One Wheel, Many Risks: What You Should Know About Onewheel Injuries

The Onewheel is a self-balancing electric board with a single motorized wheel in the center, which exploded in popularity as a sleek, futuristic way to cruise city streets, bike paths, and sidewalks. Marketed as “the closest thing to snowboarding on pavement,” the device quickly gained a cult following.

But for many riders, the thrill came with devastating consequences.

Numerous reports of crashes, malfunctions, and serious injuries, including deaths, have raised alarms about the safety of Onewheel devices. In response, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a sweeping warning in 2022 and later announced a major recall in 2023, urging consumers to stop using certain models immediately.

If you or someone you love was injured while riding on a Onewheel, you may have grounds for a product liability claim, and Morgan & Morgan can help you understand your options.

What Is a Onewheel?

Produced by California-based company Future Motion Inc., the Onewheel is a self-balancing electric rideable device. Riders stand sideways on a board with a single wheel in the middle and use subtle body shifts to control movement, speed, and direction.

Models include:

• Onewheel Pint & Pint X
• Onewheel GT
• Onewheel XR
• Onewheel+ and Onewheel+ XR

While many users see it as a convenient and fun way to travel short distances, serious concerns about product safety have surfaced, especially concerning how the device behaves when the battery reaches low power or when software fails.

The Danger: Sudden Stops, Malfunctions, and Fatal Falls

One of the most alarming risks with Onewheels is sudden power loss mid-ride. When this occurs, the board can stop abruptly, throwing the rider forward without warning. These incidents have led to:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Concussions
• Spinal injuries
• Broken bones
• Internal bleeding
• Facial fractures
• Wrongful deaths

According to the CPSC, at least four known fatalities occurred between 2019 and 2021 due to Onewheel-related accidents, all involving head trauma. Many of these crashes happened even when riders wore helmets and safety gear.

Other users have reported software glitches, failure to self-balance, and overestimation of battery range, which can increase the risk of serious crashes.

2023 Recall: What You Need to Know

In late 2023, Future Motion issued a recall of all Onewheel models sold between 2014 and 2023, roughly 300,000 devices, due to the risk of ejection and death.

The company offered a firmware update called “Haptic Buzz” for certain models (GT, Pint X, Pint, and XR) to alert riders before a shutdown. However, older models like the Onewheel+ and Onewheel+ XR are incompatible with this fix and deemed too dangerous to continue using.

If you still own or ride one of these devices, stop using it immediately and check the official recall notice on the CPSC website for next steps.

Why Product Liability Applies

Product liability law holds manufacturers responsible when their products are unreasonably dangerous or defective. The injured consumer may have a right to pursue compensation if a product causes injury because of:

• A design defect (e.g., no warning system before a sudden power loss)
• A manufacturing flaw (e.g., faulty internal components)
• A failure to warn (e.g., inadequate safety instructions or lack of crash risk disclosure)

Many claims regarding the Onewheel involve a combination of these factors: unsafe design, software failures, and lack of adequate safety warnings. Despite knowing the risks, critics argue that Future Motion did not act quickly enough to alert riders or issue timely fixes.

What Victims May Be Entitled To

If you’ve been hurt while using a Onewheel device, or if a loved one was seriously injured or killed, you may be eligible to file a product liability claim for:

• Medical expenses (current and future)
• Lost income or reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Emotional distress
• Wrongful death damages (for surviving family members)

Every case is unique, but holding the manufacturer accountable is often the only way to secure justice and financial recovery.

What to Do If A Onewheel Injured You

Taking action early is crucial, especially with a recalled product. If you’ve been hurt:

• Seek medical care immediately: Even if symptoms seem minor at first.
• Preserve the device: Don’t send it back, update it, or attempt repairs. It may be crucial evidence.
• Document everything: Take photos of your injuries, the scene, the board, and any warning messages (or lack thereof).
• Gather records: Save medical reports, hospital bills, and proof of purchase.
• Speak to a product liability attorney: They can help determine whether your case qualifies for compensation and guide you through the legal process.

Morgan & Morgan Is Fighting for Injured Riders

At Morgan & Morgan, we believe consumers shouldn’t have to pay the price for defective and dangerous products. If you were injured by a Onewheel or lost a loved one due to a sudden malfunction or crash, our attorneys are here to fight for you.

We have the resources to take on major corporations and the experience to pursue complex product liability claims. We don’t get paid unless we win. Let us help you hold manufacturers accountable and get the compensation you deserve.

Contact us today for a free case evaluation.