At David Resnick & Associates, P.C., our New York City personal injury attorneys know that Onewheels have become popular in nearly every borough due to their convenience, speed, and fun, making them an attractive option for city commuters and thrill-seekers.
These self-balancing electric boards offer a unique and compact mode of transportation that allows riders to navigate through crowded streets, bike lanes, and parks. With their ability to handle uneven surfaces and tight spaces, Onewheels provide a flexible alternative to traditional bikes and scooters. Additionally, their compact design and ease of storage make them ideal for NYC residents who often have limited space in apartments and workplaces.
Unfortunately, in New York and nationwide, Onewheel accidents are increasingly contributing to injuries and fatalities as these devices grow in popularity. Due to their high speeds, lack of external protective barriers, and the challenges of balancing on a single wheel, riders face significant risks, especially in the city’s congested and unpredictable traffic environment.
Moreover, manufacturers, including Future Motion, have had significant recalls of their dangerous Onewheel products that have caused significant injuries and even fatalities because of their defects.
For over 25 years, our New York City personal injury attorneys have worked tirelessly to enforce New York laws that allow victims of negligence to hold the responsible party—whether a motorist or manufacturer—liable for damages resulting from the accident.
If you have been injured by another person, party, or entity’s negligence while on a Onewheel, contact our skilled New York City personal injury attorneys today to discuss your case and how the incident has impacted your life. Our experienced lawyers offer free consultations to all personal injury victims throughout New York City and take all qualifying cases on a contingency basis, so you pay no upfront or out-of-pocket fees and nothing if we do not win your case.
Future Motion Onewheels Recalled for Injuries & Fatalities
Last year, federal regulators announced a recall of all Onewheel self-balancing electric skateboards after reports of at least four fatalities and numerous injuries over recent years.
The recall affects 300,000 skateboards produced by California-based company Future Motion.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, these skateboards can suddenly stop balancing riders if the operational limits are exceeded, creating a high risk of severe crashes.
Future Motion has received multiple reports of incidents involving their skateboards, including four deaths between 2019 and 2021, as well as severe injuries such as paralysis, traumatic brain injuries, fractures, and ligament damage. The commission advises all owners of the affected Onewheel models to cease use immediately.
The recall applies to all models—Onewheel, Onewheel+, Onewheel+ XR, Onewheel Pint, Onewheel Pint X, and Onewheel GT—sold online and by independent retailers from January 2014 to September 2023. With tens of thousands of owners nationwide, the recall aims to prevent further accidents caused by these hazardous skateboards.
If you or someone you love has been hurt or lost their life because of a Onewheel accident or a manufacturer defect, contact our skilled personal injury lawyers in New York City to discuss your case during a free consultation.
New York City Onewheel Accidents, Injuries, and Fatalities Caused By Negligence
While defective onewheel models are leading the headlines, there are other ways people are getting hurt and killed on these skateboards, even when they are functioning correctly.
Common causes of New York City onewheels accidents include, but are not limited to:
- Alcohol and Drug Impairment: Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs suffer from impaired decision-making, delayed reaction times, and reduced motor skills, which heightens the likelihood of accidents.
- Distracted Driving: Drivers distracted by their phones or other activities may fail to notice a slower Onewheel rider in front of them, resulting in rear-end collisions.
- Speeding: Driving at excessive speeds reduces a driver’s ability to respond to sudden situations and intensifies the impact of crashes.
- Failure to Yield: Drivers who do not yield the right of way at intersections can cause accidents with Onewheel riders with legal priority.
- Driver Fatigue: Drowsy drivers exhibit slower reactions and diminished awareness, increasing the danger to Onewheel riders.
- Tailgating: Drivers who follow a Onewheel rider too closely may be unable to stop in time if the rider slows down or brakes suddenly.
- Improper Overtaking: Passing a Onewheel rider too closely can lead to sideswiping the rider, resulting in loss of control and accidents.
- Inadequate Braking Distance: Higher speeds require longer stopping distances, posing a risk when encountering slower-moving Onewheel riders.
- Dooring Accidents: Opening a parked car door into the path of a passing Onewheel rider can force the rider to crash into the door or swerve into oncoming traffic.
- Driver Distractions: Eating, adjusting in-car controls, or conversing with passengers can divert a driver’s attention, causing them to overlook Onewheel riders.
- Phone Distraction: Texting, calling, or using apps while driving draws attention away from the road, increasing the risk of collisions with nearby Onewheel riders.
- Aggressive Driving: Hostile behaviors, such as honking, cutting off, or intentionally swerving towards Onewheel riders, significantly increase the risk of accidents.
- Ignoring Traffic Signals: Drivers who run red lights or stop signs risk colliding with Onewheel riders legally crossing intersections.
- Tailgating Issues: Following a Onewheel rider too closely can result in rear-end crashes.
- Left Turns: Drivers making left turns may fail to see oncoming Onewheel riders, leading to collisions.
- Right Turns: A driver turning right may cut off a Onewheel rider traveling straight, either in the bike lane or along the road’s edge, causing a crash.
Our law firm represents accident victims throughout New York City, including Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, and the Bronx, and only works on a contingency basis. You do not pay our legal fees if we do not win your case. That’s a promise.
Contact Our Skilled NYC Onewheel Accident and Injury Attorneys at David Resnick & Associates, P.C. to Help Build Your Case for Success
The legal team at David Resnick & Associates, P.C., understands the impact a Onewheel accident can have on you and your family. We work hard to obtain the maximum damages you’re entitled to. We serve accident victims in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, the Bronx, and New York City.
If you have questions about your personal injury, contact the New York law firm of David Resnick & Associates, P.C., online or call us at 212-279-2000 today for a free consultation about your case.
There is never a charge to speak with our skilled New York City Onewheel accident and defective products attorneys. If your case qualifies to move forward, we will handle every aspect from start to finish without charging any upfront or out-of-pocket fees. Unless we win your case, you will pay nothing for our elite personal injury attorney services. That is a promise.