After action report from One Wheelers on the Playa?

[claybcook]

I know I saw a few "One Wheels" last year. My first sighting of such a creature. I wonder if such a sophisticated electronic device survived well down in the dust? Other than practically guaranteeing scrapes and bruises and contusions, they seem perfect for getting around BRC. Of course, there's the recharging and the inevitable dead battery at the trash fence and then carrying a 25 lb toy home, but other than that, they seem perfect.

Anyone care to post their experiences?

[torrey.smith]

I have an original, a OW+, and a OWXR on order.

I did field testing at Juplaya 2017 followed by an extremely heavy use profile at BM 2017.

I'm blown away at this thing. It's silent, fun, perfectly suited to the Playa conditions, and gives a different taste than some dork on a Segway.

Besides the mother lode of dust blowing off and out of it after I returned, it's been awesome. The sealed AC induction motor is the way to go. I did get an intermittent front light finally, but that's a quick fix to clean the leads and people post instructions for that.

Detractors will say this is Tech Bro Culture taking over our event.

I will say that if I see one more asshole on a 2-stroke scooter wrecking the peace of mind of an entire neighborhood, I might go have some words (if their ear drums are still good for anything).

The Playa is a proving ground for new ideas. Sextant tests out ground anchors, Tesla Coils, and the limits of human psychology.

I don't see why brilliant young designers from Santa Cruz can't have their creativity celebrated out there. The OneWheel is manufactured in Santa Cruz, CA. It's the picture of American ingenuity and enterprising spirit.

edit: dates

[Morrell]

A camp-mate fracture-dislocated his elbow on one during the week. Fucked his burn.

[claybcook]

So, two lessons right away. The OW seems to tolerate the playa well. Also, gravity has not been banned from BRC yet, so care is needed at all times. As to the "so cool, it doesn't really belong" attitude of some; that's unfortunate. Funny, the lines that could get drawn between flaming propane powered art cars and silent battery driven skateboards.

How did battery life feel to you? Sufficient for a 3 hour tour? What did you recharge from? Issues in the heat?

[torrey.smith]

A camp-mate fracture-dislocated his elbow on one during the week. Fucked his burn.

Yeah, mine took out two of my buddies. One fractured his scapula and the other got major road rash

Read your ticket...

[Elorrum]

[claybcook]

Torrey, I sent you an email with more questions. I'm curious about any other lessons learned, or extra precautions you'll take next (this) time? Fender? Spare parts or tools suggested? etc. Thanks

[torrey.smith]

Torrey, I sent you an email with more questions. I'm curious about any other lessons learned, or extra precautions you'll take next (this) time? Fender? Spare parts or tools suggested? etc. Thanks

Lessons learned: OneWheels are insanely awesome on the Playa.

I won't be bringing any specific tools, and I don't need a fender for Playa conditions. It's perfect as-is.

With the XR out, 12-18 mile range seriously changes the game. My OW+ with 5-7 mile range instantly became a camp tool during Build Week. You could immediately zip off to a build site with tools and be back before your team missed you.

I am personally saving several thousand dollars because of the OneWheel, because it makes a trip to the porta potties incredibly fast, so I don't have a personal pressing reason to include them in Sextant this year. It makes everything WAY closer.

On a final note, it's really fun to stop and let people play with it when they give an interested look. There's no reason that it has to be exclusive and elitist. It's just a brilliant piece of engineering that's highly relevant to the nature of our event.

[claybcook]

Thanks so much! Turns out I have a dealer near me, so tomorrow I'm off to look and maybe get a test ride. Is Sextant your camp? I'm in Anonymous Village. I'll be looking for you.