The Inmotion V9 is among the best grab-and-go electric unicycles (EUCs) available that I’ve tested. I say that as someone who’s been riding wheels for years now and prefers them to e-bikes. They’re not for everyone, but thanks to the V9’s size, security features, focus on rider safety and reliable battery risk reduction, it’s a fantastic option if you’re ready to leave handlebars behind. Plus, at $1,299, or $1,099 when it goes on sale, it’s a more affordable choice.
Since I’ve been using EUCs for a while, I prefer larger models like the Inmotion V13, but they’re not always practical for short runs and are not fun to carry, weighing more than 100 pounds. This is where the Inmotion V9 shines. Weighing just over 50 pounds, the V9 is not just on the lighter side overall, but impressively light for a model with a suspension system.
The V9 has a 16×3-inch tubeless tire with a 60-millimeter (2.4-inch) travel air suspension. The main drawback is that the suspension needs to be pumped up to reach your preferred comfort and support level, and may lose pressure over time. Fortunately, the V9 includes a quality air pump with a built-in pressure gauge for accuracy. Riders must add air to both the suspension system’s top and bottom, which can be inconvenient.
Rear shot of the V9
The V9 is an excellent wheel for beginners, with just enough kick to keep owners from getting buyer’s remorse once they get the hang of it. The wheel can be powered on while tilted for rider protection and will autobalance once upright. It also stops spinning automatically if tipped over. A kill switch beneath the handle lets you lift the wheel while still powered on.
Driving the V9 is a 1,000-watt motor powered by a 750-watt-hour battery. The estimated range is up to 37 miles, which will vary based on rider weight, speed and terrain. It supports riders up to 265 pounds. The wheel isn’t loud but emits a gentle purr while riding. Charging with the included 2-amp charger takes around 5 hours, but Inmotion also offers a 10-amp fast charger that can get you back on the road in about an hour. Additionally, the V9 features both Type-A and Type-C ports at the rear for charging mobile devices.
By the way, the wheel comes fully assembled, right out of the box. Just top off the battery, and you’re ready to roll. The V9 is also the first wheel from Inmotion to ship with a UL Certification. (UL Battery Certification is a safety standard confirming a battery has undergone a safety evaluation to prevent fire, explosion, overcharging and electric shock.)
The V9 ride is nimble, smooth, has decent acceleration and is responsive. The tire is large enough for going down bumpy New York City streets, and the metal footpads are big enough for size 12 sneakers. The design has a solid and no-nonsense build quality, featuring rigid plastic panels over a metal frame. The wheel width between my legs felt just right for a comfortable ride — not too wide, not too narrow.
The wheel gently tilts back to signal that you’re nearing its top speed; it maxes out at 28 mph but can be set to a lower top speed if you want to keep it from going too fast for you. The wheel’s display is simple and easy to read. The display shows your current speed in large numerals and the battery level, both as bars and as a percentage. While it’s not a touchscreen like other Inmotion models, settings can be adjusted through the Inmotion app, which is also where you can track and lock the wheel.
Regarding security, the wheel includes an eSIM with LTE support, enabling riders to track its location and remotely lock and unlock the wheel. This feature is free for the first year, with a subscription required afterward. Inmotion hasn’t said what the subscription price will be.
For visibility, the V9 features a tiltable front headlight, customizable side lighting that can pulse or sync to music playing through its built-in Bluetooth speaker, triangular-shaped turn signals that automatically flash in the direction the wheel is tilted, and a rear brake light. For walking, the V9 has a sturdy trolley handle which may feel a little short to taller riders.
All in all, the Inmotion V9 is an excellent choice for commuting, perfect for short trips, easy to store and offers a solid top speed for city riding. It fits comfortably between your legs on a bus and can be tucked into a car trunk for road trips. I love how these wheels are advancing while hitting a more affordable price.
Right signal light