Rideables are any small wheeled device with an electric motor, like a skateboard, scooter, segway, or unicycle. If it’s electric and compact enough to carry around or mount on a sidewalk, it’s manageable.
The 21st century has certainly lived up to its high-tech enthusiasm, being a true golden age of technology. And while we may not have the flying cars or actual hoverboards that the Back to the Future movie predicted, we do have some cool gadgets that come pretty close. High-tech innovation has brought the daily commute into our modern age. Whether it’s commuting to work or strolling the boardwalk, ride-on vehicles let you get there in style without breaking a sweat.
Motorized skateboards and scooters have been around since the 1970s, when the MotoBoard was first invented. Unfortunately, the technology of the time was not developed enough for mountables to become fashionable. But that was decades ago, and times have changed drastically.
Electric transportation for our modern age
Before, if you wanted to go somewhere without a car, you had to push or pedal to get there. Now, in today’s modern world, we have environmentally friendly electric alternatives to traditional transportation, and they are called ride-on vehicles.
Advances in electric motors, battery life, changing lifestyles, urban congestion, and financing options have made electric vehicles a viable and popular way to travel. A growing number of new companies have become interested in the wheeled technology market, allowing for improved design, availability and cost. It is for these reasons that electric transportation is becoming more common on streets and sidewalks.
So how exactly are mountables? You’ll know pretty quickly when you first see one, they’re pretty hard to miss. Mountables come in all sorts of shapes and sizes and definitely make you stand out from the crowd. Some of them feature new and unusual designs, while others have been around for several years and are easily recognizable. Popular ride-ons include the electric skateboard, scooter, unicycle, Segway, and self-balancing hoverboards. Below you can find more information about all the wonders on wheels that are available.
electric skateboards
As mentioned above, the first electric skateboard was the Motoboard developed in the 1970s. Since that first gas-powered prototype, modern electric skateboards have become superior in every way. They are now lighter, have a better travel distance, and are controlled by wireless remotes or even phone apps.
electric scooters
The electric scooter is one of the most popular vehicles. The term scooter is often used interchangeably to describe two different types of transportation. The first type is the handlebar electric scooter that has two wheels in line. Rideable scooters have begun to gain traction as a viable way to commute to work or around town that is safe and easy to transport.
hoverboard
The second type of electric scooter is known as a self-balancing scooter, but many people have started calling it a Hoverboard to avoid confusion. These two-wheeled balance boards are similar to a Segway but much less inconspicuous and with no handlebars to hold on to. To ride, the rider leans forward or backward and the board will automatically begin to move based on the change in weight.
electric unicycles
At first glance, the electric unicycle may seem like the most daunting of the ride-ons. However, this is not the case, as the electric unicycle requires no pedaling and often has an automatic balance system to help the rider adjust. They are especially popular in cities and urban areas due to their very small design which is ideal for busy streets.
The benefits of mountables
These motorized transports have numerous benefits and are much more than just fun gadgets to ride. Rideables can be used for just about anything in your everyday life. Commute to work, walk around town or even a Sunday stroll. Being lightweight, they are easy to transport and small enough to take on a bus or train.
They’re cheaper and better for the environment than a car because they don’t use gas and you don’t even have to scramble to find a parking spot. Not to mention they are less strenuous and much safer because you won’t have to deal with road traffic.
Mountables are commonly used for commuting and hobby sports, though they are becoming increasingly popular even as exercise devices. This is because most boards require some balance technique and extra energy from the rider to ride perfectly.
Rideables are becoming more affordable
Motorized machines were once too expensive for the everyday user to even consider purchasing. Rideables or personal transporters vary in many ways as seen above. However, their prices also vary greatly depending on the technology in use. In most cases, battery-powered self-balancing personal transporters that can travel long distances are generally more expensive. As technology advances, prices will continue to drop. While not yet mainstream, mountables are a growing market that may soon be more affordable than you think.
A learning curve for any skill level
Different mountables require different skills to ride. For example, an electric scooter is easier to ride than a self-balancing unicycle because it has a larger base and more wheels for stability.
Electric transportation varies greatly in size and features, number of wheels, and balance required. For example, the Solowheel is a unicycle that uses various sensors to keep you upright. So you will need some extra balance techniques to ride it safely. On the other hand, the Hovertrax is a two-wheeled personal transportation device but it does not have handlebars like a Segway. To ride it, you need to point your toes down to move forward and up when you need to move backwards.
What makes it manageable?
Technically speaking, a mountable is any transport device that meets the following characteristics:
- Weighs less than ten kilograms (a weight that most people can carry comfortably)
- Fits easily under the seats of public transport, buses or trains
- Self-powered, which means that it needs another power source besides the power of the riders.
- It can be used in offices, on roads or sidewalks.
- If not assembled, it can be easily transported.
- Overcomes obstacles of at least four centimeters.
- Runs for at least ten kilometers without recharging
- Comfortable to ride for at least 25 minutes without the rider feeling tired
