Insta360 ONE X2 on an e-bike: the 360 camera that finally kept up with my Sur-Ron X
February 1, 2022
If you’ve ever tried filming e-bike rides, you already know the problem: the best moments happen when you’re focused on riding, not on aiming a camera. That’s exactly why I moved to a 360 setup in the first place.
I’d been running an older 360 camera (a GoPro Fusion) and it did the job, but it started feeling bulky and behind the times. I wanted something more practical for real-world e-bike reviews—something I could mount fast, forget about while riding, and then “find” the shot later.
After putting the Insta360 ONE X2 through its paces on my Sur-Ron X, it’s easy to see why so many e-bike creators lean on this camera.
First look and setup
The ONE X2 has a great form factor for riding. It’s compact, easy to stash, and it feels ready for the abuse that comes with high-vibration builds.
My kit included the camera, a lens cap, USB-C cable, a small pouch, the invisible selfie stick, and the motorcycle mount bundle.
The mounting experience was immediately smoother than my older setup. The ONE X2 uses a standard 1/4-20 mount, which makes it way easier to integrate with the random mix of clamps, arms, and camera hardware I already own.
Why 360 makes e-bike filming easier
With a 360 camera, I’m not trying to perfectly frame every corner, jump, or pull. I just ride.
Then in editing, I choose the angle—rider cam, road cam, chase cam, top-down “drone” cam—without needing to run multiple cameras or repeat the same pass five times.
The ONE X2 leans into that workflow. The invisible selfie stick effect is a big part of the magic: when the stick is directly under the camera, it gets stitched out, so the camera feels like it’s floating next to the bike.
Stabilization that feels made for high-vibration e-bikes
On a Sur-Ron, vibrations are real—especially when you’re mounting to parts like the swingarm or stretching the camera out on an extension.
The ONE X2’s FlowState stabilization with horizon leveling did what I needed it to do: it kept footage usable even when the mounting positions were less than ideal.
I mostly stuck to the convenient 5.7K/30 auto setting and focused on getting repeatable, practical angles for reviews rather than chasing perfect “cinematic” settings.
The mounts I actually used (and what each one is good for)
This is where the ONE X2 really earns its place in an e-bike filming kit. I tried a handful of mounts that cover almost every scenario we run into when making ride content.
Swingarm “chase cam”
I mounted the ONE X2 on the Sur-Ron’s swingarm using the heavy-duty claw clamp, a double ball mount, and the invisible selfie stick.
This angle is ridiculously fun because it can simulate a chase vehicle filming you. It also makes the bike look fast, especially when you use quick reframes and zooms in editing.
Center handlebar mount (my go-to for reviews)
For straightforward review riding, I like the camera centered on the handlebars.
It captures me talking and the road ahead in the same take, and later I can reframe between rider view and POV like a camera operator is panning with me.
Backpack “floating above” shot
With a backpack that has rear straps, I mounted the selfie stick at a slight angle and extended it.
This gives a top-down look that feels like a drone hovering above the rider. It’s especially good when the ride has interesting stuff above you—bridges, tunnels, walkways—because you can tilt the framing up and make the environment part of the story.
Back-of-helmet passenger perspective
Using the extension mount and buckle, I positioned the camera behind my helmet.
It feels like a passenger is along for the ride, and you can reframe to look at scenery, traffic, or whatever is happening around you without needing a second person filming.
Roadside static pass-by
I planted the ONE X2 on the side of the road and rode past it as close as I safely could.
This is one of the easiest ways to get dynamic “cinematic” motion with almost no effort. In post, you can reframe so it looks like the camera is searching for the bike and then snapping to follow.
Handlebar clamp with the camera pushed forward
This is similar to the center bar mount, but positioned further out using a handlebar clamp, a 1/4-20 double-sided screw, and the selfie stick.
It can create that low-flying drone vibe and shows more of the full bike—great when you want viewers to see the build, stance, and how the bike moves.
Audio and usability on rides
The ONE X2 includes multiple onboard mics with wind reduction. For moving e-bike shots, that wind handling matters, and it’s one less thing to rig.
I also like having a front touchscreen for quick checks and settings without digging through a complicated menu structure.
The part people forget: 360 is won in post
A 360 camera can feel like a cheat code, but it still asks something from you—editing.
The ride is “set it and forget it.” The storytelling happens later, when you pick angles, add keyframes, and decide where you want the viewer to look.
My goal with 360 footage is never to make the camera the star. It’s the opposite: I want the camera to disappear and make the ride feel like it was filmed by a crew.
What We Like
Compact, pocket-friendly camera that’s easy to bring on every ride
Standard 1/4-20 mount makes it simple to integrate with existing gear
FlowState stabilization with horizon leveling holds up on a high-vibration e-bike
Invisible selfie stick effect unlocks “floating camera” angles that look expensive
Motorcycle mount bundle hardware feels solid and confidence-inspiring
Flexible mounting positions create multiple “camera operators” from a single device
Things To Consider
The best results require time in post-production (reframing/keyframing is where the magic happens)
360 mounting invites experimentation; you’ll want to test placement and stick length to match your riding style
Some of the most dramatic angles (like swingarm or roadside passes) require extra attention to safety and clearance
Final Thoughts
For e-bike riders who want better ride footage without running a full multi-camera setup, the Insta360 ONE X2 is one of the most practical upgrades you can make.
On my Sur-Ron X, it delivered the biggest thing I care about: I can focus on riding, grab a variety of angles in one session, and then build the story afterward. It feels like a camera designed for exactly the kind of creative, fast-paced riding content we make.
Links
Insta360 ONE X2 promo link: https://www.insta360.com/sal/one_x2?insrc=INR7ZNA
RunPlayBack Merch: http://shop.runplayback.com/