Kiwano KO1 one wheel self-balancing electric scooter is the weirdest thing I’ve ever reviewed
One of the perks of working for Electrek is that I get to review all sorts of electric bicycles, e-scooters, e-skateboards and other micromobility e-devices. While many share similarities, every now and again one comes along that is unlike anything I’ve ridden before. Case in point: the carbon fiber Kiwano KO1 one-wheel self-balancing electric scooter.
This thing was incredibly fun to learn to ride, though the process wasn’t a piece of cake. Read on to learn more about this unique vehicle that goes on sale today, and to watch me make a fool of myself learning to ride it.
Kiwano KO1 self-balancing electric scooter
The basic idea of the Kiwano KO1 is that it has a single wide wheel, a single stem and non-pivoting handlebars. That’s about it.
You control everything with your body.
And it’s awesome. It’s like that WideWheel electric scooter we reviewed a few weeks ago, but if it only had one wheel. This thing is seriously a hoot to ride. After you learn to ride it, that is. on that in a moment. First, let’s check out the tech specs.
Kiwano KO1 tech specs
This is actually the second version of the Kiwano self-balancing electric scooter. The previous KO1 version (sans plus) was actually a bit faster, though its range was lower. This version drops the speed a tad (probably a good idea as this isn’t really something you want to race on) but provides much more range, helping make this a better suited commuter. If you want the faster version though, you can find it for 500 here.
Video Review
Check out the video below to see how I learned to ride the KO1 electric scooter.
Operating the KO1 electric scooter
When you turn the scooter on it will start up in idle mode. It just sort of stands there, balancing itself. It’s kind of freaky, to be honest. It’s so good at balancing itself that it almost doesn’t even move. It just makes minute motor adjustments to keep itself balanced. I didn’t really believe that it could balance that well at first so I started by just kind of pushing the thing around and watching it correct itself. It was pretty impressive.
Once I was done slapping the scooter around and sufficiently convinced that it knew how to right itself, I was ready to give it a shot.
To ride the scooter, you click the power button once more and it switches from idle mode to ‘normal’ mode. This causes the scooter to tilt forward 12º (the exact amount is customizable) so that you can hop on. There’s also an ‘advanced’ mode, but you should probably start in normal. From what I gather, normal has a lower top speed and is a bit smoother.
When it comes to riding the scooter, I have two main tips for you:
- When you ride the scooter, the key is to become one with it. Don’t think about it as standing on top of something, think about it like the scooter replaces your feet. When you lean, lean with the scooter, not on the scooter.
- Look off into the distance. Do not look down. You’ll start going in the direction you look, so always look off towards the horizon. When you want to turn, look towards where you intend to go.
Other than that, learning to ride it is really just a matter of trial and error. Don’t expect to just be able to hop onto this thing and ride around like a circus clown. It took me around 60-90 minutes of riding before I could go both in a straight line and turn on command.
In the beginning, it’s probably best to start in an open area to ensure that you don’t have any obstacles to run into. However, don’t spend too long in an open area. Once you have figured out how to basically stay on the thing, move to somewhere with a confined path. I know that sounds weird, but trust me. You want something confining you that forces your brain to want to follow the path.
The reason for this is that you’ll soon learn that you aren’t going to be consciously controlling the KO1. It’s not like a bicycle where you think “I want to go left” so you turn the handlebars to the left. This thing doesn’t work that way. Instead you think “I want to go left” and then you look left and then just mentally check out. Your body and that caveman part of your brain that functions without you will figure it out together. If you try to control the thing too much, you’re just going to end up fighting it. You’ve got to relax and just go with it. I know that sounds weird, but trust me. Let your inner neanderthal brain take the wheel on this one.
Build quality
Once I got the hang of the KO1 I could actually start appreciating it for what it was – a really well-built machine. Despite having a 1,000 W motor and 320 Wh battery, it was surprisingly lightweight at just 35 lb (16 kg). If that sounds heavy to you, consider that a lot of 250 W e-bikes with smaller batteries weigh much more than that.
The suspension works well, the carbon fiber frame looks great, the screen is easy to read and the slip-resistant zinc alloy foot pegs are quite comfortable. There’s also a nifty kickstand that tucks completely away when you’re not using it. They even include an action camera mount on the front so you can film your adventures. The whole scooter is just really well-built.
The accompanying smartphone app is also a nice addition. You can use it to adjust the scooter’s calibration and riding angle as well as control the scooter remotely. Strap a platter onto the top and you’ve got a little robot butler that you can use to deliver drinks!
My verdict
Honestly, the KO1 self balancing electric scooter is awesome. It’s a hoot to ride, though it does take a little while to get the hang of it.
Is this the most utilitarian vehicle for your daily commute? Probably not. It’s not going to be replacing my electric bicycle any time soon for hardcore commutes. But I can definitely see this as much more than a toy. If I was a college student then this would be my go-to campus commuter. It’s fun, quirky and sure to turn heads. I can also see these being popular in the hallways of Google headquarters or for scooting around industrial parks. Basically, these could be good for anywhere you need a personal electric vehicle for moving around and aren’t worried about looking a bit… different?
If you want to get your own KO1 electric scooter, then you’re in luck. They go on sale on March 13th and you can have one on the way to you for a cool 1,299.
What do you think about the Kiwano KO1 self balancing electric scooter? Let us know in the Комментарии и мнения владельцев below!
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Upon launch, for Liger X and X are expected to start under Rs 1 lakh (inclusive of FAME II subsidy). The deliveries of the scooter are expected to begin towards the end of 2023.
Team Autostory162 Stories
The 2023 edition of Auto Expo has exhibited some of the most interesting vehicles and prototypes expected to arrive in the Indian market in the coming months. Among them is a new electric scooter named Liger X, which claims to be the world’s first self-balancing two-wheeler.
Founded by IIT alumni—Vikas Poddar and Ashutosh Upadhyay—Liger Mobility is backed by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Society for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (SINE). IIT Bombay. The tech startup showcased the first production-ready prototype of its electric scooter at the ongoing Auto Expo.
Offered in two variants—X and X—the for the battery-powered scooter are yet to be revealed. Bookings for the scooter are expected to commence in mid-2023, while deliveries are likely to begin by the end of this year.
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Design and features of Liger X, X
At the outset, Liger X looks like a simple scooter with minimalist styling and clean surfaces, forming a nice perfect blend of modern and retro elements. It features a triangular LED headlamp mounted on the front apron and an LED DRL at the top. It comes in five colour options, including Grey, Polar White, Blue, Titanium, and Red.
However, the biggest takeaway from the Liger X is the company’s proprietary Auto Balancing technology, which enables the e-scooter to balance itself at low speeds or even when the vehicle is stationary, with or without the rider. The feature aims to enhance rider safety, comfort, and convenience. over, it can be manually switched off once the scooter crosses a predetermined speed.
It is also equipped with a Learner mode, allowing the rider to limit the top speed of the scooter together with the Auto Balancing functionality. Other features offered in the e-scooter include a TFT instrument panel, turn-by-turn navigation, and OTA (Over The Air) software updates.
The digital display is enabled with 4G and GPS connectivity, which offers live location, ride history, battery pack SOC, and temperature, along with phone notifications like call and message alerts. A dedicated smartphone app also provides tow, accident, and service reminder alerts.
Removable battery on offer
Liger is yet to disclose complete details for the electric scooter, but both variants will offer slightly different powertrain specs. The variants will be powered by a lithium-ion battery, but the X comes with a detachable unit that claims a range of 60 km, while the one in X is a non-detachable unit that claims a range of 100 km.
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The former has an estimated charging time of three hours, whereas the latter is supposed to take 4.5 hours to completely rejuvenate. Further, Liger will be offering the option of fast charging for both variants for an additional cost. As for performance, the company claims the e-scooter can clock a top speed of 65 kmph.
(Images courtesy: Liger Mobility)
Unveiled at Auto Expo 2023, the Liger X and X Plus offer the perfect ride for learners
Mumbai-based electric vehicle startup Liger Mobility unveiled two electric scooters at the Auto Expo 2023, which claim to come with world’s first self-balancing technology leveraging core sciences, IoT and AI. The Liger X and X electric scooters will be available for bookings in middle of 2023.
Called the Liger X and Liger X, these world’s first self-balancing electric scooters have been patented and offer enhanced safety for the rider along with better comforts setting them apart from any other scooter in the world. Industry-first Auto-Balancing is a self-explanatory term used as these scooters balance automatically at low speeds or when the scooter is stationary. It also offers stability at higher speeds when the auto balancing function goes into standby mode.
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Liger Electric Scooters – Self Balance Tech
Liger X and X are being offered in an array of colour options among which are Grey, Polar White, Blue, Titanium and Red. They receive a strong body structure with an innovative new design and LED lighting.
The two scooters are 4G and GPS enabled that come in with an App that allows the rider to view live location, ride history, battery charge and temperature while the rider also receives online alerts of tow, accident and service reminders, etc. These new electric scooters sport features such as turn by turn navigation while the rider can view calls and messages on the TFT display unit.
Power is via a lithium cooled, lithium ion battery pack that is best suited for Indian weather conditions. The two variants command a top speed of 65 km/h with Liger X offering a 60 km range which goes up to 100 kms on the Liger X.
The battery is detachable on the Liger X with charge to an optimum in under 3 hours. Liger X gets a non-detachable battery with charging facility in 4.5 hours. The company also offers a fast charging battery pack for both models at an extra cost.
Features Detailed
The Liger X and Liger X Plus feature the same design pattern, one that is a perfect blend of modern and retro elements. The standout aesthetic on this electric scooter is a futuristic LED headlight on the apron in the shape of Iron Man’s Arc Reactor.
Both the variants have a top speed of 65kmph; however, the Liger X offers a claimed range of 60km from a detachable battery pack, which has a charging time of 4.5 hours. On the other hand, the Liger X Plus boasts of a higher claimed range of 100km from a non-detachable battery pack which charges in 3 hours. That said, the company will offer fast-charging options for both variants, for an additional cost.
#Electric #Scooters #Balance #Tech
Self-Balancing E-Scooter Unveiled By Liger Mobility At Auto Expo
A Mumbai-based electric vehicle startup named Liger Mobility has unveiled two unique electric scooters capable of self-balancing. The company claims that the self-balancing e-scooters developed by them are the first of their kind in the world. The tech has been developed in-house by the company with an aim to support the rider during low speeds or while being stationary. The e-scooters have been named Liger X and Liger X Plus.
Liger X Specs:
The Liger X is an entry-level e-scooter with a range of 60km and a top speed of 65kmph. It gets detachable batteries and an LCD display for the driver.
Liger X Plus Specs:
The Liger X Plus is the higher-end variant of the e-scooter. It gets a range of 100km. The top speed remains the same as that of Liger X, i.e. 65kmph. Unlike the Liger X, the Liger X Plus gets fixed batteries and a TFT Display for turn-by-turn navigation.
The Common Features:
Both the e-scooters get optional features like foot-free stop, auto-balanced reverse mode, and learn-to-ride mode. Both the e-scooters have auto-balancing tech inbuilt with a capacity of 2 riders or up to 150 kg. The company claims that both the e-scooters are equipped with liquid cooling tech for the batteries, battery cell balancing tech, thermal runaway protection, and a robust battery management system. The company claims that the e-scooters are built for Indian conditions. The Liger X can be fully charged in 3 hours and the Liger X Plus can be fully charged in 4.5 hours. According to the company, the of both e-scooters will be announced soon.
Verdict: The self-balancing feature being offered in these e-scooters from Liger Mobility could prove to be a revolutionary tech. It can be extremely useful in preventing accidents and helping new, aged immature drivers in managing controlling their vehicles. This would ultimately help in the democratization of electric two-wheelers in the country.