Oct 05, 2023

Onewheel Recall Information 2023

In the US, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a recall notice on Onewheels:

https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/Future-Motion-Recalls-Onewheel-Self-Balancing-Electric-Skateboards-Due-to-Crash-Hazard-Four-Deaths-Reported

For all the latest models (GT, PintX, Pint and XR) a simple Firmware update (done within the Onewheel app) is required to ensure your Onewheel is safe to continue riding.

For the Onewheel GT model, the Firmware update is available now and we recommend installing it.

For the Pint X, Pint and XR models, the Firmware update will be available within the next 4 to 6 weeks from early October. It is recommended that you stop riding these models until a Firmware update is available.

What's in the Onewheel Firmware Update?

The firmware update includes a Haptic Buzz alert functionality. Haptic Buzz is a tactile and audible warning system that provides the rider with a buzzing sensation and sound when nearing the limits of the board or when in low battery or error states.

Essentially this is all related to the 'push back' on your Onewheel. Most of us Onewheel riders know what 'push back' is and know to slow down because 'push back' is the board signaling that you've reached the limits of speed or battery or torque output.

If you’d like more information on the new Haptic Buzz safety alert feature, watch the Onewheel YouTube video explainer here. For more information on how to update your board’s firmware, watch our YouTube instructional video here.

What incidents and injuries have caused the Onewheel recall notice?

Future Motion has received reports of incidents involving the Onewheels, including four reported deaths between 2019 and 2021 and injuries such as traumatic brain injury, concussion, paralysis, upper-body fractures, lower-body fractures and ligament damage. The reported deaths resulted from head trauma and, in at least three of those incidents, the rider was not wearing a helmet. Future Motion and the CPSC encourage all riders to wear personal protective equipment while riding.

It is important to note that the Firmware Update alone will not be enough to stop deaths and injuries. It is up to you, the rider, to wear a helmet and ride safely. This includes not drinking booze and not taking drugs while riding your Onewheel, sorry folks.

When selecting a helmet to wear, we recommend the Thousand Chapter helmet because it has extra safety (MIPS) and a rear light. In addition, the Flatland Fingerless gloves are exceptional for preventing injuries in the event of falling off your electric vehicle.

What does the Onewheel Recall mean for Australian customers?

The firmware update is only legally required in the United States. Any boards purchased and/or used outside of the United States are not required to be updated. With that being said, any user with an XR, Pint, Pint X or GT is eligible for the update and can do so if they please. However, the GT firmware update is the only update available at the moment and the other models are rolling out soon.

The Pint and Pint X firmware update is expected to be available by the end of the week, and the XR update should be available in the next 4-6 weeks. We will be sending out mass updates with each model's firmware update availability.

" - Onewheel 4 October 2023

What should Onewheel owners do in Australia to keep safe?

1) Update your Onewheel Firmware when you can (using the Onewheel app).

2) Wear a helmet and protective gear like gloves while riding.

3) Avoid riding while intoxicated or impared.

4) Listen to your board and slow down when you feel the push back or Haptic Buzz alert.

Can I still purchase a Onewheel in Australia?

For sure, and you're welcome to visit our store for a test ride in a safe environment, where we teach you all there is to know about how to ride safely on Onewheels that have the Firmware update.

For more information, visit these product pages:

Onewheel GT

Onewheel Pint X

Onewheel Pint