Nowadays, you may see people flying by on Onewheel skateboards rather than conventional four-wheel boards. This trendy board has a futuristic appeal that draws in many consumers. Stylistically similar to a hoverboard, the Onewheel is electrically powered and equipped with balancing technology. However, a design defect in the Onewheel has caused several injuries and even deaths among riders. Did a defective Onewheel skateboard injure you? Reach out today to learn more about how a Onewheel skateboard lawyer can help you file a claim.
Our law firm is currently handling lawsuits on behalf of individuals harmed by Onewheel skateboards. Call (888) 525-3529 or fill out the free case evaluation on this page today if you or a loved one suffered injuries due to a defective Onewheel skateboard.
Future Motion Inc. debuted the Onewheel in 2015. Onewheel is a battery-powered device with sensors to monitor speed and direction. Riders need only step on the platform and shift their weight to control the Onewheel. If the rider wants to stop, they cease contact with the front portion. Onewheels can reach speeds of 20 mph and handle almost all terrains. Future Motion Inc. claims that “anyone can ride Onewheel with a little instruction and practice.”
Future Motion Inc. assures customers that Onewheel’s technology will keep riders balanced. On Onewheel’s website, the company promotes Onewheel as one of the easiest board sports in the world. Also, the website instructs riders to slow down and remove their foot from the front pad to dismount.
However, a design defect may cause some Onewheel models to abruptly shut down and nosedive. When the motor suddenly powers off, the front portion of the Onewheel hits the ground and launches the rider. Another defect is the “pushback” feature. With certain newer Onewheel models, as the device ascends or descends hills, runs low on battery, or reaches its limits, the nose slowly lifts to decrease speed. Although the pushback is a safety feature, it can actually throw riders off balance and cause them to fall off.
On August 11, 2022, Future Motions Inc. recalled the footpads for the company’s self-balancing Onewheel GT model. The company recalled the footpads after receiving 813 incident reports of the Onewheel continuing to operate after riders dismounted it. Of these 813 reports, 11 involved injuries including bruises, friction burns, and a twisted ankle. This recall affected about 20,500 models and presented a risk of injury to riders and bystanders. The Consumer Product Safety Commission urged consumers to stop using the recalled boards and contact Future Motions Inc. for replacement footpads.
Nosedive and pushback accidents caused by Onewheel skateboards can result in severe injuries. Onewheels may unexpectedly throw unsuspecting riders at speeds up to 20 mph. Riders may not have time to brace themselves for impact and suffer serious harm. Onewheel accidents may cause:
This pushback feature that results in the skateboard nosediving is a major product defect. Falling off a stationary board is already dangerous, but being launched from a board traveling at high speeds is extremely hazardous. An Onewheel skateboard lawyer can assist you in recovering financial compensation for your injuries.
Many people have filed lawsuits over Onewheel incidents. A 2019 wrongful death lawsuit against Future Motion Inc. claims a Texas man died after his Onewheel nosedived. The lawsuit alleges the man was riding on a smooth paved surface when the skateboard suddenly stopped. In 2022, a family filed a wrongful death lawsuit after a Onewheel nosedived and threw a father off the board. The man suffered head and brain trauma and died shortly after due to his injuries.
In September 2022, three plaintiffs filed a class action complaint against Future Motion Inc. The proposed class action alleges that the Onewheel skateboard is unreasonably dangerous and defective due to the device’s pushback feature. Even though Future Motion designed the pushback feature to inform riders of potentially dangerous situations, the pushback actually throws riders from the skateboards. The case points out that Future Motion Inc. neglected to incorporate a warning signal like a beep, a flashing light, or, at the very least, a gradual slowdown. Instead, the pushback feature causes an abrupt nosedive that threatens the health and lives of users.
Multidistrict litigation (MDL) is when several similar lawsuits from different places are combined into one federal court to make the legal process smoother and faster.
On September 1, 2023, Onewheel skateboard manufacturer Future Motion Inc. filed a motion to request a Onewheel skateboard MDL. These Onewheel skateboard lawsuits all share similar claims that the device is defective and prone to stopping or shutting off unexpectedly. According to the motion, there are 31 Onewheel skateboard lawsuits pending in 15 different districts.
If you or a loved one were harmed by a Onewheel device, you may qualify for a Onewheel lawsuit. A Onewheel skateboard lawsuit may help you recover compensation for:
Consumers trusted Future Motion Inc. for a safe and dependable riding experience. The company markets the Onewheel as a trustworthy and fun device for nearly all ages. But lawsuits claim the Onewheel contains design flaws that jeopardize rider safety. The unreliable motor and dangerous pushback feature have led to multiple accidents. Rather than improve the design, Future Motion Inc. has not addressed the supposed issue. Victims allege that Future Motion Inc. failed to adequately inform customers about the dangers of the Onewheel skateboard’s pushback feature in its marketing and in its user manual. Speak with a Onewheel skateboard lawyer now to discuss your potential claim.
The Lake Law Firm was founded by Edward J. Lake, Esq., a personal injury lawyer for over 25 years. Our dedicated team of attorneys is committed to seeking justice on behalf of those who have suffered injury or death due to the negligence of others. Our experienced attorneys handle many different types of pharmaceutical drugs, medical devices, and other defective products. The lawyers in our firm have helped collect millions of dollars for their clients. A Onewheel lawyer will advocate for you and your rights. Please contact us for a free confidential case evaluation at (888) 525-3529 or submit an inquiry on this page.
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