More and more people are choosing smaller, two‑wheeled or single‑wheel transport for everyday use. Electric scooters, unicycles and similar devices are appearing year round. Yet a common observation is that higher quantity does not always translate into higher quality of riding or safety.
What do people ride, and which option is preferable in urban settings?
1. Bicycle
Among all alternatives, the bicycle remains the easiest to ride and safest in everyday traffic. It’s a skill that stays with a rider, with practice the basics come back quickly. Some bikes have electric motors and offer faster potential than pedal‑only models, but the core experience remains familiar.
Bicycles typically use road‑worthy wheel sizes, reliable disc brakes, and some models include suspension for comfort. A drawback is their size—getting on or off can be impractical in crowded transit spaces or compact elevators. The author rides for leisure and not primarily in urban cores, yet accessibility in the city is never a concern when needed.
2. Electric scooter
Several trials were conducted. The experience varied. Small wheels expose riders to potholes, and even the best suspensions have limits. In many urban rental systems, speeds are capped near 15–20 km/h in crowded pedestrian zones, limiting performance. More robust models with larger wheels can improve comfort, but high speeds remain unusual and risky in traffic. The instinct for self‑preservation can seem suppressed when mixing with cars on a scooter.
Electric scooters are often seen as a middle ground between bulky bicycles and compact monowheels.
3. Monowheel
Monowheels represent a distinct category of mobility. First, there’s a mental hurdle: mounting a device that feels unstable. A gyroscopic sensor is expensive; many unicycles rely on standard position sensors aided by a motor. Second, riders must learn to accelerate and brake using body movements. Third, the fear of having no hand or hip support must be overcome.
Initial trials showed the author’s reservation. Habit could develop, but forced practice seemed unappealing. The choice to persevere or switch is personal.
Vehicle sizes vary widely. In the middle ground, a device can resemble a compact motorcycle—almost as wide, long, and tall as a motorcycle in some cases. Monowheels are typically compact relative to a rider and can reach car speeds in some instances.
Prices for main mobility device types (adult models)
- Electric scooter from 11,000 to 190,000
- Electric bicycle from 37,000 to 300,000
- Monowheel from 9,000 to 33,000
- Monowheel from 28,000 to 200,000
What is the maximum?
The bicycle is the most predictable among single‑track options. The scooter is less stable and requires more time to master, though neither is extreme in its capabilities. A unicycle requires careful study of its distinctive dynamics. A testing program on five unicycle models reported speeds from modest to brisk, with the fastest models approaching car speeds in urban traffic. The top model can reach around 26–60 km/h depending on the unit, which is fast for a single wheel. Helmets are often debated; many riders treat them as optional, unlike motorcycle riders who must wear helmets and hold licenses. The question of safety remains vital for all these devices.
How should braking work?
Braking distance at 24 km/h
- Scooter 7–8 m
- Monowheel 6–7.5 m
- Runner 7–11 m
Observations show varying braking performance. Some models recover energy efficiently, but overall results are mixed. At higher speeds, unicycles stop in about 20–22 m. For comparison, cars at similar speeds require roughly 18–20 m to halt with drivers not needing to balance. A unicycle in traffic carries higher risk, especially when sharing lanes with cars. A scooter plus bicycle pairing can be tricky in dense traffic.
Unicycles show stability in straight lines, curves and small obstacles, suggesting resilience to road irregularities. Their wheel diameter and contact area reduce abrupt losses when encountering pavement faults. Some models include anti‑lock features to prevent rollover if the wheel loses traction, improving reliability on diverse surfaces.
Should regulation change?
The question of legal status and rules for electric scooters, unicycles and similar devices is debated. Some users argue to exclude these vehicles from the regulatory framework. Yet when such devices are capable of carlike speeds, uncontrolled use can threaten pedestrians and other road users. In many jurisdictions, motorists must consider riders as vulnerable road users when incidents occur, while unicycles are often treated as less risky by some opinions. Since the pandemic, urban mobility has shifted toward bicycles and kicksharing in major cities. Anyone can ride a scooter, which has prompted calls for clear traffic rules and consistent speed zones administered by operators or authorities.
Despite rhetoric about eco‑friendly, healthy and fashionable transport, there is a lack of emphasis on traffic rules education for users. While some media reports highlight incidents, the overall response has been limited to localized speed restrictions and software controls by operators. The number of collisions involving mobility devices has risen in some cities, with notable spikes in the first months of the year. The figures underscore the need for thoughtful policy and safer infrastructure to protect all road users.
Recent comparisons show the severity of consequences varies by vehicle type, with pedestrians and cyclists at greater risk in mixed traffic. A police chief recently mentioned that decisions on the legal status and rules for electric scooters, unicycles and similar devices would be announced later in the year, signaling a potential shift in traffic regulations. This evolving landscape highlights the importance of informed choices, safe riding practices and clear guidelines for urban mobility.