Electric Unicycle, ninebot Z10, Patent and the Death of Innovation

[@OWGAC]

I am looking for Ideas for my next video! let me know what you like to see!!

[@valentijn9]

Hsiang Maybe a broader comparison between major LMV options. Ebike / eskate / onewheel - EUC. Like difficulty to ride vs costs vs range-speed vs legislation.

[@Mpower31]

Yo it would be awesome if you could make a video that shows how to ride larger EUC's like the MSX, 18XL, Z10? I'm coming from a V8 and the difference is significant especially once you get moving at a highish speed.

[@elwire]

Exploring all the things one can do having two free hands riding an electric unicycle. EUC is still a bit new so I'm sure only a fraction of all the possibilities has been tested so far. Perhaps it's a killer combination out there yet to be discovered? Kite flying...? : )

[@KaiSosceles]

What’s the story behind not being able to take wheels on planes? The TSA has guidelines that our wheels could theoretically meet, and then individual airlines have their own rules about “self-balancing vechicles” that squash every requirement the TSA puts forth. When and why did this begin? Are there any airlines that allow for EUC travel (just met someone who traveled with their Onewheel as a carry-on with no battery on American Airlines, FYI)? How do we get EUC’s out of this mess so we can use them for travel?

[@buzzbuzzard4695]

Start riding scooters

[@valentijn9]

Best EUC channel on YT.

[@hellochriis]

most insightful EUC videos on KZbin!

[@OWGAC]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it!!!

[@3euc]

I appreciate your effort in bringing your thoughts forward and you taking the time to produce these informative and philosophical videos. It's important to open up the discussion, so we can all share in what has been going on, to clarify and perhaps correct the record, at least as best we can, since some things will never be known for sure.

[@OWGAC]

Thank you! Perhaps its due to old age, I am finding it more and more interesting to research and speculate about these sort of things.

[@kingdoom1000]

Excellent journalism once again!

[@OWGAC]

Thank you!

[@CaioKaos]

I love your videos, bringing this kind of information helps a lot to understand what we can expect from the companies regarding EUCs. Keep up the good work!

[@OWGAC]

Thank you!

[@elwire]

Wow Wow Wow! You just keep getting better and better Hsiang!

[@OWGAC]

Thank you!

[@zdomfed]

Simultaneously brilliant and just simply pleasant. Well done!

[@OWGAC]

Thank you! Glad you like it.

[@jameslewis8219]

This is a fun suggestion called 'towing capacity'. Take one motorized wheelchair. Attach slightly elasticized towline to Unicycle pilot waist. Add weights to buggy until unicycle can no longer pull weighted wheelchair. Contest to see who guesses the final load in lbs., which can be successfully towed. ; )

[@delbomb3131]

I don't know what's cooler, your vanishing selfie stick, or your crystal clear audio while riding around and completely blocking out background audio. You sir are a wizard, keep up the great work. Also great look at the stagnation of progress.

[@Illinad1]

Maybe it's post voiced?

[@JonS]

So this is why the guy on the Segway/Ninebot booth at CES told me the Z10 was illegal in the US, and wouldn't say anything else to me.

[@kmg501]

I wish I subscribed sooner, this is the kind of information I find very interesting.

[@monogerman939]

Excellent Journalistic piece, keep it flowing

[@user-cw3nb8rc9e]

Unicycle seems so much better than other solutions. Very long range, very strong engines, comfortable to ride (bigger wheels)

[@OWGAC]

The only down side is the learning curve, it takes a bit more to get comfortable on one, but once you do, there’s nothing better!

[@UStride]

Extemely informative. I like how you adapt the movie scenes into your videos. Awesome work

[@OWGAC]

Thank you! Like what ur doing also, let see more videos!

[@UStride]

@@OWGAC yes sir. Working on one right now. Release it hopefully this week.

[@todd5963]

Crazy good editing and mad video capturing skills! Nice work! Very informative.

[@OWGAC]

Thank you!

[@TheRealAlpha2]

Glad to see a video that delves into the _actual_ origins of EUCs. I remember seeing a segment on the local news from a couple years ago (I think it was on WABC's website) where some guy claimed to be the inventor of EUCs, but he was just selling a knock off/rebranded Solowheel.

[@OWGAC]

It is really a curious origin story. Going through Inventist’s website they really don’t treat the EUC any different then the hover board or even a random kitchen appliance. It does explain some of the strangeness of the EUC market place, the premium we pay and the lack of the public’s awareness, even though we all know that its the best out of all the PEVs! =)

[@Index-o1234]

Wow....Surprising revelations. Thanks for the Link 😁👍

[@OWGAC]

glad you enjoy it!!

[@NonStopNeal]

Love it mate. Very insightful as always. Cheers mate.

[@UltraNyan]

I have noticed that aliexpress seems to be flooded with z10, sellers trying to get rid of their stock?

[@OWGAC]

What I had heard was that stock is still short as I am on week 4 of waiting for a motor to be available. Just because they post a sale page and tell you it's in stock don't mean that it's in stock unfortunately.

[@morpheusdesigncarwraps2076]

Thanks for that info!!!! Next video what is the actually the perfect tire size? Circumfrence vs thickness for strait line riding and best turning..

[@OWGAC]

I’ll probably need a bit more experience with EUC to talk about that, I am still a bit bias since both wheel I owned (Z10 & i5) are both odd ball wheels, but I am saving up to buy another wheel so yes, I’ll definitely get more into reviews in the future!

[@askjdog]

Thanks for this great explanation.

[@adamloomis7682]

As always thank you for the knowledge. Montesano Washington

[@OWGAC]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@knifesketch101]

Nice video! Just sold my Z10 and decided to stick with my Gotways. I loved the Z10 but wasn’t going to risk it breaking and not being able to get support or parts. MCM5 has been my favorite as of late. It’s a hill climbing machine! Keep the videos coming.

[@OWGAC]

keep in mind that Gotway also do not officially sell their wheel here in the US, so theretically there are no difference between the support you'll get for a Z10 vs Gotway at this point. only difference being that ewheel no longer sell the z10

[@knifesketch101]

Hsiang Yes, but at least Gotway or Kingsong are not planning on giving up on EUCs. (if that is true). Jason from ewheels has told me that sourcing parts has been a real problem and one reason he stopped carrying the Z10. He can’t service wheels he can’t get parts for. If ewheels can’t get parts, I didn’t want to fight trying to on my own. To my knowledge ewheels has no problem getting parts for Gotway and Kingsong. I’ve heard Gotway prices for parts are expensive, but still available.

[@OWGAC]

I found a few Alibaba sources via EUC forum; actually just put an order in since I had cracked my side panel. Keeping my finger crossed that it’ll be delivered as promised!

[@GiffysChannel]

How can I get one before they're gone?

[@AppleiOSGenius]

Great Information now i wonder if z10 soldcheaper to get one

[@OWGAC]

They are pretty rare and every time I see one come on the market they usually get sold real quick, it is a pretty local thing since no one wants to ship them given the weight so if you keep your eyes peeled you might get lucky!

[@HandsONreviews4u]

What kind of unicycle should I buy buddy? I am willing to spend 1,300 . Do you have a list of decent ones? I was thinking of the ONE WHEEL XR but with a price tag of 1800 and possible nose diving breaking bones the unicycle seems a little stable? Am I right ?......LOL🤔 What about Kingsong 16S ?, can you comment about this one ? HELP.......

[@OWGAC]

I heard a lot of good thing about the KingSong 16S, everyone says that its a reliable and solid wheel, probably one of the most popular starter wheel around which means that you might be able to catch a good deal for a use one since people tend to buy it, learn how to ride and re sell it for a bigger and faster wheel. Also you’ll probably beat up your first wheel a bit while learning so might as well buy one used!

[@HandsONreviews4u]

@@OWGAC If I do go used in your opinion where does one walk away if the price of a used is ridiculous??? Knowing my luck I will probably go BRAND NEW and practice in an auditorium or on astro turf as to not bust my ass and the ass of the Unicycle 😎👌before I am solo on it. But please comment about my used one question?

[@MySocialExperiments]

How do you make your selfie stick disappear? I love it.

[@OWGAC]

the 360 camera I use automatically erase the stick, its not perfect and you'll ocassionally still see some strange warping around my hand.

[@Throwdownsoldier]

Do you think invenstist will continue suing and go after kingsong or GotWay next

[@OWGAC]

I wouldn’t be surprised if they had already, probably why there isn’t an official dealer here, if they can have the port impound ninebot wheels, they can probably do the same for Gotway and KingSong

[@ullle66]

to my information: Ninebot hasnt „kicked“ out ewheels..... the opposite is true! Because of the ridiculous high failure rate and the non existing service of Ninebot for its resellers, ewheels has stopped selling the Z10! he wasnt been able to get spare parts for the 10% board failure rate when receiving them, has to invest unbelivable workload to charge up deep depleted batterys, and so wasnt able able to even make a minimal buck on the z10. thats not only a story told by ewheels, i also heard that of other self importing sellers in other countrys! no fun to open and recharge all wheels you recieve and Ninbot gives a shit about your probs......

[@AuRowe]

Thanks for sharing, I have had my time with ninebot

[@LemonySnicket-EUC]

There are many KZbinrs to this day totally digging their Z10 EUC. Yeah their support is ZIlch !

[@BrettL250]

How much should a new Z10 cost? I heard they had warranty problems. Do they? There are some for sale on eBay but I’m just not sure on pricing. Thanks for your help. Awesome videos.

[@OWGAC]

Keep in mind that ninebot do not officially sell them in the US so if you buy them here there would be no warranty support. If you are in china, you’re probably fine; in Europe you’ll likely be relying on whomever you purchase it from. You likely won’t live near any ninebot service location and shipping it is a huge pain so I suspect figuring it out and doing repair yourself would probably be your best bet. At least my impression are that EUCs are relatively straight forward machine so not too hard for newb like us to figure out.

[@AdamHillikerLikesRobots]

Thumbs up for the Temple of Doom clip

[@OWGAC]

Ha! I am glad you enjoy it! =D

[@martinmeredith8964]

Another great video !

[@rogerunderhill4267]

Well, Gotway are now releasing the Nikola. I guess that’s a finger to Inventist... it’s a nice wheel. Rides really well.

[@OWGAC]

It's nice that Gotway and kingsong continues to release new models; but think how much better it would be if they can actually invest in research and legally sell their wheels here in the us

[@romeyohines5017]

How you doing, I have a Ninebot Z10 and I have a flat, do you know anyone I can send it to that can fix it? change the tire or just repair the flat? I like in UK.

[@OWGAC]

Since the z10 have tubeless tire, you can have it plugged! Not sure about the UK, but here in the states, any auto or motorcycle shop can do it, you can also buy a tire plug kit yourself and do it. You can of course buy a new tire and switch it but usually one or two plugs aren't that bad.

[@romeyohines5017]

@@OWGAC The only problem with these plug kits though are that they don't make a permanent fix of the tire, in a few months I would have to repeat this process again. wouldn't I?!

[@OWGAC]

@@romeyohines5017 no, they are permanent, I think technically they drop the top speed rating on the tire by 5km but you'll likely not notice any difference. you aren't suppose to plug a tire more than 2-3 times so don't make it a habit to run over a bed of nails.

[@romeyohines5017]

@@OWGAC Iv'e just found the problem, it's not actually a whole in the tire, the air is escaping from the side between the rim and the tire it self. I guessing I hit a kerb and dinted it rim, I cannot see any physical damage though. what do you suggests I do? try knocking it back down or seek a professional?

[@Cuba660]

Any idea if we can ride EUC’s in the no car zone on Earth Day this Saturday in NYC? Thanks

[@chiatworld]

Why you don't wear your full face POC helmet?

[@OWGAC]

something I never thought of; the chin piece block my view of a small section of road directly in front of my wheel. which make dodging potholes harder. I still wear it on group ride when we go faster and can follow rider in front of me and not worry about potholes as much

[@Da55a]

Excellent content as usual 👍

[@OWGAC]

Thank you, glad you enjoy it!

[@MrMrZimbo]

Could you tell me what bag you’re wearing please

[@LefterisEl]

Thank you for informing us about this stuff, you seam quite knowledgeable and did you research. I've post about this video on "the video thread" of the forums

[@OWGAC]

Thank you! I am terrible at marketing and so really don't know how to tell more people about my video so I really appreciated the help!!

[@ngl1145]

Great production. Love your content. I’ve been trying to get into the EUC side of things more. I’ve done e-skateboard, Segway MiniPros and just started EUC. Enjoyed your reviews and videos.

[@OWGAC]

Thank you! Glad you enjoy it!

[@ngl1145]

Hsiang I did. I think riding comes with confidence. I see you vlog while riding it. Today I rode my Segway One S1 a bit more trying to “relax” a bit and ride. I rode more than I’ve ever on this. It’s great to see someone with your skill ride this around the city. I figured if you can do it, in time I can as well. I’ve subscribed to your channel. Thanks!

[@TheBoardGarage]

Definitely my favorite video of yours so far, so well done. I'd love to collaborate one day.

[@OWGAC]

Thank you! I just need to learn to be a bit more efficient with making them, right now they take waaay to damn long to make! But yea, love to collab one day!

[@jrt9928]

Feels like your current videos can be articles or blogs with those thinking and ideas. Maybe more visual material that’s related to what you are talking about will be more attractive. Looking forward for more euc content.

[@OWGAC]

They certainly have gone in a weird direction; but I do tend to get fascinated with strange subjects.. and yes I’ll definitely work on pulling more content into my videos.

[@romeyohines5017]

I love the video BTW I seem to be the only one in UK with an electric unicycle sad times lol.

[@OWGAC]

I think they are rare since I do not believe that it is legal to ride them in the street in UK, I have heard that people have gotten ticketed and heavily penalize via points.

[@chaacbze]

Hsiang Do let us know if you have seen these stories posted anywhere.

[@chaacbze]

Agreed. Hsiang’s videos are a notch above. I’m in UK and know what you mean; I’ve only just started on my Ninebot One S2 and already had my first reminder to keep confidence in check and respect tha beep. I’m in London, where are you located?

[@jorgebatista425]

Great video Hsiang. You actually work hard to make good content and it is greatly appreciated. You really should have at least 100k subscribers for the material you upload. In fact, if I had a daughter, I would let you date her.

[@OWGAC]

This is why you don’t have a daughter. LOL j/k thank you! I do enjoy making these videos and hope that in time more people will find my channel. So help me out and tell your friends! =D

[@lucasanjoz]

Nice video. Editing skills!

[@The_Dizz]

Love the videos man! I also ride the Z10 and your ever in west Texas for some reason, hit me up to ride! We have some cool places out here in El Paso.

[@OWGAC]

Thank you! Definitely will if i ever come by your hood!

[@rx3rotary]

Not to be picky but the iPhone your holding in your hand at 10:15 is the *second* iPhone version, not the first

[@BlackPrimeMinister]

Nerd!

[@OWGAC]

Lol, and I was hoping that if I wave it around enough people wouldn't notice! =D

[@rx3rotary]

@@BlackPrimeMinister nothing nerdy about facts :-)

[@thcaywkg]

..great insight as to why Z10 isn’t selling in the US now..! You can always buy a V10F though for the same thrill and maybe even feel better with the ride of those 2.5inch width tire against 4.1inch..perhaps u should do a review on the Solowheel Extreme 18 and pep up Chen😁 I just found a knock off extreme on JD perhaps a rebranding if solo trying to get right of their stock

[@OWGAC]

I believe the original solowheel is now way out of date in terms of power, speed and range. The V10F I believe max out at 25mph and gets throttle below that under 80% battery, most EUC riders in the higher end market likely won't settle for anything below 30mph top speed. Z10 is slower at 28mph got a pass becuase it is "weird"

[@DigiDriftZone]

Fantastic video, really sad if this the state of affairs going forward :( - Is the Ninebot Z10 your favourite wheel? - I just got my InMotion V8 a couple of days ago, today was the first day I ventured out a little further away (1+ miles away), I'm still learning but so much fun!!

[@OWGAC]

The wheel you own is always your favorite wheel! LOL the z10 has a pretty unique riding character, and yes i do enjoy riding it quite a bit, and if you hang out in the EUC circle a bit you’ll see that people do start to collect wheels as they are all fun in a different way. The V8 is great but once you get better with your skill you’ll probably want to pick up a faster wheel.

[@DigiDriftZone]

@@OWGAC haha, that is certainly possible! - The reason I went with the V8 is I wanted something light to bring on trains/busses at rush hour and use for that last few miles from the train home, or train to work. Anything heavier than the V8 becomes a bit too awkward for that. With that said, this is pretty addictive and the V10F looks tasty!

[@OWGAC]

That was the same reason why I got the IPS i5 as my first wheel, I still use it regularly for the same reason!

[@DigiDriftZone]

@@OWGAC Oh man, that looks sweeeet! - I'm going to watch a few more of your videos and end up with 5 wheels haha

[@jorgebatista425]

@@DigiDriftZone Be careful. I bought my first wheel in January and own 5 already with two more on the way. At this point, a cocaine habit would have been cheaper and certainly left more room in my house.

[@Havreringar]

So buy or not? Is there too many things against the Z10 (battery problems, discontinued production) to even consider it now? MSuper X/KS18XL both seems like better options but the looks of Z10 got me... However, stranded with a China import with high probability of battery issues and no support what so ever... Should I let go of the Z10? :-S

[@chaacbze]

Maybe the new Kingsong 16x might be worth a look see.

[@Havreringar]

@@chaacbze Too late, couldn't resist the Bat Wheel :)

[@fazer12779]

I wonder if that’s why Ninebot recalled the Ninebot P a few years back? Kingsong KS18L & the Msuper X & the Z10 are the best on the market right now in 2019 🇬🇧

[@mC_DiDiDiDiDi]

I'd add the monster to that list.

[@chaacbze]

Looking forward to the Kingsong 16x.

[@DEFACTO9]

Hsiang, excellent content, thank you. No wonder, looks like this patent holder is killing the market.

[@WirelessDevelopment]

How do I get a Z10?

[@OWGAC]

check EUC forum, I think direct import via Aliexpress if your only way but there are some issues you must be aware of, ghost drain an potential battery in sleep state.

[@LemonySnicket-EUC]

Got one recently on eBay. I took the chance. Zero issues.

[@360portugal]

Thank you for your research and videos. I have some difficulty to understand your complex phrases. But its ok. The war between patents, i hope one day they will be solved. I cant see my life without a electric unicycle. Scooters are far less efective than unicycles, i would rahter ride an e-bike than a scooter.

[@OWGAC]

I am with you on that! I considered e-skateboard and scooter before but nothing is as much fun to ride (at least for me) as the EUCs!

[@SolarizeYourLife]

Problem is bird and lime is stopping buying cheap ninebot kickscooters for more robust models....

[@OWGAC]

I think ninebot is still manufacturing those scooter even if they aren't branded "ninebot" Afterall they have the relevant expereince and capacity for escooter production.

[@alainbibi0047]

Hi can you explain to me the value added by the import tax ? The only one benefit i see is to feeding people whose only function is to wear a suit year-round to maintain modern slavery. May you make us an review on INOKIM OX Super ? Regards

[@OWGAC]

My impression that its mostly political maneuvering to benefit special interest group under the guise of pleasing certain political base; but I am an idiot when it comes to politics so I would be the wrong person to ask =). Rider (the Taiwan shop) had a lot of fun toys but unfortunately I wasn’t around long enough to try them, theInokim OX does look awesome, still trying to convince my wife to try an e-scooter, maybe one day when budget allows..

[@A-Viking]

Old copy sueing a newer copy Both are copys, neither is original The old saying is true.. No honor amongst thiefs lol

[@OWGAC]

Very much so; unfortunately our patent system doesn’t seems to recognize that technology all tend to build on one another. Not to mention the fact that the guy whom have patent might not be the originator of the idea, just the first one whom can afford the expensive lawyer to apply for a patent. So yup, its all a bit screwy..

[@mikecane]

Excellent. Patents expire after 17 years, so there's that to look forward to.

[@OWGAC]

I am no expert but I think they can be renewed. Plus 17 years is a lifetime! we better be on real hoverboard by then!

[@mikecane]

@@OWGAC No, they can't be renewed. Google "can u.s. patents be renewed" and you'll see. Solowheel knows its time to bully others will end soon, so they're trying to cash in while they can. It will crush them in the end and they'll be forgotten. Or, worse, remembered as evil. Keep up the great work.

[@OWGAC]

Mike Cane Does this that segway’s self balancing patent had already expired ? Since that date from 2001? I am wondered if that had anything to do with ninebots reversal on the z10.

[@mikecane]

@@OWGAC While patents can't be renewed, they can be modified. For example, as technology progresses, the manner in which self-balancing is achieved could be patented if it differs from a prior patent held by the same original owner. Some pharma companies have done such mods for their meds at time. As for the Segway patent, well, this stuff is still all very niche. If they were selling in the millions, we'd also be seeing more innovation. The money just isn't there so far for other companies to jump in. Chinese companies can operate on small margins, hence addressing early/niche markets.

[@IRzeee]

I invite to join to the Fb group Ninebot Z-series facebook.com/groups/ninebotzseries/

[@OldSloGuy]

Patent trolls: There is a long history of companies accumulating intellectual property rights solely to keep their lawyers busy in court. It seems that experience matters and they are not afraid to raid fortune 500 companies with claims that seem ridiculous, but are backed by patent portfolios. Some of these rights are acquired through court ordered bankruptcy auctions. Some company without enough staying power can't get traction in the market and lose the IP rights to a troll who has no intention of making anything except a legal claim for infringement. This functions as an innovation tax. Lawyers win; society loses. IP laws have become increasingly parasitic in the USA.

[@Pogodindenis]

Very strange story

[@OWGAC]

It is a weird and convoluted story and it is not done yet! I am working on part two with some corrections also!

[@anarex0929]

Glade don't have to worry about this happening to future motions OneWheel. Love my XR, but wish it went 10mph faster, and it probably wouldn't hurt making it a required mode turn on every time you go out with a big warning sign risk of death or face or hands and shoulder resituated if you hit a hard break in concrete or hit a crack instead of slowing down to 13mph ish then speeding back up. 20mph nose dives - my fault of course. Are the best of teachers, They teach you what not to do and then teach you if you're a pussy or not when you decide to get back on or not to get home. Unless your leg/s are broke then you get a pass but only if you don't cry like a bitch. No brakes for dislocation and or arm, collar bone breakage. Now's the time to make a friend in an asian country to ship these back illegally for you to turn a tidy profit for both. Ship them into Mexico then cross the boarder. Sell only by word of mouth by going to e board meetings NO Internet. Only take a Bitcoin type.

[@danielpindell1267]

So greed will basically the death of the Electric Unicycles in the USA. I understand they own the patents but come on, your double the price nonsense will keep people from buying.

[@OWGAC]

To their credit inmotion did say that inventist had back off that original demand; however I do distinctly get the impression that inventist aren’t really working to cultivate the EUC market, and instead is just leaning on their patent to generate revenue.

[@Hector_picapiedras]

z10 power xD

[@ullle66]

to my information: Ninebot hasnt „kicked“ out ewheels..... the opposite is true! Because of the ridiculous high failure rate and the non existing service of Ninebot for its resellers, ewheels has stopped selling the Z10! he wasnt been able to get spare parts for the 10% board failure rate when receiving them, has to invest unbelivable workload to charge up deep depleted batterys, and so wasnt able able to even make a minimal buck on the z10. thats not only a story told by ewheels, i also heard that of other self importing sellers in other countrys! no fun to open and recharge all wheels you recieve and Ninbot gives a shit about your probs......

[@OWGAC]

I thought of that as ninebot giving all of us the collective boot to the face! when I spoke to the dealer in Taiwan they said they still have support from ninebot on the wheel, ninebot is just ignoring the oversea market.