What do you get the skater, snowboarder or surfer mom or dad who is turning 40 or even 50? A pair of sensible shoes and a subscription to the Wall Street Journal? No way! Just because they’re hitting the middle ages doesn’t mean they have to blow out their inner thrill seeking flame. And what better way to keep that flame burning than with a float machine a.k.a. a Onewheel? It’s like a skateboard and a hoverboard had a love child and gave birth to the ultimate midlife crisis accessory. So buckle up and let’s find out which Onewheel model is the perfect gift for your man or woman-child that’s trapped inside the body of a responsible adult.
Am I too old to ride a Onewheel
These aren’t child toy hoverboards. The Onewheel is a PEV (personal electric vehicle) terrain dominator. From grass surfing, trail riding, beach coast ride vibing to street floating, the Onewheel not only doubles as a means of transportation but it also is a compact shred-machine.
The median age (based on large online Onewheel communities) is between 30 and 40 years old. Connecting with local riders, you tend to realize that this community is not filled with children. The age range spans from children as young as 5 riding to riders in their 60’s. That being said, someone in their 40’s or 50’s fits right in the crowd.
The price point for a Onewheel is another factor in why many children are not on these devices. Onewheels double as a means of transportation. They can travel up to 20mph (32 kph) and up to 32 miles (52km) in range. These work amazingly for getting around the city. They also can take you around the outdoors.
Onewheels are extremely quiet. The electric motor is very subtle to almost inaudible while riding. It allows for peacefulness to be preserved in the outdoors that you wont get when you ride a snowmobile, dirt bike or ATV. This is an alternative powersport that fits right in there for the powersport enthusiast.
Onewheels have short learning curves
If you are purchasing this gift for someone who used to skate, snowboard or surf then they will likely pick this up instantly. Learning to ride a onewheel for a newcomer into this sport can be accomplished within an hour. A huge amount of board-confidence can be built within one afternoon.
I am a New Englander and I love to snowboard. With winters not producing as much snow as I wish for, snowboard seasons seem to be shorter and shorter. Riding a Onewheel feels incredibly like snowboarding. Some liken it to surfing as well.
Onewheels are great for keeping those snowboard, skater or surfing muscles in shape as they engage most if not all the same muscle groups. Its also a fun and enjoyable way to build up leg muscles for those who are just seeking to be a little more outdoorsy and in shape.
Prices of Onewheels and alternative brands
See our post on the price of a Onewheel. Prices vary by model from anywhere from $1,050 to $2,200 USD. Its important to remember that Onewheel is a trademark term. Future Motion is the company that develops Onewheel. There are alternative brands such as the Trotter by Magwheel and the ADV by Floatwheel. While these brands can save you money, there is more research and development spent by Future Motion to make a refined product – the Onewheel. That being said, their Onewheel is extremely intuitive and you may or may not experience that with an alternative brand such as Magwheel.
Floatwheel is soon to issue a self balancing electric board to outperform Future Motion’s flagship board – the Onewheel GT. Dollar for dollar, this appears to be a better performing board however it remains to be unseen on how intuitive and fluid the board rides. If this is a gift and you feel these are more in your price range, I recommend opting for a smaller version of the Onewheel such as a Pint over the alternative brands. Alternatives such as the Trotter will range from $750 to $1300 USD. however with Future Motion you get a reliable company that provides a 1 year warranty as well as a premium product.
Why the Onewheel is an ideal mid-life crisis gift
Reaching middle age can hit the psyche pretty hard. For many, the feeling that adulthood has a complete stranglehold of their life can really depress certain individuals. Onewheels are therapy for many. #Onewheeltherapy is a popular hashtag because it is the means of catharsis for many.
The Onewheel is often compared to floating because the feeling is very float-like. The Onewheel is very Jekyll and Hyde in that it can be very tranquil to float through the woods or stroll along the streets, a bike path or a rail-trail. It can also shred single-tracks, and the urban streets. The large tire in both scenarios gives it a very smooth ride.
If your friend or family member was a thrill seeker in a prior life, then the Onewheel can necessitate that nostalgic thrilling moments for them with just a simple cruise around the block. Maintenance is virtually nothing on these boards. Get them a Onewheel for their midlife birthday gift. They will undoubtably find new excitement within their area as they explore it again on their Onewheel.
