Let me say this just from the start. The InMotion V8 / Solowheel Glide 3 is an awesome piece of equipment. A beautiful electric unicycle that meets the requirements of the most demanding riders. If you want to learn more about this great one wheel scooter, please continue reading. But if you are in a rush, and want to check the best possible price and deals for the InMotion V8 / Solowheel Glide 3, just click here.
What’s the difference between the InMotion V8 and the Solowheel Glide 3?
Simply put: none! It’s the same device, but due to patent rights, the InMotion V8 is no longer allowed to be sold as the “InMotion V8” in the USA. So the InMotion V8 has been re-branded for the United States as the Solowheel Glide 3. And also the Solowheel Glide 3 comes with an upgraded firmware and app.
Intelligent transportation with graceful beauty!
I started this review mentioning that this is a masterpiece. And I mean it not only because is a beautiful device, but also because is a great functional personal transporter.
via myinmotion dot com
Let me start describing it as any casual V8 / Glide 3 rider could do it, if you ask her about it in the street. This wheel is one of the most fun and entertaining investments you can make! It’s an electric unicycle, meaning that is self-balancing. Very similar to the well know Segways.
When you are on it, it will use a great piece of technology to keep the wheel balanced, making it easier for you to ride it without effort. Everything regarding its movement and ride is controlled by your body. When leaning forward the wheel will accelerate. When leaning backwards the wheel will stop. Leaning side to side will allow the rider to turn to the corresponding side.
Even though the technology packed within it makes this extremely easy to ride in comparison with the old pedal unicycles, it is fair to say that is still a challenge to learn to ride them well. It requires some dedication, as the one-wheelers are not as easy to ride as hoverboards, Segways or any other electric scooter. But don’t be discouraged though, with a few sessions, you can become a master unicycle rider.
via myinmotion dot com
And let me say that riding an electric unicycle as the InMotion V8 / Solowheel Glide 3 is definitely worth the time investing in learning how to properly ride it. You will be an eye magnet in the street. This is by far the best personal transporter device to catch the most amazed views from people. That, in addition to the awesome and cool looking design of the V8 / Glide 3, is the perfect combination to never pass unnoticed on the street.
And last but not least, is incredibly fun to ride it!
What are the general features of the InMotion V8 / Solowheel Glide 3?
Going to some of the main features of the wheel, you can expect to reach a top speed of around 18-19 Mph with a range around 25 miles with a single charge. You can check the specifications a little bit further down the article, but this is the average you can expect while riding in real world situations, on the street and walking paths.
It has a great mobile app, available for Android and iOS devices, packaged with features to control and monitor the wheel. From battery levels, to current speed and mileage traveled.
You can climb slopes at a sustained pace, provided they are 25 degrees or less. And the 16 inches wheel will also allow you to go over different types of rough terrain, like grass and dirt paths with ease.
I has a cool retractable handle that can be used to carry the wheel around when you are not riding it. You can carry it everywhere as if it were a suitcase.
via myinmotion dot com
via myinmotion dot com
via myinmotion dot com
The InMotion V8 / Solowheel Glide 3 has LED lights in the front, to light up the road you are riding in. Also in the back and in the sides. The mobile app will let you customize the side light effects in a cool and fun way too. And they can be turn on and off with or without the app.
The wheel has intelligent notifications built in to let you know when you are approaching certain limits, like sounds alerts and a safety “tilt back” on the pedals.
The frame is extremely elegant, and only the complete wheel only weights 1Kg.
The Anti-Spinning Button of the InMotion V8 / Solowheel Glide 3
If you lift the wheel from the ground and change the angle of the wheel while carrying it on your hand, the wheel will start moving. Imagine if you put it back on the ground when the wheel is going full speed… not good!
To avoid these situations, the handle to pick it up from the floor comes with an anti-spinning button that you will be touching automatically when picking up the wheel. This will make the device to enter sleep mode, safely allowing you to manipulate it without risking the wheel to start responding to angle changes.
via myinmotion dot com
The experience of riding the InMotion V8 / Solowheel Glide 3
The experience riding is quite nice.
Mounting and dismounting is easy, as the slim ergonomics of the wheel frame facilitates the actions.
It accelerates fast, quickly reaching the top speed on straight surfaces and roads. It rides as fast as a bicycle, which is pretty nice. You need to keep an eye open for bumps and holes, as catching them on a single wheeler is completely different than you would do it on a bike! But with a few training sessions you will be ready for sure. You will be able go over some of them, but it’s best to start easy, and try the wheel out to see what you and your wheel are capable of handling. Practice is key!
The maneuverability is very good. The V8 / Glide 3 allows you to accelerate and stop in total comfort. Its high pedals also allow for great control in tight turning radius, without touching the ground with your pedals or feet.
It’s a very well balanced wheel, with a powerful motor and advanced components and battery system that provide more power for increased safety.
via myinmotion dot com
One interesting thing to note is that the wheel will let you know once you reached the maximum speed, by nudging you back with a subtle movement of the pedals.
When learning to ride the InMotion V8 / Solowheel Glide 3, is recommended that you find an open and smooth space, like a big parking lot. Your legs will start to feel the exercise pretty soon if you are not used to riding this wheels. And if you ride on bumpier terrain or roads, it would be even more strenuous. Obviously this is not as hard than running over long distances, but you get the idea. If the movements involved for controlling the wheel are new to your body, you will feel it after the first session. But you will get used to it pretty soon though.
The wheel can be ridden while it rains, or pass over the occasional puddle on the street. The important thing is obviously, to use common sense. This is an electrical device that will break if submerged in water, but it is designed to sustain a fair amount of splashes.
As a side note regarding the riding experience and the accessories you for wheels, you might find that there are some pair of soft pads that you can attach to the sides of the wheel chassis. The idea of this is to provide your calves with a smooth surface to touch on. But many riders don’t like them and find them uncomfortable just after using it and sticking them to the frame of the wheel. After trying to remove them, part of the sticky bond usually remains in the wheel, making it even more uncomfortable! So my recommendation, if you are thinking on purchasing these pads, would be to simply avoid them. But if you do want to try them on anyways, beware of removing all the sticky bonding if you decide to taking them off later, as this will be really uncomfortable!
via myinmotion dot com
The InMotion V8 / Solowheel Glide 3 Specifications
| Specifictions | ||
|---|---|---|
| Color | Black | |
| Net Weight | 13.5 Kg. / 29.75 lbs. | |
| Range | 45~50 Km. / 28~31 miles | |
| Max. Speed | 30 Km/h / 18 Mph | |
| Max. Slope | 25° | |
| Payload | 120 Kg. / 265 lbs. | |
| Charging Time | 4~5 hours | |
| Outer Tire Dimension | 40 cm / 16 inches | |
| Factory Default Tire Pressure | 2.8 bar | |
| Battery Temperature Protection | 55°C / 131°F | |
| Distance between Footboard and Ground | 151 mm / 5.94 inches | |
| IP Ratings | IP55 | |
| Operating Temperature | -10~40°C / 14~104°C | |
| Power Ratings | 800W | |
| Battery | 480Wh | |
| Input Voltage (Charger) | AC 100~240 V 50/60 Hz | |
| Output Voltage & Current (Charger) | 84V * 1.5A | |
| Decorated Lamp | Support DIY via APP | |
How to properly maintain the InMotion V8 / Solowheel Glide 3
Regarding storage, you need to keep it in a dry room at suitable temperature and humidity conditions. If you plan on not using the wheel for a long time, consider fully charging the battery at least once a month.
You will need to check the tire pressure from time to time. The factory pressure is 2.8 Bar. You can experiment going a bit lower or higher, but use common sense and not exceed too much from this default.
The pedals on the wheel might become loose after some time. This will feel uncomfortable for most riders and could even make them fall from the wheel. If you start to feel them loose, you can adjust the pedals by using an M10 and M6 Allen driver for the screws on the axis and on the side.
The InMotion V8 / Solowheel Glide 3 is IP55 compliant, which means that is splash and dust-proof. But you cannot dip it in water. Also, do not drive it on strong rainstorms to avoid falling and producing damages to the wheel and obviously you!
For more in depth knowledge of use and proper handling of the wheel, you can check out the official manual here.
via myinmotion dot com
InMotion V8 / Solowheel Glide 3 Owner’s Reviews
At the moment of this writing the InMotion V8 / Solowheel Glide 3 has 4.2 over 5 stars on Amazon.com. 83% of the reviews are in the 4-5 stars range, with very satisfied and happy owners mentioning all the cool features and fun they are having.
Only 11% of the reviews are 2 stars. One of the bad reviews mentions things like the mobile app not existing (not true, you can check and download them here) which makes me a bit doubtful of the review itself. Another reviewer complained that the wheel is a Glide 3 and not a V8, which is true and we explained in the initial section of this review. But it doesn’t really deserve a bad qualification just because of this.
All in all, the vast majority of the owners of this wheel are pretty happy with it. Also you can take a look at a very cool video review of this wheel, where you can see it in action and you would catch better the rider’s feeling about it.
via myinmotion dot com
Final thoughts about the InMotion V8 / Solowheel Glide 3
The InMotion V8 / Solowheel Glide 3 is one of the best unicycles in the market. It’s a standard for quality, elegance and features. Its great power and functionality doesn’t lag behind its astonishingly nice look. Truly a masterpiece unicycle that delivers a great ride for long distances, at nice speed. Definitely a one wheel scooter that deserves your careful attention. We think you will be a very happy owner of the V8 / Glide 3.
If you already own the InMotion V8 / Solowheel Glide 3 and want to share your experience, please leave us a comment!
Also you can check out our other reviews on similar unicycles, like the InMotion V10 or the Segway One S1.