Onewheel electric skateboards are under recall due to a serious crash hazard. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Future Motion Inc. announced the recall of 300,000 Onewheels, citing potential loss of balance when the board’s limits are exceeded. This issue can lead to severe injuries, including traumatic brain injury, concussion, paralysis, and fractures, and even death.
Onewheel Recall Details: Which Models Are Affected?
The recall affects all Onewheel models, including:
- Onewheel (original)
- Onewheel+
- Onewheel+ XR
- Onewheel Pint
- Onewheel Pint X
- Onewheel GT
These electric skateboards were sold online at onewheel.com, other websites, and independent shops nationwide from January 2014 through September 2023, ranging in price from $1,050 to $2,200. The model name is located on the side of the skateboard, and the Onewheel logo is printed on the rail.
What’s the Problem with Onewheels?
The CPSC and Future Motion have received dozens of incident reports related to Onewheel electric skateboards. Tragically, four deaths have been reported between 2019 and 2021, along with numerous injuries. The reported fatalities resulted from head trauma, and in at least three cases, the rider was not wearing a helmet.
The core issue is the potential for the Onewheel to suddenly stop balancing the rider if the board’s operational limits are pushed. This can happen due to various factors, leading to unexpected falls and serious injuries.
What Should Onewheel Owners Do?
Owners of recalled Onewheel electric skateboards should immediately stop using them. Future Motion is urging users to take the following actions:
- Onewheel GT, Pint X, Pint, and XR owners: Download or update the Onewheel app and use it to update the firmware. This update includes the “Haptic Buzz” feature, a tactile and audible warning system alerting riders when approaching the board’s limits or experiencing low battery or errors. Firmware updates will be available within one week for the GT and within six weeks for the Pint X, Pint, and XR.
- Original Onewheel and Onewheel+ owners: Visit the recall website (https://recall.onewheel.com) to arrange for a pro-rated refund in the form of store credit. This credit will be issued upon confirmation of the product’s disposal.
The recall underscores the importance of safety when using electric skateboards. Always wear appropriate protective gear, including a helmet, and familiarize yourself with the board’s limitations before riding.
Future Motion is actively contacting all known purchasers directly. For further information and updates on the firmware update timeline, visit the official recall website: https://recall.onewheel.com. This recall serves as a crucial reminder to prioritize safety when using personal electric vehicles.
