Step 1 — Get Your Gear Race-Ready
You don’t need a custom-built race setup to enter your first event. Most first-time racers show up on a stock board and do just fine. That said, a few basics will keep you safe and competitive.
The board
The Onewheel GT and GT S-Series are the most common boards on the race line. The GT S-Series runs up to 25 mph with a range of up to 25 miles — enough for most race formats. Any stock Future Motion Onewheel is legal for USAFLT-sanctioned competition. No motor or electronics modifications are permitted.
Required safety gear
- Full-face or certified open-face helmet (full-face strongly recommended for trail racing)
- Wrist guards
- Knee pads
- Elbow pads
Most USAFLT events require helmets and wrist guards at minimum. Don’t skip the wrist guards — they’re the most important piece of protection you can wear on a Onewheel.
Useful upgrades (optional for beginners)
Once you’ve done a race or two and know what you want to improve, the most impactful upgrades are an aftermarket tire for better trail grip and shaped rails for increased nose and tail clearance on steep terrain. Neither is necessary for your first event.
Step 2 — Find a USAFLT Event
USAFLT sanctions Onewheel racing events across the United States throughout the year. Events range from single-day sprint races to multi-day trail enduros with multiple stages.
What to expect at your first event
- Check-in and board inspection on arrival — officials verify your board meets competition standards
- A practice lap or practice window before racing begins
- Division placement — you’ll race against riders at your skill level, not the pros
- Head-to-head or timed formats depending on the event
- A race community that genuinely welcomes new riders
Show up early. Talk to other riders. Ask questions at registration. The Onewheel racing community is one of the most welcoming in action sports — experienced riders remember what their first race felt like.
Step 3 — Join USAFLT (It’s Free)
USAFLT membership is free and gives you two things that matter as soon as you start competing:
- Official national rankings. Every result at a USAFLT-sanctioned event counts toward your national ranking. Your ranking tracks your progress across the season, qualifies you for championship-level competition, and puts your name on the national record as a competitive Onewheel racer.
- Your digital member card. Your USAFLT member card is your credential in the national circuit — proof that you’re an official competitor in the sanctioned system.
There’s no reason to wait. Join before your first event so your result counts from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need racing experience to enter a USAFLT event?
No. USAFLT events include beginner and novice divisions for first-time competitors. You do not need prior race experience to sign up.
What Onewheel boards are legal for competition?
Any stock Future Motion Onewheel with no motor or electronics modifications. The GT, GT S-Series, and XR are the most common race boards. Aftermarket tires, footpads, and rails are generally permitted — check individual event rules for specifics.
How are divisions assigned?
Most events offer divisions including Pro Men, Pro Women, Amateur/Novice, Legends (50+), and Clydesdale (men 215 lbs+). You self-select your division at registration based on your skill level.
Is USAFLT membership really free?
Yes. USAFLT membership is free. You get official national rankings and your digital member card at no cost.
What’s the difference between USAFLT and the ORL?
The Onewheel Racing League (ORL) is a separate organization run by Future Motion. USAFLT is the independent national sanctioning body for competitive Onewheel racing in the United States, operating under the PEVIF international federation structure. USAFLT events are independently sanctioned and maintain their own national ranking system.
I just want to watch first — can I attend as a spectator?
Yes. Most USAFLT events are open to spectators. Check the individual event listing for spectator access details.
New to Onewheel Racing Entirely?
If you landed here before reading our full breakdown of the sport, start with the foundational guide first.