By Bobby Jefferson on Saturday, 27 July 2024
Category: Tech News

Inmotion V12 HT EUC Review: Fantastic Wheel for Newbies and Seasoned Pros Alike

The Inmotion V12 HT (the HT stands for high torque) is an electric unicycle, or EUC, and is a notable departure from its predecessor, the V11. The V11 is a fun wheel, and one of my favorites, built around an 18-inch tire with air suspension; however, the V12 opts for a 16-inch wheel without suspension. This makes the V12 quite nimble, with footpads closer to the ground. It draws some inspiration from its other predecessor, the V10, with LED lights on the side and a built-in Bluetooth speaker while introducing some upgrades. 

The V12 HT is remarkably agile and responsive. It's wider than the V11, which feels better between your feet. The user-friendly touch display is one of the main standouts, allowing for easy adjustments. The display is bright enough to see in direct sunlight and provides essential information at a glance, such as current speed and percentage battery level. 

There's also an Inmotion iOS-Android app to change settings, check battery health and update firmware. Additionally, you can toggle the lights on, beep the horn and log rides. If need be, Inmotion can remotely access the EUC via the app to diagnose and troubleshoot issues. 

The EUC offers an optional anti-theft feature that requires a passcode to turn on and enable self-balance. Regarding lights, the V12 has four LEDs for the headlight and some customizable ones along the sides. The rear brake lights are narrow and run vertically, making them difficult to see from a distance. The V12 also features a long trolley handle, making it easy to walk around, and a kill button in the handle to cut the motor when lifting it up a step or similar obstacle. There are USB Type-A and Type-C ports for charging mobile devices, too. 

Again, the HT stands for high torque, giving it more power on inclines and allowing it to hit speeds up to 37 mph. There is an Inmotion V12 HS (high-speed) model for those who crave a faster ride; it can reach speeds over 40 mph. Although the two models look the same, the HT has a hybrid tire, while the HS has a street tire. 

The display and handle on the V12 HT. 

Joseph Kaminski/CNET

By design, EUCs are more compact than electric scooters, but still capable of high speeds and good range. For instance, the V12 HT has an estimated range of over 60 miles on a full charge, and it takes about 9 hours to recharge from zero to 100%. The 60-mile claim depends on speed traveling, rider size, wind and terrain. Speaking of which, the HT can support a rider weight of up to 265 pounds, while the unit itself weighs 69 pounds. The V12 is well-constructed and can handle wet weather, boasting an IPX5 rating. 

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Front view of the V12 HT.

Joseph Kaminski/CNET

The V12's footpads are large enough to support my size-12 feet nicely. The pads can be height-adjusted, but my only complaint is the grip tape; I prefer the metal honeycomb hex footpads, which have become more common lately. The V12 HT can support them, but it's an added expense. 

Both the HS and HT models are powered by a 100-volt, 1,750-watt-hour battery. However, the HS has a 2,500-watt motor, while the HT has a 2,800-watt one. This allows the HT to go up a 45-degree incline while the HS has a lower, 35-degree incline. How efficiently each model achieves this depends on the rider's size. 

Side view of the V12 HT.

Joseph Kaminski/CNET

During testing, it was easier to start with some momentum rather than from a standstill, especially on steep inclines, which is to be expected. On the other hand, there were moments when I thought, "Giddy up, horsey!" as I waited for its namesake high-torque motor to kick in. (If you put that in the name, then that's what I want to feel.) Otherwise, it's a great ride. 

Overall, the Inmotion V12 HT balances agility, functionality and comfort well, making it an attractive choice for riders seeking a versatile electric unicycle experience. I know they're not as approachable as an electric scooter or e-bike, but I love the freedom you feel on an EUC and encourage everyone to try one at least once before ruling it out. Having your hands free and combining this with the almost gliding-over-the-pavement sensation is hard to put into words. In addition, you can take EUCs like the Inmotion V12 HT into places where bicycles or scooters aren't allowed. 

Joseph Kaminski/CNET
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(Originally posted by Joseph Kaminski)
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