Are Onewheel Boards Safe?

Are Onewheel Boards Safe? If you’re looking for a unique, exhilarating, and high-tech transportation device, then a onewheel board is something to consider. These trendy electric skateboards, known for having one large single tire, seem like a great option for anyone looking to update their commute or just have some fun.

But, are onewheel boards safe? After all, it does seem like a high-risk activity given the fact it is a battery-operated balance board. Not to mention the safety concerns that have previously risen from hoverboards, the two-wheeled alternative, it is no wonder you’re questioning the safety of these devices.

There are certainly some dangers associated with onewheel boards, but for the most part, it comes down to the rider to ensure their safety while riding. There are a couple of things you should understand when considering are onewheel boards safe, which we will cover in this article.

Where Are Onewheel Boards Manufactured?

We are used to most items we buy nowadays being manufactured in China; they are top of the list when it comes to product production and output. The original onewheel boards by Future Motion, on the other hand, are a product of the USA.

The Future Motion brand onewheel boards are carefully constructed by hand at their San Jose, CA warehouse. Each component is tested to ensure it complies with all relevant safety measures.

While this is good to know, it doesn’t completely eradicate all dangers which you should be aware of when riding a onewheel board.

What Are The Dangers Associated With Onewheel Boards?

Injury: The biggest and most commonly faced danger with onewheel boards is the risk of injury. As with any other form of recreational activity or exercise, such as roller skating, hoverboards, or even bicycling, there is always a chance you can fall and hurt yourself.

The most common injuries associated with onewheel boards are bruises, cuts, scrapes, and grazes. However, more serious injuries can occur. Even the most seasoned rider can fall victim to an accidental fall.

We must note that there are three known deaths following injuries caused by coming off a onewheel board. However these very serious and heartbreaking incidents occurred, one lawsuit against Future Motion states the board suddenly stopped causing the incident; it shows how serious a fall from one of these boards can be.

Speed: Onewheel boards can go very fast, some up to 20mph and beyond. This is a huge concern for some people and leads them to the question: are onewheel boards safe? This is a completely valid concern and something you should keep in mind before riding.

Pushback feature: There is a built-in feature to Future Motion’s onewheel boards, which can help ease some concerns regarding how fast these boards can go. The ‘Pushback’ feature causes the front of the board to tilt up slightly, warning you to lean back and slow down.

If you decide to ignore the pushback function and continue to ride your onewheel, pushing the limits of the board, this can cause the onewheel to stop completely. This sudden stop can cause you to take a serious nose dive, no doubt causing both you and your board injury.

Onewheel App: When purchasing a onewheel board, you also gain access to the associated app. This app has a lot of cool features that truly allow you to customize your riding experience.

While this is a great feature, it can lead to some potential dangers. Toggling the settings, without realizing what you’re doing, can be dangerous. You may put your board into a mode that could allow the board to go too fast, faster than you are capable of controlling.

You can also lower or increase the board’s responsiveness, which can cause issues when riding. This could lead to you applying too much pressure on the front or back of the board, which can cause the board to overturn.

Board Malfunctions: A Onewheel is a savvy piece of tech, but no electric device is free from flaws. There have been a few user reports where their boards have shut off without obvious reason or have sped up while in use, even if the rider was pushing for the board to slow down.

This can be very dangerous and if you feel like your board isn’t behaving how it should, you should reach out to the Onewheel customer support team for help. You can also send them the diagnostic information for your board via the onewheel app; just be sure to open a support ticket first to ensure you get a response.

Not waterproof: The onewheel is not waterproof, which could cause issues if you live somewhere prone to rain or snow. Future Motion claims the boards are “water-resistant” to a little bit of water, but a lot more could cause serious issues with your board.

Water damage could cause internal damage, leading to an unsafe riding experience.

Can You Make Riding A Onewheel Board Safer?

With all the above information in mind, you may now think you know the answer to ‘are onewheel boards safe’. It is crucial to understand the potential risks of riding a onewheel board, but there are some steps you can take to help make it safer.

• Always wear protective gear. Helmets, knee and elbow pads, and wrist guards are your best friend when it comes to riding any form of transportation device, be it onewheels or skateboards. Safety gear is non-negotiable when it comes to rider safety.
• One of the most important things is to practice. Even if you are a pro skateboarder, or have been snowboarding for years, riding a onewheel board is a skill in itself.
• Take it slowly and begin indoors until you master the basics, such as getting on/off and moving in different directions. When you feel ready, try different terrains or inclines, always start small and work your way up from there.
• Ensure you are wearing the correct footwear. Shoes with a flat sole, such as skate shoes or sneakers are perfect. Steer clear of anything with an open toe, platform, or heel as these could increase the risk of potential injury.
• Make sure your onewheel board is adequately charged to reduce any risk of the board stopping mid ride.
• Never ignore the pushback feature; it is there to keep you safe and isn’t something to turn a blind eye to.
• While you are practicing, steer clear of the more advanced settings that onewheel boards offer. These settings allow the board to go much faster, which even for experienced riders can cause issues. 
• If you feel ready to go faster, practice somewhere safe, away from roads and other people.
• Finally, be sure to have a solid stance on your board. Do not lean forward or back too much, which could cause the board to overturn. Again, practice, practice and practice some more; it could be the difference between you having a fun ride or potentially getting hurt.

Are Onewheel Boards Safe?

It is always important to remember the potential risks and dangers that come with riding these devices. By following the advice above, you can help ensure your experience while riding a onewheel is as safe as possible.

With some safety precautions in place, such as wearing protective gear, practicing before going out on more challenging terrain or inclines, and adhering to the built-in safety features of the onewheel board, you can help minimize these risks to enjoy a safer ride.

When it comes to are onewheel boards safe, the answer is, for the most part, yes! Do you think onewheel boards are safe? Have you ever had an unsafe experience riding a onewheel? Please let us know in the comments below.

Ride Hard, Ride Safe

Graham and The Board Sports Team