Learn to Wheel Walk on a Unicycle

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By Chris Taylor

Wheel walking looks like the unicycle version of the "moon walk" because your feet walk backwards while your unicycle moves forward.

Although wheel walking might seem intimidating at first, it is well worth the effort to learn.

Learn to Wheel Walk.
Photo by Matt Lovatt 		Wheel Walking.
Photo by Matt Lovatt

How to learn to Wheel Walk on your Unicycle:

  1. First learn how to idle with only 1 foot. (Click here for instructions)
  2. Find a smooth flat surface that is either flat or slightly sloped uphill with something to hold onto (i.e. tennis court with a fence around it, a bridge with a good railing beside the sidewalk, or your driveway if it has a fence beside it). You will find it easier to learn on a slight uphill slope.
  3. Before you start learning to wheel walk make sure to wear a hamlet. There is a definite possibility you could fall on your back while learning if you are not careful. When your feet are on the wheel it makes it more difficult to catch yourself when you fall backward.
  4. Most people find it easier to learn on a 24" wheel because you have more space to walk. If you start on a 20" you may find your feet will keep bumping into each other.
  5. Go to the bottom of your driveway beside the fence (or anywhere you can find something to hold on to). Start idling with 1 foot with the other foot on the top of the fork.
    (Place your foot where the arrow is pointing.)
  6. While you are idling hold onto the fence and when your weight is directly above the wheel, lean forward slightly and take your foot off of the unicycle frame and put it on the wheel. Slowly push the wheel forward with your foot to maintain your balance as you lean forward.
    (Place your foot on the wheel and move it in the direction of the arrow.)
  7. While your top foot is pushing the wheel forward take your other foot off of the pedal and place it behind the foot that is on the pedal.
  8. Slowly start to walk backward on the top of the wheel (this will make the wheel move forward).
  9. Repeat steps 5 to 8 until you start to get a good feel of how to wheel walk..

Tips for wheel walking technique.

  1. Use shoes that have flexible soles.
  2. When wheel walking start by placing your toe on the wheel just in front of the fork. As you push your foot forward, rock your foot so your toe moves up. As your foot reaches the front of it's stride only your heel is touching the wheel.
  3. When your foot gets close to the front of its stride the toe of the other foot should be placed behind in peroration for the next step in the wheel walk.
  4. Try to keep a slow and steady pace. This is much easier to do than going fast.
  5. If you feel like you are tipping forward you will need to walk faster so your wheel can catch up to your canter of gravity.
  6. It you feel like you are tipping backward you will need to slow your wheel down by pulling back on the tire with your foot.

Now it is just a mater of practice until you will be wheel walking like a pro.

Have fun learning to wheel walk!

Chris Taylor

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Created on: Mar. 14, 2002
Last updated on: Aug. 18, 2003