Electric Unicycle Inmotion X1

InMotion X1: same name, nothing in common (and that’s a good thing)

InMotion clearly has a knack for recycling ideas—or perhaps just a stockpile of "X1" labels to use up. After all, before becoming the brand's upcoming off-road electric unicycle, the name X1 had already been used. That was back in the days of Hovershoes—those two self-balancing mini-platforms you strapped onto your feet like skates, promising to make electric mobility "more fun than a hoverboard." The fun was mostly found in videos of people wiping out, and Hovershoes joined the long list of innovations we now look back on with amused nostalgia.

So, when InMotion announces a new X1, the natural reaction is to smile. But this machine demands to be taken seriously, because it has absolutely nothing in common with its namesake.

A friendly face-off: Hovershoes X1 vs. X1 electric unicycle

Number of wheels. Hovershoes had two—one under each foot—each left to its own devices. The new X1 has just one, but it’s the real deal, built to handle rough terrain. Fewer wheels, more serious business.

Terrain. Hovershoes were at home on smooth hardwood floors, provided there were no rugs, door thresholds, or gravel. InMotion markets the X1 as an off-road electric unicycle. Gravel is exactly what it’s designed for.

The promise. Hovershoes were sold as "easy to learn." The electric unicycle makes no such false promises: mastering it takes a few hours of practice, a bit of humility, and protective gear.

In return, you get a vehicle capable of serving as a genuine mode of transport, rather than just something to liven up an afternoon in the driveway.

Commercial outlook. Hovershoes ended up permanently sold out. The X1, for now, is listed as "Coming Soon." Its story is yet to be written.

What we actually know

Let’s be honest: not much. InMotion has launched a product page confirming it is an all-terrain electric unicycle, accompanied by a few images and a "Demo Tour" to experience it in real-world conditions. There are no technical specifications, no pricing, and no official release date. Any figures circulating on social media should be taken with a grain of salt until the brand confirms them.

However, the initial images have sparked discussion within the community. Many enthusiasts see a clear resemblance to Leaperkim’s Lynx, currently a benchmark in the off-road category. Is it just a family resemblance typical of the segment, or a deliberate move to target the same customer base? We’ll find out at the launch.

A logical step in the lineup

The X1 fits into a consistent product trajectory. InMotion was one of the first manufacturers to incorporate suspension into an electric unicycle with the V11. The brand also offers the V11Y—already geared toward off-road use—and the V14 for those seeking raw power. A machine dedicated purely to off-road riding was still missing from the lineup—a segment where riders are demanding and the competition is unforgiving.

What to expect

To win riders over, the X1 will need to meet standard off-road expectations: effective, adjustable suspension; a wide, knobby tire; large, grippy pedals; a battery capable of handling off-road power demands; and a robust, easy-to-maintain design. We’ll be checking for all these features as soon as the official specs are released.

The bottom line

It took some nerve to reuse the name of a product few people actually miss. InMotion did it, and we see it as a playful nod rather than a blunder. The X1 Hovershoes aimed to revolutionize personal mobility underfoot. The X1 electric unicycle simply aims to take you further, higher, and—above all—through the mud. Stay tuned to see if this second X1 fares better than the first.