NEW YORK, Oct 8, (Agencies): A global recall of Onewheel electric skateboards has been initiated after reports of four fatalities during usage, prompting concerns about safety. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in the United States has mandated the recall of all 300,000 Onewheel devices sold within the country, citing a risk of accidents resulting in severe injuries.

Future Motion, the manufacturer of Onewheels, clarified that the recall extends to all customers worldwide, not just those in the United States. The UK government expressed its intention to investigate and take prompt action if necessary, according to a spokesperson.

Future Motion has outlined various options for affected UK customers on its website, depending on the skateboard's make and model. These options range from a software update to a $100 (£82) store credit. Requests for recalls must be submitted through a provided link on the Future Motion website.

The CPSC's recall notice reveals four reported deaths linked to Onewheels between 2019 and 2021, accompanied by significant injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, concussions, paralysis, upper and lower body fractures, and ligament damage. The agency emphasized that these fatalities resulted from head trauma, and in at least three cases, the riders were not wearing helmets.

Both Future Motion and the CPSC have underscored the importance of wearing protective gear while using Onewheel skateboards, including helmets and knee pads.

Future Motion disclosed that it is currently facing 31 lawsuits in the US from individuals alleging that they fell due to unexpected Onewheel malfunctions, though none of these cases have been adjudicated yet.

The recall encompasses all models of Onewheel electric skateboards, including the original Onewheel, Onewheel+, Onewheel+ XR, Onewheel Pint, Onewheel Pint X, and Onewheel GT models.

It is important to note that electric-powered devices such as e-skateboards and e-scooters are legal for use on private land, but their use on public roads, pavements, and cycle lanes is currently prohibited.

This recall follows the decision of a UK store, The Snowboard Shop, to cease selling Onewheel electric skateboards while investigating the issue and seeking clarification from the manufacturer. The store has retained the products on its website solely to provide a link to the recall notice.

Other UK distributors of Onewheel electric skateboards have also been approached for comments.

In response to concerns raised last year by the CPSC, Future Motion asserted that Onewheels are safe when used following basic safe riding principles common to board sports and encouraged continued use.

Future Motion has introduced a safety alert feature called "haptic buzz," which certain Onewheel owners can install through a firmware update to enhance device safety. Haptic buzz provides alerts that riders can both hear and feel in situations that may lead to accidents. This feature complements the existing pushback safety mechanism to help riders recognize when the skateboard's balance limits are approaching.

However, the haptic buzz is only compatible with Onewheel GT, Pint X, Pint, and XR devices. Owners of original Onewheel and Onewheel+ electric skateboards, which have been discontinued, are eligible for a $100 (£82) credit towards a new device, which typically retails between $1,050 and $2,200.