The onewheel lawsuit is a growing federal case against Future Motion, Inc., the maker of the Onewheel self-balancing electric skateboard. Riders across the country say the board can shut off without warning. When it does, the nose drops and slams into the ground. This is called a “nosedive.” Riders are thrown forward at speeds up to 20 miles per hour. Many have suffered serious, life-changing injuries. As a result, injured riders and grieving families have turned to the courts for answers.
Case Timeline
Last checked: September 03, 2026
What Is the Onewheel Lawsuit About?
The Onewheel is a one-wheeled electric board made by Future Motion of Santa Cruz, California. It balances the rider using internal sensors and software. However, plaintiffs say the board has a dangerous flaw. When its limits are exceeded, it can stop balancing the rider. The front digs into the pavement. The rider goes flying.
These “nosedive” crashes have caused severe harm. Reported injuries include traumatic brain injury, concussion, paralysis, and broken bones. Ligament damage is also common. For example, some riders wore helmets and still suffered head trauma. The CPSC recall notice confirmed four deaths between 2019 and 2021.
On September 29, 2023, Future Motion recalled about 300,000 boards. The recall covered every model sold from January 2014 through September 2023. This includes the original Onewheel, Onewheel+, Onewheel+ XR, Pint, Pint X, and GT. The onewheel lawsuit claims the company knew about the nosedive risk. Plaintiffs argue Future Motion marketed the board as safe anyway.
MDL Case Status and Key Facts
| MDL Detail | Current Data |
|---|---|
| MDL Number | MDL-3087 |
| Pending Cases | 160 |
| Presiding Judge | Beth Labson Freeman |
| Federal District | CAN |
| Data Source | U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation |
| Last Updated | August 03, 2026 |
The federal cases are now grouped into one multidistrict litigation, or MDL. This lets one judge manage shared pretrial issues. The onewheel lawsuit MDL is moving through key deadlines in 2026.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| MDL Number | MDL-3087 |
| Case Name | IN RE: Future Motion, Inc. Products Liability Litigation |
| Presiding Judge | Hon. Beth Labson Freeman |
| Federal District | Northern District of California |
| Approximate Case Count | ~160 pending cases |
| First Bellwether Trial | April 6, 2026 |
| Second Bellwether Trial | June 15, 2026 |
Judge Beth Labson Freeman oversees the litigation. She has issued several important rulings. For example, she found that the nosedive itself may be an “effect,” not a legal defect. However, she allowed claims about false advertising to move forward.
The court also scheduled two bellwether trials. These are test cases picked to gauge how juries react. The first is set for April 6, 2026. The second follows on June 15, 2026. Bellwether results often shape later settlement talks. You can track the docket through the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation.
Who Qualifies for the Onewheel Lawsuit?
Eligibility depends on your specific facts. In most cases, you must have owned or ridden a recalled Onewheel board. The board must have nosedived or shut off suddenly. And that event must have caused a real injury.
Qualifying injuries are typically serious. These include traumatic brain injury, spinal injury, paralysis, and fractures. Facial injuries and dental damage may also count. Families who lost a loved one in a Onewheel crash may also have a claim. However, minor scrapes usually do not support a case.
Timing matters too. The onewheel lawsuit generally covers boards sold between January 2014 and September 2023. You will need evidence to support your claim. Helpful proof includes the board itself, purchase records, medical records, and photos. Police reports and witness statements also help. An attorney can review whether your onewheel lawsuit meets these standards.
How to File a Onewheel Lawsuit Claim
Filing a onewheel lawsuit follows a clear path. First, gather your records. Save the board, receipts, and all medical documents. Do not throw the board away, even after the recall.
Second, speak with a licensed product liability attorney. Most offer free case reviews. Many work on contingency, meaning no upfront fees. Your lawyer will then file your case and join it to the MDL. After that, you will complete a “plaintiff fact sheet.” This form details your injuries, board model, and crash.
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Third, act before the deadline. Every state has a statute of limitations. This is a legal time limit to sue. For example, some states allow only two years from the injury. As a result, waiting too long can end your claim entirely. Typically, a lawyer can confirm your exact deadline. Filing early protects your right to compensation.
Settlement Updates and What to Expect
As of July 2026, there is no global settlement in the onewheel lawsuit. The case is still in active litigation. However, the upcoming bellwether trials could change that quickly.
Bellwether verdicts give both sides a preview. Strong plaintiff verdicts often push defendants toward settlement. Weak results can push values down. As a result, the April and June 2026 trials are being watched closely. A settlement framework may follow if these trials favor riders.
Payouts in mass tort cases vary widely. No one can promise a set amount. Factors that affect value include injury severity, medical costs, and lost income. Long-term disability and the strength of your evidence also matter. Because each case differs, settlement amounts vary from person to person. You may qualify for compensation, but nothing is guaranteed. Always consult a licensed attorney about your onewheel lawsuit.
State-by-State Considerations
State law shapes every onewheel lawsuit, even inside a federal MDL. Each state has its own tort rules and deadlines. Some states cap non-economic damages. Others apply comparative fault, which can reduce a payout if the rider shared blame.
Plaintiffs come from across the country. States like California, Florida, Texas, New York, and Colorado have notable rider populations. For example, California is home to Future Motion and many riders. In most cases, your home state’s rules affect damages and time limits. A local attorney can explain how your state law applies to your onewheel lawsuit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Onewheel still being sold in 2026?
All models were recalled in September 2023. Newer boards received a firmware “haptic buzz” safety update. However, the original Onewheel and Onewheel+ were deemed unsafe to use at all.
How much does it cost to file a onewheel lawsuit?
Most product liability attorneys work on contingency. That means you pay nothing upfront. They typically collect a fee only if you recover money.
What if I already accepted a recall refund?
Accepting store credit does not always waive your injury claim. However, the rules can be complex. You should ask a licensed attorney before assuming your onewheel lawsuit is barred.
Check If You May Qualify
Mass tort eligibility depends on your specific exposure, injuries, and the state where you live. A licensed mass tort attorney can evaluate your situation at no upfront cost — most work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless you recover compensation.
Official Sources & Resources
For verified mass tort and MDL information:
- U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML)
- U.S. Department of Justice
- FDA Safety Alerts & Recalls
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Content last reviewed July 2026. This is general educational information, not legal advice. If you notice outdated information, please contact us.
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Attorney Advertising. The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by accessing or using this content. Every case is unique, and results depend on the specific facts and circumstances involved. Past settlement amounts and case outcomes do not guarantee similar results in your case. If you believe you have a legal claim, you should consult with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction who can evaluate your specific situation.