Echelon fitness firmware lockout

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Echelon pushed firmware update blocking third-party apps, requiring server authentication and breaking QZ compatibility for thousands of users

A July 2025 firmware update pushed by Echelon Fitness retroactively blocked third-party fitness applications from connecting to their devices. The update affected users of QZ (qdomyos-zwift), an open-source bridging application that enables cross-platform compatibility with fitness platforms like Zwift, Peloton Digital, & others.

Background

QZ & Cross-Platform Compatibility

QZ (qdomyos-zwift) was created in September 2020 by Italian software engineer Roberto Viola. The application functions as a Bluetooth bridge that intercepts proprietary communications from closed fitness devices & translates them into standard protocols compatible with other mainstream fitness platforms.

For almost five years, QZ maintained compatibility with Echelon devices. Viola notes that the app "helped Echelon sell tens of thousands of bikes" by making them compatible with multiple training platforms. Viola also personally recommended the Echelon as the "best indoor bike on the market."

Echelon's Business Model

Echelon Fitness markets connected fitness equipment ranging from $500 entry-level models to $2,495 premium bikes. The company operates a subscription service priced between $29.99-$39.99 monthly or $399.99-$699.99 annually for access to live & on-demand fitness content.

Subscriptions from echelon's website

July 2025 Firmware Update

Server-based auth system

In July 2025, Echelon pushed a firmware update that implemented a server-based authentication system. The new system requires devices to:

• Connect to Echelon's servers during startup
• Receive a temporary, rotating unlock key for device operation
• Maintain internet connectivity for basic functionality
• Block all third-party Bluetooth communications without server validation

According to Viola's technical analysis, the update is "non-reversible" - once installed, users cannot downgrade to previous firmware versions.

Technical Implementation

The firmware creates a boot-time server handshake requirement before any functionality is enabled. Devices send authentication requests to Echelon servers, which respond with rotating unlock keys. Without successful validation, devices become completely non-functional, including for basic manual workouts.

The system specifically targets third-party apps through Bluetooth access control that only activates after server authentication. This hardware-level lockout cannot be bypassed through software means, effectively transforming ownership into a subscription-based permission model.

Impact on Third-Party Applications

The firmware update completely blocks QZ & similar third-party applications from communicating with Echelon devices. This affects not only advanced features like automatic resistance control, but also prevents basic manual workouts without internet connectivity & server approval.

Marketing vs. Reality

Advertised Compatibility

Echelon's official marketing materials explicitly promoted third-party compatibility. Their FAQ states devices were designed to give users "the flexibility to use your favorite devices" & specifically mentions "third party apps you can use as well."

FitOS Platform Contradiction

Echelon's FitOS platform, introduced for screened equipment, actually expanded third-party app access to include Netflix, Disney+, & other entertainment apps. This contradicts the simultaneous restriction of core fitness functionality through firmware updates.

Lack of Official Communication

No official Echelon press release, statement, or justification for the July 2025 blocking appears to be present. The company's Terms of Service reserves broad rights to "modify the Services" without specific disclosure about functionality restrictions.

Consumer Impact

Financial Losses

Users who purchased Echelon devices specifically for third-party compatibility are affected:

• Hardware investments ranging from $500 to $2,495 for devices
• Subscription costs of $29.99-$39.99 monthly to regain functionality
• Loss of free or alternative platform access previously enabled by QZ

One affected UK user commented:

"This is infuriating. I paid £1,199 for a bike in 2020, & a further £399 for 2 years of classes, so surely what I choose to do with the hardware I purchased outright is none of their business!"

Elimination of Offline Functionality

The update removes all offline workout capabilities, requiring constant internet connectivity for any device operation. Users report being unable to perform basic manual workouts without server validation.

Legal Precedents

iFIT Class Action Settlement

The Balfour et al. v. iFIT Health & Fitness, Inc. case (2023-2024) gives us some directly relevant precedent. mandatory software updates rendered fitness equipment touchscreens "totally inoperable," resulting in a settlement providing free repairs, refunds, & discount coupons.

HP Printer Firmware Cases

Multiple HP settlements ($1.5 million in 2019, additional settlement in 2025) established precedent for challenging manufacturers who use firmware to block third-party compatibility, based on Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act violations.

FTC Policy on Repair Restrictions

The FTC unanimously adopted a policy statement in July 2021 to "ramp up law enforcement against illegal repair restrictions," with subsequent enforcement actions against manufacturers for warranty language restricting third-party repairs.

Consumer Recourse

Immediate Actions

Roberto Viola recommends affected users:

• avoid all firmware updates & disable automatic updates
• delete Echelon app to prevent forced updates
• make sure tablets can't access internet independently
• document current functionality for potential claims

External Links

• Roberto Viola's detailed technical analysis
• QZ (qdomyos-zwift) GitHub repository
• GitHub Issue #1752 - Echelon connection problems
• iFIT Class Action Settlement Information
• Consumer Rights Wiki main page