The Onewheel electric skateboard is a self-balancing, single-wheel skateboard powered by an electric motor. Designed and manufactured by Future Motion, this device has risen in popularity among novice and expert skateboarders alike. However, certain models have been reported to possess a defect that can cause the board to stop abruptly, posing a risk of serious injury.
If you have been injured while riding a Onewheel electric skateboard, trust Estey & Bomberger, LLP to help you seek justice. Victims of these accidents are now pursuing lawsuits against Future Motion, seeking compensation for their medical care, property damage, and other losses. With our product liability lawyers on your side, you can navigate the legal process with confidence and strengthen your claim for the settlement you rightfully deserve.
Why Choose Estey & Bomberger, LLP to Represent Your Case?
- Our firm believes that companies should be held accountable for their dangerous products. Our product liability lawyers have helped thousands of clients obtain justice after a defective product injury, and we are well-equipped to represent your case.
- Our attorneys have a 99% case success rate for a reason: we are good at what we do. We have recovered millions of dollars in settlements and jury verdicts on behalf of our clients and will advocate for your maximum compensation.
- Every injured person deserves access to legal representation. Our firm works on a no win, no fee basis—that means if we do not win your case, you will not be charged legal fees.
What Is Onewheel and How Does It Work?
Onewheel is an electric skateboard that is powered by a large, central wheel with self-balancing technology, and a battery-powered motor. To operate the skateboard, riders step onto the rear footpad, and then place their foot on the front pad to achieve a balanced stance. The device’s motor activates upon balancing, allowing the rider to control movement by either learning forward to accelerate, or backward to decelerate. They can steer by shifting their weight onto the toes or heels.
This intuitive control mechanism, coupled with the device’s self-balancing features, makes Onewheel an attractive product for many consumers. Since the first Onewheel was introduced in 2015, multiple models have been brought to market, each incorporating new features and capabilities. There’s no question that the skateboard is popular; the question is whether it is safe to use.
Why Were Onewheel Electric Skateboards Recalled?
On September 29th, 2023, Future Motion and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the recall of 300,000 Onewheel electric skateboards. The recall came in response to a critical safety issue: the skateboard can stop balancing if certain limits are exceeded, causing the rider to crash, nosedive, and suffer serious injuries. Between 2019 and 2021, Future Motion received dozens of reports of injuries caused by Onewheel skateboards, including four deaths.
In response to these safety issues, Future Motion and CPSC urge consumers with the original Onewheel and Onewheel+ to stop using the skateboard as soon as possible. Additionally, riders with the following models should download or update the Onewheel app and download the latest firmware for the skateboard, which includes new safety features:
- Onewheel+ XR
- Onewheel GT
- Onewheel Pint X
- Onewheel Pint
How Has Future Motion Reacted to the Recall?
Future Motion has taken several actions to address the safety concerns associated with its Onewheel electric skateboards. Not only is the company working with the CPSC to recall the defective devices, but it is also introducing product enhancements to help prevent these accidents in the future.
Most notably, Future Motion has introduced the Haptic Buzz safety alert feature, which uses both tactile and audible signals when the skateboard approaches operational limits, when the battery is low, or when an error occurs. With this feature, future riders will be promptly notified of a potentially dangerous incident and, hopefully, prevent an injury before it occurs.
For the original Onewheel and Onewheel+ models, which are unable to support the new Haptic Buzz feature due to technological constraints, Future Motion is providing a $100 store credit as an incentive for owners to dispose of their older models. If you own one of these devices, you can request this pro-rated credit by visiting the Onewheel website.
Injuries Associated with Onewheel Electric Skateboards
Due to these safety risks, riding a Onewheel electric skateboard can lead to painful and devastating injuries. While some riders are able to recover from these injuries with medical care, others experience extensive damage that leaves a permanent mark on their lives. Some of the injuries associated with Onewheel electric skateboards include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): TBIs can occur when riders are ejected from the skateboard, causing their heads to strike hard surfaces. These injuries can have profound implications, including long-term cognitive dysfunction, physical disability, or even death.
- Concussions: A specific type of TBI, concussions result from the brain moving violently within the skull due to a fall or collision. Victims can experience disorientation, headaches, and memory issues, often requiring medical evaluation and a period of rest for recovery. Some concussions do not show symptoms right away, and some go unnoticed until complications arise.
- Fractures: The impact of a fall can lead to broken bones, such as arm, leg, and rib fractures. These injuries typically require immediate medical attention, possibly involving surgery and physical therapy. These fractures can have a major impact on the victim’s daily life and activities.
- Sprains and Strains: Sudden stops or falls can strain ligaments and muscles, particularly in the ankles and wrists. These injuries not only cause pain and swelling but also may limit mobility and require weeks of physical therapy for full recovery.
- Lacerations and Abrasions: Contact with the ground can cause cuts and scrapes, which, while may seem minor, can lead to infection if not properly cleaned and treated. If a rider is thrown onto the road and skids along the surface, they can develop a painful abrasive injury known as road rash, which can leave permanent scars.
- Spinal Injuries: Severe falls have the potential to damage the spine, leading to paralysis in the most extreme cases. These injuries often demand extensive, long-term medical treatment and rehabilitation, altering a victim’s life drastically.
- Dental and Facial Injuries: A face-first fall can result in dental fractures, jaw injuries, and facial fractures, which may require emergency medical care and surgeries to repair. These injuries are not only physically painful but can also be emotionally traumatic, affecting a victim’s self-esteem.
Your Rights as a Consumer Affected by the Onewheel Recall
When a product recall is announced, especially one as significant as the Onewheel electric skateboard recall, consumers are entitled to specific rights to protect their safety and interests. As a consumer, you have the right to receive a full refund, a replacement, or a fix for the recalled product at no additional cost. Moreover, if you have sustained injuries due to the defect in the Onewheel device, you may have grounds to pursue legal action and file a Onewheel lawsuit against Future Motion.
Companies are required to ensure that their products are safe and free from defects in design, manufacturing, and warnings or instructions. In this case, Future Motion has failed to meet these obligations, leading to serious injuries and safety concerns. Now, victims are pursuing litigation against the company for the damages that they suffered. These claims are still in their early stages, and if you believe that you may qualify for a claim, reach out to Estey & Bomberger, LLP today.
Are You Eligible for a Lawsuit Against Future Motion?
Any person who has experienced physical injuries as a result of riding a Onewheel electric skateboard may qualify to file a lawsuit against Future Motion. However, the accident must be related to the defect that led to the recall—specifically, the injuries must have been caused by the device suddenly stopping, nosediving, or malfunctioning in a way that led to an accident.
However, determining your eligibility for a lawsuit requires a thorough legal assessment. A specialized mass torts attorney from Estey & Bomberger, LLP can help you understand your rights and the viability of your Onewheel lawsuit. With deep expertise in product liability claims, we can clearly explain your legal options and help you take your first steps toward justice.
Compensation Available in a Onewheel Skateboard Injury Lawsuit
If you or a loved one was injured by a Onewheel skateboard, you have the right to claim compensation for a range of damages related to the accident. You can recover a settlement to help pay for your economic or financial losses, as well as the non-economic pain and suffering that you endured.
- Past and Future Medical Expenses: Your settlement can pay for all medical treatments related to injuries sustained from the Onewheel accident. This may include emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical care required for rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages and Future Earnings: If the injuries force you to take time away from work, resulting in lost income, you can claim compensation for these losses. Additionally, if your ability to work in the future is compromised, your settlement can cover potential future earnings lost due to the accident.
- Disability Accommodations: In cases where injuries lead to long-term or permanent disabilities, you may require modifications to your home or vehicle to accommodate these disabilities. Your award can cover the costs of these necessary adjustments.
- Property Damage: If the Onewheel skateboard or any personal property was damaged as a result of the accident, you could seek compensation for repair or replacement costs. This portion of your award can cover damage to personal electronics, clothing, or any other items of value that were on your person at the time of the accident.
- Pain and Suffering: Beyond tangible losses, you can also seek compensation for the pain and suffering that you experienced, including chronic pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life resulting from the accident and injuries.
Why You Need an Attorney from Estey & Bomberger, LLP on Your Side
Filing a lawsuit against a corporation can be an intimidating experience, which is why you need an experienced product liability attorney on your side. Onewheel lawsuits are still relatively new, and a lawyer from Estey & Bomberger, LLP can help you navigate this complex landscape with the confidence and resources that you require.
Our attorneys offer our clients distinct advantages, such as the following:
- Specialized Knowledge in Product Liability: Our attorneys possess a deep understanding of product liability law, which we can apply to your Onewheel lawsuit. Your case will be handled with the precision, expertise, and care it deserves, maximizing your chances of a favorable outcome.
- Direct Negotiation with Large Corporations: Our firm has a proven track record of successfully negotiating with large corporations and their insurers. We will advocate aggressively to secure fair compensation for your injuries and losses, holding Future Motion accountable for its dangerous products.
- Access to Resources and Experts: Our firm has access to many resources and experts, including medical professionals and product safety specialists, who can provide critical insights and testimony to strengthen your case. We will tap into our network to craft a compelling case in your favor.
- Comprehensive Claim Evaluation: We will thoroughly evaluate every aspect of your claim, including potential product defects, injuries sustained, and the accident’s overall impact on your life. This comprehensive approach ensures that no detail is overlooked in pursuing the compensation that you deserve.
- Support Through Every Step: From the initial consultation to the resolution of your case, our attorneys provide unwavering support. We understand the stress and uncertainty that comes with legal proceedings and will offer guidance, clarity, and relief throughout the process. You can trust us to take care of the legal burdens while you focus on what matters most: your recovery.
Contact Us Today and Begin Your Journey to Justice
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to a malfunctioning Onewheel electric skateboard, it is crucial to take immediate action. At Estey & Bomberger, LLP, we are dedicated to supporting people affected by these defective devices nationwide. Our personal injury lawyers understand the complexities of product liability cases and can guide you through each step of the legal process.
To discuss your case and explore your options for seeking compensation, contact us today at (800) 260-7197. Our attorneys will carefully assess your situation and help you identify your optimal path to recovery.