Why learning EUC is hard

We take it for granted that we all know how to ride a bicycle.  This skill set, developed by most before the age of ten, allows us to ride bikes(of course), scooters and other two-wheeled devices.  The skill set is generally permanent, meaning, you learn it once and you have it for life.  Muscle memory is established using the vestibular balance system of our brains- learn it once and you have it for life.

Unfortunately, having this skill does not help when approaching an electric unicycle (EUC) for the first time.  Why?  Although learning to ride EUC can be easy for some, most new riders need to acclimate to two distinct conditions:  A new balance envelope, and a new way to maneuver and control the unit as you ride.

From a balance standpoint, the EUC balance envelope is simply different than that for riding a bicycle.  New riders have to train themselves.  The analogy on a bike goes something like this:  you tell yourself to turn, you lean your body and turn the handlebars in the direction of the turn, wheels and frame follow.  On an EUC – you think to yourself, “turn”, you look in the direction of the turn, your body leans and the unit (your body as part of the machine) turns.

The second challenge to overcome is understanding the control systems in the EUC which is ‘you’, and how you physically control acceleration, maneuvering, and braking using your balance and weight distribution over your feet and legs.  Lean forward to accelerate, lean back to brake.  Sounds easy until you realize you are standing on two pedals fitted on either side of a wheel on its axis.  This is inherently unstable. 

As I am a daily rider who, as of the time of this post, have ridden all but maybe 5 days in the past year including Chicago spring, summer, fall and winter seasons- I am frequently asked:  “That looks cool.  Can I try it?”  My stock answer is:  “Sorry, EUC is not something you try, it’s something you learn”.

 We encourage new riders to take their time and be patient when learning to ride for the first time.  The learning curve can be steep taking anywhere between 4-10 hours of practice to build confidence for riding in public.  Look for a quiet space with a flat stretch of hard packed ground (driveway, empty parking lot, gravel path, etc.).  You also need something to lean against – building wall, fence line, etc.

The steps are:  1. Learn to step on and step off the wheel.  2.  Learn to maintain posture while standing on the wheel.  3.  Learn to lean your body weight forward and back on your toes and on your heels to accelerate and brake.  4.  Learn to role the wheel while maintaining balance.  5.  Learn to extend the role and begin to train your brain (VBS).  6.  Learn to solo – maintain your balance hands free.  7.  Learn to turn while riding.  8.  Lots of practice in a safe space.

If you’re curious about EUC – look for riding groups in your area.  The community is really good about paying it forward to help the next group of new riders learn.  You can often borrow or rent a wheel to practice on before making big new wheel purchases.

GlideSchool ™ offers training and wheel rentals.  Check out locations and class schedules (in season) here.  www.glideschool.co.