Hi Folks, Not sure if this forum is actually alive, but we'll see. I thought I would share my experience as a new Solowheel owner.
Me: 55 year old former runner with a bad knee. I weigh 210 lbs, about 30 lbs overweight (I raced marathons at 168 lbs). I used to snow ski and did some skateboarding as a kid 40 years ago, but wasn't any good at it.
Learning:
Day 1: I received my SW on Monday afternoon at my office. I'm an Eye Doc so had a few chances to try the SW between patients in our office basement. It 3000 sq ft but is full of junk. I was able to clear out a roughly rectangular track with a cross alley. Starting out I used the strap and would hang on to something to get on and initially balanced. The first day I had a chance to practice about 3 times for 15 minutes each. I had to quit because of the pain on the inside of my shin/calf where they hit the SW pads. After this time I was able to go in a straight (kinda) line for about 20-30 ft.
Day 2: I brought a pair of old foam knee pads to the office that I placed where my shins were sore. Again I had maybe about 4 times to practice for about 15-20 minutes each time. During the second session I gave up the strap. I found that holding it was interfering with my balance. By the end of the day I could make it around my basement circuit about 50% of the time and could start without hanging on to something about 1/2 the time as well. The padding made it not painful. I did fall once, hard, hitting my bad knee on the concrete. The rest of the time I was able to step off, and usually grab the SW so it didn't fall over as well.
Day 3: Worked in a different office so no practice.
Day 4: Again I had about 4 chances to ride in the basement 10-20 minutes at a time. Able to weave around my basement track pretty well most of the time. Can start without holding onto anything most of the time. I did fall once and am not sure why. I think I may have pushed the on button then started out before the motor engaged as the SW simply shot out from underneath me sending me flat on my face. I now am very careful to not rush it to much so I know the SW motor and gyros are engaged. I took the SW home and charged it that night and inflated the tire. It had been at 30 psi, I inflated to 40 psi.
Day 5: Couldn't find my bike helmet (one of my kids likely absconded with it) so I went out and bought another one. I took the SW to a local park with a nice path around a golf course, http://www.chambersbaygolf.com/sites/courses/template.asp?id=1419&page=89479 (site of the 2015 PGA US Open Championship). I rode a total of about 4 miles. I discovered a few things and would appreciate any advice any of you may have on these.
-Gusty side winds can be tricky.
-Starting uphill is difficult.
-Still have problems with sharp turns.
-Be careful going down a steep grade
-Bumps and curb cuts are difficult.
The first time I went down a steeper grade, I got too much speed and when the SW tried to slow me down, I pitched forward and landed hard. Painful and embarrassing. I think I'll try and get some wrist guards. After riding that far I did find that my foot could get sore over time depending on how it was positioned on the step. I start with my left foot and and then bring my right foot up. As such, I'm not yet good at getting my right foot in a good position on the step. I'll need to practice that.