Pinwheel T1

Hi everyone.  I'm a complete beginner and been practicing with my Pinwheel T1 about a month.  GearBest.com approached me and I asked if I would be willing to test and review a unicycle for them to kick off them sending unicycles to their US warehouse and starting to expand their selection, carrying more brands.  I have asked them to customize and upgrade a few lights in the past for the Mountain Bike forum MTBR so I've worked with them before.

They asked me if I preferred the TG T3 or the Pinwheel T1.  After doing some research, I chose the T1 (http://www.gearbest.com/exercise-fitness/pp_103711.html) because it has a higher capacity battery than the TG and a removable/replaceable battery pack which I thought made the most sense since the battery probably would be the first thing to go. I could also buy/carry an extra pack to double my range if I needed it.

The Pinwheel specs: its a 14 inch wheel with a 350w motor, a 180wh battery which again easily slides out to use as a back up battery, though I doubt that will ever be needed since I want all the distance I can get. 

Pedal tilt back happens close to top speed and for me, in the beginning took some getting used since cruising along it felt as if I was tilted backward a bit.  Speed control is a series of beeps like most EUs and I haven't pushed it past that too much yet. I did give her all she had one time and almost fell forward, so lesson learned.  Top speed is 16-18 KM/H, in my unscientific GPS app testing, it speed beeps at around 9 mph.  As a beginner, finding that sweet spot, top speed right before beeping has been a challenge though I'm getting better at finding a comfortable cruising speed. Somehow I always make it beep when crossing intersections, guess I'm in a rush to get across   

Charge time is 2 hours and the that should get you 18km, though in my testing with my 160lb weight on mixed level terrain, mostly flat,  I'm getting 4 miles to one battery light lit and then some light riding till the battery beeps. I think my beginner speed up, beep, slow down is affecting this. I have tested a fully charged battery and a downhill run with out any shut down nor has it shut down on any high speed runs.  I did push the battery a bit to see how long it would go before beeping or shut down and after hitting a rut and falling, it wouldn't start up until charged.

Falls with the T1 are simple side falls without it speeding up and taking it off.  It normally just falls on its side, beeps and stops running, which is why most scratches are on the pedals.  One time it did spin it place when I tried to grab it.  I have also made the beginner mistake of keeping one foot on and trying to save it which has sort of sucked my foot in a bit.  My advice is to get off complete when you fall, don't try to grab it.

I'm happy with the T1, it has performed great and taken a beating. Its very easy to learn on, smooth riding and minus maybe a higher capacity battery, it does all I need it to do .  My only complaint is the latch for the battery cover, which if not fully engaged will cause the cover to pop off if you fall. Oh and one plus, on my yellow model, the color doesn't scratch off.

This brand uses lithium polymer batteries, rather than the standard lithium ion most brands use. Just putting it out there.

@GJHS

Thanks for the review! Keep us updated we're all curious.

LiPos have much higher discharge- and charge-rates than Li-Ions, but on the other hand aren't that durable when it comes to shocks and especially potential puncture, as instead of a metal cylinder, they're enclosed in "pouches"... not sure what the material for the pouches is, some sources say it's just plastic over a foil. Not that hard to imagine how easily that gets punctured, and the stuff reacts violently with air(?), usually causing an immediate fire.

I'd be pretty scared of pouches swollen like that  

They could potentially be a better alternative due to the high currents involved in EUCs, but they should probably be enclosed very heavily, as I've understood they're much more volatile, and of course to prevent the pouch from puncturing as easily. RC-lipos are recommended to be charged only inside fire-retardant charging bags, which is pretty telling about their safety

I wonder if these have the same BMS as other EUC? Being a different type of battery.

Hard to say for sure, actually what I've read is that at least most (if not all) LiPo-batteries still use same chemistries as Li-Ions (the 3.6-3.7V nominal voltage chemistries, not LiFePo or Li-Titanate, afaik), just the "packaging" is different, and the electrolyte is gelled. Originally the term was to mean solid-state lithium, but they never got it to work in normal ambient temperatures (although I think the research is still ongoing). So, I guess "normal" BMSs would work just fine with LiPos, as long as there are separate connections to "cells" inside the packaging, so they can be balanced. I think the much higher charge- and discharge-rates are achieved due to lower internal resistance, but the stuff is still basically the same as in 18650-cells, just in less safe packaging (if it's only a pouch, but at least in cellphones, there's hard plastic around the electrolyte, pretty much all cell phones use LiPo because standard-sized Li-Ion cells are too big for the thin devices). I've had one cellphone (a cheap chinese one, no brand) where the battery swelled so much that the backplate came off, similar to this:

Luckily it didn't burst or vent with flame.

@vee73 uses LiPo-batteries for his 18" MSuper and 14" MCM2s (which is now here, but with original 680Wh Li-Ions, he has separate LiPo-packs for it), but I've understood that those are the RC-type without any sort of BMSs, as he has "smart" charging equipment that handles cell balancing, see here: 

So apparently the packs themselves are totally unprotected, I think   

The Airwheels have extremely quiet motors, while the Rockwheel motors seem to "whir" quite loudly.  Can you compare the noise of the motor to the Airwheel. I like the look of the Pinwheel T1, but I do not want the loud "whirrring" sound.

I've been following this thread and others with interest, as I'm researching my first EUC. I'm thinking that this T1 might be a reasonable first machine.

The LiPo issue doesn't concern me too much, as I use them in RC flying.

Any experienced people out there have any thoughts on this Pinwheel? It would seem that it can be had for about $270 from here: 

http://www.gearbest.com/exercise-fitness/pp_72345.html

I know that the thread began with this GJHS's post about Gearbest, but can anyone tell me if they're a decent company to deal with?

Thanks, all!

Exactly. My lipo batteries, there is no BMS, they are completely "naked" cells
Therefore, the charger must be one that balances the each cell.
The charger which can charge 16 cells at the same time, it is quite expensive. And the faster you want to upload, the more it will cost. And then you have to be even a separate power supply which usually costs the same.

This really does look like an ideal starter wheel, especially with the hotswappable battery pack. I don't see any realistic reason why the battery technology it uses is particularly dangerous so I'd recommend this for someone wanting a cheap EUC.

I'm comparing the Pinwheel T1 and the TG F3 at the moment and learning all about the different ratings AND ordering from China (and agents) as efficiently as possible.

Then comes the whole learning to ride part!

HI,

I have been trying to get some clear information about the Pinwheels but it has been very difficult. It seems that they are manurfactured by Topjoyint but their website shows nothing related to the Pinwheel. They seem connected with another company called Skyworld but I cannot even find a direct website for them. I see lots of Pinwheels offered on Alibaba for wholesale but the specs become very confusing.

There seem to be three models: T1, T1F, and the T1S. The difference seems to be in the motor power and battery size but not able to get a clear answer from anyone. They are selling them now on Amazon US but the specs are all over the place. Part of the ad will calls the item a T1 and in the description it is called a T1F and the specs don't seem to match either.

Anyone who knows anything... I would love to get a better idea of the whole Pinwheel story before I purchase one. I am planning to buy a Ninebot Pro but would like to get a Pinwheel to learn and practice on until the Ninebot Pro comes out.

Thanks,

Michael

I got mine from GearBest.com and would be happy to ask them to help you find the info you need or answer any questions that I can.  So far mine has worked great after a month or so of riding.

I asked about the battery safety before choosing it and was assured with multiple certications.  The supplier said "We tested the battery and we have certification, they are fall/throw-proof and strike-proof".  I will post the certication that they sent me, tomorrow.

I would say I hear the whirring yet it's very quiet, not something you hear at speed.  Only loud sound would be the beeping to warn you that you're going too fast.  I can take another video without the case to give you a good estimate if you want.

GJHS,

Thank you for your reply. I am ok with the battery, just want more info about the different models available and the specs on each. Fun what I can tell, GearBest sells the T1 with the 350 W motor... Is that what you have? I want to get the model with the 450 W motor which I know the T1F has but not sure about the T1S.

Thanks,

Michael 

Yes, I have the 350w motor.  The way GearBest works is they have reps that handle different departments.  I will ask the rep in charge of EUs to contact the supplier and get more info.  They are on vacation until the 8th so it may be at the end of the week.  I noticed TopJoy has a rep here, though she seems very quiet.

Speed wise the T1 is plenty powerful for a beginner.  I've climbed a few hills and this thing hasn't even slowed a bit. I'm about 160 lbs.  If there is anything you would like me to test, just ask, if I can, I'll test it.

I was tossing up between a Pinwheel and a TG F3 and decided on the TG, which I hope will arrive very soon! I'll keep watching this Pinwheel thread though because that EUC did look interesting.

Just a little update.  Have been using the T1 for short, 1 mile runs to mass and the supermarket and this thing is great.  The perfect solution to a long walk, yet don't want to take the car, need.  While not super fast, it has a nice pace (9 mph) and quietness that makes you feel stable. I have been riding on sidewalks a bit due to a narrow two lane road and have hit quite a few ruts, bumps and unless I'm not ready, no problem.  A few have thrown me forward a bit though I haven't fallen off yet.  There also have been no unexpected shut offs at speed nor on any hills.  

The only recent issue has been riding in high winds.  Hurricane Joaquin came nearby and made some rides interesting.  Also carrying this thing for a long time while shopping isn't great, you switch hands a lot for comfort. 

Hi GJHS.

Thanks for the update. I just ordered my Pinwheel T1S... also called the T1F Smart/Faster. It comes with an app similar to the Ninebot or at least that is what the marketing shows. I ended up dealing directly with the company in China... it seemed the only way to get any real information about the various models they sold.. ti took a lot of digging but finally worked it out... I think.

Now I just need to get a helmet and a bit of protective gear and I will be ready when it arrives.

Thanks,

Michael

Hi GJHS

Thanks for the video and review. Like you I'm a complete beginner and was looking for a starter wheel as I love gadgets and electric unicycles are a great bit of tech. I ordered from Amazon UK because I went for the T1 smart with the phone app( I downloaded the app from pinwheelonline web site about a week ago, luckily as today they have a very nice new site but the zip file of the app seems to be password protected? it may just be me being thick). After only one small problem the T1 arrived  2 weeks latter, this Tuesday  I honestly can not remember the last time I was so excited about a new toy. As it was 7pm and dark outside I was forced  to limit my fun by going  forward and backward  in the front room using my dads walking frame for balance until 2 hours latter my sister told me to stop before I broke something, as my shins were now hurting like hell( this was with shin guards on) I regretfully agreed.

Next day got to work 1 1/2 hours early as there is a large empty production room perfect for practice, one hour latter I was gutted I must have a faulty wheel no way could I go 2 feet without a wall to lean on it was impossible, then it happened I wobbled on it for 10 feet, hit the opposite  wall and fell off with the biggest grin on my face. I know this as my boss had just gotten in and was killing himself laughing as he videoed me on his phone. Now there was no stopping us both. Me the 45 year old(75kg) gadget geek with wrist guards knee proctors and shin pads and Arthur the 50+ (95Kg)motorbike and speedboat Adrenalin junky. As of today we can both circle the room quite well speeding up and slowing down, can start most of the time without the help of the wall and if the android app is correct Arthur has a top speed of 14Km/Hr. So before I tell of some of the possible concerns I have with the T1 for me it has been well worth the money just for the experience.

As this is the review section here are some screen shots from my LG 8.2 G pad

The App sometimes crashes  but was easy to connect and displays  speed, temp and battery correctly as far as I can tell. The app also installed on my LG G2 phone but on that can only get the first Screen so far.

Next my first impressions of the T1 are

1. The Wheel for me is fast (only got the wheel 2days ago and 14Km/hr indoors is as fast as I want to go at the moment, we have not got it to beep a speed warning yet)

2. As in the Video of the T1it rolls smooth and quiet (even the beeping noise is not loud when you press the button on the app, or if you fall off it will some times beep.

3. So far seems very solid and well made ( has hit the walls a few times with just marks to the body work also as you said battery cover has come off a few times.)

Now my concern

Arthur today was getting up to a good speed (for us) about 12Km/hr when he noticed the large table right in his path he did panic and he's not sure what happened but to me watching it looked like a face plant (very comical once I found out he was fine) we didn't think anything more about it other than the wheel stopped working and when we pressed the start button the LEDs flashed once but nothing else until we plugged in the charger then it started up and had all of the 4 LED lit up and I think 1 was flashing showing a mostly charged battery. This had happened the day before after a more normal falling off. 

I know very little about electric unicycles but could this be a BMS cut off? which I thought normally only happens with a low battery. 

I am going to purchase one

Can I ask about the pinwheel T1....has it got a 14" wheel....... how heavy is it?,....does it have any lights to show state of  battery charge....will the App work with the normal T1 or a different model??   It's £179 on the net which seems a very good price for a beginner wheel....Thanks Gerry...who can't wait to get first wheel :-)))

18 minutes ago, GerryM said:

Can I ask about the pinwheel T1....has it got a 14" wheel....... how heavy is it?,....does it have any lights to show state of  battery charge....will the App work with the normal T1 or a different model??   It's £179 on the net which seems a very good price for a beginner wheel....Thanks Gerry...who can't wait to get first wheel :-)))

Hi Gerry. The Pinwheel T1 which we are discussing here has a 14 inch wheel, weights about 10kg, it has no lights just 4 LEDs to show the battery level. It does not have Bluetooth or app, that is for the T1F but I don't know where to buy this. Still £180 is a great price for this wheel considering the battery.

Thanks Tom..I'm sorely tempted but have contacted the factory re the T1F as I like the idea of the android app....I'll let the forum know if any news...I would be looking to buy 2..if anyone else in the UK is looking to buy right now, we may be able to get a good price....!!

Hi Gerry. you can also buy the T1 from Amazon UK its a lot more expensive £319.99 for the common T1 and £369.99 for the smart T1F. Of more interest is they also sell replacement battery charger(£29.99), inner tube(£9.99) and tyre(£9.99). they were selling the Battery for £79.99 but that is no longer on there.  To find them enter 'unicycle pinwheel' on  amazon search.

Thanks for that Rimpey..for some reason I don't get any email notification of replies to threads I've posted on...is this right?   I have filled in the contact form on the Pinwheel site but no reply as yet.  I'm hoping I can buy a couple from them directly.  

On the unicycles online site I can get 2 Pinwheel T1 delivered for £469 or 2 TGF3 delievered for £541....or....2 Ninebot C+ for £779 or 2 IPS T260 for £784.  Considering I've never ridden a wheel - and my wife thinks it's impossible to ride a single wheel without a handle!!! - I am at the least dazed and confused as what to do!!

Many years ago we used to have a couple of little Honda ST70's we used to trailer up to Scotland and ride around the lochs and trails..an expensive hobby with all the tax and insurance involved.  We are planning a trip up to Scotland in January and I was hoping we could have our EU's and be able to ride in time!