Mobility devices gaining popularity in Singapore

Personal mobility devices like electric scooters, unicycles and hoverboards are becoming a common sight on the streets. Lightweight and portable, such devices are a convenient and time-saving solution for travelling short distances for commute or leisure.
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Costing anywhere from a few hundred dollars to coming with four-figure price tags, affordability has been the main draw for consumers. For the uninitiated, here’s a quick look at key differences between the various devices.

E-Scooter

One of the first mobility devices to become popular, the e-scooter scores big on versatility, with superior maximum speeds, distance covered on a single charge and maximum climbing angles. While it’s the bulkiest of the lot, the ability to attach a seat to the base means you can ride everywhere without becoming tired.
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Speed: 12 - 40km/h
Distance: 25km – 80km
Incline: 20 – 25 degree planes
Wheels: 5 – 8 inches
Weight: 7 – 17.5kg
 
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 Self-Balancing Unicycle

Dubbed the self-balancing airwheel or electric unicycle, the device operates on a single, large wheel. Users move the device by standing atop and leaning in any direction. Most airwheels have an extendable, pull-up handle for portability.
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Speed: Up to 18km/h
Distance: 15 – 25km
Incline: 15 – 18 degree planes
Wheels: 14 inches
Weight: 10 – 15kg


Hoverboard  ​

Dubbed the mini Segway, the latest and hottest mobility device has two footpads to enable steering. It can even turn 360 degrees on the spot.
 
Speed: 10 - 15km/h
Distance: 20 - 30km
Incline: 15 degree planes
Wheels: 6.5 – 10 inches
Weight: 10 – 14 kg
 
 
Electric roller skates

Born out of a Kickstarter project, rocketskates is a smart electric roller skates and the first lightweight wearable transportation device. Powered by brushless motors, the device is controlled via a mobile app.

Speed: 19km/h
Distance: 9km
Incline: 5 – 8 degree planes
Wheels: 6 inches
Weight: 3kg