Is the Gotway MSX 84v the best EUC for the money? This review is from Vache who wrote about EUC App Tips and Tricks will give you the information you need to make your decision as to whether the Gotway MSX is for you. Let’s jump into the review:
Intermediate and advanced EUCs currently start around $1500, and most people are budgeting around $2000 for a great all-around wheel. I bought my MSX 84v for $1800 and I couldn’t be happier.
I’ll be going over some of the features, and also discuss some PROS and CONS from my perspective.
Who will love it?
Everyone! Yes, everyone! Beginners to seasoned riders will love the MSX and here is why:
I can say this with the utmost confidence and proof because I haven’t had anyone try an MSX and not fall in love with the ride. I have a friend who had NEVER ridden an EUC before just jumped on and take off like he had just rediscovered a passion from a previous life.
He started carving turns within seconds and then proceeded to pull his phone out to shoot a quick, “vid for the gram.” Yeah, he’s that guy. How did he pick it up so instantaneously?
I would like to think that it was my pre-ride pep talk and advice that made the difference but he said the Gotway MSX felt very natural, smooth, and stable to him. It gave him confidence to just go and that is what he did.
The MSX truly feels like the perfect wheel, and here is why in one word: Versatility.
Let me explain.
You know all the specifications of a wheel when you buy it. You have been researching, texting your buddies, comparing details about wattage, and battery cells, all while trying to decide which horse gets the stable.
You have considered every objective bit of data in search for “the perfect wheel.” At least that’s what I did.
I am not going to talk about stats, they are merely guidelines as we know and results may vary. What I am going to talk about is “feel.”
The MSX feels very smooth and provides a very confident ride.
It has a stable carve at higher speeds and is very responsive to input, which is probably partly due to the angled pedals, which I will discuss a little later.
I live in Las Vegas and ride mostly streets with a fair amount of off-roading and everything in between. Although the riding surfaces may be dynamic, the MSX is up for the challenge.
In my opinion, the MSX shines on the street with a smooth, carve-y, and stable ride.
It will also conquer dirt trails with ease while giving you confidence (and clearance with those nice high pedals).
The MSX will do everything well and has a nice balanced feel about it. It’s versatile.
Let’s break down some details and go into the PROS and CONS.
Gotway MSX PROS:
Stability – This is one of the featured highlights of the MSX and why it has such a comfortable feel. Everything starts and ends with the tire; for the MSX, the magic is in the form of an 18×3 Chao Yang H-5102. The tire is often overlooked but is likely the most critical component of the EUC. I wanted stability and handling on road, off road, and at higher speeds, so a 3-inch tire was a must.
The stability of a EUC can be hard to describe and even harder to convey.
Based on my experience with wheels that have 3-inch wide tires, I would say the MSX is more stable than the 16x and Nikola but less than the Monster.
Speed – I love bursts of speed, but I’m not a speed demon going to break speed records or to try to keep up with traffic on the highway.
The MSX is not the fastest wheel on the market, but it is in the upper echelon and will push you somewhere around 35-37mph (I self-limit at 32-33mph).
Some riders have reported higher speeds, around 40mph, but I’m not going to be recreating that test. If I’m going to cruise at 40mph, then I will do it with a wheel that can go 45mph (and with full battery).
TIP: Always give yourself a buffer and ride within speeds where you can still corner and make comfortable emergency stops.
Having power on demand can get you out of a multitude of tricky situations if used correctly and preventatively.
Speed is the answer, and the MSX delivers in this category.
Range – Results will vary.
I weigh 125 lbs and typically ride between 19-29mph (self-limiting at 32-33mph) on terrain that is mostly flat with several hills mixed in.
Currently, I am averaging about 40-50 miles per charge which is more than enough for most people.
I like to charge the battery between 30% and 90% using the eWheels 5amp Ultra Charger, which is fast and easy to transport. Range anxiety is a thing of the past with the MSX.
The last three categories (stability, speed, and range) were the main factors for me when it came to purchasing.
Pedal angle – Yes, they are steep, but It’s not as dramatic as people make it out to be. You will appreciate it more at speeds over 20mph and when transitioning the wheel side to side through corners. I came over from a Nikola and it was an easy adjustment.
Pedal clearance – The pedals have high clearance, which helps to avoid rocks and other obstacles. Another benefit is that it allows for tighter cornering and less pedal scraping.
If you plan on pushing your wheel at steep angles and possibly in skate parks, then you should highly consider this feature.
Seated Riding – It took me a whole day, and a sore butt, to truly appreciate and ultimately love seated riding. I knew I would enjoy it, but I never knew how much. It adds a whole new dimension to riding and is a thrill of its own.
Disclaimer to the gentlemen: I learned the hard way that you DO need to be mindful of bumps and dips while seated. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
TIP: It’s difficult to see and be seen when you are seated low to the ground. Be extra mindful of your AOV (angle of view) when riding seated.
Gotway MSX CONS:
No speaker – It’s not a deal-breaker but it is a bummer. My previous wheel was a Nikola which is known for it’s amazing speakers. You can check out a full review of the Gotway Nikola here.
Having a speaker can alert others of your presence and add an additional layer of safety to your ride. Playing music and funny sound effects through your EUC is always entertaining.
For that reason, I like to occasionally carry a small Bluetooth speaker on my backpack.
Lights – Once again, not a deal-breaker, but I could use better lighting. The headlight could be brighter, and we could use more LEDs with better options for customization.
I generally carry auxiliary lighting regardless (shred lights, headlamp, or some random LEDs), but I believe all EUCs should have bright and ample lighting right from the factory.
No disengage button – The disengage button shuts off the motor from spinning and trying to self balance when you pick it up. Honestly, not having a motor disengage button is not an issue for me. I don’t have to lift my EUC much, but when I do, I gently lift the wheel and balance it forward and back as I limit the wheel spinning. It’s not ideal, but it works.
I also don’t have an issue with turning the wheel ON and OFF, but if you have a lot of stairs or other obstacles to navigate, then this may be something to consider before purchasing.
Trolley handle – It’s as tight as the day it came out of the box; ok maybe just slightly looser.
While the ride of the Gotway MSX is amazing, the feel of the trolley handle is awkward to maneuver and can twist and take off in any direction and at any given moment. It’s very sensitive. But it’s still better than nothing.
Hills – The MSX has plenty of power but is not the best hill climber or descender. It can feel sluggish due to the 18-inch wheel, which can add lag to the power delivery. Coming down a steep hill can also pose a challenge. The MSX feels like it wants to run away sometimes. It’s not as drastic as the Monster but enough to make you pay attention early and often.
I have recently added extra padding (Law Laxina made me some custom pads), which allow me to grip the wheel and manage the torque better.
The pads have been a game-changer. It feels like I got a new EUC! Hills are not an issue anymore because of this simple and effective upgrade.
You can make your own set from some easy and cheap supplies found on Amazon. I can make an article or video about this in the future if there is interest.
Who is this wheel for?
I still truly feel that this wheel is for riders of all skill levels. I agree, maybe it’s not the best option for a brand new rider learning on their own for the first time, however, if they are getting some coaching from an experienced rider, they can quickly learn the nuances and be proficient with whatever wheel they start out with; regardless of size.
This will also help avoid the common scenario of buying a wheel similar to a Ninebot or V5, then upgrading to something like a Tesla or V10, and ultimately moving onto a larger wheel like an 18xl, MSX(P), or Monster.
Ride different EUCs, dedicating at least 10 minutes to each and try to feel what is most important to you. Don’t be intimidated by larger wheels. My first wheel was almost a Monster, but then I went with the Nikola. Looking back, I should have gone with the Monster. The MSX fits somewhere right in between the two, which feels like the perfect spot for my style of riding.
Although it may not seem it at first, when you break it down, the MSX is a great everyday wheel that will give you all the thrills, and not break the bank.
It’s a great commuter that’s an absolute joy to ride and does everything well.
It’s versatile and it feels great.
Happy trails and safe riding 🙂
Vache
@flyin.v
Closing Remarks
I want to thank Vache for putting together this review of the Gotway MSX. I have ridden with Vache several times in Las Vegas and I love watching the progress that he and several others in the Vegas area are making as they progress from being hard core Onewheelers to expert EUC riders.
I remember when I first met and rode with Vache, he was all about the Onewheel. A few months later he had jumped into the EUC world and we were doing a group ride with a bunch of Onewheels and EUC riders.
Now Vache is my trusted source for his thoughts on the Gotway MSX. I like Vache’s perspective. But a nice high end wheel like the Gotway MSX that won’t break the bank, but will keep you from spending money on beginner and intermediate wheels as you look for more speed and power.
I recommend a more conservative approach for beginners and advise them to get an intermediate wheel so they can have a wheel that will grow with them but won’t cost a ton of money and also won’t be too intimidating. Some of the high end wheels can be a little intimidating for beginners.
But just like we have a lot of wheels to choose from, there are also a lot of different learning and riding styles so pick the one that works best for you. Check out these other article for more helpful info:
The best place to buy an EUC and why…
Choosing your first EUC in 4 easy steps…
EUC Comparison Tool
Use our Freshly Charged EUC Comparison Tool to evaluate this EUC alongside more than 40 other EUCs. Compare and organize EUCs by factors such as price, top speed, battery size, weight, and more!