Title: Massive Recall of Onewheel Electric Skateboards Due to Safety Concerns
Santa Cruz-based electric skateboard manufacturer, Future Motion Inc., is facing major repercussions as the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced a recall of 300,000 units of their popular Onewheel Self-Balancing Electric Skateboards. The decision comes after a series of incidents involving the skateboards which have caused injuries and even resulted in fatalities.
The CPSC has been investigating these incidents and has received reports of traumatic brain injury, concussion, paralysis, fractures (both upper and lower body), and ligament damage linked to the use of these electric skateboards. Shockingly, from 2019 to 2021, four deaths have been reported in connection with the Onewheel electric skateboards.
All models of Future Motion Onewheel self-balancing electric skateboards, including the Onewheel (original), Onewheel+, Onewheel+ XR, Onewheel Pint, Onewheel Pint X, and Onewheel GT, are subject to this recall. Owners are urged to check the side of their skateboards for the model name and the Onewheel logo, which is printed on the rail. If in possession of one of these models, the CPSC advises immediate cessation of use.
Interestingly, the CPSC had previously issued a warning to customers in November. However, Future Motion initially resisted the recall, but eventually relented after mounting pressure. CNN reported that the company was initially reluctant to agree to the agency’s request.
To rectify the safety concerns, Future Motion has instructed owners of the Onewheel GT, Onewheel Pint X, Onewheel Pint, or Onewheel+ XR models to download or update the Onewheel app. By doing so, they can update the firmware on their boards to include Haptic Buzz alert functionality. This additional safety feature aims to prevent potential accidents and injuries.
The CPSC emphasizes the seriousness of the situation by urging Onewheel owners to take immediate action to ensure their safety. They have set up a designated webpage providing more information on the firmware update timeline for affected models.
Future Motion Inc.’s recall of 300,000 Onewheel Self-Balancing Electric Skateboards highlights the importance of prioritizing consumer safety in the production and distribution of recreational products. As investigations continue to uncover potential hazards, it is crucial that both manufacturers and regulatory bodies work together to ensure the well-being of consumers.
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