BEGODE

Gotway Nikola

SKU: EUC-BGNIK-001

Gotway Nikola electric vehicle

Description

The Gotway Nikola (later rebranded Begode) is one of the most recognisable electric unicycles of the late-2010s EUC boom. Announced by Gotway in late 2018 and reaching riders through 2019, it pairs a 2000W (roughly 3000W peak) hub motor with a 16-inch wheel and a chunky 3-inch wide tyre, giving it confident grip across city streets, packed dirt and light off-road trails. The Nikola was sold in several battery configurations: 84V packs of about 1600Wh or 2100Wh and higher-voltage 100V packs of around 1800-1845Wh, with the original cells supplied by Panasonic/Sanyo (18650) and later runs moving to 21700 cells. The flat-sided, slab-faced body with its perimeter LED light ring and twin Bluetooth speakers gave it a distinctive look and made it a favourite for night and group rides. A later 17-inch, 100V revision known as the Nikola+ (Nikola Plus) carried the line forward with larger battery options and a higher-current control board. The Nikola has no suspension (a rigid frame) and Gotway never published a formal IP rating, though owners and reviewers describe it as water-resistant and durable rather than fully sealed.

Highlights

  • 2000W rated hub motor (around 3000W peak) in a compact 16-inch package
  • 3-inch wide pneumatic tyre for grip on mixed and light off-road terrain
  • Multiple battery options: 84V (~1600/2100Wh) and 100V (~1800/1845Wh)
  • Perimeter LED light ring plus integrated Bluetooth speakers
  • Folding trolley handle and regenerative braking
  • Later 17-inch Nikola+ (Plus) variant with larger packs and higher-current board

Model history

Gotway announced the Nikola in late 2018 and shipped it through 2019, positioning it as a flagship all-rounder during the peak of the high-performance EUC era. It became iconic for combining strong acceleration, long range and a wide, forgiving tyre in a relatively compact 16-inch chassis, and was praised by long-term reviewers as one of the most versatile wheels of its generation. After Gotway rebranded to Begode, a 17-inch 100V revision called the Nikola+ (Nikola Plus) extended the line with bigger battery options.

Specifications

Motor
Count
1
Power / motor (W)
2000
Total power (W)
2000
Peak power (W)
3000
Type
hub
Battery
Voltage (V)
84
Capacity (Wh)
1600
Cells
Panasonic/Sanyo 18650 (original); 84V and 100V variants offered 1600-2100Wh
Performance
Max speed (km/h)
50
Range (km)
140
Max load (kg)
120
Chassis
Weight (kg)
24.5
Wheel size (in)
16
Wheel type
pneumatic
Foldable
No
Adjustable suspension
No
Electronics
Mobile app
Yes

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Strong acceleration and high real-world cruising speed (around 30-35 mph on 100V)
  • Wide 3-inch tyre handles varied terrain smoothly with a comfortable ride
  • Long range from large battery options (rated up to ~140 km / real ~100 miles)
  • Praised durability and best-in-class integrated speakers and lighting
  • Folding trolley handle and regenerative braking for everyday practicality

Cons

  • Heavy (~24.5 kg / 50-54 lbs), awkward to lift one-handed
  • Carrying handle is uncomfortable and the trolley handle feels flimsy
  • No suspension and no published IP rating; treat standing water and heavy rain with caution
  • Mediocre official app support and annoying start-up/tilt beeping
  • Tyre changes are notoriously slow and difficult

Verdict

A landmark high-performance EUC of its era: the Nikola delivered serious power, range and all-terrain capability in a 16-inch wheel, and the later 17-inch Nikola+ kept the formula relevant. It remains a reference point for what a versatile, do-everything electric unicycle could be, with the usual high-performance trade-offs of weight, no suspension and quirky software.

What reviewers say

  • The Nikola is one of the top tier and most versatile electric unicycles currently available for purchase.
    Freshly Charged
  • Hands down, the Gotway Nikola is the best device I’ve ever bought in my life.
    Freshly Charged

Warranty: Distributors such as eWheels list a one-year warranty from shipment date, including the battery pack.

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