Surf Wheel
ActiveOverview
Surfwheel produces one-wheeled electric skateboards designed to simulate surfing on land through proprietary tire treads and motion detection algorithms. The company differentiates its products with safety wheels for nosedive recovery and lightweight portable designs weighing 13-18 lbs. It targets users seeking an alternative to standard electric skateboards with enhanced drifting and visibility features like LED lights.
History
Surfwheel was founded in 2014 by an inventor raised in Vancouver, BC, Canada, inspired by surfing, skiing, and skateboarding cultures. Development of the first model, the R1, began in 2014 and launched in 2016. The company introduced improved models SU and TR with safety wheels, followed by plans in 2023 to expand the full product range.
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Surfwheel R1 (original one-wheel skateboard) | entry-level land surfing board | $800 - $1,200 |
| Surfwheel SU (safety-enhanced model) | lightweight portable with LED lights | $1,000 - $1,500 |
| Surfwheel TR (advanced drifting model) | refined surfing simulation with safety features | $1,200 - $1,800 |
Manufacturing
Products are manufactured by Surfwheel Limited and Koofy Development Limited in Hong Kong Science Park. Assembly and development occur in-house at Unit 220, 2/F, Enterprise Place, No. 5 Science Park West Avenue HK. European distribution is handled by ECO-RIDERS in France.
Notable Products
- Surfwheel R1 - First model launched in 2016 with unique tire tread (US10058765B2) for drifting sensation.
- Surfwheel SU - 13-18 lbs model with safety wheels (US10065103B2), 500W motor, and 57.6V lithium battery.
- Surfwheel TR - Portable board with airless tire, LED illumination, and max lean angle of 15 degrees.
Reputation
Surfwheel is recognized among electric skateboard enthusiasts for its focus on land-surfing feel and safety innovations like nosedive recovery wheels. Users appreciate the lightweight design and night visibility. It remains a niche player compared to larger competitors like Onewheel, with limited visibility outside specialized markets.