Top Ten Fun and Useful Electric Unicycle Accessories [2019]
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Move aside, baby bumpers. The Professional electric unicycle driver is looking for accessories that haven’t glid around the block yet. Many may assume that the self-balancing unicycle doesn’t have much room to add on techno-bling. The euc may be a simple, small, wonder-wheel, but with some creativity, it has plenty of room for tactical and fashionable upgrades.
Electric unicycles are versatile Christmas tree ornaments with this handlebar add-on.
There are many bike and skateboard accessories that may migrate their full usefulness to the euc crowd. The translation isn’t always perfect: How can one read a speedometer if it’s between their feet? The uni driver is limited to what they may carry in their hand, on their person, secure onto their uni’s body, and onto its handlebars.
What is NEVER advisable are items added to the inner body or outer motor, such as LED strips and their batteries for underglow lights, or faux motorcycle spoke cards. These setups are extremely dangerous: They could peel off and directly jam your vehicle’s axel. The best accessories meet all criteria by being useful, attractive, and above all, safe.
Consider a Control Board
If you’re planning on using many fancy toys at once while on your self balancing unicycle, you may need to get a control board to toggle all of them at a whim. A control board is any platform or device to which one may attach multiple remote controls: headlight switches, horn switches, or turning signal switches to name a few. A control board can ideally be managed with one hand and one finger.
Flashlights and horns make for good control boards if they’re big enough. A sturdy flashlight’s shaft resembles bike handle bars, allowing for easier strap on accessories from bikes, such as odometers. Handheld horns are often broad enough to allow ample room for screens and switches.
The following list has been field tested, or soon to be tested, by my own electric unicycle, Caroline, an InMotion V5F.
Caroline says, “Hello.”
Velcro Wrist Rear Mirrors
When piloting a singular wheel beneath one’s feet, pivoting one’s entire body to check the cars behind them is manageable, but not ideal. For me, it’s often been impossible with a big backpack while dressed like an Eskimo.
I thought, at first, that a clamshell, Velcro, wrist mirror was merely a cute gimmick, but I yearned for a real alternative to stopping to check behind me. Some would use a mirror on a selfie stick—lol—to check behind them. This item is more sightly, effective, and portable.
I chose the RearViz brand particularly because I wanted to grant my confidence in safety to a brand name. I wasn’t going to be roadkill because of some faceless seller. I was surprised at the effectiveness of their rear mirror. Near and far vehicles behind me were now totally on my radar. All objects were clear. Other reviewers said that the mirror quality is too cheap, but in my experience, RearViz’s is above average with only slight warping around the edges.
The best part about this wrist mirror, not exclusive to RearViz, is that the fold of the mirror can be adjusted o’clock style around the bottom ring, the colored portion. When the seasons change and one starts to wear different clothes, the angle of one’s mirror is not strapped into one rigid position. One can resume their typical angle with any clothes.
Even if the mirror was perfect, I still don’t feel comfortable merging with cars nearby. I only merge with this mirror when the area is completely clear or the cars are super far away.
Pros
makes rear checking MUCH more manageable for e-uni drivers
easy to fold and store with other gear
fits over any wrist, clothes, or jacket
the mirror’s fold and o’clock position are adjustable
RearViz’s offers different colors for the bottom circle
Cons
requires calibration and checking for every ride, but it’s a simple extra step in the gearing up ritual
mirror is small and slightly warped as to reduce the effectiveness of distance judgements
Tip: It’s not sexy or practical to look like you’re checking your watch above your head. For e-uni drivers, the most swift and suave position to start calibrating this mirror is near the waist.
Tip: Always remind yourself to check the road in front of you before you look backwards. Perfect balance is a daily necessity on an e-uni.
RearViz Velcro Wrist Mirror:
$27.00
2. Handheld Horn
The Don Peregrino SS1
The Tesecu LED Bike Light
The Hornit
When I started driving my electric unicycle in downtown Chicago, I grew to understand that the “hustle and bustle” of the City was more than Windy talk. Motor and pedestrian traffic is intense, even in the Chicago bike lanes. Pedestrians, animals, cars, and slower bike lane riders, were consistently in my way.
I needed a BEEPin solution. Bike bells are dangerously useless. The pedestrians wouldn’t notice them even if one rung those soft ding-a-lings next to their ears. I can barely notice them while ringing them myself.
At 100 decibels, I used the Don Peregrino SS1 in my left hand, along with my velcro, rear mirror. I use zip ties to lasso up the bands that would normally strap around a bike handlebar; then, I strapped the buttons to the top. There, a handheld horn.
The Don Peregrino SS1 comes with six different siren sounds. The one the scares pedestrians the most is the one that sounds like a police alarm. I like the one that streamlines like a European car. It’s a little tooter stylish enough for Caroline.
My Don Peregrino SS1 came with a light that shines at 400 lumens for up to five hours. The battery is good, but I think they’re lying about the lumens by about 100. It did the job, but eventually, I needed to graduate to something brighter to see more road ahead of me.
The horn will warn pedestrians, animals, and other riders in the bike lane, but in the City, it’s not strong enough for cars. This is for the better: EV and bike riders should focus on riding defensively on the road, not barking at cars.
I found another stronger horn & light combo from Tesecu with 20 more decibels, 100 more lumens, and an odometer/speedometer. Wow. If you only want a horn, Hornit sells just that with the greatest amount of decibels at 140.
The Don Peregrino and Tesecu lights are bundled with useful rear-view back lights, slim enough for almost any e-uni handlebar.
Pros
with an average of 100 decibels, the bike horn effectively warns nearby pedestrians, animals, and other bike lane riders
different ring tones
the bigger ones can be used as the platform for a control board
great bundle deals on Amazon
Cons
I found none in the market that are handheld, affordable, and loud enough for cars
many mystery brands are gimpy
alarm-like ring tones can be perceived as obnoxious and rude
Tip: Hand gestures and lane signaling are always effective visual cues to get a motorist’s attention. Never rely solely on your lil’ beeper.
The Don Peregrino SS1:
$26.00
The Tesecu LED Bike Light:
$28.00
The Hornit:
$25.00
3. Professional & Portable Flashlight
The Wuben L50
The Anker Bolder LC90
Anker Bolder LC90 zoomed in.
Anker Bolder LC90 zoomed out halfway
An intense light is a necessity for those who ride-or-die at night. Self-balancing unicycle drivers have the benefit of aiming their headlight with their free hands. Noting the previous horn & light combos, those lights at 100-400 lumens are not strong enough at an economical price point. The best flashlight is bright, portable, and designed with a battery solution outside of the 90s.
The thing that afflicts many portable and professional flashlights is CR123A batteries: those horrible, chunky, disposable batteries. A bright light consumes a lot of energy. These clunkers make sense to fuel the beast, but replacing them is as cumbersome as popping in one’s favorite Hillary Duff CD into their CD player.
The Wuben L50 was my first find. It was a winner because of its compact design, rechargeable battery, and its intense light at 1200 lumens. The Wuben L50 flashlight comes with a 2600mAh, 18650 Li-ion rechargeable battery, but its brightest setting lasts only around an hour! There is no other setting between 1200 lumens and 400 lumens: what I had. Oh, okay. Returned.
Duration was my selling point. The Anker Bolder LC90 delivered more than double the battery life, but not without a cost. The whole flashlight, unfortunately, grew in chunkiness, and lowered my lumens to 900. The lens adjusts smoothly to spread or pinpoint the strong light. The Bolder definitely feels like a dedicated and dynamic flashlight for euc driving.
The Wuben L50 is still a great deal if one doesn’t mind a shorter burn time. It’s smaller and sexier. Many serious riders, however, don’t want to risk being left in the pitch black without a strong light. One can always bring a lil’ baggie of batteries and change ‘em in the dark. No thanks, Grandpa.
Pros
better built with more power than bike & horn combos
can be used as a base of a control board
military tough for most weather conditions
can be mounted to handlebars with proper attachments
more dynamic than a fixed headlight when not mounted
Cons
unwieldy with a control board, if it is not one
models compromise dramatically by either brightness, portability, or battery life
many models run on disposable batteries
Tip: If your e-uni model allows it, you can shop a variety of high-end bike headlights that mount onto the handlebars. Just be wary of how the light and its battery will fit on your handle; it will become more top heavy.
The Wuben L50:
$30.00
The Anker Bolder LC90:
$28.00
4. Bright Tail Light
The BrightRoad Tail Light
The NIGHT PROVISION™ LINE 120R
Caroline wearing the BrightRoad tail light.
Where bikes and EVs may be ridden on the side of the road, a reliable tail light is invaluable for warning oblivious motorists. Don’t give them a reason to disregard your safety: Give ‘em an unavoidable declaration of your existence.
Tail lights are often sold in a bundle with other accessories, but I wanted a high quality safety light. Cheap tail lights have ugly designs, protruding LEDs, a weak flash, pitiful battery lives, and more evil, disposable batteries.
The problem with tail lights is gimpy quality amongst mystery brands. My first choice came from the big brand name BrightRoad. Their tail light is simply perfect: It’s beautiful; it’s sturdy; it’s micro-usb rechargeable; mounting is simple; recharging requires a simple unscrewing of the light from the strap; above all, THIS LIGHT IS BRIGHT.
I parked Caroline on the side of my apartment while observing her from the other side of the dark driveway; the little light is still screaming. It’s not flashy bright, but a deep, red bright.
I mount the light on my InMotion V5f’s handlebar, which folds from the front and lands in the back. I initially conceded that any light would look corny on my slim uni, but actually, the BrightRoad rear light looks cute and fitting. It sticks out from the handlebar, but doesn’t interrupt the V5f’s slick design.
Another good deal is from NP NIGHT PROVISION. For the price of one BrightRoad light, they offer two, large horizontal bar lights with the same straps and recharge ability. The long bar can turn 90 degrees, allowing for a flush fit with almost any handlebar design.
Pros
BRIGHT n’ SAFE
inexpensive
good battery life
micro-usb rechargeable
stylish
Cons
None, why get a cheap safety light? Do you have a cheap life?
Tip: There are helmet designs with gaps in the back that allow you to strap these tail lights to them. Why not double up on safety?
The BrightRoad Tail Light:
$18.00
The NIGHT PROVISION™ LINE 120R (Two Pack):
$20.00
5. Turning Signal Light
The nubeam NB-600
The Panapo Tail Light
More novelty than necessity, a turning signal adds clarity, professionalism, and style to your one-wheeled mode of transport.
There are many designs and brands to choose from with bike turning signals, but this is one of those odd product fields that manufacturers can’t seem to get right for consumers. The crises is akin to finding a competent 2019 replacement for Apple’s MagSafe. “Cheap” and “unreliable” have been the consistent boos from consumers for mini turning signals.
With those critiques in mind, I still found an attractive and practical turning signal that’s currently pleasing consumers: The nubeam NB-600. Where many designs get psychedelic, the NB-600 keeps their safety light simple and clear for those in the rear. The light is highly adjustable for any e-uni handlebar while the remote is wireless. Both items are rechargeable via micro-usb.
The remote blinks while the main light beeps to affirm that your back signal is flashing. The horn is loud enough for pedestrians, but not motorists. Even with these solid feedbacks, it’s always advisable to continue hand signals along with any cool signaling toys. Don’t trust your life to these things.
The nubeam NB-600 comes with a motion-sensing alarm, but I wouldn’t leave my thousand dollar e-uni to a mere accessory alarm. Why, when I can roll my V5f indoors silently?
With a great battery and nubeam’s 2 year warranty, this turning signal avoids the stigma of its competitors. The Panapo Turn Signal is another device that has garnered positive consumer reviews amongst a pool of failed products. It does not have a warranty past Amazon’s. It’s a little chunkier, but has most of the same benefits as nubeam’s NB-600.
Pros
adds to lane signaling clarity (but shouldn’t replace hand gestures)
stylish & professional
can be stacked with a dedicated tail light
wireless remote and light
waterproof
good battery
Cons
too small to be a true turning signal
can look obnoxious jutting from a self-balancing unicycle
could clip with one’s ankles when mounting and dismounting
The nubeam NB-600:
$35.00
The Panapo Tail Light:
$29.00
6. Mini Tire Pump & Gauge
Pro Bike Tool’s Manual Tire Pump and Pressure Gauge
Audew’s Manual Tire Pump and Pressure Gauge
The nice thing about electric unicycles is that their break system does not grind the rubber tire as other ground vehicles do. Stopping is slowing down really-really fast while the friction’s heat is dissipated through the motor.
What’s unavoidable is varying levels of tire pressure from the weather, and punctured tires. While e-uni drivers don’t want to find themselves trapped somewhere, they also don’t want to keep a huge tire pump in their armpit.
In addition, many don’t realize that they need a tire pressure gauge along with their tire pump until they need it. How were you going to know when to stop? When the hard rubber “felt right?” You’ve got to have military fingers like Grandpa to begin guesstimating a tire on that level. The best tire pumps have a tire pressure gauge, are portable, and effective.
Pro Bike Tool’s manual tire pressure is the customers’ choice for good reasons. It has an extendible hose for even the most awkward or slim e-uni shells. It’s crafted from a solid metal with tight seals: The user won’t be exhausted from uselessly pumping a shoddy device all day. The necessary tire pressure gauge is cleverly built into the hose. It pops up to display the tire pressure in PSIs.
The sleek and basic design looks neat-o fastened to any euc handlebar. These pumps can’t get any smaller without compromising on quality, price, or their necessary pressure gauge.
I prefer the mini pump from Audew, despite its less acclaimed craftsmanship. It’s a little wider because of an analog tire pressure gauge, but that’s the retro style I prefer strapped to my modern InMotion V5f. It also comes with a few puncture patches and tire levers.
Pros
prepared for varying weather, provisional use for punctured tires, and deflation
portable, but still more than enough as one’s mainstay tire pressure pump
Cons
may be too long to fit the handlebars on certain e-uni models
may seem like an unsightly jetpack to some
Tip: A tire’s PSI range is always listed in large lettering on the side of the tire.
Pro Bike Tool’s Manual Pump:
$30.00
Audew’s Manual Tire Pump:
$17.00
7. Novelty License Plate
Custom State License Plate by TEAMLOGO
Designer Custom Plates by Personalized Gift Land
It costs motorists hundreds to decorate their bureaucratic license plates with a personal touch. For our e-unis, we can do it for under twenty bucks.
Do it.
There are multiple ways to strap the license plate to the handlebar. Use zip ties with the pre-made holes for the simplest solution. One can also use screws and washers through the front, then work with their ends in the back to fasten straps. Drill more holes if you must.
Anything larger than 3” by 6” may be a safety hazard. One does not want to clip their ankles on a wide license plate. TEAMLOGO offers plates at 2” by 4” for those who want to play it safe. At six inches wide, the license plate is as broad as the fold axis of the pedals; it shouldn’t interrupt mounting, dismounting, or pushing.
Caroline’s license plate will be [GLaDOS], inspired by the computer AI from the video game Portal. For those in the know, her first name is also inspired by the Portal series.
Many mini license plates mimic their official state license plates, such as the ones by TEAMLOGO. Consider the gravity of transportation laws in your town before rolling out with these. Designs other than state plates are unlimited, such as those by Personalized Gift Land.
Pros
looks cool and legit
motorists will take you more seriously, believing you to be riding a certified, competent vehicle
Cons
can be a safety hazard if not installed properly
anything larger than 3” by 6” may clip with the ankles during mounting, dismounting, or pushing while in motion.
TEAMLOGO State Plates:
$9.00
Designer Plates by Personalized Gift Land:
$10.00
8. Colored & Patterned Duct Tape
Craftzilla Solid Colored Duct Tape
MIKOKA Antique Parisian Washi Tape
Duck Tape Sports Logos
FUZE Glow in the Dark Tape by Lockport
Because of the nature of the electric unicycle’s low-riding, its pedals and lower body are doomed to be mauled, even with a perfect rider. One cannot control the rocks and debris on the road. The scratching cometh.
When I got my expensive e-uni, I considered this problem right away. The solution comes from skateboarders who also deal with a vehicle close to the ground: duct tape. A layer of duct tape will do wonders to keep your e-uni safe from minor scratches and dents. Duct tape won’t protect against intense wipeouts that will bite into the metal: Unless, perhaps, you layer it on with a thick brand.
One doesn’t need to settle with the ugly silver hue of general purpose duct tape. Solid colors are a style starting point, but there is an unlimited amount of patterns to choose from: vintage Parisian stamps, sports logos, glow-in-the-dark, or reflective.
I’ve decorated Caroline’s pedals as if she came straight from Portal’s Aperture Science testing lab, with yellow and black, industrial warning tape. It looks amazing when I fold up her pedals. People don’t see Caroline’s gnarly crash legacy, but they do see one chic EV.
Any cheap razor blade can design and shave off the tape. Use as much as you need to keep the pattern going around the petal. For the daily e-uni driver, expect to replace one’s tape about once a season. When you see damage done to the tape, instead of your uni, you’ll thank me.
The big brand, Duck Tape, has a broad selection of cool patterns, in addition to solid colors. Any off-brand, such as Craftzilla, will also save you some money and serve the same purpose.
Pros
minor scratch and dent protection for the pedals
can hide pre-existing scratches and dents.
inexpensive
looks cool when folded up and walking your e-uni
easy to apply and take off
Cons
applying and replacing is no fun, but doesn’t take longer than 30 minutes
Craftzilla Solid Colored Duct Tape:
$22.00
MIKOKA Antique Parisian Washi Tape:
$19.00
Duck Tape Sports Logos:
$14.00
FUZE Glow in the Dark Tape by Lockport
$13.00
9. Car Door Edge Guards
Winunite Car Door Edge Guards 16Ft
Don’t be a Caroline, kiddies. Always wear your e-uni condom.
EJ’s Super Car Clear Door Guard
One area of the euc that loves to get scratched when low riding are the edges nearest to the ground. One could use duct tape on this area, but I don’t like how duct tape would interrupt the signature, circular shape of the e-uni. To some styles, it may not give up anything. For Caroline, it’s censoring.
Car door edge guards provide immortal protection for the euc’s vulnerable lower edges. These items are basically a line of thick staples wrapped in rubber. Your uni body would crack before these do. They are thin and secure enough to eliminate any safety concerns near the axel, granted one installs them firmly.
The car door edge guards can also be applied to the pesky surrounding area that holds the electric unicycle’s shin cushions. Why? At least for the InMotion V5f, these areas LOVE to chip after a wipeout. The cushions don’t protect them at all. They chip about every other wipeout! InMotion’s pull-over condom ends its protection at the top where it’s needed most.
These car door guards are able to be clipped and flexible enough to fit over very acute corners. Most brands are pretty much the same, simply offering more length than one needs for one wheel. The big brand Winunite hosts a good price, thin strips, while offering three different colors: white, black, and gray.
With a full review by The Drive, I also found a clear bumper strip by EJ’s Super Car. It’s smaller and thinner, but offers a more streamlined aesthetic to any uni. It uses adhesive to stay on, unlike the Winunite’s clamp hold.
Pros
protects the lower edges that love rocks and debris
protect the edges surrounding the shin cushions that love to chip after wipeouts
strong
better looking than duct tape protection
Cons
requires a hammer and some elbow grease to put on
can be unsightly for some
adhesive strips will require extra steps to remove
Winunite Car Door Edge Guard 16F:
$13.00
EJ’s Super Car Clear Door Guard:
$15.00
10. Grip Tape Cleaner
Prostik W1307 2x2x12” Abrasive Belt and Disk Cleaner
SACKORANGE Abrasive Belt Cleaner 5 Pack
This is not an on-board accessory, but an add-on to one’s cart when pimpifying their wheel. The grip tape on a skateboard or electric unicycle is merely a sheet of stylistic sand paper. When soap and water isn’t enough for cleaning deep stains, one can use an abrasive sandpaper cleaner to get the rest out.
Some testify that these bars can work miracles. For others, the stains are too deep, such as Caroline’s. I would say trust the skepticism of the latter crowd, but definitely trust that these items will keep your grip tape spotless with just frequent cleaning.
Prostick offers a generous 2 by 2 by 12 inch stick, while SACKORANGE offers their cleaner in the form of bars: more handy for cleaning. SACKORANGE includes less overall when stacked at the same price and portions against Prostik.
Pros
keeps pedal grip tape at a professionally clean level
aids in safety by increasing traction.
Cons
requires frequent cleaning to maintain high quality grip tape
Prostik W1307 2x2x12” Abrasive Belt and Disk Cleaner
$14.00
SACKORANGE Abrasive Belt Cleaner 5 Pack (2x2.75”ea):
$6.00
BONUS+ Air Freshener
LITTLE TREES New Car Scent
‘Cuz you know, you gotta’ stay fresh in your vehicle.
LITTLE TREES New Car Scent (24 pk):
$16.00
Have your own mods, upgrades, and add-ons to dorkify your e-wheel? Mention them below for Bob’s advice.
This product article includes no affiliate links or artificial sponsorships. Prices are reflected from the date of this post.
“Top Ten Fun and Useful Electric Unicycle Accessories [2019]”
by Mr. Bohemian
