The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced the recall of two electric scooters due to significant safety concerns. These recalls were issued after numerous incidents resulted in injuries, ranging from fractured teeth to dislocated shoulders. The manufacturers, DGL Group and Razor USA LLC, are offering refunds to affected customers.
The Hover-1 Dynamo E-Scooter Recall
The Hover-1 Dynamo e-scooter, sold exclusively on Walmart.com, has been recalled by its manufacturer, DGL Group. The recall affects approximately 4,200 units. The primary issue is brake failure, which poses a serious crash hazard. DGL Group has received 22 reports of brake failure, resulting in injuries that include fractured teeth, a dislocated shoulder, lacerations, abrasions, contusions, and strains.
The affected Hover-1 Dynamo scooters can be identified by serial numbers starting with “DMO-BLK-WY-2109-21729” followed by four numbers or letters, found on the underside of the scooter. The scooters are matte black with reflective lights on the front and back of the stand board.
Consumers are advised to stop using the scooter immediately and contact DGL Group via the Hover-1 website or by calling 888-556-8426, Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET, to obtain a refund.
The Razor Icon E-Scooter Recall
Razor USA LLC has recalled about 7,300 Icon e-scooters sold between September 2022 and March 2023. The recall was issued due to the potential for the downtube to separate from the floorboard during use, posing a significant fall hazard. Razor has reported 34 incidents related to this defect, two of which resulted in injuries.
This recall involves several models and serial numbers:
- Model Nos. 13110003, 13110005, 13110040, and 13110042 with serial numbers starting with 31EK30-01 or 31EK30-02.
- Model Nos. 13110060 and 13110061 with serial numbers starting with 31EK60-01.
- Model Nos. 13110062 and 13110063 with serial numbers starting with 31EK90-01.
- Model No. 13110084 with serial numbers starting with 31EK10-01.
Customers who purchased the scooter on or after March 11, 2023, can receive a full refund with proof of purchase. Those who bought the scooter before this date have the option of a $300 refund or a $700 coupon for Razor’s website. To initiate the refund process or for more information, contact Razor online or call 866-467-2967, Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.
How People Are Harmed and Injured by These Products
Electric scooters like the Hover-1 Dynamo and Razor Icon are popular for their convenience and eco-friendliness. However, defects in their design can lead to severe injuries. In the case of the Hover-1 Dynamo, brake failure can cause sudden stops or crashes, leading to serious injuries such as broken teeth, dislocations, and cuts. For the Razor Icon, the separation of the downtube from the floorboard during use can result in falls, causing potential head injuries, fractures, and other bodily harm.
Victims of these defective products may face significant medical expenses, lost wages due to missed work, and prolonged physical and emotional suffering. In such cases, filing a lawsuit to seek damages can be a necessary step to cover these unexpected costs and hold the manufacturers accountable.
Filing a Lawsuit and the Importance of Legal Representation
Victims of injuries caused by defective products like the Hover-1 Dynamo and Razor Icon scooters have the right to seek compensation through a product liability lawsuit. The process typically starts with consulting a qualified attorney who can evaluate the case. The attorney will gather evidence, including medical records, accident reports, and witness testimonies, to build a strong case.
The legal process involves several steps:
- Initial Consultation: Discussing the details of the case with an attorney.
- Investigation: Collecting evidence to support the claim.
- Filing the Complaint: Officially starting the lawsuit by filing legal documents.
- Discovery: Both parties exchange information and evidence.
- Negotiation and Settlement: Attempting to reach an out-of-court settlement.
- Trial: If a settlement isn’t reached, presenting the case in court.
An experienced attorney is crucial at each step to ensure the victim’s rights are protected and to maximize the compensation. Attorneys handle the complex legal procedures, allowing victims to focus on recovery.
Potential Damages Recoverable
Victims can recover various types of damages in a product liability lawsuit, including:
- Medical Expenses: Costs for treatment, rehabilitation, and any ongoing medical needs.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to the inability to work.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress.
- Punitive Damages: In some cases, additional compensation to punish the manufacturer for negligence.