Opinion: Why KS-18L Is My Favorite Electric Unicycle

KS-18L / KS-18XL Review

King Song 18L takes the top spot as my favorite EUC coming into the new decade

Working in the electric unicycle industry with various brands has given me a lot of opportunity to get some quality time on just about all of the latest and greatest EUC out there, and in 2020 there is no shortage of incredible personal transportation devices available to rent or purchase. And because I work with customers looking to get their first ride on a regular basis, it’s important for me to keep a very open mind in regards to various customer’s needs. It’s vital to remember that there is no “perfect” model electric unicycle for everyone, but some of them come close to filling that all-around status. This review is strictly my personal view as long time electric unicycle enthusiast.

Performance

As you may already know, one of the biggest concerns regarding safety for any self balancing device is motor power and having a large enough battery to back it up with enough juice to maintain torque at any speed within the manufacturer’s design. At 6 feet tall and ~160lbs I’m able to safely use most modern EUC safely without too much concern about these kinds of things - especially since I generally don’t ride too aggressively. Nonetheless, it’s important to consider that buying into a wheel with a large battery isn’t just about range. The newly refreshed KS-18L comes stocked with a 1036Wh battery and the new ultra-quiet, ultra- powerful 2200W motor which is PLENTY for a guy like me. I can ride this wheel long and hard without a second thought that I might be pushing the limits. It truly allows me to go as far and fast as I ever need or want to go. The KS-18XL comes with an even beefier 1554Wh battery that will take you further, but it also adds more weight. This does have a real world effect on responsiveness in acceleration, braking, and overall handling, so I actually prefer the 18L for it’s lighter weight. The top speed for both models is the same: 31mph. Those who need or want the largest possible battery for more distance, the choice is clear: go for the 18XL.

Speaking of speed… 31mph is fast. Really fast. I typically don’t exceed 20-25mph when cruising out in the open or on city streets, but it’s nice to know I can punch it significantly faster when I wish to do so. With KS-18L’s 18 inch wheel, I also enjoy a smoother ride at higher speeds compared to the KS-16X. Generally a larger diameter wheel size decreases responsiveness compared to a smaller wheel, but I feel that the 18L still feels very responsive while making significant gains in cruising comfort and ride quality compared to other 16 inch electric unicycles.

Design & Form Factor

King Song has done a lot of work over the years to continue to refine and add features to make their EUC easy and fun to ride and use on a regular basis. The KS-18L and KS-18XL (along with the KS-16X) are no exception. What I love most about 18L in particular is how easy it is to live with and take with you everywhere. It’s surprisingly compact for an 18” wheel, and it actually doesn’t feel like it takes up any more space compared to most 16” wheels. In fact, it’s actually thinner and less bulky compared to King Song’s own 16X. Rolling it around my neighborhood corner shop is a breeze with the uber-sturdy handle design and taking it indoors never feels intrusive.

The best thing about the thin chassis is that it results in the most comfortable and ergonomic high performance EUC to date. I can’t overstate how big of an influence this particular is for me, because when an electric unicycle just “feels right” when I’m riding, pretty much everything else goes out the window. The 18L is an absolute joy to ride, and the pedal design and placement, thin design, and balance dynamics in the firmware result in a brilliant high performance cruiser that I want to ride all of the time!

Also of significance is the ease of riding and maneuvering with one leg. This makes mounting and dismounting super easy and casual, and it makes riding in real-world stop-and-go urban scenarios that much more enjoyable on a daily basis. My feet sink into the pedals perfectly and my legs lock into the shell in such a way that I also maintain superior control and stability at high speeds compared to other high spec EUC.

Conclusion

I’ve been riding 16” EUC for the past several years now, and spending so much time on the newly refreshed 18L has made me realize I actually do prefer 18” wheels. It’s a bit nostalgic for me because one of my most beloved electric unicycles has been the Solowheel Extreme - another 18” EUC albeit a bit outdated and under-powered compared to the KS-18L. So being able to return to this form factor but rediscovering it with so much more power, speed, and stability is pretty magical.

While the 16X does offer a bit better maneuverability, I feel the 18L / 18XL make up for it with overall comfort and stability and it makes the overall every day experience that much more enjoyable. It’s definitely become one of those EUCs that I keep coming back to no matter what else temps me to stray.

If King Song’s 18 inch cruiser is this good already, one must wonder… what do they have in store for 2020 and beyond? I can’t say for sure, but I do know I’m already in love with their latest update.

King Song KS-18L Electric Unicycle