Having been hailed as revolutionary, innovative, and eco-friendly – the Onewheel has captured the imaginations of thrill-seekers and commuters alike. With its sleek design and smooth ride, it’s no wonder that this electric skateboard has gained a cult-like following. However, recent developments have thrown a wrench in the wheel, as the manufacturer of Onewheel Electric Skateboards Future Motion issued a recall of the product, effective September 29th, 2023.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) recall notice states that the recall is due to the skateboards’ inability to balance riders if the board’s speed limits are exceeded and for posing a crash hazard that can result in “serious injury or death”.
Four deaths were reported before the Santa Cruz manufacturer recalled 300,000 Onewheel Self-Balancing Electric Skateboards, nearly a year after CPSC requested the company issue a recall. The deaths occurred between 2019 and 2021. Reported serious injuries include traumatic brain injury, paralysis, fractures, and ligament damage.
Overview of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is an independent agency of the United States government, created to protect the public against unreasonable risks of injuries and deaths associated with consumer products. It has the authority to issue recalls and enforce regulations to ensure the safety of consumers. The CPSC works closely with manufacturers, retailers, and consumers to identify and address potential hazards in products.
The CPSC’s primary mission is to protect the public from products that pose a significant risk of injury or death. They do this by conducting research, setting safety standards, and enforcing regulations. When a product is found to be potentially dangerous, the CPSC can take various actions, including issuing warnings, ordering recalls, and imposing penalties on non-compliant manufacturers.
Background of the Onewheel Product
The Onewheel, developed by Future Motion, is an electric skateboard that combines the thrill of snowboarding with the agility of a skateboard. It features a single large wheel in the center, intended to allow riders to balance and maneuver effortlessly. The Onewheel has gained popularity among commuters, outdoor enthusiasts, and adrenaline junkies, thanks to its unique design and advertised usability over various terrains.
The Onewheel is equipped with sensors, a motor, and a battery system. The company claims extensive testing and quality control measures are in place to ensure the product’s reliability and user safety. However, recent incidents have raised concerns about the Onewheel’s safety, leading to the manufacturer’s voluntary recall.
What Products Are Recalled?
The following Onewheel products are involved in the recall:
- Onewheel (original)
- Onewheel+
- Onewheel+ XR
- Onewheel Pint
- Onewheel Pint X
- Onewheel GT
Names of each version of Onewheel may be found on the side of the electric skateboard. The affected skateboards were sold between January 2014 and September 2023 through the Onewheel website (www.onewheel.com) and independent stores.
Consumers should immediately stop the use of all recalled products. According to the CPSC recall notice, consumers with the Onewheel GT, Onewheel Pint X, Onewheel Pint, or Onewheel+ XR electric skateboards “should download or update the Onewheel app, and use the app to update the firmware on their board to include Haptic Buzz alert functionality”. More information on the recall and firmware update may be found at recall.onewheel.com.
Call An Experienced Defective Product Lawyer
The Onewheel recall serves as a reminder that innovative and exciting products can pose risks of injury or death. It also highlights the importance of ongoing research, testing, and communication between manufacturers, and regulatory agencies. Regulatory oversight and, in the event of consumer injury, product defect litigation are important guardrails to protect consumers and bystanders from dangerous products.
It is crucial to stay informed about the latest developments and make responsible choices when it comes to using any product. By being aware of potential risks and following safety guidelines, we can enjoy the benefits of innovative products while minimizing the chances of accidents or injuries.
If you or a loved one has experienced injury or loss of property due to a defectively designed product like the Onewheel, Panter, Panter, and Sampedro’s experienced defective products lawyers can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Our team of attorneys can help you understand your options and navigate the legal process. Give us a call today for a free consultation at 305-662-6178.
Sources:
https://www.cpsc.gov/About-CPSC
