Santa Cruz, California – All models of Onewheel electronic skateboards are being recalled by the maker, Future Motion, following reports of injuries and deaths. The recall includes 300,000 self-balancing skateboards, as the US Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a warning due to the potential crash hazard posed by the skateboards. This hazard can result in serious injury or death if the skateboard’s limits are exceeded and thus can stop balancing the rider.
The recall follows reports of four deaths of users between 2019 and 2021 and multiple reports of serious injuries. The deaths resulted from head trauma, and in at least three of those cases, the rider was not wearing a helmet. Injuries linked to the skateboards included traumatic brain injury, concussion, paralysis, body fractures, and ligament damage.
Initially, Santa Cruz-based Future Motion resisted agreeing to a recall in November, when the Consumer Product Safety Commission first warned users to stop using the skateboards due to the risk of ejection, which can lead to serious injury or death. However, the company is now cooperating with the recall and is rolling out a firmware update to address the safety issues.
The firmware update is set to roll out soon and will be available for Onewheel GT, Pint X, Pint, and XR products, excluding the original Onewheel and Onewheel+ skateboards. Both Future Motion and the US Consumer Product Safety Commission are urging riders to wear personal safety equipment, with the company emphasizing the importance of this preventive measure.
This recall serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with recreational or sporting equipment, and the importance of both manufacturers and consumers prioritizing safety when using such products. It also highlights the responsibility of companies to address safety concerns promptly and effectively to protect their customers. As the firmware update is expected to improve the safety of the affected Onewheel models, it will be crucial for users to follow Future Motion’s guidance and update their skateboards accordingly to mitigate the risks associated with their use.