We have all heard about skateboards that you can use in almost any kind of terrain. It requires a good amount of practice and precision on part of the rider. However, have you ever heard about one wheel and a boosted board? These boards serve the same purpose as a skateboard only that they are electric.
What is the difference between one wheel and a boosted board? Revolutionizing the market with technology-driven boards, the significant differences between them are their working, speed, wheels, and collection.
So let’s learn a little more about these revolutionizing products. Read on to know more!
What Is One Wheel?
I remember the first time I saw a one-wheel and the initial thought I had was what is this thing and exactly how do you ride it? I thought it was some balancing wheel and you’re just supposed to stand on it until my friend showed me the way to ride it. It’s safe to say that I was beyond astonished!
Just as the name suggests, one wheel is a board that has only one wheel. You can ride it on the street and commute from one place to another just like a skateboard. But they are extremely unique because of the one-wheel concept.
One wheel is an electric single-wheel skateboard that you can use for commuting purposes or merely for pleasure. It may seem difficult but it is rather easy to use once you get the hang of it.
What Is a Boosted Board?
I’m sure if you’re looking for the boosted board then you are already a master of the normal skateboard. You know plenty of tricks to get by your day and now you are looking for an upgrade. A boosted board is similar to a skateboard, only it is electric.
It works similarly to a skateboard however, since it is electric, you also get a remote to make things easier for you. A boosted board has honestly revolutionized the idea of skateboarding and now this technology is easily accessible to all.
Why Should You Buy One Wheel or Boosted Board?
I used to skate quite a lot on either skateboard, roller skates, or even quad roller skates. But I was introduced to both the electric skateboards by a friend. These were not only exciting to try but also much easier to ride.
Hence, I have enumerated a few reasons why you should go for one wheel or boosted board rather than the normal skates.
- Technology
Technology plays a crucial role in these electric skateboards because without it you cannot operate them. For the one wheel, the developer had the idea of a surfboard that can give you the experience of surfing on the streets.
You have to power on one wheel and then balance yourself on it, and its powerful hub motor will help you move about the town easily. Additionally, the motor has a 2000 watt of power.
Similarly, the technology involved in a boosted board is unique and it all operates via a remote. So you just have to stand on the board and manipulate the board without doing anything else.
- Unique
Since the technology involved in one wheel, and boosted board is different, it makes both the products unique as well. You’ll stand out among the crowd if you have any of these products.
When my friend was commuting with one wheel, it turned many heads on the streets as no one was aware of a product like this. So if you want to stand out, and be different, then you should try these out. Moreover, you get to boast about it to your friends too which makes you a bit cool too.
- Overall Performance
Both the products have excellent performance ratings. Anyone who has used any of these products has only raved about it. Apart from the design, and the uniqueness of the product, it is the performance that matters the most.
Because obviously, if the product does not work well then there is no need to buy them as well.
One Wheel or Boosted Board Differences
Although both one wheel and boosted boards are the products to buy if you want to keep up with the trend, however, they come with a lot of differences as well.
- Working
The working of both the products is completely different. A boosted board works with a remote through which you can manipulate if you want to go ahead or back. Moreover, if you want to stop, then lift the finger from the trigger, and the board will slowly stop moving.
It all depends upon the throttle or the wheel on the remote. It is only through that that you can go forwards or backward.
However, with the one wheel, it is a completely different story. You have no remote, and you just have to rely on your balancing skills. You have to first power it on and then stand the board. Keep one end of the board down, and the other in the air. As you stand on it, balance yourself nicely so that you don’t fall.
Additionally, you lean forward if you want to move ahead, and put pressure on your back foot if you want to reverse or slow down. It’s all about balancing on one wheel as the wheel moves according to your foot movement.
Wherever there is more pressure, the one wheel will move in that direction. If you think that riding it is too easy then you can always practice some moves on it.
- Speed
The boosted board offers more speed in comparison to one wheel. The former offers various modes through which you can surf, beginner, eco, expert, and pro mode. The speed varies in all the modes.
The beginner mode is 12 miles an hour, eco mode is 16 mph, expert mode is 20 mph, and the last is pro mode which is 22 miles an hour. You can set the speed of the boosted board on the remote, and then drive accordingly.
However, a one-wheel only offers a maximum speed of 12 mph but the One Wheel+XR offers a speed up to 19 mph.
- Collection
The boosted board offers a variety of collections for you to choose from. There are 4 different models namely Boosted Stealth, Boosted Mini X, Boosted Mini S, and Boosted Plus. All the modes come with various privileges and enhanced technology.
On the other hand, the collection of one wheel is limited to only two models namely, Onewheel+XR, and Onewheel Pint. Although there are only two models, they offer a pretty good range and speed.
- Wheels
The last difference is in the wheels, and as the name goes, one wheel has just a wheel to operate the board. However, a boosted board comes with the standard 4 wheels.
One Wheel or Boosted Board Pros
Although both the products are great and unique in their own way, yet there are some pros, and cons that we need to address. So, in this section, we’ll weigh the advantages, and disadvantages of both one wheel, and boosted board.
Boosted Board Pros:
- Speed
The speed of the boosted board is higher than that of one wheel. You can change the speed from 12 mph to 22 mph in no time. With a click on the remote, the speed increases.
However, in one wheel, the maximum speed only goes to 19 mph. Although this speed is also not bad it’s understandable because, at a higher speed, there is a risk of falling down. That’s why the speed between 15 to 19 is perfect for one wheel.
| Product Name | Speed |
| Boosted Stealth | 24 mph |
| Boosted Plus | 22 mph |
| Boosted Mini X | 20 mph |
| Boosted Mini S | 16 mph |
| One Wheel+ XR | 19 mph |
| One Wheel Pint | 16 mph |
- Climbing Ability
The boosted board is really good for climbing uphills as the wheels help in maintaining balance, and there is no fear of falling down. However, we cannot say the same about one wheel because balancing on a flat platform is difficult enough. Imagine balancing on an uphill.
Because you have to put pressure on the front side of the board, there may be a chance that the one wheel starts scraping on the ground. If there is any steep area then it will create issues for the board.
On the other hand, the boosted board is perfectly capable of going uphill only if the terrain is smooth.
- Battery Charging
The battery charging ability of a boosted board is better than one wheel. Although one wheel takes only 20 minutes to recharge with the ultra charger but with a normal charger it takes about 2 hours in total. Periodically, you can charge it overnight too.
However, the boosted board takes only 1 hour and 15 minutes. The difference is not that much but it definitely helps if you buy the top model. Its speed and battery charging time will eventually help to travel, and have fun easily.
One Wheel Pros:
- Handles Any Terrain
One wheel can handle any type of surface or terrain. You can use it on the street or on some construction site. You can even use it on gravel, dirt, and leaves, and it will work perfectly fine.
But the same cannot be said about boosted boards because they are only made for the streets. A little inconvenience like taking the board through a dirt patch will cause problems.
- Battery Life
Battery life is another point that is important because, without a good battery, your leisure activity will bear no fun. The battery life depends on each product since it’s all different.
However, One wheel+ XR provides the best range of 19 miles but the One Wheel Pint only gives a range of 8 miles which is almost half. On the other hand, Boosted Stealth, Plus, and Mini X give a range of 14 miles, and Boosted Mini S gives a range of 7 miles.
Hence, as far as battery life is concerned, one wheel has a much better approach than the boosted board.
One Wheel or Boosted Board Cons
Boosted Board Cons:
- Cannot Handle Terrains
Boosted Board is not at all suitable for different terrains rather you can only use the board on plain, and smooth surfaces. Even if you are going uphill, and the terrain is smooth, then this is the perfect board for you.
But if it includes a snow area, valley, or areas with rough terrains, then a boosted board will not work there.
One Wheel Cons:
- Speed
As we mentioned earlier, the speed of one wheel is an issue because it can only go for 19 mph, and if you buy the One Wheel Pint version then it comes down to only 8 miles per hour.
This is pretty low, and you can only use it for pleasure or to roam around in the nearby areas. For longer areas, this is definitely not a suitable option.
- Expensive
Both one wheel and boosted board are extremely expensive, and will definitely leave a hole in your pocket. However, one wheel is more expensive than the boosted board. Its One Wheel+ XR range costs about $1,799, and the One Wheel Pint costs $950.
However, the most expensive of the boosted board costs $1,599 and the lowest price is $749. If you are upgrading to technology-fit skateboards then they are definitely going to cost you a lot more. But there is no denying that one wheel is comparatively more expensive than the boosted board.
| Product Name | Price |
| Boosted Stealth | $1,599 |
| Boosted Plus | $1,399 |
| Boosted Mini X | $999 |
| Boosted Mini S | $749 |
| One Wheel+ XR | $1,799 |
| One Wheel Pint | $950 |
How To Make Your Decision?
Since both the boosted board and one wheel are expensive, making a decision is all about the kind of terrain you want to go for. If you want to go for a board that is inclusive, and takes into consideration most of the terrains, then one wheel is the board for you.
Moreover, some people do get bored of the electric boosted board because there is no effort from the rider’s side like in a normal skateboard. You are completely reliant on the remote, and that’s it. So if you are looking for adventure, and learning a new skill, then I would recommend one wheel again.
Final Thoughts
Boosted boards and One wheel are not very known products in the market, rather they invite attention because people have never seen all electric boards before. They are unique, and technology-driven, and even up to date with the market.
Although I would suggest one wheel according to the overall performance, you can weigh the pros and cons, and decide for yourself too.