New York City is without a doubt one of the best places to cruise on a Onewheel. You could spend years in the city and still find new places to ride. Onewheel enthusiasts flock from around the world to grab some of the most compelling videos and ridealong shots. Whether you’re a local looking to rent and try a Onewheel for the first time, or a tourist who wants to take their Onewheel on the next big adventure, NYC is a Onewheel rider’s dream destination.
Before you hit the streets browse our list of the best places to ride a Onewheel in NYC.
Skateboarding laws in NYC
New York City has always been a foot traffic kind of town. Locals and tourists alike walk, bike, skate or float to their destinations far more often than they drive. NYC law has had to adapt to this way of travelling and for the most part the city is friendly toward skateboarders. Respect is a two-way street, though, so be sure to observe posted rules in areas where skating is prohibited. Skateboarding is not allowed in transit areas such as subways or depots.
To play it safe stay within bike lanes where possible, and always float with the flow of traffic. Bike lanes and roadways are more predictable and controlled than foot traffic on sidewalks where people can unexpectedly step into your path. Cyclists in NYC have a well respected code of conduct, and skaters should be aware of any cyclists that may be coming up behind you and let them safely pass if they’re cruising at a higher speed than you.
NYC is one of the most enjoyable cities to explore on a Onewheel. You’ll never run out of places to ride, so enjoy the freedom while you can!
Brooklyn
Prospect Park is by far the most popular Onewheel destination in Brooklyn. The park features plenty of downhill routes and broad streets for freeriding. Enter from Flatbush and Empire for a long stretch of flat road to find your bearings and test out your Onewheel. Head south to explore Prospect Park Lake for a more scenic backdrop and quick turning trails. If you’re visiting the park on a Sunday, take a short ride to the southwest corner of the park to Drummer’s Grove to check out live drumming shows.
Feeling artsy? Head over to Brooklyn Heights and visit the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. The promenade offers breathtaking views of the city skyline, Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge. This flat and easy terrain is ideal for capturing sunset videos as you ride your Onewheel.
East River State Park is about as close to a “beach” as you’ll find in the area. With plenty of picnic areas and stretches of open pavement to practice carving on your Onewheel, this park is perfect for tourists looking to get in a little practice against an amazing backdrop of the Manhattan skyline. Visit on a Saturday to catch the local market and street food vendors.
Central Park
No trip to NYC would be complete without a thorough expedition through Central Park. You might think the local government would discourage skateboarding through this beautiful green space, but they in fact encourage it!
The Central Park Loop is closed to car traffic during the day and is a perfect spot to practice riding your Onewheel. This float-friendly path consists of two lengths, a 5 mile stretch and a shorter 2.5 mile section. The pavement is well cared for and flat, with grass running along the sides in case you need to slow down or bail out. The Loop is shared with pedestrians and cyclists, so be careful and keep a safe distance away from people on foot. The pavement is clearly marked with directional arrows to let you know which way to flow.
If you’re looking for slightly more challenging terrain and hills, enter Central Park from 72nd street and explore the Strawberry Fields hill. Named after the iconic Beatles’ song “Strawberry Fields Forever” this scenic area of Central Park is a serene and more relaxed area compared to the bustle of the big city tourist traps.
For a varied mix of flat and hill features, enter the park near W 100th St and ride near The Pool. This scenic greenspace has multiple tranquil water features that make for great backdrops for live streaming or photo ops.
Manhattan
Manhattan is famous for its rustic charm and grit that embodies the old New York spirit. Home to some of the most picturesque streets in NYC, Manhattan is the ideal spot for Onewheel explorers who want to immerse themselves in the industrial vibe of the big city. Manhattan is bustling and packed just about every hour of the day and night, so plan on staying in bike lanes to avoid running into sidewalk traffic jams.
Popular areas include Mulberry Street in Lower Manhattan, home to Little Italy and some of the best food in town. Ride up to Midtown and Park Avenue to rub elbows with Manhattan elite and tour some of the most unique high end buildings NYC has to offer.
Looking for a little fresh air? One of the most scenic routes in Manhattan is the Hudson River Greenway. This 13 mile trail hugs the bank of the Hudson River and offers great views of the city skyline and area bridges. The trail is well paved and mostly flat, giving Onewheel riders a great opportunity to open up and test out the XR and Pint’s speed capabilities.
The route is clearly separated for pedestrians and bicyclists/skateboarders, so be sure to adhere to the posted signs and rules. You can enter the Greenway in Inwood Hill Park near Payson and Seaman Ave. Parking is limited in this area, so bring an extra battery to ride over, or grab a rideshare.
Avoid traditional skate parks
NYC is chock full of skateparks designed to offer incredible experiences for inline and traditional skateboarders. Onewheels are not built to do the kind of tricks regular skateboards can do, so do not take your Onewheel to skateparks or attempt jumps, grinds or other tricks. For more information about our damage protection policy, visit our Onewheel FAQ.
Onewheel Rental in NYC
Renting a Onewheel in New York City is quick and easy, and we take the hassle out of having to check a board through an airline or scramble to find a local shop once you arrive. We can ship a Onewheel Pint or Onewheel XR directly to your hotel or vacation rental. Best of all, shipping is free both ways. To get started, visit our Onewheel Rental page and choose a Onewheel XR or Pint. Onewheel rentals in NYC are offered in 3, 5, 7 or 10
day durations.
Enter the address of the place you’re staying in New York City and we’ll ship your Onewheel right away so that it’s ready to ride as soon as you check in. When your rental duration is over just box the Onewheel back up, attach the return shipping label and drop it off at the nearest post office. It really is that simple.
Still have questions? We’re just a text away. Call or text us at 530-340-5544.