Protective gear is highly recommended, especially for the first time users: helmet, wrist guards, knee pads, shin guards, and thick clothes. Max Speed is controllable through the app, and there are multiple safety features built-in, such as: speed warning beeps and pedal tilt-back. Electric Unicycles are a relatively new mode of transportation. The electric motor built into the wheel hub is powered by rechargable batteries, and controlled by a smart board that uses an electronic gyroscope to balance the unit front to back. That being said, myself and both my kids (9 and 11 years old) have been riding Electric Unicycles for a year: on sidewalks, city streets, in parks, and even on hiking trails. Not a single injury so far, but that is only due to high respect for the dangers involved. At EUC.NYC we are huge enthusiasts of EUCs and had plenty of opportunity to teach our friends and customers to ride for the first time. Depending on your physical ability, and sense of balance it may take from a few minutes to a couple of hours to start riding comfortably.