Onewheel Celebrates 10 Years of Adrenaline and Fun With XR Classic, Rebirth of a Legend

Yes, Onewheel has been going strong for ten years now, and to celebrate their decade of success, they've decided to revive the Onewheel that started it all: the XR, the one that initially hit the market in 2018 and was retired in 2021. Best of all, the fresh XR Classic is also up for grabs, so it's not just a piece to drool over: it can be yours for as little as $1,900 (€1,790 at current exchange rates). Let's see what's in store.

Kyle Doerksen, Future Motion CEO and the inventor of Onewheel adds, “We retired production of the XR in 2021 to focus on building performance-oriented products that pushed the limits of what Onewheel can do. We brought to life new board concepts ranging from the lightweight and compact Pint for the recreational rider to the GT-S Series for the adventurer looking for something more heavy-duty and capable of conquering tough mountain trails. And now, we're taking everything we’ve learned and upgrading the original Onewheel XR to make it even better. This is our best all-around board."

Now, as we start our exploration into the Classic, allow me to point out that Onewheel considers this board to be the "Goldilocks" of their lines, featuring a low and stable platform with minimal mass and "state-of-the-art performance." Considering all the advantages of recent Onewheels are present here, too, including personalized mapping, I believe them.

Starting with the Classic's base, the central wheel is built around a 6-inch motor hub, which aims to increase the tire sidewall size for more cushioning while riding. As a result, Onewheel created a board that can venture off the beaten path. Throw in a treaded surface, and grip is also part of the equation, along with controlled carving.

As for the motor itself, according to the manufacturer, the Classic is designed to reach a top speed of 20 mph (32 kph), but we can see the results of the advancements in their tech because the Classic comes with a top range of 30% more than the original XR, peaking out at no more than 24 miles (39 km) on a full charge, which is plenty considering the workout you can get from one of these boards.

Oh, and I mentioned something about custom mapping earlier, or shaping, as Onewheel calls it. With a phone app, you can ride the Classic even if you're a beginner. All you have to do is dumb down the settings to your liking, and as your experience grows, start raising speed levels and acceleration, messing with braking to find the right flow for you, and even start carving it up.

Part two of the magic of an Onewheel is the riding platform upon which we stand. Here, once again, Onewheel has brought the best they know to the game, equipping the Classic with a board that's more compact, more comfortable, and offers that sweet spot in control.

By thinning out this frame, the Classic places the rider lower to the ground, increasing stability but also offering precious ground clearance for when you decide to tackle off-road terrain. It's a win-win, no matter how you look at it. Another aspect of this new platform/rail design is that the Classic is sleeker and presents a more pleasing aesthetic. It's also easier to maneuver in and out of spaces and vehicles.

The presence of Lowboy footpads also offers part of the control and comfort of the Classic, and their concave shape and 24 mm kick allow you to find your groove with ease. Softened edges also mean that you can stand on this puppy for the full 24 miles of maximum range. As a twist to the Classic, an accessory option for American-made wooden footpads gives the Classic even more of a traditional and retro feel. Personally, this is what I'd want on my own board.

Speaking of customizing, it's one of the things Onewheel has always been known for, and for the XR Classic, all that's an option, too. You can choose the color of your fenders, bumpers, and charge port. But, the most important option is the ability to go for Onewheel's recurve rail, bringing a much more dynamic and, dare I say it, aggressive stance to your ride.

That said, with a recurve rail, an Essentials Bundle, and a color scheme to my liking, I was being asked to drop no less than $2,555 on my XR Classic. Oh, and be aware of the whole Black Friday thing going on just about everywhere you look, you may be able to find some lower prices on Onewheels.