with enough run-up, depending on power and stability.
• Record-focused monowheels (motorcycle-style): have surpassed 100 km/h (62+ mph) in controlled runs on long, straight airstrips under Guinness-verified attempts.
• Consumer electric unicycles (commuter-focused): commonly cruise at 25–40 km/h (16–25 mph), with electronic tilt-back limiting top speed for safety.
• High-performance electric unicycles (enthusiast models): manufacturer-claimed peaks around 70–90 km/h (43–56 mph) exist, but responsible riders usually keep sustained cruising nearer 40–60 km/h (25–37 mph) to preserve a safety margin.

These ranges emphasize that while headline figures can be impressive, everyday speeds are governed by stability, safety features, and road conditions. Record runs are the exception, not the norm.

Why monowheels rarely go faster

Several factors fundamentally constrain monowheel top speed and safe cruising pace, particularly for rider-in-the-wheel designs and even for advanced EUCs.

• Stability dynamics: A single large contact patch and unique weight distribution make steering and stability increasingly sensitive as speed rises.
• Power and torque reserve: Electric and petrol systems need surplus power to handle bumps, wind, and acceleration without “overlean” or cutouts (for EUCs).
• Control systems: EUCs rely on sensors and controllers; software-imposed tilt-back and alarms limit speed to protect the rider and hardware.
• Aerodynamics and rider posture: A standing rider presents significant drag; classic monowheels also suffer from inefficient aero shapes.
• Runway requirements: Record attempts typically need long, smooth, closed courses; public roads rarely offer the conditions necessary for extreme speeds.
• Skill and risk management: Handling at speed demands expert skill; most riders prioritize safety and controllability over absolute top speed.

Together, these constraints explain why practical riding speeds sit well below the best-case numbers seen in controlled record environments.

Real-world vs. record speeds

For classic, rider-inside monowheels, cruising much above 50–70 km/h (31–43 mph) quickly becomes impractical outside of carefully prepared courses. Guinness-recognized record attempts in recent years have demonstrated that well-engineered monowheels can exceed 100 km/h, but such runs involve specialized builds, safety crews, and long, closed runways. For EUCs, top-tier models advertise peaks in the 70–90 km/h (43–56 mph) band, yet experienced riders usually maintain a comfortable buffer—often riding 10–20 km/h (6–12 mph) below any warning or tilt-back threshold—to reduce the risk of controller overload or sudden terrain changes.

Safety and legality

Helmets, wrist protection, armored jackets, and lower-body protection are strongly recommended for any high-speed monowheel riding. Local regulations vary widely: Some jurisdictions cap personal electric vehicle speeds or limit where they can be used. Always check the rules in your area before attempting higher speeds on public roads or paths.

Summary

A monowheel’s speed depends on the type: classic rider-in-the-wheel machines usually operate in the 20–60 km/h (12–37 mph) range, with specialized record-builds surpassing 100 km/h (62+ mph), while modern electric unicycles can reach 60–90 km/h (37–56 mph) in brief bursts but are more commonly ridden at 25–60 km/h (16–37 mph) for safety and control. In all cases, conditions, engineering, and rider judgment are pivotal to what’s realistically achievable.

How hard is it to ride a monowheel?

Learning to ride a monowheel at higher speeds is a long, and often painful process. It’s nothing like riding a motorcycle and does not give the rider much control over the vehicle at all. Gentle inputs are key here: accelerating or decelerating too fast causes the frame to wildly rock back and forth.

Is a monowheel street legal?

No, most monowheels, or electric unicycles (EUCs), are generally not street legal in the United States due to a lack of registration, potential safety equipment shortfalls, and differing interpretations by state laws. While California had a law that classified Onewheels (a type of electric skateboard) as legal under certain conditions, this does not necessarily apply to EUCs, and the legality varies greatly by location and specific vehicle features. 
Key Reasons for Non-Street Legality

• No Registration Possible: Because they are considered motor vehicles in most states, EUCs must be registered and licensed, a process that is not possible for these devices. 
• Safety Equipment: EUCs often do not meet the federal safety standards required for motor vehicles, such as proper braking systems, lights, and mirrors. 
• Sidewalk Bans: Many cities prohibit motorized vehicles on sidewalks, and EUCs often fall into this category. 
• Local Ordinances: Even if a state has a general allowance for certain personal electric vehicles, specific cities or counties can enact their own bans or restrictions. 

What You Should Do

• Check Local Laws: . Opens in new tabThe legality of an electric unicycle depends entirely on the specific state, city, and even neighborhood you plan to ride in. 
• Consider Private Property: . Opens in new tabIf you want to use an electric unicycle, using it on private property with the owner’s permission is the safest and most legal option. 

What is the top speed of the electric unicycle?

Choose the Right EUC for Your Needs

Feature/Model	INMOTION E20	INMOTION V13 Pro
Motor Power	450W (Peak 900W)	4500W (Peak 10000W)
Top Speed	13 mph	56 mph
Max Range	19 miles	80 miles
Hill Climbing Capability	18°	45°

How fast can a monowheel go?

A modern electric monowheel (also called an electric unicycle, or EUC) can go from 15 mph to over 70 mph, with high-performance models capable of 55-60 mph and faster in some cases. The actual speed depends on the model’s motor power and battery capacity, with advanced wheels reaching speeds comparable to cars. 
Here’s a breakdown of monowheel speeds:

• Entry-level models: These typically offer speeds of up to 15 mph. 
• Mid-range models: Can reach speeds between 30-40 mph. 
• High-performance models: Advanced wheels can attain 55-60 mph or more, with the Begode ET Max reported to have reached nearly 70 mph, according to YouTube videos. 
• Electric monowheel motorcycle records: The fastest recorded speed for an electric monowheel motorcycle is 59.057 mph (95.043 kph), achieved in 2021. 

Factors affecting speed:

• Motor power: . Opens in new tabHigher wattage motors, like those found in the Inmotion Challenger or Inmotion V13, deliver higher speeds. 
• Battery capacity: . Opens in new tabLarger batteries can sustain higher power output for longer, contributing to sustained high speeds. 
• Firmware and Rider Skill: . Opens in new tabSome models require “geek mode” or specific firmware to unlock their full potential, and rider skill is essential for safely reaching and controlling high speeds.