Electric Wheelchairs Recalled for Potential Crash Danger

WHILL has recalled about 1,160 Personal Electric Vehicles (Model Ci Motorized Wheelchairs) because the control pad in these wheelchairs can malfunction causing the power to turn on and off and the speed to increase or decrease. According to an alert issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), this problem poses the danger of a crash and serious injuries.

Details of the Recall

So far, WHILL has received 15 reports of malfunctions, but no injuries. The recall involves WHILL Model Ci electric wheelchairs with serial numbers ranging from C_1711188_US through C_1909011_US. These recalled wheelchairs were sold online at spinlife.com, scootaround.com, accessnsm.com and topmobility.com, as well as other retailers online between November 2017 and September 2019 for about $4,500. Consumers who have these wheelchairs are urged to stop using them right away and contact WHILL at 844-699-4455 for a free replacement control pad.

The Danger of Defective Wheelchairs

People are often injured when their wheelchairs malfunction or fail. In some cases, the wheels may come off, causing the person in the wheelchair to take a fall and suffer serious injuries. In other instances, electrical shorts could cause shocks or serious electrical injuries. Overheating of the motor can lead to fires and burn injuries.

When a part of the wheelchair fails or when the wheelchairs are not properly constructed or made with substandard parts, that could cause the person in the wheelchair to fall and sustain severe injuries as well. Faulty wheelchairs have the potential to cause injuries such as head trauma, neck and back injuries, broken bones, lacerations and bruises.

Product Liability Issues

Wheelchairs are essentially devices that are used to transport the elderly or those who are disabled or unable to move around. These are individuals who are already vulnerable. Manufacturing defects in wheelchairs could put these individuals who may already be experiencing health setbacks in a dangerous situation.

If you or a loved one has been injured as the result of a defective wheelchair, please understand that you may be able to claim compensation for your injuries damages and losses by filing a product liability lawsuit. Victims may be able to seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, cost of rehabilitation, pain and suffering and emotional distress. An experienced product defect lawyer will be able to advise injured victims regarding their legal rights and options.

Source: https://dailyhornet.com/2020/electric-wheelchairs-recalled-for-crash-hazard/