If you’re one of those who feel like powder in the middle of August, if you dream of carving while crossing crosswalks, or if your feet demand bindings even if you’re wearing flip-flops… don’t worry, you’re not alone. And the best part: there is a solution.

In the same way that skiers find transfer in skating, snowboarders have always sought similar sensations in skateboarding and surfing. And there are plenty of options that mimic that flow: from the classic surfskates and carver boards, to freeboards, snow skates, longboards for carving, balance boards for training at home…and some more that I’m sure we don’t know yet. But now, in the 21st century, there is a new wave that is changing everything: electric boards with a single wheel. Yes, you read that right. Onewheel.

The pioneer of this trend is the Onewheel, an all-terrain electric board that has won over thousands of riders for its intuitive handling and snowboard-like feel. No controls, no buttons or triggers. Here your body rules: your feet, your core and that fine balance you train every winter.

But it is not the only one: other models such as the Floatwheel ADV Pro or the Magwheel Trotter are gaining a place among those who want to continue sliding out of season. Each with its own particularities, advantages and rider profiles.

What’s truly revolutionary is that you can now carve dry carving, ride smooth turns on a forest trail, tackle technical descents, jump roots, or ride mountain singletrack… all without snow, without a chairlift, and without depending on the next squall.

So if you’re escaping to the mountains this summer and see someone riding down an MTB trail like they’re in a snow park, don’t be surprised. It’s probably a Onewheel… or someone who, like you (and us), doesn’t know how to live without sliding.

How does the Onewheel work? Snowboarding sensations on all types of terrain

The first surprising thing about the Onewheel is that it has no controls, no accelerator and no manual brake. It is neither an electric scooter nor a skateboard. It is something else. Here, you are in total control: your feet, your core, your balance.

At the center of the board is a large wheel (an off-road go-kart wheel, to be exact), which contains a very powerful brushless electric motor. This motor is activated and regulated by gyroscopic sensors and accelerometers that detect the position of the body and the angle of inclination. Thus, the movement is completely intuitive:

  • You lean forward, and it accelerates.
  • You lean back, and it slows down or even backs up.
  • You turn with the weight of your heels or your toes, as if you were making turns on a well-trodden track.

All this is possible thanks to a dynamic self-balancing system, which constantly adapts the power of the motor according to your posture and the terrain. That feeling that the board “reads” your intentions is what has made so many snowboarders, surfers and mountain riders fall in love with it.

But best of all, the Onewheel needs no snow, no snowy slopes, no special conditions. You can ride on dirt, grass, gravel, mountain roads or urban asphalt. There are even riders who use it on bikepark tracks, going down technical trails with curves, roots and jumps.

In addition, the most advanced models (such as the Onewheel GT or the Floatwheel ADV Pro) incorporate natural passive suspension thanks to the design of the rubber of the wheel, allowing to absorb irregularities of the terrain in a surprising way. And although it sounds like science fiction, it all works with a simple lithium battery and a controller motherboard, which you can manage from an app on your cell phone.

If you take a look at the different existing models, you will see that in the characteristics of this table with wheel appear terms such as VESC and talk about torque and gyroscope. We invite you to delve a little deeper into its meaning and relevance but, without boring you below we explain it briefly. The VESC is a type of intelligent controller that allows you to adjust the behavior of the motor (acceleration, braking, response …). Very used by advanced riders who want to customize their electric board. Torque on the other hand is the force that turns the wheel. The more torque, the more ability to climb hills or accelerate with weight. It’s like the “raw power” you feel when you take off. Undoubtedly one of the key technical benefits of the top models is the improvement in low speed torque, which translates into a more energetic start and immediate response.And finally there is the Gyroscope which surely sounds much more familiar to you than if we told you about the IMU. It is a sensor that was invented by the French physicist Léon Foucault in 1852 and detects changes in orientation or movement. Thanks to it, the board knows if you are leaning forward or backward, and adjusts the speed to maintain balance.

The best of the Onewheel: control, versatility and pure fun.

Once you get on and master it, the Onewheel becomes an extension of your body. The technical and the practical blend in a surprising way: there are no controls, just your balance. The engine responds smoothly, acceleration is progressive and you can go from a relaxed ride on asphalt to a technical descent on a forest trail by adjusting your Rider profile easily from the mobile app. The autonomy is more than decent (between 20 and 30 km depending on the model), and you can charge it at any plug. If you charge it slowly (3A) it takes about 4 hours and if you use a Hypercharger (6A) about 90 minutes. In addition, it takes up little space, is easily transported in the trunk and you don’t need ski lifts or snow to feel like you’re sliding. A detail to keep in mind? Sensored brushless motors (with Hall sensors) offer smooth starts and good low RPM performance, essential for overcoming slopes without skidding.

Don’t get ahead of yourself: important details such as price, weight and legality.

However, not everything is perfect. The main brake is the price: a model like the Onewheel GT exceeds 2,000 €, and if you are looking for spare parts or improvements, it is not cheap either. In addition, the weight is considerable (around 13-15 kg), which makes it impractical for climbing stairs or carrying it long distances. On a technical level, although they are very stable, they are not infallible: if you run out of battery or make a sudden maneuver, you can suffer a fall. And then there is the legal aspect: in many countries it is not entirely clear whether you can drive them on public roads, which limits their urban use. I mean, they’re cool, yes… but you have to know where, how and when to use them.

Onewheel GT – The gold standard for the carving enthusiast.

Approximate price: 3200€.

If you come from snowboarding, the Onewheel is probably the one that most resembles the sensations you miss so much. The GT model, in particular, is a real beast for those looking for fluidity, power and autonomy.

With more than 30 kilometers of range and a more than respectable top speed, the GT allows you to go down trails as if you were in a snowpark, tracing wide curves, tight, or whatever the terrain demands. It has a noble behavior: it feels stable even at good speed and absorbs bumps well. Ideal for riders with some experience who want to continue sliding out of season.

It’s not cheap (3.200€), it’s not light, but it’s worth it. And once you get on, it’s hard to get off.

Floatwheel ADV Pro – For those who want more… and better…

Approximate price: 2000

The ADV Pro is the most serious alternative to the Onewheel, and for some, it even surpasses it. Why? Because it comes with a VESC controller that allows you to adjust every last parameter of the board’s behavior.

This means you can customize acceleration, braking, response… everything. And if that doesn’t tell you much now, wait until you try it out and discover that you can tailor your board to your exact riding style.

Plus, it has more speed, more torque and more responsiveness. It is very powerful, and that requires a bit more control. It is not the ideal board for beginners, but for those who have already tried a Onewheel and have outgrown it.

Magwheel Trotter T2 – The gateway to electric carving

Approximate price: 800€.

or everyone wants to spend a lot of money to test if this “freeride without snow” is their thing. And that’s where the Magwheel comes in. It does not have the same level of finish or power as the top of the range, but for a start, it is more than enough.

The T1 or T3 models offer a fun and fairly stable ride. They are less aggressive, which can even be an advantage if you are taking your first steps. You can use them on asphalt, on easy trails or even for quiet walks in green areas.

Just don’t expect any big jumps or wild descents. It’s more for riding in style than for pushing it to the max. But if you’re looking for a decent board without mortgaging yourself, it’s a very good option.

Surfwheel SU / HX – Perfect for getting around town in style

Approximate price: 250€.

Here we are not talking about power, but simple and accessible fun. The Surfwheel is light, easy to use and designed for relaxed rides on asphalt. Ideal for teenagers or for those who want something fun without being complicated.

Don’t use it off-road, because it’s not made for that. But if what you want is to roll around your neighborhood with that slippery feeling reminiscent of surfing or longboarding, it’s an interesting toy.

Its price also makes it a good entry point for younger riders or as an original gift.

Inmotion V14 by Electric Unicycles (EUCs) – Autonomy and efficiency but from the front like skiing

Approximate price: 2500€.

Okay, they are not shaped like a board and the position is more reminiscent of skiing than snowboarding, but if you are looking for efficient mobility, long routes and speed, electric unicycles (EUC) play in another league.

Brands such as Inmotion or Kingsong have developed models that reach breakneck speeds and autonomies exceeding 100 km. You will not have the surfing sensation of the Onewheel, but if you like speed and control, this type of vehicle can surprise you.

Of course, the learning curve is a bit more demanding. But once you master it, it becomes a spectacular tool to move fast, clean and with style.