The rising popularity of Onewheel electric skateboards has come at a cost—serious safety concerns and growing litigation. Reports of accidents and injuries linked to sudden stops, also known as “nosedives,” have placed Future Motion Inc., the manufacturer of Onewheel products, under legal and public scrutiny.
Onewheel Litigation Updates
Recent Developments
November 1, 2024:
No new cases were added to the Onewheel multidistrict litigation (MDL) in October, leaving the total at 88 pending lawsuits. Settlement discussions are ongoing.October 1, 2024:
The MDL added four new cases in September, bringing the total to 88. Attorneys have become more selective, prioritizing cases involving severe injuries, reflecting concerns about limited insurance coverage and Future Motion’s financial constraints.August 28, 2024:
A settlement conference was held but did not yield an agreement. A follow-up conference is scheduled for November 12, 2024.August 22, 2024:
A trial schedule was set for representative cases. Initial hearings for selected cases will take place in early 2026, with the first trial slated for April 6, 2026.
The Path to Trial
Litigation continues with efforts to settle claims through negotiations. Six representative cases involving personal injury and wrongful death have been identified for early trials, underscoring the serious nature of the claims against Onewheel.
Safety Concerns Leading to Lawsuits
At the heart of the lawsuits is a defect causing the Onewheel to suddenly stop, ejecting riders. This malfunction has resulted in severe injuries, including fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and even paralysis. Between 2019 and 2021, at least four deaths were reported.
Claimants argue that Future Motion failed to warn users about the risks, raising critical questions about product safety.
Recall and Consumer Protection Efforts
In response to increasing reports of accidents, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a warning in November 2022, advising against the use of Onewheel skateboards. The warning highlighted the risk of sudden ejection and urged consumers not to resell or donate the products.
On September 29, 2023, Future Motion announced a recall for all Onewheel models, including:
- Onewheel®
- Onewheel+®
- Onewheel+ XR®
- Onewheel Pint®
- Onewheel Pint X®
- Onewheel GT®
The company also introduced a firmware update to mitigate risks by adding a warning system for riders approaching the skateboard’s limits.
Consolidating Litigation for Efficiency
Given the volume of cases, all federally filed lawsuits have been centralized into an MDL in the Northern District of California under Judge Beth Labson Freeman. This consolidation streamlines the legal process, providing a structured approach to handling the numerous claims against Future Motion.
Pursuing Justice: Your Legal Options
If you or someone close to you has been injured while riding a Onewheel skateboard, you may be eligible for compensation. Legal claims can cover:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Emotional distress
- Other related damages
Mass Torts vs. Class Actions: Which Is Right for You?
Understanding the difference between mass torts and class actions can help you decide the best course of legal action:
Mass Torts:
- Individual control over your case
- Compensation tailored to your specific damages
- Ideal for cases with varied injuries and circumstances
Class Actions:
- A single representative acts on behalf of the group
- Compensation is generally uniform
- Suitable for cases with similar damages across all plaintiffs
Take the First Step
If you’ve experienced harm due to a Onewheel skateboard, you don’t have to face this alone. Contact Class Action Winning today for a free case evaluation. Let’s help you take the first step toward justice.
