The Onewheel electric skateboard was hailed as revolutionary: a self-balancing electric skateboard that simply required the rider to shift their weight to propel it forward or bring it to a stop. But for hundreds of thousands of Onewheel owners, that dream ride has turned into a nightmare.
In September 2023, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Future Motion Inc. announced the recall of 300,000 Onewheel skateboards due to serious defects that can lead to loss of balance and control. Onewheel electric skateboard lawsuit attorneys have handled these cases since accidents have resulted in at least four deaths and severe injuries, including bone fractures.
How Onewheel Electric Skateboards Can Cause Bone Fractures
The root of the danger lies in the Onewheel’s design. Riders shift their weight forward or backward on the electric skateboard, signaling the motor to power the wheel in the corresponding direction. But when the skateboard’s limits are exceeded, it can abruptly stop balancing the rider.
The Onewheel’s pushback mechanism is intended to be a safety guard, engaging when the device starts moving too fast or straining the motor, and forcing the rider to gradually decelerate. However, the skateboard can suddenly shut off completely due to a design flaw, causing a Onewheel electric skateboard nosedive accident and catapulting the rider into the ground or nearby obstacles.
The force of impact from these crashes, which can occur at the Onewheel’s top speed of 18 miles per hour, is more than enough to shatter bones. Riders may suffer broken legs, arms, wrists, elbows, shoulders, or even hips.
The Cost of Treating and Living with Bone Fracture Injuries
A broken bone can be an extremely painful and costly injury to live with. Depending on the severity and location of the fracture, you could incur tens of thousands of dollars in medical costs for services like:
- Emergency room visits and hospital stays
- Surgeries to realign the bone or install hardware like pins, screws, or plates
- Prescription pain medications and antibiotics to prevent infection
- Casts, splints, crutches, and other mobility aids
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation to regain strength and range of motion
- Follow-up doctor appointments and X-rays to monitor healing
If the fracture affects your ability to work, lost income exacerbates the financial strain. Some severe breaks may never fully heal, leading to chronic pain, reduced mobility, and lasting disabilities that diminish your quality of life.
Seeking Justice After a Onewheel Electric Skateboard Accident
If you or a loved one suffered broken bones or other serious injuries while riding a recalled Onewheel skateboard, you have the right to hold Future Motion accountable for its defective and dangerous product. A lawsuit can provide the financial relief you need to address medical expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering, and other damages that you endured.
To build the strongest case possible, it is important to work with a product liability lawyer. An attorney can gather evidence, construct persuasive arguments, and tenaciously advocate for the compensation you deserve.
Broke a Bone on a Onewheel? Explore Your Legal Options Today
Bone fractures from Onewheel crashes can lead to extensive medical bills, lost income, and even ongoing pain and permanent disability. If you were hurt, Estey & Bomberger, LLP can help you seek justice.
We represent injured consumers nationwide in lawsuits against the skateboard’s manufacturer. Trust our firm to recover the compensation that you need to rebuild your life. Contact us at (956) 533-1426 for a free case review with our Onewheel lawsuit attorneys.