KingSong Delivers the Controversial and Captivating F22 E-Unicycle, It's Speed Incarnate

il y a 2 mois, 2 semaines - 3 Octobre 2024, autoevolution
KingSong Delivers the Controversial and Captivating F22 E-Unicycle, It's Speed Incarnate
Personally, I feel that something magical happened when society started shaping batteries and motors into a plethora of urban mobility machines. With that in mind, allow me to bring to light a questionable machine that inspires awe, is scary, but delivers the thrill of speed, too.

Ladies and gents and lovers of everything extreme and wild, before us lies the one and only KingSong F22 Pro, a unicycle with some stats that are sure to blow some people away. Personally, I was one of them, and because of this, I've decided to shed some light on this machine. Considering this thing has a top speed that goes beyond 80 mph (130 kph), you can understand my awe.

Before we hop on this wild trinket, let's first take a closer look at how we got here. Well, none other than KingSong is behind the magic here today, and if you're aware of this crew, then you know that they've been around since 2021, time in which they've grown to be known the world over for their e-bikes, e-scooters, and electric unicycles. This brings us to the newest addition to this crew's lineup, the F22 Pro.

Now, an electric unicycle is one of those machines filled with tech, all of which is aimed at offering a safe, comfortable, and exhilarating experience. So, to kick things off for the F22 Pro, let's take a closer look at the motor behind the magic.

At its base, the F22 Pro rocks a 14-inch tire with a 2.75-inch cross-section, which is about as wide as some MTB tires. Oh, and depending on the type of riding you do, you can find a tread that best suits your terrain. But in the center of this tire and rim sits a 5,500 W motor with a peak power output of 12,000 W or 12 kW. That's a tad over 16 hp, so you can understand why I consider this one of the most thrilling machines currently on the mobility market.

As for what you can do with all this power, I already mentioned the top speed of this baby, but allow me to also point out that it can tackle 45% inclines. Amazing, and a clear reason why we're bound to see some of these beasts flying around the neighborhood at some point in time.

Part two of the magic is the battery, and BMS added to the F22 Pro. According to the manufacturer's website, a battery capacity of 3,108 Wh is available to the F22, and with a 20 A charger, you can be back on the streets or trails in up to three hours. All that power is directed to the motor by a proprietary BMS and controller system, designed to not only direct the flow of power but also protect against overheating, under voltage, overcharge, and a few others. Neatly enough, KingSong adds two charge ports to this EV, and if you grab another charger, you can cut your recharge time in half.

But, in terms of peak range, KingSong mentions a top range of 180 km (112 miles). Clearly, that's in optimal conditions, so expect a drop in this number in the real world, especially with the various terrains you encounter. Oh, and some of the juice from this powerhouse will fuel lighting effects, headlights, and an integrated display.

As we continue our exploration of this beast with one wheel, we arrive at the all-important suspension system. Since a unicycle's dynamics means that the rider supports just about every little bump and vibration a road throws at them, KingSong adds a four-stanchion setup that offers up to 90 mm of travel. This component is crafted by DNM and includes every variable you can think of: there's dampening adjustment, preload, and air-pressure regulation.

Last, but not least, take a closer look at the F22's bodywork and design. First and foremost, I want to point out the raw looks this puppy showcases, giving us a simple design that focuses only on the essentials. While it's a whole lot faster than other unicycles from this manufacturer, it's one of the models that doesn't have any padding with which to grip the body. Considering this one can come out from under your feet at any time, the last time you'd want is to be strapped in. Spiked pedals of footpads should be more than enough for you to twist and turn your way through town.

All that brings me to my last and final point regarding the F22 Pro: wear adequate protective gear! If you're accustomed to asphalt eczemas (road rash), then you know darned well that you don't need to be going extremely fast to donate some skin to your city streets, and at 80 mph, let's just say you won't be enjoying recovery very much if you make it out alive, that is. Sure, I may sound harsh, but those are break-neck speeds.

Still, this machine is sure to appeal to the modern thrill seeker and a reason why I, too, would consider giving this one a try. But first, to learn on something a tad slower. What about you? Would you tempt fate and give the F22 Pro a spin around the block? Feel free to comment below.

Oh, and I can't stress this enough: wear proper gear, including a full-face helmet. Heck, one of those overly padded dog suits may be what the F22 Pro calls for. Ride safe out there.

Finally, I do want to point out that the F22 is currently in the preorder stages, and pricing does vary greatly around the world and from dealer to dealer. That said, expect to pay around $3,500 to $4,300 for one of these speed demons.