Onewheel Electric Skateboard Recall: Four Fatalities Prompt Action
In a significant safety move, Future Motion, the Santa Cruz-based company responsible for manufacturing the Onewheel electric skateboard, has initiated a recall for all Onewheel models. This recall comes in response to the alarming danger of accidents and injuries associated with the product.
The recall announcement, issued jointly by Future Motion and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), revealed that four people have died due to head injuries sustained in Onewheel accidents. Additionally, numerous injuries, such as bone fractures, paralysis, and concussions, have been reported, raising serious concerns about the safety of these electric skateboards.
The official announcement emphasizes that when the skateboard’s limits are exceeded, it may cease to maintain the rider’s balance, creating a potential crash hazard that could lead to serious injuries or even deaths.
This recall encompasses all Onewheel models, totaling approximately 300,000 units sold online and in stores between January 2014 and September 2023. In light of these safety concerns, Onewheel owners are strongly advised to cease using their boards immediately.
For owners of the more recent models, including GT, Pint, Pint X, and Onewheel+ XR, Future Motion will provide an updated firmware option that incorporates the “Haptic Buzz” feature. This feature is designed to issue vibrating alerts to riders in the event of any issue that could compromise their safety.
Owners of the original Onewheel and Onewheel+ models will have the opportunity to receive a store credit that covers a portion of the board’s price upon disposal of the product. This is a commendable effort by Future Motion to incentivize the return of potentially dangerous skateboards and promote safety within its user community.
Future Motion initially resisted the CPSC’s recommendation to recall these boards. In a statement released in November, the company had described the agency’s warning as “unjustified and alarmist.” However, the recent fatalities and injuries appear to have prompted a reconsideration of their stance.
The recall statement also highlighted a critical safety aspect—helmet usage. Shockingly, at least three of the four individuals who tragically lost their lives in Onewheel accidents were not wearing helmets, underscoring the vital importance of safety gear when using these electric skateboards.
Onewheel skateboards are known for their versatility and appeal to riders of all skill levels. They come with a price range of $1,050 to $2,200 and have a stated maximum speed of approximately 20 mph. Some riders have even claimed to exceed speeds of 30 mph, further emphasizing the necessity for robust safety measures when operating these devices.
Actions to Take After an Injury Involving a Defective Product
Suffering an injury due to a defective product can be a distressing and life-altering experience. Whether it’s a malfunctioning household appliance, a faulty vehicle component, or any other product that has caused harm, your safety and rights deserve immediate attention. Taking the proper steps in the aftermath of such an incident is crucial for your physical recovery and seeking justice and compensation. Below are steps to take if you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a defective product to protect your well-being and secure your legal rights.
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health should always be your top priority. After the accident, seek immediate medical attention, even if your injuries initially seem minor. Some injuries may not manifest symptoms right away but could worsen over time.
- Keep Track of Documents: Document your medical visits, diagnoses, and treatments, and follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations. This medical documentation will be essential when pursuing a legal claim.
- Preserve Evidence: Preserving evidence of the defective product and the accident is critical. Keep the product itself, if possible, in a safe place. Document the accident scene with photographs and gather any relevant documents, such as purchase receipts, instruction manuals, and warranties. These pieces of evidence will be crucial when determining liability and proving your case.
- Consult a Lawyer: It’s advisable to consult with an experienced injury attorney to understand your legal rights and explore potential avenues for compensation.
Watch the video below to learn how our Sacramento personal injury law firm can help with your accident case.
California Product Liability Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Product Liability Lawyer. Our injury law firm is committed to providing the support and expertise needed to help individuals who have suffered serious injuries in accidents caused by recalls or defective products. Our experienced legal team is dedicated to securing the justice and compensation you deserve. To take the first step toward seeking the relief you deserve, call us at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 409-4540 for free, friendly advice. Your well-being is our priority, and we are here to assist you every step of the way.
Photo by Romain Gal on Unsplash
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