
The cool looking single wheel Segway… Are looking to know more about it and maybe get one for yourself? Your search is over. In this article I will let you know everything you need to know about one of the best single wheeler the market has to offer: The Segway Ninebot One S1, the “big brother” in the one wheel personal transporters arena.
The first and most important thing to say, before we even begin to describe the One S1, is that this is not a transporter for the faint of heart. You will need to invest some hours of training before you can ride normally. But if you have what it takes, if you are bold and love a challenge, the One S1 is certainly your personal transporter. Do you like to try new things, and set yourself apart and be different than the rest? Keep reading and I guarantee you’ll be turning everyone’s heads soon enough!
If you don’t have time to read through the article, click here to get an awesome price and promos for the Segway One S1 on Amazon.
Contents
What is the Segway?
The segway is a self-balancing, battery powered electric vehicle. It was invented by Dean Kamen, and produced by Segway Inc., a US company based in New Hampshire. When turned on, the device is kept upright using computers, sensors and electric motors. The transporter uses gyroscopic and accelerometer sensors to maintain it’s balance, detecting any changes in the pitch angle. The rider controls speed and direction by managing her/his weight over the device.
Aside from being super cool and a great way for personal transportation, a very famous use for the Segways are city or park tours. These tours started almost 2 decades ago and have become really popular. But this is just a curiosity note, as these tours mostly use the two wheel version of the Segway, like the Segway miniPro or Segway I2 SE. If you are interested, you can check this cool company that offer these tour services in several cities: https://www.citysegwaytours.com/.
If you want to learn more about one of the two wheel versions of the Segway, you can check another product review we have here in Gear Priest: Two Wheel Segway miniPRO Review: All you need to know!

via fattiretours dot com
About the Single Wheel Segway
The One S1 is a single wheel Segway. It uses the same awesome technology that Segway Inc. developed for their two wheel flagship product, but in a new and really cool compact device. Those looking for a smaller, cooler and stylish way of getting fast to where they need to be, the One S1 is a perfect match. Functional and insanely fun, every ride will be an adventure, even for veteran owners.
The vehicle has a companion mobile app, available for iOS and Android. This application will connect to your One S1, providing you very useful information and stats and a really valuable and awesome New Rider Tutorial.
How fast can the Segway go?
The One S1 can reach 12.5 mph (20 km/h). To be able to ride at this speed, you will need to complete several tutorials and drills that will unlock the next level and new speed limits.
Aside for teaching you how to ride, the connected mobile app will progressively unlock new riding levels as you improve, allowing you to go faster. This is a great feature the provides incentive to improve and practice. With little effort and investing some hours practicing, you will become a good rider and will feel comfortable sliding at the top speed the unit can achieve.
Specs and Features
Specs (in different measurements) | ||
---|---|---|
Rider Requirements Age | 16 – 50 | |
Height | 4’0” – 6’6” | 10,2 cm. – 16,75 cm. |
Weight Limit | 220 lbs | 100 Kg. |
Max Speed | 12.5 mph | 20,12 Km x h |
Typical Range | ~15 miles | 24,14 Km. |
Max Climbing Angle | ~15° | |
Applicable Terrain | Pavement, packed dirt, obstacles < 1.2 in Cell content | |
Weights & Dimensions | Unit ~25 lbs, 16.6 x 7.2 x 17.6 in. Box 28 lbs, 17.75 x 9 x 19.5 in. Pallet 30 Units, 40 x 48 x 60 in. | Unit ~11,34 Kg. 42,16 x 18.29 x 44.71 cm. Box 12,7 Kg. 45,1 x 22,86 x 49,53 cm. Pellet 30 Units, 101.6 x 121,92 x 152,4 cm. |
Battery Max Charge Time | 4 Hours | |
Battery Nominal Capacity | 155 Wh x 2 | |
Battery Management | System Over-voltage, under-voltage, short circuit and overheating protection as well as auto sleep and wake-up functions | |
Charging Temp. | 32º – 104º F | 0° – 40° C |
Operating Temp. | 14º – 104º F | -10° – 40° C |
Storage Temp. | -4º – 113º F | -20° – 45° C |
Certifications | One S1 Unit: UL 2272, FCC part 15 subparts B and C. Battery Module: UL 2271, UN/DOT 38.3 Cell content |

via segway dot com
Unpacking the One S1
Your new One S1 comes packaged in a box that allows easy and secure transportation of your device. The box includes:
- The Segway One S1, of course;
- A user manual;
- The limited warranty;
- The charger and the power cord
- The valve stem extension
The Segway One S1 itself has: a handle; a power button; the charge port; the light ring on it’s side; the battery cover; the pedals; and obviously, the wheel.
You might want to keep the box, as it will probe very useful if you need to ship your One S1 in the future.
How to ride the Segway One S1
Before you can ride your One S1 you will need to properly charge it. Be sure to turn the device off before charging it. Also consider to perform a full charge before it’s first use. It’s recommended that you use a power surge protector to keep your unit safe from any surges or voltage spikes in the power line.
To start charging the wheel, plug the power cord into the charging port and also into the surge protector. Now you can plug it to the electric outlet. Be sure to check the voltage of your power grid and the accepted by the device charger (different countries might have different voltages in their power grid).
WARNING: Do not connect the charger if the charge port of the device or the cable is wet.
If you want, you can turn on the One S1 after connecting it to the power, and it will display the charging level in the lights ring. The charging will be done when the LED indicator in the charger changes from red to green. It will take approximately 4 hours to be fully charged. You can top off the charge at any time. The battery charge level appears in the light ring when the One S1 is stationary.
When the batteries are nearly empty, the lights will blink red. You can also use the mobile app to check the remaining charge on the battery and the estimated remaining distance the device could reach.
Prepare yourself for your first ride!
For your safety, the wheel comes equipped with an activation procedure, and also speed and sensitivity limits. The One S1 comes inactive at time of purchase, and the speed and sensitivity are set are low levels.
You must install the mobile app and follow the instructions to activate the vehicle before it’s first use. Please follow these few steps to get started:
Step 1: Download and install the mobile app on your phone / tablet:
Register or login (if you already have an account) using the installed app on your mobile device.

via stuff dot co dot za
Step 2: Put the vehicle upright and power it on. Turn it off and on again to familiarize yourself with the controls.
Step 3: Click “search device” in the mobile app to connect to your One S1. The vehicle will beep to indicate a successful connection.
Step 4: Follow the instructions in the app.
After performing the previous steps, you should have your One S1 activated. Immediately after activation, the mobile app will guide you through the New Rider Tutorial. Please DO NOT skip the step. It’s vital that you follow along to understand and learn as fast as possible to ride your new personal transporter.
For your safety, the one s1 will limit your max speed to 2.5 mph (4 km/h) before activation. After activation, but before completing the New Rider Tutorial, the max speed will be 4.3 mph (7 km/h). For the first 0.6 miles (1 km) after completing the New Rider Tutorial the max speed will be limited to 7.5 mph (12 km/h). After the first 0.6 miles (1 km) you can disable the speed limiter using the mobile app, and reach a max speed of 12.5 mph (20 km/h).
Becoming a proficient rider can take many hours. Practice each step in the New Rider Tutorial at least 15 minutes each day until you feel comfortable with each specific maneuver. Always wear a helmet and protective clothing when riding. Select an appropriate helmet with a chin strip in place. Bicycle or skate helmets that provide protection for the back of your head are good choices.
You will need access to an indoor or outdoor practice area that has a level and smooth surface with good traction (not slippery!). Do not try your first session in any area where you might encounter children, pedestrians, pets, vehicles, bicycles or other obstacles that might be potential hazards.
Learning to ride and the One S1 basic moves
When you are ready to start, move your One S1 to the center of the riding area that you’ll be using for practice. Keep in mind that learning to ride is a step by step process!
Carefully scan your surroundings. Your eyes are your best tools to evaluate potential hazards and safely avoiding obstacles
Get used to how the one s1 operates with these basic drills:
- Step on one pedal and swing your leg back and forth gently.
- With assistance of a friend put one foot in one pedal and gradually shift your weight to the One S1, but keeping your other foot on the ground.
- With assistance of a friend, put one foot in one pedal, and raise the other feet from the ground for 1-2 seconds.
- With assistance of a friend, put both feet on the pedals, one by one, and try to move forward and backwards by controlling your center of gravity.
- To turn, press with one foot hard than the other and shifting slightly your weight.
- To dismount, be sure your friend is close by. Come to a stop by centering your weight. Then step out and to the back from the One S1.
You’ll need to become very proficient in riding the One S1 before attempting to leave your practice area. The more you practice, the safer you’ll be when riding in new places. Ride in areas free of obstacles and distractions until you are very comfortable with your wheel. Use caution when riding in new environments. Is not unusual to lose your balance when learning to ride. It may take many hours of practice to become a competent rider, so take it easy, one step at a time. You should practice until you can step on, ride forward and backwards, turn, stop and step back as easy as you can walk.
When you are set for the day or reached your destination, and should turn off your One S1. Hold the power button to turn the unit off. A tone will sound, and the power light display will fade out.
It’s important that you develop the habit of maintaining in top condition your wheel, and be safe in every session. Before each ride check your One S1 for loose fastens, any damaged components and low tire pressure.
If the one s1 makes any weird noise or sounds an alarm, immediately stop riding. Contact your dealer or distributor for support and customer service.
Remember to remove the electric cord before performing any maintenance, or installing any part or accessory. Remember to use only approved parts and accessories, and do not modify the vehicle, as they can interfere with the normal operation, resulting in serious injury or damage to the device. The warranty could be voided too.
Important Usage Warnings
Never restart your One S1 after the battery level is indicated in red, nor try to continue using it in this condition. It might not have enough power to keep you balanced. If you restart and continue, you risk falling and injuring yourself and others. You would also risk damaging the batteries, reducing their life and capacity.
Ensure “carry mode” is active before lifting the One S1 by the handle while it’s powered on. Not doing this will cause the wheel to spin and may result in injury or damage to the One S1.
Using the One S1 improperly and not following the provided instructions might result in serious injuries to yourself or others and damages to the device.
Please read the warnings and safety instructions before riding.
When traversing bumps or uneven terrain maintain moderate speed around 2-6 mph (3-10 km/h) and keep your knees bent. Don’t go too slow or too fast, as you might lose control and fall.
Watch your head while passing through doorways.
Avoid slopes steeper than 15 degrees, or you may lose traction.
Try to not accelerate or decelerate abruptly.
Don’t ride on public roads, motorways highways, or streets.
Comply with local laws and regulations when entering public spaces
Do not accelerate when the One S1 tilts back or sounds an alarm. Do not attempt to override the speed limiter.
Do not ride through puddles or other bodies of water, Do not get wet.
The device is for one rider only. Do not ride double, nor carry any passengers. Do not carry a child. Expectant mothers should NOT ride the One S1.
Do not ride over hole, steps, curbs or other obstacles.
Do not rock back and forth or shift your weight abruptly.
Do not attempt stunts of any kind. Always keep both feet in the pedals.
Maintain contact with the ground at all times. Do not jump.
Do not ride on limited traction or slippery surfaces.
Rider and payload must weight less than 220 lbs (100 kgs) and must be 4’0” – 6’6” tall (120 – 220 cm.)
Where to get help and support for the Segway One S1?
To learn more about your new Segway One S1 you can visit www.segway.com. You can also contact the sales (customeroperation@segway.com) and service (technicalsupport@segway.com) teams with any question you have.

via segway dot com