In this article I am going to help you understand the range extending options for the Onewheel Plus and V1 using those green EGO batteries you sometimes see attached to Onewheel fenders.
Please note that there is a new version of the Sonny Wheels EGO EXTENDER Kit, the V2, which I have just received. This article will be revised as I get more experience and familiarity with each system.
Here is a summary of my findings so far:
Do not get discouraged and confused with terminology and acronyms such as CnR (Charge and Ride) or PnR (Plug and Ride). These are terms that folks have come up with in the Onewheel community.
While these terms may refer to different things, they are often used interchangeably which can lead to confusion. For the purpose of this article, I’m going to stay away from using these terms.
First off, you need to understand that there are two main ways to use an EGO battery to extend range on your Onewheel V1 or Onewheel Plus and both methods come with pros and cons. The two methods of installing the EGO battery modification are:
- Connecting the EGO battery to the Onewheel via the XLR (power) port, referred to as the XLR port installation method.
- Connecting the EGO battery directly in parallel to the Onewheel stock battery, referred to as the parallel installation method.
1. XLR Port Installation Method
The first method of extending range on your Onewheel is by plugging an external battery to your Onewheel through your charging port, otherwise known as the XLR port. By attaching an EGO battery to your XLR charge port you charge your Onewheel’s internal battery as you ride.
Please note the following: Make sure your Plus is hardware version 3206 or lower for the Ranger XLR Cable Kit or the Sonny Wheels EXTENDER Kit. Version 3208 will not work with the XLR cable. Instead, use the Ranger Parallel Kit (discussed at the end of this article) if you have hardware 3208 or higher.
You can find this info out by going to “settings” in your Onewheel app. All V1’s made will work with either XLR or parallel versions, so if you have a V1, you’re all set!
Pros:
- Easy set up.
- Will not void your warranty.
- Increased range.
- Potential for swapping multiple batteries during a ride.
Cons:
- Is not compatible with newer models of the Onewheel Plus, hardware version 3208 on the Plus will not work with this.
- Increases range but not torque or power.
- Small chance of damaging your XLR port during crashes.
The main advantage to this setup is the simplicity of installation which requires plugging an external EGO battery to the XLR port and attaching your EGO battery to your fender.
Here are examples of the XLR cables from Land Surf (first image) and Sonny Wheels (second image) that you will need for the XLR port installation of an EGO battery:
The battery is either attached to the fender of your Onewheel or in some cases the battery may be carried in a backpack with a breakaway cord connecting the battery to the XLR port. It takes less than 15 minutes to set up, does not require taking apart your Onewheel, and it will not void your warranty.
Some of the cons of this setup is you have to remember to plug the EGO battery only after your stock battery has drained to about 80%. You also have to remember to unplug the battery when you turn off your board or if you are stopped for an extended period of time to avoid over charging and thus damaging the stock battery.
It is important to realize that the XLR port installation modification does require a little more attention during and after rides.
With a cable plugged into the XLR charge port in this method, there is also a small chance that you may damage the XLR charge port during a crash that may cause too much stress on the XLR port.
2. Direct Parallel Installation Method
This method of extending range on your Onewheel directly connects the EGO battery in parallel with your Onewheel internal battery. So instead of charging your Onewheel battery as you ride, you are increasing the entire capacity of your Onewheel and the Amp Hours available to your Onewheel as you ride.
Pros:
- No chance of damaging your XLR port during crashes.
- Works on any V1 or Onewheel Plus no matter what hardware model.
- Swapping multiple batteries during a ride.
- No need to mess around with connecting and disconnecting the external battery during rides because the battery is essentially integrated with the Onewheel electronics.
Cons:
- Initial installation takes about 1-2 hours. Set up is more involved than the XLR port installation method.
- Requires opening your battery box which will void your warranty.
The direct parallel install method of an EGO battery takes a little more work upfront, but once the install process is done, there is no need to remember to plug or unplug cables during a ride. There is also less of a fear of overcharging the stock battery when going down long hills because the regen will (this is a problem that the XLR port install method).
The XLR port installation method is the easiest to set up and does not require opening your Onewheel battery box. For these reasons, many choose this set up as their initial entry into the world of Onewheel range extension over the parallel setup.
Now that we understand the different methods available for using the EGO batteries as a range extending modification, let’s look at the different kits available on the market to set everything up.
XLR Port Installation Options Available (DIY, Sonny Wheels, Land Surf)
To charge your Onewheel stock battery using an EGO battery you can always make your own mount and cable. There are tutorials that will help you through the process. If you want to purchase a pre-made kit, there are two main options on the market which will be discussed below.
Please note the following: Make sure your Plus is hardware version 3206 or lower for the Ranger XLR Cable Kit or the Sonny Wheels EXTENDER Kit. Version 3208 will not work with the XLR cable. Instead, use the Ranger Parallel Kit (discussed at the end of this article) if you have hardware 3208 or higher.
You can find this info out by going to “settings” in your Onewheel app. All V1’s made will work with either XLR or parallel versions, so if you have a V1, you’re all set!
In addition to the different EGO kits you can buy online, you will need a Onewheel V1 or Onewheel Plus, a screw on hard fender, and an EGO battery. I got both EGO kits and compared them for this article.
Sonnywheels.com EGO EXTENDER KIT Version 2
Sonny Wheels offers EGO EXTENDER kits on their website. If you are starting from scratch, you will need to order the EGO EXTENDER Complete Kit V2 which sells for $129 and that will include everything you need to hook your EGO battery to your fender and plug it via your XLR port. Check out the kit at SonnyWheels.
Please note the following: Make sure your Plus is hardware version 3206 or lower for the Ranger XLR Cable Kit or the Sonny Wheels EXTENDER Kit. Version 3208 will not work with the XLR cable.
Pros:
- Free shipping.
- Helpful installation video.
- The metal plate is very low profile.
- Newest version does not require screws into your EGO battery!
- Installation is super easy requiring no permanent modification of your fender or your EGO battery.
- The velcro strap feels very durable.
- The battery height is adjustable on your fender.
- When not in use, the fender is clear.
- You can easily share your charging abilities to others out in the field.
- Double charging adapter included in the EXTENDER Complete Kit allows you to charge both EGO and Onewheel batteries at the same time so no need to buy an EGO charger or carry two separate chargers.
Cons:
- Poor packaging (apparently this was an isolated case).
- The instructions were very simple.
- Charging the EGO and stock Onewheel battery simultaneously using the Onewheel charger and the double charging adapter included in the Complete EXTENDER Kit can take a long time.
- Will not work with the newest Onewheel Plus models.
Having tried out the Sonny Wheels system, I like the ability to adjust the height of the battery on the fender using the velcro and strap system. The velcro strap does seem very durable and adds stability to the system.
I also like that you can easily remove the battery system out in the field because it is essentially all held together by velcro and straps and you can put the system on a friend’s Onewheel out in the field if they need the extra range.
With the newest version of the EGO EXTENDER you can also swap out batteries during a ride for longer range which was not possible with the previous version. This is a huge improvement.
Now for the things that I did not like about this system. You only get one chance to make a first impression and my first impression of this kit was spoiled by the poor packaging that the product came in. I was assured by Sonny that this was an isolated case though.
The Sonny Wheels EGO EXTENDER kit came in a repurposed Amazon package which would not have been a problem except for the fact that the package came partially opened. The single piece of packing tape used to seal the reused Amazon package was coming off and the ziplock bag inside the package was not closed either.
The directions were very plain and simple, comprising of a single page of instructions. The instructions could benefit greatly with some images and more detail. The video instructions on his YouTube page was very helpful though.
My biggest issue with the first version of this system was the installation of the cable and mounting plate on to the EGO battery. You had to screw on the cable and metal plate to your EGO battery.
I am happy to report that in the second version, Sonny has come up with a better way to install the plate on to the EGO battery. With a velcro strap, there is no need for screws. This is a huge improvement and opens up some new options.
Because screws are no longer used in Sonny’s EXTENDER kit, my EGO battery can now be used with my EGO charger and with EGO power tools.
You now have two options to charge: via the Onewheel charger using the included adapter, or using a dedicated EGO charger or EGO rapid charger if you have one. You can also swap and ride now for your longer journeys.
Land Surf Ranger and XLR Cable Kit
The Land Surf Ranger EGO Battery Mount kit with the XLR Cable sells for $109 and comes with everything you need for an easy XLR port installation that takes 15 minutes to install and will not void your warranty. Of course you will need an EGO battery as well as an EGO charger. Check out the kit at Land Surf.
Please note the following: Make sure your Plus is hardware version 3206 or lower for the Ranger XLR Cable Kit or the Sonny Wheels EXTENDER Kit. Version 3208 will not work with the XLR cable.
Pros:
- Quality packaging.
- Well written instructions with illustrations and pictures.
- Quality product which feels refined.
- Ability to easily swap batteries during a ride for even more range.
- Connector silicon cap to protect live wires and a place to keep that cap when not in use is a nice touch.
Cons:
- Drilling holes into the fender to install the mount.
- The battery height is not adjustable once installed.
- The Ranger Mount is not easily removed from the fender when not in use.
- Will require a dedicated EGO charger to charge the EGO battery.
Installation was easy and took less than 15 minutes. The instructions were clear. The hardest part was deciding where to install the battery mount on my fender. Drilling four holes into the fender required a little courage but was not an issue.
Being able to swap out my EGO batteries (I own two of them) during epic long rides, is something I look forward to when the weather warms and it is very easy to do with the Ranger mount.
From the packaging to the instructions and to the actual mounting hardware, the Land Surf Ranger kit is definitely a very polished and refined product. The mount has precision laser etching for a precise fit with your EGO battery.
CONCLUSION
At the time of writing this, the Land Surf Ranger Kit with XLR Cable was selling for $109 while the comparable Sonny Wheels EGO EXTENDER Complete Kit Version 2 was selling for $129.
Both kits require you buy an EGO battery. The Land Surf Ranger Kit will need you to have a dedicated EGO battery charger.
The Land Surf Ranger Kit also comes in a Parallel Installation Kit which is actually my preferred method of installing the EGO battery to my Onewheel fender. Keep on reading for details.
Land Surf Ranger Kit Parallel Installation Kit
In this kit, instead of getting an XLR cable to plug the battery into the XLR port, you are getting a cable to directly install the EGO battery in parallel with the stock battery. Unlike the XLR kits, with the Parallel Kit it does not matter what version hardware you have. The Parallel Kit is compatible with all V1 and Plus models.
The installation does require opening your battery box, disconnecting a wire, and making two simple connections. It also requires making a small alteration to the battery box using a drill. Check it out on Land Surf.
Pros:
- Once installed there is no need to worry about connecting and disconnecting wires during your ride as you have to do with the XLR plug methods described above.
- No need to have a cable hanging out of your XLR port running the risk of damaging your XLR port.
- Can be installed on any V1 or Plus no matter the hardware model.
Cons:
- Install time takes about an hour or more.
- Need to open your battery box.
- Need to void warranty if you still have a warranty left.
This is my favorite installation kit using the EGO battery for range extension. This is what the Land Surf website says:
“Because the EGO and the internal battery share the load (each battery is now working 1/2 as hard as the original), power is more readily available and voltage sag is reduced considerably. And the end result is more power for the motor, which can help prevent nose dive events caused by voltage sag. More hill climbing power, and faster speeds without fear of nosediving.”
Land-Surf.com
Please note that the EGO batteries are not included in any of these kits. These batteries are sold in hardware stores and online. I own two 5.0 ah EGO batteries. To get an idea of pricing, check out Amazon.
This Land Surf Ranger with Parallel Installation Kit is more comparable to the Two-X installation which I have reviewed previously.
Once I get more time using the Ranger Parallel install, I will do a full comparison between this and the Two-X.