The Real Risks of Riding OneWheels and Electric Skateboards

The rise of electric skateboards—including OneWheels, boosted boards, and other high-speed e-boards—has transformed urban commuting and recreation. Their compact size and thrilling performance make them popular, but also increasingly dangerous. Injury statistics, crash mechanics, and government warnings show that these devices carry higher risks of severe injury and hospitalization than traditional skateboards or even e-scooters.

 

Rising Popularity and Injury Trends

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has tracked a steady increase in micromobility injuries since 2017. Between 2017 and 2022, an estimated 138,000 emergency visits were linked to hoverboards and powered skateboards.

OneWheels have drawn the sharpest scrutiny. In 2022, the CPSC issued a formal warning that they could suddenly stop balancing mid-ride, ejecting the rider. By 2023, over 300,000 units were recalled following at least four deaths and dozens of severe injuries tied to this defect.

Lawsuits suggest thousands of additional crashes have occurred due to the infamous “nosedive” failure.

 

Injury Statistics and Severity

Recent studies paint a troubling picture:

• Fractures are the most common injuries. Wrist fractures alone account for about 20% of cases, followed by ankle and forearm breaks.
  
  

• Head trauma is frequent and deadly. All known OneWheel fatalities (2019–2021) were from severe head injuries, and 75% of those victims were not wearing helmets.
  
  

• Hospitalization rates are higher. Compared to traditional skateboards, e-board riders face 1.7 times greater odds of hospital admission and more multiple-injury crashes.
  
  

• Fatal accidents are climbing. In just the first half of 2025, at least six deaths from electric skateboard crashes were reported across the U.S.
  
  

 

Who Gets Hurt? Rider Demographics

• Age: Electric skateboard injuries skew older. Average rider age is about 40 years, compared to 27 for traditional skateboarders.
  
  

• Gender: About 70–75% of victims are male, a consistent finding across U.S. studies.
  
  

• Experience: Many riders are self-taught. Without formal training, novices often push beyond the safe limits of their boards, leading to preventable falls.
  
  

 

Common Crash Mechanisms

Nosedives and Power Cut-Offs

OneWheels are notorious for their sudden loss of balance when the motor can’t keep up. If the rider leans forward too far, hits the top speed, or rides on a low battery, the motor may cut out. The board’s front lip digs into the ground, and the rider is launched headfirst.

High Speed and Loss of Control

Many e-boards hit 20–30+ mph. At these speeds, wobbles, sharp turns, or uneven terrain can cause catastrophic crashes. Riders describe it as being “thrown from a moving car”.

Terrain Hazards

Small wheels and minimal suspension make boards extremely vulnerable to potholes, cracks, gravel, or wet roads. Even a small bump can stop the board cold and throw the rider.

Collisions with Vehicles

When crashes occur in traffic, the consequences are devastating. Riders struck by cars—especially during nosedive falls—often suffer fatal injuries.

Technical Failures

Beyond nosedives, riders report remote disconnects, motor lock-ups, and even battery fires. While less common, these failures add to the unpredictability.

 

The Role of Protective Gear

Lack of protective gear makes bad crashes worse. In CPSC reports, three out of four fatal OneWheel riders weren’t wearing helmets.

Wrist guards, knee pads, and elbow pads are rarely used, even though hospitals consistently report fractures that protective gear could have prevented.

Experts recommend treating e-skate gear like motorcycle gear: a certified helmet at minimum, plus pads for wrists and joints.

 

Conclusion

OneWheels and electric skateboards aren’t just fun gadgets—they’re high-risk vehicles. They combine high speeds, unpredictable failure modes, and poor crash-avoidance ability. Adults, not teens, make up most of the victims, and head injuries remain the deadliest outcome.

While recalls and firmware updates aim to reduce dangers, the reality is clear: the risk of severe injury or death on these boards is significantly higher than with bikes, scooters, or traditional skateboards. Riders who choose to use them should wear full protective gear, stay within safe speed limits, and be aware of the unique crash mechanics that make these devices so dangerous.

 

References & Sources

• U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) – Micromobility Products Report (2017–2022). https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/Micromobility-Products-Related-Deaths-Injuries-and-Hazard-Patterns-2017-2022.pdf
  
  

• CPSC Recall Notice – Future Motion Onewheel Recall (2023). https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/Future-Motion-Recalls-Onewheel-Self-Balancing-Electric-Skateboards-Due-to-Crash-Hazard-Four-Deaths-Reported
  
  

• George, K. et al. (2024). Adult skateboarding and motorized board injuries: A comparative analysis. American Journal of Emergency Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39396409/
  
  

• PIRG Consumer Watchdog Report – Onewheel Electric Skateboards Recalled (2023). https://pirg.org/edfund/articles/onewheel-electric-skateboards-recalled-after-four-deaths-and-dozens-of-serious-injuries/
  
  

• SurferToday (2025). Fatal crashes involving electric skateboards are increasing. https://www.surfertoday.com/skateboarding/electric-skateboard-dangers
  
  

• Spectrum News (2023). Onewheel skateboards recalled for crash hazard. https://spectrumnews1.com/ca/southern-california/transportation/2023/10/02/onewheel-skateboards-recalled-for-crash-hazard

• Maxfind Blog (2025). How Safe Are Electric Skateboards? https://www.maxfind.com/blogs/maxfind-news/how-safe-are-electric-skateboards