import { Body, Title } from "solid-start";
import AssetHandler from "~/components/Asset";
import DeviceTile from "~/components/DeviceTile";
import R from "~/components/Reference";
import Navbar, { lightMode } from "~/components/en/Navbar";
import "~/styles/overview.scss";

function Overview() {
  const { FullscreenView, Asset } = AssetHandler();
  return (
    <Body class="overview" classList={{ "light-mode": lightMode() }}>
      <Title>Introduction EUCs</Title>
      <FullscreenView />
      <Navbar />

      <header>
        <img src="/images/cover.jpg" />
      </header>
      {/*
    <!--Intro-->
    */}
      <article>
        <div>
          <h2>Before you read:</h2>
          <p>Here are a few things before you start to read.</p>
          <p>
            First, this side looks best opened on PC at fullscreen, because then
            some extra photos and videos will appear which are hidden otherwise.
            Mouse hover effects also only appear on PC.
          </p>

          <p>
            Second, you may not know every word written here, which is why there
            is a <R href="#begriffe">glossary</R> and you can click on certain
            words to find a definition.
          </p>

          <p>
            Third, this side is very long and takes a deep dive into a lot of
            topics. Reading everything will take around 30 minutes.{" "}
            <b>Therefore</b>, this side is divided into <b>sections</b>,
            callable via the navigation bar at the side.
          </p>

          <p>
            Lastly, to zoom into pictures on pc, just hover your mouse over
            them, keep mouse in the middle to avoid zooming.
          </p>
        </div>

        {/*
      <!--was sind eucs-->
      */}
        <div>
          <h2>What are EUCs</h2>

          <div class="righties">
            <Asset src="/images/what is euc.jpg" />
          </div>
          <div class="lefties">
            <Asset src="/images/KidsKS16X.jpg" />
          </div>
          <p>
            EUC stands for <b>E</b>lectric<b>U</b>ni<b>C</b>ycle. In simplest
            terms it's a battery powered motor surrounded by a motorcycle tire,
            kept upright with gyroscopes. The principle is similar to a segway,
            but more on that in chapter{" "}
            <R href="#funktion">technical functionality</R>. You stand on two
            side mounted pedals, facing forward with the wheel in between your
            legs. To accelerate you lean forward, to break you lean back.
            Steering is similar to a normal unicycle or bike.
          </p>
        </div>

        {/*
      <!--warum?-->
      */}
        <div>
          <h2 id="why">Why ride a unicycle?</h2>
          <div class="righties">
            <Asset src="/videos/whyS22.mp4" />
          </div>

          <div class="lefties">
            <Asset src="/videos/SkippinTrafficDanceWW.mp4" />
          </div>

          <p>
            Many people ask, why not just ride an E-bike or E-scooter? Well,
            there are multiple reasons:
          </p>

          <p>
            The <b>riding experience</b> is absolutely astonishing and not
            comparable with anything else. It becomes a part of yourself, an
            extension of your legs, and it feels absolutely natural to ride. At
            some point, once you've ridden long enough, handlebars just feel
            weird and out of place, unnecessary and uncomfortable. Just think
            about inline skating. You forget that they are there, likewise you
            forget that you are riding on an EUC, because they become a part of
            you.
          </p>

          <p>
            Contrary to what many people first think when they see an EUC, you
            don't need to constantly balance and be super focused on normal
            ground. It happens automatically, you just lean where you want to
            go, and the rest follows.
          </p>

          <p>
            This <b>naturalness</b> is even more pronounced when accelerating
            and decelerating. You are not pushed or pulled by anything like with
            all other modes of transportation. Instead, you accelerate
            synchronously with the unicycle as if you were flying. And you can
            do it quickly too if you want, you have extremely precise speed and
            acceleration controls, in contrast to some scooters.
          </p>

          <p>
            Another reason is the <b>form factor</b> combined with the
            performance. No other electric means of transport has so much power
            and range in such a small package. And it doesn't matter whether
            you're on the road or in the steepest forest. Electric unicycles can
            climb steep slopes of up to 50° where no scooter or e-bike can keep
            up (you can't even walk up there on foot). Depending on the device
            and skill, 10 m wide jumps on MTB trails are doable, as are 2 m high
            drops on flat ground.
          </p>

          <p>
            A <b>range</b> of up to 230 km (about 143 mi) and a charging time of
            just 3 hours are unrivaled in the PEV (Personal Electric Vehicle)
            segment, where even some cheap electric cars are worse. They achieve
            this through minimal energy consumption and a large battery size,
            combined with very efficient motors and only one tire resistance
            instead of 2 or 4. And all this is in the size of a suitcase or
            backpack.
          </p>

          <p>
            Another reason is also due to the form factor: it is super easy to{" "}
            <b>travel with</b>. Every current unicycle has a{" "}
            <R href="#trolley">trolley handle</R>, a pull-out handle similar to
            a suitcase. Since the device is self-balancing, it's super easy to
            have it ride it self-alongside you without any hassle. Whether on
            the train or on the bus, where you can get through yourself, the
            unicycle can also get through, as the pedals can be folded in to
            make it even narrower. It doesn't matter how much the device weighs,
            because unless there are stairs, it always keeps itself upright.
          </p>

          <p>
            But this is not only very <b>practical</b> for travelling, but also{" "}
            <b>in everyday life</b>. You can carry it with you when you go
            shopping instead of having to chain it outside. No need to park your
            bike or worry about it being stolen. But the smaller devices in
            particular have another major advantage: they fit in a car, even in
            larger quantities. Now, if you want to take a trip to a nice place
            to ride a unicycle, you can just put them in the trunk, or even
            between your feet. That would be impossible with e-bikes or
            scooters. You can also be picked up from anywhere or be dropped off
            anywhere and come back yourself. This is a blessing, especially for
            students or people who don't have or want a car.
          </p>
        </div>

        {/*
      <!--funktion-->
      */}
        <div>
          <h2 id="funktion">Technical functionality</h2>

          <div class="righties">
            <Asset src="/images/Funktionsblld.webp" />
          </div>
          <div class="lefties">
            <Asset src="/images/realBattery.jpg" />
          </div>

          <p>
            As described above, the unicycle has multiple tilt sensors, also
            called gyroscopes. Several of them are needed, for one as
            redundancy, and because it has to recognize all 3 directions of
            tilt. The motherboard takes this data, and outputs a corresponding
            amount of power to the motor.
          </p>

          <p>
            The <b id="akku">battery</b> provides the power, which can consist
            of up to 200 individual battery cells and runs on 84 V/100 V/126
            V/134 V, depending on the device. These high voltages are achieved
            by connecting the batteries in series, while the number of parallels
            determines the maximum amperes. A device can have a 34s4p
            configuration, meaning 34 cells connected in series arranged in 4
            parallel packs, together then 34 * 4 = 136 cells. A cell runs on max
            4.2 V and can give 10 to 30 amps depending on the model. So far,
            mostly high-capacity cells from LG have been used, but recently some
            high-discharge Samsung 40T cells have also been considered and
            implemented, which can deliver significantly more power long term
            and are therefore safer for high-performance devices.
          </p>

          <p>
            Not enough <b id="parallels">parallels</b> in a battery pack result
            in an unreliable power supply for the motor, as high power demands
            can lead to a voltage drop (voltage sag). This means that for the
            duration of high demand the battery cannot provide full power, which
            is very dangerous with a self-balancing device. Because of this,
            most devices have 4 or more parallels. In addition, most devices
            have 2 separate battery systems, so the driver can still stop safely
            in case one fails. The high voltage is necessary to enable the high
            speeds. The higher the voltage the motor runs at, the fewer amperes
            the motor needs to achieve the same power output. High amps require
            a more robust motherboard, thicker cables, and generate more heat.
          </p>

          <p>
            All battery packs have a{" "}
            <b>
              <R href="#BMS">BMS</R>
            </b>{" "}
            (Battery Management System), which, dependent on the variant and
            quality, ensures the safety of the cells. If battery cells get
            overloaded, discharged or charged too much, they can in the best
            case lose capacity and in the worst case burst into flames. A good{" "}
            <R href="#BMS">BMS</R> is therefore essential for the safety and
            longevity of the device and the rider. More on this in the{" "}
            <R href="#akkuss">Battery Safety</R> section.
          </p>

          <div class="righties">
            <Asset src="/images/MoBo.jpg" />
          </div>
          <div class="lefties">
            <Asset src="/images/realMoBo1.PNG" />
          </div>
          <p>
            The <b>motherboard</b> consists of, among other things, the power
            input from the battery and charging socket, the three phase wires
            that connect the motor,{" "}
            <R href="https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metall-Oxid-Halbleiter-Feldeffekttransistor">
              MOSFETs
            </R>{" "}
            and capacitors for current regulation and the tilt sensors, as well
            as sometimes a screen and a Bluetooth module. The power input from
            the battery usually runs via XT90 connectors, which are made for
            high currents. This current is distributed via the MOSFETs, between
            6 and 42 of them depending on the device, to the 3 phases that the
            motor needs to run. Capacitors (between 4 and 18) deliver peak
            power, which would be too fast for the <R href="#akku">battery</R>.
            So far, the usual buildup for a motherboard.
          </p>

          <p>
            However, unicycles need more specialized boards, as they also have
            to enable strong <b>recuperation</b>. This means that while braking,
            the braking energy goes back into the <R href="#akku">battery</R>{" "}
            and, in contrast to an electric car, to the full extent. The
            recuperation ability of a motherboard is decisive for the braking
            performance of a unicycle. It must therefore be possible to take
            back just as much current as can be put out, if not more.
          </p>

          <p>
            The screen and Bluetooth module are used, among other things, for
            displaying speed, music playback and information about the battery
            level and current power output. Some devices with a touchscreen can
            also adjust driving style and incline without a mobile phone app
            connection.
          </p>

          <div class="righties">
            <Asset src="/images/Motor.jpeg" />
          </div>
          <div class="lefties">
            <Asset src="/images/realMotor.png" />
          </div>
          <p>
            The <b id="motor">motor</b> of a unicycle is a 3-phase hub motor,
            i.e., a motor whose outer part is also the{" "}
            <R href="#reifen">tire</R>. The exact functionality and explanation
            you can find{" "}
            <R href="https://www.electricunicycles.eu/motor_in_electric_unicycle_part_1-c__201">
              here
            </R>
            . This saves noisy chains, gears and space, but also requires more
            precise motor control and finer coils as well as magnets inside. The
            motors are equipped with hall sensors, sometimes 2 for safety, which
            communicate the exact position of the motor to the motherboard.
            There is a distinction between high speed (HS) and high torque (HT)
            motors.
          </p>

          <p>
            <b>High Speed</b> motors run faster and more efficiently at speed
            (up to 90 km/h or 56 mph at 100 V) but have very high energy
            consumption and less power at low speeds. The coils and magnets are
            larger; therefore, you can hear the motors steps grumbling at slow
            speed.
          </p>

          <p>
            <b>High Torque</b> motors have very high torque (130 Nm - 300 Nm),
            are very efficient at low speed and feel considerably smoother. On
            the other hand, they usually do not reach higher speeds than around
            65 km/h (or 40 mph) at 100 V and lose performance with increasing
            speed.
          </p>

          <p>
            Since the introduction of 126 V and <b>134 V systems</b> this is a
            bit more unclear, so that now a HT motor at 134 V can also reach 92
            km/h and still have enough torque to drive up almost 50° steep
            walls. We will soon see what a HS motor at 134 V can achieve. Most
            of the time the battery and the motherboard are the limiting factor,
            the motors could do more in most cases. Thats why{" "}
            <R href="#begode">Gotway/Begode</R> has been using the same 2 motors
            for years now, only increasing battery performance and operating
            voltage.
          </p>

          <p>
            The interaction of all these components results in an extremely
            powerful, small and fast device, which accelerates from 0 to 50 km/h
            in 3 seconds and can reach up to 90 km/h, climbs 50° steep walls and
            still fits under the table.
          </p>
        </div>

        {/*
      <!--begriffe-->
      */}
        <div>
          <h3 id="begriffe">Glossary and specification explanation</h3>
          <div class="table-half">
            <div>
              <p>
                <b id="tiltback">Tilt-back</b>: The device's pedals tilt
                backwards to slow the rider down. Used when the battery is low
                or when the power demand is too high, to protect the
                electronics.
              </p>

              <p>
                <b id="pedaldip">Pedal Dip</b>: The pedals dip forwards, the
                device cannot maintain the requested power and the pedals
                suddenly tilt forward (or backward under heavy braking). In most
                cases, however, the pedals come up again immediately, so that
                the ride can continue undisturbed (implies necessary skill).
              </p>

              <p>
                <b>Pedal-angle</b>: Angle in which the pedals are mounted to the
                device, seen from the front view. A steeper angle provides more
                grip when cornering but can also become uncomfortable for longer
                rides.
              </p>

              <p class="imghover">
                <b id="spiked-pedals">Spiked-pedals</b>: Spikes on the pedals
                that give shoes more grip. Similar to mountain bike pedals,
                there are usually screw-in pointed metal pins that grip into the
                shoe to prevent accidental slipping. It's used today instead of
                sandpaper, as it offers an excellent grip even in wet and muddy
                conditions. <R href="https://youtu.be/aWU9lZAfKXM">Example</R>
              </p>
              <div class="hidden">
                <Asset src="/images/SpikedPedals.jpeg" />
              </div>

              <p class="imghover">
                <b id="pads">Pads</b>: parts made of plastic or foam that are
                mounted on the side of the device, usually printed from TPU and
                PLA and fastened with large, strong Velcro. They are necessary
                for better control and handling, especially for heavy and fast
                unicycles. They are divided into 2 types; many are combined
                together in one set.
              </p>
              <div class="hidden">
                <Asset src="/images/Pads.jpg" />
              </div>

              <p>
                <b>Power Pads</b>: have contact with the shin and the calves,
                are used for better acceleration and braking. Essential for
                heavy EUCs with high pedals.
              </p>

              <p>
                <b>Jump Pads</b>: have contact with the foot and verse, used for
                jumping and safety. In case of an unexpected bump in the road,
                they will hold your foot, so you don't fall off the device. But
                they might cause more injury in the case of a crash, because you
                can't get off quick enough
              </p>

              <p>
                <b>Wobbles</b>: describes the unintentional wobbling of the
                device at higher speeds. More on this{" "}
                <R href="#wobbles">here</R>
              </p>
            </div>

            <div>
              <p class="imghover">
                <b id="trolley">Trolley Handle</b>: an extendable handle for
                pushing the device, similar to a suitcase.
              </p>
              <div class="hidden">
                <Asset src="/images/KidsKS16X.jpg" />
              </div>

              <p>
                <b>Kill-Switch</b>: a button under the handle that shuts off the
                motor. Ensures that the motor doesn't rev up when lifting.
              </p>

              <p>
                <b>Cut-off /Cut-out</b>: Sudden shutting off of the device while
                riding, see chapter <R href="#cutout">Cut-out</R>.
              </p>

              <p>
                <b>HS Motor</b>: High Speed motor, see chapter{" "}
                <R href="#motor">Motor</R>.
              </p>

              <p>
                <b>HT Motor</b>: High Torque motor, see chapter{" "}
                <R href="#motor">Motor</R>.
              </p>

              <p>
                <b>W</b>: Watt, power specification, shows how much power the
                device can hold continuously. 3,000 W corresponds to 4 hp (an
                e-bike has a maximum of 250 W). Not to be confused with
              </p>

              <p>
                <b>Peak Watt</b>: Maximum power that the device can reach for a
                very short time.
              </p>

              <p>
                <b id="wh">Wh</b>: Watt-hours, energy storage information, shows
                how much energy the <R href="#akku">battery</R> can store. 3,000
                Wh means the battery could give 3,000 W for over an hour, or
                1,500 W for 2 hours etc.
              </p>

              <p>
                <b>BMS</b>: stands for Battery Management System,{" "}
                <R href="#BMS">explained here</R>
              </p>

              <p>
                <b>Voltage sag</b>: Voltage drop, the battery loses voltage for
                a short period of time under high load, which increases the amps
                flowing when the same power is requested.
              </p>

              <p>
                <b>Freespin</b>: Maximum spin speed the motor can reach when
                lifting the device. Calculate minus 20 km/h to get approximately
                the reachable top speed.
              </p>

              <p>
                <b>16 inch</b>: describes the tire size, in this case 16 inches
                (40 cm) in diameter. Small diameters are agile and have a quick
                response, large diameters (up to 24 inches, 60 cm) feel heavy
                and sluggish but are significantly more stable at speed.
              </p>

              <div>
                <p>
                  <b>Charging Amps</b>: The maximum amps that the device can
                  charge with. Most new devices charge with a maximum of 10
                  amps, i.e., 10 A * 126 V = 1,260 watts. The charging time is
                  calculated as follows:
                </p>

                <table style={{ width: "100%", "font-size": "initial" }}>
                  <tbody>
                    <tr>
                      <td>capacity</td>
                      <td>&divide; (</td>
                      <td>volts</td>
                      <td>&times;</td>
                      <td>amps</td>
                      <td>) =</td>
                      <td>time</td>
                    </tr>
                    <tr>
                      <td>3,300 Wh</td>
                      <td>&divide; (</td>
                      <td>126 V</td>
                      <td>&times;</td>
                      <td>10 A</td>
                      <td>) =</td>
                      <td>2.6 h</td>
                    </tr>
                  </tbody>
                </table>
              </div>
            </div>
          </div>
        </div>

        {/*
      <!--sicherheit-->
      */}
        <div>
          <h2 id="sicherheit">Safety</h2>
          <p>
            The second most common question is usually whether you don't just
            fall off and whether it's safe at all. The short answer: yes, it is.
            While there are risks, as with any mode of transportation, they are
            much smaller and less important than one might initially assume.
            Nevertheless, a few safety-related aspects have arisen over the
            years, which are further explained here:
          </p>
        </div>

        {/*
      <!--ausrüstung-->
      */}
        <div>
          <h3 id="ausrüstung">Safety gear</h3>
          <div class="righties">
            <Asset src="/images/Gear2.jpg" />
          </div>
          <div class="lefties">
            <Asset src="/images/Gear1.jpg" />
          </div>
          <p>
            Any EUC YouTuber and experienced rider will tell you that protective
            gear is essential. Depending on the speed, protective equipment
            definitely includes hand and knee guards like the famous{" "}
            <R href="https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Leatt-Brace-Unisex-Double-5017010182/dp/B01M9DCEPO?th are popular =1&psc=1">
              Leatt dual axis knee guards
            </R>
            . At speeds <b>below 30 km/h</b>, i.e., very small devices, you can
            also ride without equipment if necessary. It's not something people
            like to see, but if you're a bit sporty, you can just outrun every
            crash. Something that is not possible with bicycles.
          </p>

          <p>
            At higher speeds (<b>above 30 km/h</b>) a helmet should be worn,
            preferably a full face helmet. An MTB helmet is sufficient for
            speeds up to 60 km/h, or one from the motocross sector. Elbow and
            shoulder protection should also be considered. The{" "}
            <R href="https://lazyrolling.com/">LazyRolling</R> jackets are
            popular here, as they all have built-in protectors and usually also
            offer good visibility at night. For the helmets, the{" "}
            <R href="https://www.ridetsg.com/shop/pass-pro-solid-color----bonus-visor-/79025-30-173/">
              TSG Pass
            </R>{" "}
            and recently the{" "}
            <R href="https://www.predatorhelmets.com/products/dh6-x">
              Predator DH6-X
            </R>{" "}
            are very popular because of the high field of view, small weight and
            stylish look. At speeds of <b>80 to 100 km/h</b> you should think
            about motorcycle gear as the items mentioned above are not built for
            these speeds.
          </p>

          <p>
            Generally, 2 things apply:
            <br />
            The best gear is the one you wear. This means that no matter how
            good your gear is, it only works if you actually wear it. It has to
            be comfortable, and you have to feel good in it. <br />
            And: Dress for the slide, not the ride. This states that you should
            always dress appropriately for the worst-case scenario. For example,
            on an Inmotion V8 with a top speed of 28 km/h, you should not wear
            full motorcycle gear as it will limit your vision and would be far
            too much for the situation. But you also don't wear a bike helmet on
            a Master Pro with 100 km/h.
          </p>
          <div>
            <Asset src="/images/Gear3.webp" />
          </div>
        </div>

        {/*
      <!--cut-offs-->
      */}
        <div>
          <h3 id="cutout">Cut-offs</h3>
          <div class="righties">
            <Asset src="/videos/Cutout1.mp4" />
          </div>
          <p>
            Cut-offs are the largest source of accidents the rider is mostly not
            responsible for. A cut-off or cut-out means that the device switches
            off in the middle of the ride and the driver jumps off in the best
            case, and in the worst-case slams directly into the asphalt. There
            are many reasons for this, here are a few examples:
          </p>

          <p>
            When <b>overloaded</b>, older or poorly built devices simply shut
            off, either because they burned out or because the electronics are
            protecting themselves from burning out. Overloading happens when you
            climb steep paths, when you hit a big hump in the road at high
            speed, or when you accelerate again close to the top speed. Of
            course, this behavior has not gone unnoticed, which is why
            manufacturers have incorporated techniques to avoid overload induced
            cut-off.
          </p>

          <p>
            Almost all devices emit a loud beeping sound when they are close to
            the load limit to warn the driver. Many also use tilt-back to keep
            riders below top speed, which works very effectively. It also
            happens more and more frequently that the motor is only switched off
            for a very short time in the event of an overload, in order to
            protect the electronics. This then causes a{" "}
            <R href="#pedaldip">pedal dip</R>, and in most cases the ride can be
            continued normally.
          </p>

          <p>
            Motherboards are now so robust and power output is so high that
            overload induced cut-outs are rare, and then only when the rider is
            driving extremely aggressively or there was something wrong with the
            device beforehand, like in this example video right.
          </p>

          <p>
            Another reason, which mostly affects the newest devices (usually
            devices from the first batch), is the presence of{" "}
            <b>software bugs or faulty hardware</b>. This reason for cut-outs is
            the scariest because it can just happen. Regardless of the speed and
            workload. A well-known example here was the Inmotion V12 cut-outs,
            in which the built-in MOSFETs were faulty and thus led to cut-offs
            in many devices. In the devices produced later, such problems are
            usually eliminated.
          </p>

          <p>
            The final example here is a <b>low battery</b>. When the battery is
            low, the device no longer runs at the full 100.8 V, but rather
            around 80 V. If a lot of power is now required, there will be a
            voltage drop as described in the <R href="#akku">Battery</R>{" "}
            chapter. If the voltage falls below the minimum, the electronics
            switch off. Modern devices limit the top speed when the battery
            level drops, but in particular some <R href="#begode">Gotway</R>{" "}
            devices don't do this. This causes riders to demand high performance
            despite a low battery level, and thus not only damage their battery
            in the long term, but also damage themselves in the short term as a
            result of a cut-off.
          </p>

          <p>
            Despite all these reasons, cut-outs are very rare and, if you ride
            correctly, almost never a problem. And if you buy historically safe
            devices like the KS16X or Veteran Sherman, you can be relatively
            unmindful.
          </p>
        </div>

        {/*
      <!--akkusicheit-->
      */}
        <div>
          <h3 id="akkuss">Battery safety and fires</h3>
          <p>
            First of all: in contrast to for example hoverboards, unicycles are
            quite safe in terms of fire and battery safety. In the past,
            however, <R href="#begode">Gotway/Begode</R> in particular was known
            for battery fires and a lack of battery safety. But since recently
            the{" "}
            <R href="https://youtu.be/8h41p13e4TU?t=610">
              {" "}
              KS S22 prototype burned spectacularly
            </R>
            , the worry is now also there for other brands.
          </p>
          <div class="righties">
            <Asset src="/videos/shortS22Fire.MP4" />
          </div>
          <div class="lefties">
            <Asset src="/images/burned.png" />
          </div>
          <p>
            There are several <b>causes</b>, here are a few examples:
          </p>

          <p>
            <b>Deep discharge</b>, i.e., discharging below the recommended cell
            voltage, damages the <R href="#akku">battery</R> and increases the
            risk. Begode in particular has little protection, and usually allows
            a lot of power to be drawn when the battery level is low, by letting
            the device run until it's completely drained. But Ninebot also has a
            problem with this, because the <R href="#akku">battery</R> also
            discharges when the device is off due to the <R href="#BMS">BMS</R>.
            Long standing times without recharging will lead to damage. Ninebot
            has little-known brands, more on that in the{" "}
            <R href="/en/manufacturers">manufacturers chapter</R>.
          </p>

          <p>
            <b>Devices with a 4P configuration</b>, i.e., only 4{" "}
            <R href="#parallelen">parallel</R> Battery cell rows are also more
            often affected by battery fires. As mentioned in the{" "}
            <R href="#akku">Battery</R> part, this is because the cells are
            heavily loaded in a 4P configuration and therefore can be damaged
            and only have a short lifespan.
          </p>

          <p>
            <b>Physical damage</b>, i.e., shock or penetration of the cells, can
            also lead to a short circuit and, in the worst case, to a fire. This
            is rather rare, but also more common with Begode, since the
            batteries are packed exclusively in shrinkwrap and can then move
            relatively freely in the housing. Whereas{" "}
            <R href="/en/manufacturers">Kingsong</R> and{" "}
            <R href="/en/manufacturers">Inmotion</R> pack the batteries
            separately and usually also make them waterproof.
          </p>

          <p>
            <b>Short circuits</b> on the motherboard are probably the most
            common causes of fires while or after driving. This aspect is quite
            self-explanatory and can only be prevented with adequate fuses on
            the <R href="#BMS">BMS</R>.
          </p>

          <p>
            <b>Water damage</b> in the battery pack or on the motherboard can
            lead to flashovers, as with any electronic device. These can still
            lead to a fire days later, especially if the device is charged after
            it has been completely soaked. There was one{" "}
            <R href="https://youtu.be/WFLHCIbDJAw?t=939">case</R> just recently.
          </p>

          <div class="righties">
            <Asset src="/images/BMS.jpg" />
          </div>
          <p>
            <b>Battery safety</b>: A <b id="BMS">BMS</b> is responsible for
            this. A <b>B</b>attery <b>M</b>anagement <b>S</b>ystem has the task
            <br />
            - to protect the battery from excessive currents,
            <br />
            - not to let it discharge below the specified voltage,
            <br />
            - not to charge it beyond the maximum voltage,
            <br />
            - keep an eye on the temperature and
            <br />- disconnect from the rest of the system in the event of a
            short circuit.
          </p>
          <p>
            Better BMS's, also known as smart BMS, can also actively adjust the
            voltage of the cells in order to avoid too great of a voltage
            difference between the cells. This is very important for the
            longevity of a battery pack.
          </p>

          <p>
            So far (2022) only the Kingsong S22 has a smart{" "}
            <R href="#BMS">BMS</R> which allows you to see and control the
            voltage of each cell in the app. Non-smart <R href="#BMS">BMS</R>{" "}
            have so-called passive balance, i.e., passive adjustment of the
            voltages of the cells. To do this, the device must be charged
            regularly to 100 % and then left plugged in for a longer period of
            time.
          </p>
        </div>

        {/*
      <!--fahrweise-->
      */}
        <div>
          <h3 id="fahrweise">Ride style</h3>
          <div class="righties">
            <Asset src="/videos/FahrweiseNYC.mp4" />
          </div>
          <div class="lefties">
            <Asset src="/videos/FahrweiseNYC4bad.mp4" />
          </div>
          <p>
            By far the greatest safety risk is the rider's riding style. Similar
            to motorcycles, reckless driving and excessive speeds can quickly
            lead to accidents. Unlike motorcycles, hardly anyone dies in an
            accident involving an EUC. With a few exceptions, the devices are so
            small and relatively slow that there are injuries, but hardly any
            fatalities.
          </p>

          <p>Nevertheless, there are also a few interesting phenomena here:</p>

          <p>
            In contrast to scooters, the <b>steep learning curve</b> ensures
            more respect for the device and one's own skills. Many only go near
            the traffic when they have practiced longer and feel safe, whereas,
            especially with rental scooters, the first ride usually takes place
            directly between cars or pedestrians. This results in significantly
            fewer incidents involving EUCs.
          </p>

          <p>
            Riding the EUC is a very <b>skill-based</b> means of transport. Even
            the emergency brake has to be practiced for a long time, in
            different scenarios and especially in curves. It often happens that
            drivers stop actively pushing and improving themselves after the
            first few kilometers. Therefore, some with years of riding
            experience are unsafe when getting on and off, and do not know how
            to help themselves in emergency situations. Many have an incorrect
            stance or ride on wobbly legs, which causes{" "}
            <R href="#wobbles">wobbles</R> and leads to falls. That's also the
            reason why the New Yorker riders have fewer accidents than other
            groups and cities, despite or because they drive so aggressively and
            therefore have a very higher skill level. These machines can only do
            as much as their driver, and with the right skill they are capable
            of incredible things.
          </p>
          <div class="righties">
            <Asset src="/videos/FahrweiseNYC2.mp4" />
          </div>
          <div class="lefties">
            <Asset src="/videos/FahrweiseNYC3.mp4" />
          </div>
          <p>
            <b>Accidents</b> themselves are also worth mentioning here, because
            there are some crucial differences that make EUCs safer than other
            vehicles in a certain way.
          </p>

          <p>
            First, you <b>stand upright</b> and have your hands and body free.
            That alone makes it much easier to catch a fall than, for example,
            with a bicycle or scooter. With them you either fly over the
            handlebars or slip sideways and don't have both legs to catch you.
          </p>

          <p>
            Secondly, you stand facing <b>forwards</b>, and therefore don't get{" "}
            <R href="https://dictionary.cambridge.org/de/worterbuch/englisch/yeet">
              yeeted
            </R>{" "}
            sideways into the ground like on Onewheels. Most can just jump off
            and run out under 26 km/h without even falling. This is otherwise
            only possible with very few devices of this type. Of course, you are
            not as safe as on a big motorbike, or as in a car. But compared to a
            motorcycle, the speeds are usually way lower and therefore much less
            dangerous. In addition, you usually wear the recommended equipment
            anyway, so that 99 % of the time nothing happens at all.
          </p>
        </div>

        {/*
      <!--wobbles-->
      */}
        <div>
          <h3 id="wobbles">Wobbles</h3>
          <div class="righties">
            <Asset src="/videos/Whobble2.mp4" />
          </div>
          <p>
            Wobbles are a problem not fully understood yet. Wobble describes the{" "}
            <b>shaking</b> of the device side to side while riding fast. As
            mentioned in the <R href="#tires">tires</R> topic, road tires tend
            to wobble more often. The device then wobbles in it's own resonance,
            also known in the motorcycle's world.
          </p>

          <p>
            You can avoid this by keeping the <b>tire pressure</b> lower and
            having a balanced machine, i.e., with an even weight distribution.
            It also helps to be <b>carved</b> slightly, i.e., to ride slight
            slalom. If you still get wobbles, it helps to have good{" "}
            <R href="#pads">pads</R> as they give you more grip on the device
            and thus more time to react. But there are different opinions on how
            to actually end them: some say you should relax and brake, others
            say never brake, but grip harder and accelerate.
          </p>

          <p>
            However, the example video here is also an extreme case, albeit
            perfectly saved with the knee pads. In a normal case, you would feel
            a slight wobble when braking, and over time you would get it under
            control. Generally, many say it's a <b>matter of training</b> and
            experience. Also, devices like Gotway's MSuper series, RS's and
            EXN's are more vulnerable than, for example, the Veteran Sherman or
            the <R href="/en/KS22">KS S22</R>.
          </p>
        </div>

        {/*
      <!--leistng-->
      */}
        <div>
          <h3 id="leistung">Performance as a safety feature</h3>

          <p>
            Especially politicians and people outside of this sport think that
            more performance equals more risk. They are almost right with
            scooters and e-bikes because they do not depend on power for
            stabilization. EUCs, Onewheels, and all manner of hoverboards and
            Segways are, though, and that creates a bit of a contradiction. More
            power gives the rider a lot of <b>braking safety</b>, and{" "}
            <b>reduces the risk</b> of overload-induced{" "}
            <R href="#cutout">cut-offs</R>. A larger battery also provides more{" "}
            <b>power reserves</b> for difficult terrain. But more power also
            means significantly higher speeds, which opens the door to all the
            bad accidents in the first place.
          </p>
        </div>

        {/*
      <!--federung-->
      */}
        <div>
          <h3 id="federung">Suspension as a safety feature</h3>
          <p>
            Almost all new and announced devices have some form of built-in
            suspension. Initially seen as a gimmick and "off-road only", this
            feature is slowly becoming a necessity. Because with a
            self-balancing device, every bump in the road causes a power spike
            in the controller. This is usually not a problem at 35 km/h, but at
            70 km/h it can be too much for many devices. Suspension takes away
            most of the power spike that occurs, while also making sure that
            rider's feet don't get shot off the pedals. The exception here are
            the pogo stick designs in the Inmotion V11, which in exceptional
            cases simply shoot up the rider instead of dampening him.
            Nevertheless, the progressive suspensions in particular not only
            ensure significantly more comfort, but also rider safety. And allow
            mountain bike-like performance on the trails.
          </p>
        </div>

        {/*
      <!--reifen-->
      */}
        <div>
          <h3 id="reifen">Tires</h3>
          <Asset src="/images/Tires.PNG" />
          <p>Tires can be divided into 3 categories:</p>

          <p>
            <b>Offroad</b> tires, also known as knobbies, have a large and
            usually a very rough profile. They tend to be noisier on the road,
            have a larger turning circle, and don't feel nearly as agile and
            nimble on the road as street tires. On the other hand, they usually
            have an excellent grip in the forest and can also drive through deep
            mud. It was also found that knobbies wobble less than street tires (
            <R href="https://youtu.be/qcRcUIF69LU">comparison</R>
            ), probably because of the lower tire pressure and the softer
            material. Knobbies also have the advantage that they usually last
            longer. A standard Kenda K262 easily lasts 10,000 km, whereas a CST
            road tire only lasts 3,000 - 4,000 km.
          </p>

          <p>
            <b>Street tires</b> are, as the name suggests, better suited for
            asphalt, they make the device appear more agile and faster than a
            knobby. They are also significantly quieter; they feel significantly
            better in curves and allow very fine maneuvers. There are 2 tires to
            mention here, the CST c-1488 which, to the chagrin of many, comes
            default with the device as a standard street tire. This tire has a
            short life span and, unlike the second tire, poor material. The
            second well-known tire is the Michelin City pro, which consists of a
            top material and therefore lasts longer.{" "}
            <R href="https://youtu.be/PjNLci-06-8">City Pro review</R>
          </p>

          <p>
            <b>Hybrids</b> are popular with people who are not always out in the
            muddy forest or only on the road. They try to offer the best of both
            worlds.
          </p>

          <p>
            There is another type, only used in special cases like on the Z10: a
            full rubber airless tire. Very harsh to ride, puncture proof and
            long-lasting.
          </p>
        </div>

        {/*
      <!--historie-->
      */}
        <div>
          <h2 id="historie">History of EUCs</h2>

          <div class="righties">
            <Asset src="/images/historieEUC.webp" />
          </div>
          <div class="lefties">
            <Asset src="/images/solowheel-1.jpg" />
          </div>
          <p>
            The underlying technique came with the
            <R href="https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Segway_Personal_Transporter">
              <b>Segway</b>
            </R>
            on the market. But lacking performance, battery size and
            construction, together with bad design and a 10k price made for a
            spectacular flop of this technology. There were first prototypes and
            individual tests of an EUC as early as 1930, but it was not until
            the <b>SoloWheel</b> in 2010 that it had the typical properties of
            today's EUC. Even if this is the first considerable EUC, it is
            hardly usable from today's perspective. Unergonomic, weak, far too
            small of a battery and therefore hardly any braking or acceleration
            power (see{" "}
            <R href="#performance">Performance as a safety feature</R>).
            Nonetheless, this device marked the start of the sport, and thus
            defined it.
          </p>

          <p>
            It took another 4 years for
            <R href="/de/manufacturers#kinsong">
              <b>KingSong</b>
            </R>
            to be foundet and driving innovation as a competitor.
            <R href="#inmotion">
              <b>Inmotion</b>
            </R>
            followed suit and set the standard for quality and features. Only
            then did
            <R href="#begode">
              <b>Gotway</b>
            </R>
            come onto the market. Gotway changed the nature of EUCs in a
            different way, and maybe even more so than Inmotion: from the start,
            they brought out more powerful devices then the others. They lacked
            good design and quality and they looked like hobby projects from the
            inside. Also, until recently, Gotway still used the same bad design
            for all devices, whereas Kingsong and Inmotion put a lot more
            thought into design and quality.
          </p>

          <div class="lefties">
            <Asset src="/images/z10.jpeg" />
          </div>
          <p>
            <R href="#ninebot">
              <b>Ninebot</b>
            </R>
            bought Segway, and came out with the Ninebot One in <b>2015</b>. A
            250 Wh device with stylish LEDs and a white design. Then one device
            after the other came out. Gotway produces bigger and faster devices,
            Inmotion, Kingsong and Ninebot offered more and more features and
            tried to keep up with Gotway in terms of performance. In <b>2019</b>{" "}
            we saw the release of the initially unpopular, later iconic Ninebot
            Z10. 45 km/h, 1,100 Wh and an absolutely unique design still
            separates it from all other devices today. But it had many problems,
            and unfortunately it was the last EUC that Ninebot produced. At that
            point, Gotway was already at <b>50+ km/h</b> with the Monster and
            Nicola, and the batteries were twice as big. Gotway, now called
            Begode, has built itself an image of high performance and speed.
            Many accepted the poor build quality and rare{" "}
            <R href="#akkuss">battery fires</R> because there were simply no
            alternative. This was slowly changing in <b>2020</b>, when Inmotion
            and Kingsong both released 50 km/h devices with a good design. And
            both devices are changing the market forever.
          </p>

          <div class="lefties">
            <Asset src="/images/S22shutterkode1.jpg" />
          </div>
          <p>
            Inmotion and Kingsong both released the first devices with{" "}
            <b>suspension</b> relatively simultaneously. Kingsong created
            today's popular swing arm design, Inmotion developed an air piston
            based pedal suspension. Begode later copied both variants, of course
            in a much worse form, and ultimately stuck with the swing arm
            design.
            <br />
            <R href="#veteran">
              <b>Veteran</b>
            </R>
            (Lieperkim) entered the market this year with the absolute
            bestseller Veteran Sherman. Just this device and the{" "}
            <R href="https://youtu.be/i2OwOEHQ4vA">videos</R> about it launched
            a whole wave of new unicyclers, just plain because it was the first
            well built and at the same time super fast device. Finally, you were
            no longer dependent on the inferior quality of Begode, but could
            cruise stably at <b>70 km/h</b> and didn't have to worry about the
            batteries flying out of the housing in the event of a crash.
          </p>

          <p>
            <b>2022</b> is the year with the most wheel launches, Begode alone
            has released or announced at least 7 devices, 6 of them with
            suspension. Inmotion has announced the V13 and Kingsong has brought
            out a bestseller with the S22. With the Sherman S, Veteran has now
            also presented a suspension unicycle that will probably set new
            standards in terms of robustness and quality.
          </p>

          <p>
            As you can easily see from the story so far, companies and unicycles
            are <b>developing faster and faster</b>. It took almost 6 years
            after the first unicycle until serious devices came onto the market.
            Then only 4 years to go from a shaky 35 km/h to a stable 70 km/h and
            100 km range. And in the last 2 years there have been so many
            innovations; Metal construction, suspension, smart BMS's, screens,
            spiked pedals as standard, usable <R href="#pads">pads</R> as
            standard, water resistance, 100 km/h top speed, 240 km range, almost
            5,000 Wh batteries...
          </p>
        </div>

        {/*
      <!--auflistung-->
      */}
        <div>
          <h2 id="geraete">List of devices</h2>
          <p>
            Only the most relevant and well-known devices are listed here, a
            complete, sortable overview is available{" "}
            <R href="https://www.electricunicycles.eu/product_catalog">here</R>.
          </p>

          <div class="raster">
            <DeviceTile
              href="/en/KSS22"
              name="Kingsong S22"
              src="/videos/S20Werbevideo.mp4"
            />

            <DeviceTile name="Kingsong 16X" src="/images/KS16X.jpg" />

            <DeviceTile name="Inmotion V8" src="/images/inmotionV8.jfif" />

            <DeviceTile name="Inmotion V10" src="/videos/V10.mp4" />

            <DeviceTile name="Inmotion V11" src="/images/V11 2.jpg" />

            <DeviceTile name="Inmotion V12" src="/images/V12 2.jpg" />

            <DeviceTile name="Inmotion V13" src="/images/V13 2.jpg" />

            <DeviceTile name="Kingsong S18" src="/images/S18.jpg" />

            <DeviceTile name="Begode Master" src="/images/Master.jpg" />

            <DeviceTile name="Begode T4" src="/images/T4.jpg" />

            <DeviceTile name="Begode Mten4" src="/images/Mten4.jpg" />

            <DeviceTile name="Begode Master Pro" src="/images/Master Pro.jpg" />

            <DeviceTile name="Begode EX30" src="/images/EX30.jpg" />

            <DeviceTile
              name="Gotway Monster Pro"
              src="/images/MonsterPro.jpg"
            />

            <DeviceTile
              name="Veteran Sherman"
              src="/images/moddedSherman1.jpg"
            />

            <DeviceTile
              name="Veteran Sherman S"
              src="/images/ShermanSepic.jpg"
            />
          </div>
        </div>
      </article>
      <footer />
    </Body>
  );
}

export default Overview;
