Urban Transport

Kiwano rolls out updated self-balancing monowheel electric scooter

Kiwano rolls out updated self-balancing monowheel electric scooter
The Kiwano KO1+ has a 1,000 watt hub motor that rolls the electric monowheel up to 12 mph over grass, sand, dirt or pavement
The Kiwano KO1+ has a 1,000 watt hub motor that rolls the electric monowheel up to 12 mph over grass, sand, dirt or pavement
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The Kiwano KO1+ can be had with an optional actioncam mount, so you can record your monowheel adventures
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The Kiwano KO1+ can be had with an optional actioncam mount, so you can record your monowheel adventures
The KO1+ has a built-in kickstand
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The KO1+ has a built-in kickstand
The KO1+ has LED lighting top front and bottom back, an LCD display shows battery status, speed and trip info, and its batteries are stowed away inside the handlebar downtube
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The KO1+ has LED lighting top front and bottom back, an LCD display shows battery status, speed and trip info, and its batteries are stowed away inside the handlebar downtube
Buyers can choose between urban and all-terrain tire versions of the KO1+ electric monowheel
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Buyers can choose between urban and all-terrain tire versions of the KO1+ electric monowheel
The Kiwano KO1+ has a 1,000 watt hub motor that rolls the electric monowheel up to 12 mph over grass, sand, dirt or pavement
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The Kiwano KO1+ has a 1,000 watt hub motor that rolls the electric monowheel up to 12 mph over grass, sand, dirt or pavement
View gallery - 5 images

When launched in 2017, the KO1 monowheel scooter – a kind of cross between a Segway and a Solowheel – offered a range of 20 miles and a top speed of 20 mph. The KO1+ has a very similar look to the original, but is quite a different animal.

Kiwano's latest monowheel features LG battery cells stowed away in the scooter's handlebar stem for 25 miles (40 km) of range for every one hour on charge. The 1,000 watt hub motor tops out at just 12 mph (19 km/h), which is less than the original but should be zippy enough for most riders. It should be able to tackle 30 percent inclines though.

Constructed from carbon fiber, flexi poly-carbonate and zinc alloy for a premium feel, IP54 weather resistance and durability, the KO1+ rides on a chunky tire that's ready for grass, sand, dirt or pavement, with shock suspension to smooth out any bumps along the way.

Buyers can choose between urban and all-terrain tire versions of the KO1+ electric monowheel
Buyers can choose between urban and all-terrain tire versions of the KO1+ electric monowheel

The company's Auto Deck Smart Control System is reported to make riding fairly straightforward – just step on the slip-resistant, fold-out foot pegs, lean forward and off you go. As with similar setups, the rider leans left or right to turn and back to come to a stop.

LEDs light top front and bottom back, an LCD display shows battery status, speed and trip info, and there's a built-in, fold-down kickstand. A companion app allows for customization, such as changing handling modes, setting launch angle and can even activate a follow-me mode. The app can also serve as a digital key for peace of mind security.

Available now for US$1,299, buyers can choose urban or all-terrain tires, as well as optional accessories like an actioncam mount, additional charger and Kiwano helmet. The video below has more.

Product page: Kiwano KO1+

KIWANO KO1+ Handheld One Wheel Electric Scooter

View gallery - 5 images
8 comments
8 comments
timalot
Too cool for a concussion!
Doodah
IF you buy it now it's 999. Not bad. Contrary to the other poster, this looks relatively safe compared to the E boards and the onewheel, where flying off the board is a matter of when not if. This thing looks like it's relatively easy to keep under control, and at 12mph, the damage would most likely be manageable even if you did crash.
jd_dunerider
This thing will have your calves on absolute fire in a hurry. Not necissarily a bad thing, but I think people will be disappointed when they go to ride a few miles and have to stop to relax on the way.
Mzungu_Mkubwa
Goes down stairs (yikes!), but will it go up? ☺
Leonard Foster Jr
Wow! Might look into this.
Buzzclick
Basically the idea I had 18 years ago. I often wondered why no one else had come up with this concept till now. The handlebars are crucial and allow for good maneuverability, but if I was going downhill at 15-20mph I would definitely have a brake. No gyroscopes necessary. Shifting body weight is all that's needed. And a thinner wheel that is a bit larger. Going down stairs can be overrated and risky, but don't say that to the kids. The handlebars make it hard to wipe out. If you can stop/slow down on a skateboard at 20mph (easy), you can do it on one wheel with a t-bar.
YouAre
Does it have a button that cancels the laws of physics when you need to brake in emergency?
Eric Blenheim
This will trash the knee and hip joints very rapidly, as the friction on them will be constant, and the production of synovial fluid will be virtually zero, what is needed in all these ill-thought-out devices is a simple seat.