Future Motion Recalls Onewheel Self-Balancing Electric Skateboards Due to Crash Hazard; Four Deaths Reported
Future Motion Inc., a company based in Santa Cruz, California, has issued a voluntary recall of all models of their Onewheel self-balancing electric skateboards. The recall comes after reports of serious injuries and four deaths associated with the product. The affected models include Onewheel (original), Onewheel+, Onewheel+ XR, Onewheel Pint, Onewheel Pint X, and Onewheel GT. The model name is located on the side of the skateboard, and the Onewheel logo is printed on the rail.
Potential Risks or Issues
The Onewheel self-balancing electric skateboards have a potential crash hazard. If the rider exceeds the board’s limits, it can stop balancing, leading to a loss of control and a high risk of serious injury or death.
Has Anyone Been Injured?
Future Motion has received numerous reports of incidents involving the electric skateboards, including four reported deaths between 2019 and 2021. In addition to the fatalities, there have been reports of traumatic brain injury, concussion, paralysis, upper-body fractures, lower-body fractures, and ligament damage. It is worth noting that at least three of the reported deaths occurred when the riders were not wearing helmets.
About the Recall
The recall was initiated by Future Motion Inc. in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The company has taken this step to address the safety concerns associated with their Onewheel self-balancing electric skateboards.
For more information about the recall, consumers can visit the official recall website at recall.onewheel.com or the Future Motion website at onewheel.com. They can also contact Future Motion directly by phone at 800-283-7943 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday.
Where to Find Unique Identification of this Product
The model name of the Onewheel self-balancing electric skateboards can be found on the side of the skateboard. Additionally, the Onewheel logo is printed on the rail of the skateboards.
How Many Units Are Affected?
Around 300,000 units of the Onewheel self-balancing electric skateboards are affected by this recall.
Affected Batch/Date Range
All models of the Onewheel self-balancing electric skateboards are included in this recall.
Who is the Distributor(s)?
The distributor of the Onewheel self-balancing electric skateboards is Future Motion Inc., based in Santa Cruz, California.
Places Where Recalled Product was Sold
The recalled Onewheel self-balancing electric skateboards were sold online at www.onewheel.com and other websites. They were also available at independent shops nationwide. The affected skateboards were sold from January 2014 through September 2023 at prices ranging from $1,050 to $2,200.
Where was This Manufactured?
The Onewheel self-balancing electric skateboards were manufactured in the United States.
Actions for Consumers
Consumers who own the recalled Onewheel self-balancing electric skateboards should immediately stop using them. Those who have the Onewheel GT, Onewheel Pint X, Onewheel Pint, or Onewheel+ XR models should download or update the Onewheel app and use it to update the firmware on their boards. The firmware update will include Haptic Buzz alert functionality, which provides a tactile and audible warning system. The app will give the rider a buzzing sensation and sound when nearing the limits of the board, or when the board is in a low battery or error state. The firmware update for the Onewheel GT will be available within one week, while the updates for the Pint X, Pint, and XR models will be launched within six weeks.
Remedy Process
The remedy options for consumers who own the recalled Onewheel self-balancing electric skateboards include a refund or repair. Further details on the refund and repair process can be obtained by visiting the official recall website or contacting Future Motion directly.
Additional Information
Future Motion Inc. is fully cooperating with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to ensure the safety of consumers. The company urges all affected customers to take immediate action and follow the instructions provided in the recall notice.
Regulatory Compliance
The recall of the Onewheel self-balancing electric skateboards is being conducted in compliance with the requirements of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Act.
How Can I Protect Myself From Falling Victim?
- Stop using the recalled Onewheel self-balancing electric skateboards immediately.
- Download or update the Onewheel app and install the firmware update for models GT, Pint X, Pint, and XR.
- Wear appropriate safety gear, including a helmet, when using any self-balancing electric skateboard.
Final Thought
The recall of Future Motion Onewheel self-balancing electric skateboards highlights the importance of product safety and the potential risks associated with these types of devices. It is crucial for consumers to stay informed about product recalls and take appropriate action to protect themselves and others from harm.
