What’s up, riders. Have you been wondering if the Onewheel Front Flared Footpad is the key to comfortable rides? Let’s find out!
This is not a sponsored post. I purchased the product(s) mentioned in this post as a regular private customer.
Disclaimer
The content provided on this website reflects my personal experience, circumstances and budget. All advice and information are offered “as is” and are not intended as professional guidance. I assume no liability for any actions taken based on the information shared here.
Readers should always conduct their own research and consult with qualified professionals before making decisions or attempting anything based on advice or information shared here!
So, Why a Front Flared Footpad?
The Pint series is a smaller series of boards compared to the XR and GT series. They’re very easy to travel with, but not as comfortable as bigger boards – especially when it comes to footpad surface. Since Onewheels don’t use remotes, less surface doesn’t just mean less comfort: it also mean less control.
There are options for footpads out there, of course. But Future Motion offers their own line of footpads for Pint owners! Today we’ll talk about their front flared footpad, designed to complement other rear footpad options available. Here’s what it brings to the table:
- According to the Onewheel website, 15% more surface than a stock Pint footpad – including a 15% larger sensor.
- Who can say no to fresh grip tape?
- This footpad works in tandem with larger rear footpad options – including Future Motion’s own – for a more comfortable riding experience.
I had already swapped my rear footpad for a Kush Nug Concave Hi from The Float Life recently . As a reminder, I ride goofy, mostly on the street, am a 40+ rider with big feet. So a new larger front footpad was the logical next upgrade! Was the flared front footpad worth it? Lemme tell you…
Ordering from Future Motion: Smooth like Butter
Ordering directly from the official Onewheel store is as straightforward as you can imagine it should be. Onewheel sells a customer experience that’s as frictionless as possible: it follows that ordering is going to be pretty painless!
As always with stores like these, you will have several shipping options available and purchase coverage as well. That part is all up to you! I thought I picked Standard Shipping at checkout but somehow FedEx ended up in charge of my package. Not that I mind, tracking was excellent and the package was somehow delayed, then rerouted correctly the next day. All in all, it still came in one day early.
Installation: The Opposite of Difficult
Your footpad came in the mail- time to open up that box and get to work! Printed instructions are in the box, as well as all the hardware needed. You’ll bring your own wrench for the screws, but a specialized tool to unlock the sensor cable is included. Is installing this front footpad more difficult than installing a rear footpad? It’s not!
Like most Onewheel vendors, Future Motion has video instructions on their official YouTube channel. You will also find printed instructions that’ll come in handy if you like that better!
Did you know?
The Front Flared Footpad for the Pint X comes in two versions – regular and soft. The soft version is soft soft, as in you can bend it with your hands soft. Don’t! You risk damaging the front sensor.
The video above or the printed instructions do a great job of walking you through the whole process. I don’t even have any tips to share!
You might remember the Kush Nug Concave needed a little help to line up with the Pint X frame. None of that here! The Onewheel Front Flared Footpad fits on the first try.
First Ride: Another Kind of Road Flare
Once your footpad is installed, it’s time to give it a ride! This larger front footpad goes great with a any rear footpad. It’s clear that replacing both footpads with flared versions is a great plus! Case in point: the Pint S board features front and rear flared footpads by default.
Let’s bring back pictures of the local riding surfaces I tested the flared footpad on!
I went over the same rough patches, buttery-smooth roads and everything in between as for the Kush Nug test. The ride was even smoother with even more control!
And then I almost fell
I’ve been working on an article about road positioning for safety. I was on the right-side of a road in my neighborhood, close to the edge leading up to the curb. Oh, and I was practicing heel-lifts for good measure. Add location, inexperience with heel-lift and a loss of balance…And here I am, flailing around like a pinwheel! And not just once…But twice!
I can honestly say I’m not sure I wouldn’t have hit the road without a flared front footpad. The extra layer of control is probably what saved my butt and I wouldn’t want to do without it anymore! I absolutely recommend flared footpads as an immediate purchase for anyone riding a Pint board. Or just buy a Pint S!
The Recap
Sooooo…Is the Onewheel Front Flared Footpad worth the $100 price tag?
Absolutely yes. The rear Kush Nug was a great addition for stamina and comfort after I got used to it. The Front Flared Footpad is a must-have for comfort and control! I’m an older rider who doesn’t want to get hurt. Sign me right up for more control and comfort!
There are other options for front footpads upgrades but they seem to involve a sensor transplant – either stock or custom. For an all-in-one option, I 100% recommend the Onewheel offering – new, or second hand as long as it’s working reliably! And of course, your favorite footwear.
My current footwear!
Footwear comes up a lot in the Onewheel community, especially in groups for older riders like me! I will do my best to update this block with my current gear. Some of the links below are Amazon affiliate links: at no additional cost to you, I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links!
- High top sneakers: these are comfortable, give me ankle support, and they are easy to clean. It’s easy to find low price options, so I don’t feel too bad when the shoes get destroyed eventually. I know some riders swear by Vans low profile skate shoes.
- Gel insoles: I need arch support, and maybe you do too! I use gel insoles and replace them as needed. I literally have insoles in all my shoes!
That’s it for today, people! Get on your boards, wear your gear, stay safe out there! Now if you don’t mind, there’s a new bicycle lane up the street that needs testing: see you next time!