Electric Skateboards have become a popular mode of transportation and recreation, offering an exhilarating way to cruise the streets. However, recent safety concerns have arisen, prompting a recall of Onewheel Self-Balancing Electric Skateboards, manufactured by Future Motion Inc. This recall involves all models of Onewheel Skateboards, including Onewheel (original), Onewheel+, Onewheel+ XR, Onewheel Pint, Onewheel Pint X, and Onewheel GT. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the reasons behind this recall, the associated risks, and the steps you should take if you own one of these Skateboards.
The Safety Concerns Onewheel Electric Skateboard
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a recall notice in response to safety concerns related to the Onewheel Electric Skateboard. The primary issue revolves around the Skateboard’s self-balancing mechanism. These Skateboards can stop balancing the rider if they exceed the board’s weight limits, posing a crash hazard that can result in severe injury or even death.
The CPSC’s recall notice highlights that there have been dozens of reported incidents involving these Electric Skateboards. Tragically, these incidents include four reported deaths between 2019 and 2021, with injuries ranging from traumatic brain injuries to concussions, paralysis, upper-body fractures, lower-body fractures, and ligament damage. Importantly, in at least three of the fatal incidents, the rider was not wearing a helmet.
The Recall Details Onewheel Electric Skateboard
The recall is not limited to a specific model or timeframe; it affects a staggering 300,000 Onewheel Electric Skateboards. The CPSC has urged consumers to stop using these Skateboards immediately to mitigate any potential risks.
Future Motion, the manufacturer of Onewheel, has proposed a solution to enhance the safety of these Skateboards. They are introducing a feature called “Haptic Buzz” as part of a firmware update. This alert system provides riders with tactile and audible warnings when they approach the weight limits of the Skateboard, experience low battery levels, or encounter errors.
However, it’s essential to note that this safety update is not applicable to all Onewheel models. The firmware update for the Onewheel GT is expected to be available within a week, while updates for the Pint X, Pint, and XR models will follow within six weeks. Unfortunately, the original Onewheel and the Onewheel+ models are not eligible for this update.
Addressing the Issue Onewheel Electric Skateboard
If you own a recalled Onewheel Electric Skateboard, here’s what you should do:
- Immediate Action: Stop using the recalled Skateboard immediately to prevent potential accidents or injuries.
- Firmware Update: If you have the Onewheel GT, make sure to download or update the Onewheel app. This will allow you to apply the firmware update with Haptic Buzz functionality when it becomes available.
- Recall Information: If you have the original Onewheel or Onewheel+ model, visit recall.onewheel.com to arrange for a pro-rated refund in the form of a store credit upon confirmation of product disposal.
Understanding the Risks
The reported deaths linked to Onewheel Electric Skateboards underscore the importance of safety precautions when using such recreational devices. Traumatic head injuries and fatalities serve as tragic reminders of the potential consequences when safety measures, such as wearing a helmet, are not followed.
Furthermore, the recall emphasizes the need for manufacturers to prioritize safety in the design and functionality of their products. While Electric Skateboards offer a thrilling experience, they must be engineered with safety mechanisms that prevent accidents, especially when weight limits are exceeded.
Conclusion
The recall of Onewheel Self-Balancing Electric Skateboards serves as a crucial reminder of the significance of safety in the world of Electric transportation devices. Understanding the risks associated with these Skateboards and taking immediate action, such as stopping use and applying safety updates, is very important to prevent accidents and injuries.
For individuals who own the recalled Skateboards, it is essential to follow the provided guidance for your specific model. Remember that safety should always be a priority when enjoying Electric Skateboards or any recreational equipment. By staying informed and acting responsibly, we can ensure that our leisure activities remain enjoyable and, most importantly, safe for all.
