checklist | protection gear electric unicycle R153

Created by Mark Bryant, edited by editor.

Why to use?

There are several compelling reasons why it's essential to use protective gear when riding an electric unicycle. Let's talk about it:

1. Safety first:

Electric unicycles can reach pretty high speeds, and accidents can occur, especially in crowded or unfamiliar areas. Wearing protective gear like wrist guards, helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards can significantly reduce the risk of injury if you happen to fall or collide with something or someone.

2. Protect your noggin:

The most crucial piece of protective gear is a helmet. In the event of a fall or collision, a helmet can do wonders in preventing head injuries that can be life-threatening or cause long-term damage. Your brain's safety matters, and a helmet shields it from impact.

3. Shield against scrapes and cuts:

By wearing knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards, you're adding an extra layer of defense against abrasions and cuts. If you happen to take a tumble or graze against the ground, these protective gears can help minimize injuries to your joints, bones, and skin.

4. Boost stability and confidence:

Knowing that you're decked out in protective gear can give you an extra dose of confidence and enhance your overall stability while riding. This allows you to focus more on your riding technique and enjoy the experience without excessive worry about potential mishaps.

5. Be a role model:

When you use protective gear while riding an electric unicycle, you're setting a positive example for others, particularly for young or novice riders. It promotes a safety-conscious culture and encourages others to prioritize their well-being while engaging in similar activities.

Remember, while protective gear significantly reduces the risk of injuries, it's still crucial to ride responsibly, follow traffic rules, and practice proper riding techniques to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

What to use?

Now let's dive into some specific gear recommendations:

1. Gloves with wrist protection and sliders:

These handy accessories provide excellent protection, and practically all incidents can be better managed with them.

2. Full face helmet:

While not critical in every situation, any incident involving the head requires a helmet. Look for helmets with MIPS or other rotational protection systems for added safety. Keep in mind that car or motorcycle helmets like Snell are not suitable for electric unicycle head protection.

3. Ankle/foot protection:

Often overlooked but essential, our feet are the first or second point of contact when separating from the electric unicycle. Proper ankle/foot protection can prevent overextensions and should include sliders while allowing mobility.

4. Forward body protection:

Prioritize knee protection over elbow and, to a lesser extent, chest protection.

5. Side/twisting/rolling incident protection:

Shoulder protection takes precedence over kidney/hip protection (assuming elbows and hands are already covered).

6. Rear body protection:

Protect your posterior by prioritizing ass/tailbone protection over spinal protection (assuming the head is already covered).

7. Visibility safety gear:

Don't underestimate the power of crash prevention technology. Equip yourself with reflective panels, lights, and bells to enhance visibility. Consider getting an expandable backpack that integrates lights and extra reflective panels, making it versatile for gear storage and riding visibility.

When it comes to clothing, racing suit-based leathers with mobility for electric unicycle use would be ideal, though they may be challenging to find. As an alternative, opt for a safety jacket and full-length pants with armor inserts. Another option is a safety jacket with inserts and full knee pads over full-length pants. For maximum protection, consider MX-style armor for both the upper and lower body, worn over regular clothes.

A two-piece jacket and pants combo should be the default choice, as gravel rash is more severe than most people realize. The gear's wind and water permeability can be adjusted based on the climate you'll be riding in.

Use moto gloves with sliders (which offer some wrist protection), a downhill bike-style full-face helmet with MIPS, shoes that could benefit from a safer version, a jacket with inserts, and Leatt dual-axis knee pads (always worn over full-length pants).

Remember, protect yourself, ride safely, and enjoy the thrill of electric unicycling!