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= Future Motion's Anti-Consumer Practices =
{{InfoboxCompany
| Name = Future Motion Inc.
| Type = Private
| Founded = 2013
| Industry = Electric vehicle
| Official Website = https://futuremotion.com/
| Logo = FutureMotionInc.png
}}
[[Future Motion|Future Motion Inc.]] is a self-balancing electric skateboard manufacturer founded in 2013 by Kyle Doerksen.<ref name="about">https://onewheel.com/pages/about-us</ref> Development of the [[wikipedia:Onewheel|Onewheel]] was funded through Kickstarter in 2014,<ref>https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/4422853/onewheel-the-self-balancing-electric-skateboard</ref> and Future Motion has since implemented a number of practices which have been accused of being anti-consumer.{{Citation needed}}


== Background ==
==Consumer-impact summary==
Future Motion, founded in 2013, manufacturers the Onewheel self-balancing electric skateboard. They brought the product to life via Kickstarter in 2014<ref>https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/4422853/onewheel-the-self-balancing-electric-skateboard</ref>; and since have implemented restrictive anti-consumer practices that cut against right to repair & ownership
====Freedom====
====Privacy====
In 2021, Future Motion accidentally shared a list of customer information with a customer, which included full names and home addresses.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/onewheel-sent-thousands-of-customers-private-data-to-random-customer/|title=Onewheel Sent Thousands of Customers’ Private Data to Random Customer|first=Lorenzo|last=Franceschi-Bicchierai|work=Vice|date=2021-06-10|access-date=2025-03-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250320200937/https://www.vice.com/en/article/onewheel-sent-thousands-of-customers-private-data-to-random-customer/|archive-date=2025-03-20|url-status=live}}</ref>


== Anti-Repair Measures ==
====Business model====
====Market control====


=== Hardware Restrictions ===
==Incidents==
 
===Restrictions===
====Hardware restrictions====
Future Motion has implemented several hardware-based repair restrictions:
Future Motion has implemented several hardware-based repair restrictions:


* The Onewheel GT features a "bricking" mechanism that disables the device if the battery is disconnected<ref>https://www.facebook.com/groups/900823147225858/posts/978467216128117</ref>
*The Onewheel GT features a "bricking" mechanism that disables the device if the battery is disconnected<ref>https://www.facebook.com/groups/900823147225858/posts/978467216128117</ref>
* Custom fasteners designed that make repair more difficult:
*Custom fasteners designed that make repair more difficult:
** Bespoke bolts on the Pint model prone to stripping<ref>https://www.facebook.com/groups/onewheelownersgroup/posts/2981015408853676/</ref>
**Bespoke bolts on the Pint model prone to stripping<ref>https://www.facebook.com/groups/onewheelownersgroup/posts/2981015408853676/</ref>
** Custom 5-point security pentalobe enclosure screws
**Custom 5-point security pentalobe enclosure screws
** Proprietary Ribe 8/Torx Plus 45 hub bolts on GT models
**Proprietary Ribe 8/Torx Plus 45 hub bolts on GT models


=== Software Restrictions ===
====Software restrictions====
* Removed diagnostic capabilities from official app:
*Removed diagnostic capabilities from official app:
** Battery cell voltage readings removed in v2.0.18<ref>https://www.facebook.com/groups/537477343058935/posts/1080100488796615/</ref>
**Battery cell voltage readings removed in v2.0.18<ref>https://www.facebook.com/groups/537477343058935/posts/1080100488796615/</ref>
** Encrypted diagnostic data to prevent third-party apps from accessing information
**Encrypted diagnostic data to prevent third-party apps from accessing information
** Removed battery capacity and regeneration data
**Removed battery capacity and regeneration data
** Eliminated board orientation angle readings
**Eliminated board orientation angle readings


=== Service Restrictions ===
====Service restrictions====
* Refuses to service boards with any missing internal components, even if unrelated to repair need<ref>https://i.imgur.com/LtnuP3D.png</ref>
[[File:FutureMotion Lost Motor Email 2022.png|right|thumb|Service restrictions point #1 example]]
* No longer services older models like V1 or Plus, contrary to public claims<ref>https://www.facebook.com/groups/537477343058935/posts/2034357400037581/</ref>
*Refuses to service boards with any missing internal components, even if unrelated to repair need<ref>https://i.imgur.com/LtnuP3D.png</ref>
* Documented cases of removing third-party accessories during service without permission<ref>https://www.facebook.com/groups/537477343058935/posts/1943847089088613</ref>
*No longer services older models like V1 or Plus, contrary to public claims<ref>https://www.facebook.com/groups/537477343058935/posts/2034357400037581/</ref>
*Documented cases of removing third-party accessories during service without permission<ref>https://www.facebook.com/groups/537477343058935/posts/1943847089088613</ref>


== Legal Actions Against Third Parties ==
====Retailer restrictions====
[[File:FutureMotion Service Center Email 2017.png|right|thumb|Retailer restrictions point #2 example]]
Future Motion imposes strict controls on authorized retailers:


=== Lawsuits &  Cease & Desist Orders ===
*Prohibited from selling non-FM accessories
Future Motion has taken aggressive legal action against:
*Cannot perform any board service<ref>https://imgur.com/AmAGu6k</ref>
*Must cover costs of OEM repairs for factory-defective inventory
*Banned from online sales


* JW Batteries - Sued over battery modification solutions<ref>https://fallman.tech/jw-batteries-sued-by-future-motion/</ref>
===Legal actions against third parties===
* The Float Life - Cease & desist over fender design
* Land-Surf - Cease & desist regarding bumper designs
* OneWave App - DMCA takedown of third-party diagnostic app<ref>https://github.com/ponewheel/android-ponewheel/issues/86#issuecomment-459901546</ref>


=== Retailer Restrictions ===
====Lawsuits and cease-and-desist orders====
Future Motion imposes strict controls on authorized retailers:
Future Motion has taken aggressive legal action against:


* Prohibited from selling non-FM accessories
*JW Batteries: Sued over battery modification solutions<ref>https://fallman.tech/jw-batteries-sued-by-future-motion/</ref>
* Cannot perform any board service<ref>https://imgur.com/AmAGu6k</ref>
*The Float Life: Cease-and-desist over fender design
* Must cover costs of OEM repairs for factory-defective inventory
*Land-Surf: Cease-and-desist regarding bumper designs
* Banned from online sales
*OneWave App: [[DMCA]] takedown of third-party diagnostic app<ref>https://github.com/ponewheel/android-ponewheel/issues/86#issuecomment-459901546</ref>


== Quality Control Issues ==


=== Battery Concerns ===
===Quality-control issues===
* Used lower quality Samsung 30Q cells in 2018 4208 XR models
* Reintroduced these less reliable cells in 2021 Black Friday models<ref>https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Pnx9ACQ4fUvMoxl50AGAwsqAA-tIwwCq/view</ref>
* Removed ability to monitor individual cell voltages, making montioring battery health impossible
* Covered battery packs in foam to prevent visual inspection<ref>https://drive.google.com/file/d/19vcdlJElyif1Z_W55xWMeV68mavA3Wtn/view</ref>


== Pint X Battery Design Flaw ==
====Battery concerns====
*Used lower-quality Samsung 30Q cells in 2018 4208 XR models
*Reintroduced these less reliable cells in 2021 Black Friday models<ref>https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Pnx9ACQ4fUvMoxl50AGAwsqAA-tIwwCq/view</ref>
*Removed ability to monitor individual cell voltages, making montioring battery health impossible
*Covered battery packs in foam to prevent visual inspection<ref>https://drive.google.com/file/d/19vcdlJElyif1Z_W55xWMeV68mavA3Wtn/view</ref>


=== Overview ===
===Pint X's battery design flaw===
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Screenshot 20230701-012831 Firefox.jpg|Onewheel Pint X battery issue, customer photo, credit https://www.pintxflaw.com/
File:Screenshot 20230701-012831 Firefox.jpg|Onewheel Pint X battery issue, customer photo, credit https://www.pintxflaw.com/
Line 63: Line 78:
File:20230622 133030.jpg|Onewheel Pint X battery issue, customer photo, credit https://www.pintxflaw.com/
File:20230622 133030.jpg|Onewheel Pint X battery issue, customer photo, credit https://www.pintxflaw.com/
File:Screenshot 20230622-125623 Discord-498x1024.jpg|Onewheel Pint X battery issue, customer photo, credit https://www.pintxflaw.com/
File:Screenshot 20230622-125623 Discord-498x1024.jpg|Onewheel Pint X battery issue, customer photo, credit https://www.pintxflaw.com/
</gallery>In 2022, a dangerous design flaw was found in the Onewheel Pint X model affecting all units produced before June 2023. The flaw involves an improper battery box design that causes wiring to chafe against the battery balancing & thermistor wiring<ref>https://www.pintxflaw.com/</ref>. Over time & depending on riding conditions, this can lead to:
</gallery>In 2022, a dangerous design flaw was found in the Onewheel Pint X model, affecting all units produced before June 2023. The flaw involves an improper battery-box design that causes wiring to chafe against the battery-balancing and thermistor wiring<ref name="PXF">https://www.pintxflaw.com/</ref>. Over time and depending on riding conditions, this can lead to:


* Shredded wire insulation
*Shredded wire insulation
* Flattened wires  
*Flattened wires
* Complete wire breaking
*Complete wire breaking
* Risk of fire hazard
*Risk of fire hazard
* Sudden board shutdown while riding
*Sudden board shutdown while riding


The issue affects the XT60 power feed's negative wire, which can break & cause loss of power while riding.
The issue affects the XT60 power feed's negative wire, which can break and cause loss of power while riding.


=== Safety Implications ===
====Safety implications====
Future Motion claimed their Battery Management System (BMS) could detect these errors & initiate "extreme pushback" as a safety measure. However, this claim is technically impossible when wires are physically disconnected or shorting<ref>https://www.pintxflaw.com/</ref>. A device cannot stay powered on to do anything - including extreme pushback - when the positive and negative terminals of its main power source are shorted together  
Future Motion claimed its Battery Management System (BMS) could detect these errors and initiate "extreme pushback" as a safety measure. This claim, however, is technically impossible when wires are physically disconnected or shorting.<ref name="PXF" /> A device cannot stay powered on to do anything, including extreme pushback, when the positive and negative terminals of its main power source are shorted together.


=== Future Motion's Response ===
====Future Motion's response====
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Update-2024-pint-x-battery-balance-leads-pinched-fm-denies-v0-68bx09ah37wd1-709x1536.webp|Future Motion email to customer about Onewheel Pint X Battery issue, part 1
File:Update-2024-pint-x-battery-balance-leads-pinched-fm-denies-v0-68bx09ah37wd1-709x1536.webp|Future Motion email to customer about Onewheel Pint X battery issue, part 1
File:Update-2024-pint-x-battery-balance-leads-pinched-fm-denies-v0-r8wbovi9j7wd1-691x1536.webp|Future Motion email to customer about Onewheel Pint X Battery issue, part 2
File:Update-2024-pint-x-battery-balance-leads-pinched-fm-denies-v0-r8wbovi9j7wd1-691x1536.webp|Future Motion email to customer about Onewheel Pint X battery issue, part 2
</gallery>The company's handling of this problem shows several concerning practices:
</gallery>The company's handling of this problem shows several concerning practices:


* Initially offered to repair affected boards under warranty (June 2023)
*Initially offered to repair affected boards under warranty (June 2023)
* Later reversed position, requiring customers to pay full replacement costs (October 2024)
*Later reversed position, requiring customers to pay full replacement costs (October 2024)
* Refused warranty coverage if customers had inspected their boards
*Refused warranty coverage if customers had inspected their boards
* Failed to issue a recall for pre-June 2023 boards despite ongoing issues
*Failed to issue a recall for pre-June 2023 boards despite ongoing issues
* Used warranty void stickers to discourage inspection, potentially violating the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act<ref>https://www.pintxflaw.com/</ref>
*Used warranty void stickers to discourage inspection, potentially violating the [[Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act]]<ref name="PXF" />


=== How this affects customers ===
====Effect on customers====
This issue further exemplified Future Motion's commitment to anti-consumer practices:
This issue further exemplified Future Motion's commitment to anti-consumer practices:
* Denying warranty coverage for user inspection of safety issues
*Denying warranty coverage for user inspection of safety issues
* Lack of transparency about known defects
*Lack of transparency about known defects
* Shifting repair costs to consumers for manufacturer defects
*Shifting repair costs to consumers for manufacturer defects
* Using warranty terms to discourage safety inspections
*Using warranty terms to discourage safety inspections
* Failing to take proactive safety measures
*Failing to take proactive safety measures


=== Legal Implications ===
====Legal implications====
The company's warranty practices potentially violate the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which stipulates that a warranty cannot be voided by consumer actions unrelated to the product fault. Simply inspecting the battery does not cause wire chafing or damage<ref>https://www.pintxflaw.com/</ref>.
The company's warranty practices potentially violate the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which stipulates that a warranty cannot be voided by consumer actions unrelated to the product fault. Simply inspecting the battery does not cause wire chafing or damage<ref name="PXF" />.


This situation represents an example of a manufacturer:
This situation represents an example of a manufacturer:
* Prioritizing liability protection over consumer safety
*Prioritizing liability protection over consumer safety
* Using warranty terms to discourage safety inspections
*Using warranty terms to discourage safety inspections
* Failing to properly address known design defects
*Failing to properly address known design defects
* Shifting costs of manufacturer defects to consumers
*Shifting costs of manufacturer defects to consumers


== JW Batteries Lawsuit ==
===Lawsuit against JW Batteries===
In 2021, Future Motion filed a lawsuit against JW Batteries LLC, a small business offering aftermarket battery options for Onewheel products. This case represents an example of Future Motion's legal tactics against third-party repair and modification services<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/onewheel/comments/pyxob7/a_word_from_our_friends_at_jw_batteries_in/</ref>.


=== Background ===
====Legal Claims====
In 2021, Future Motion filed a lawsuit against JW Batteries LLC, a small business offering aftermarket battery options for Onewheel products. This case represents an example of Future Motion's legal tactics against third-party repair & modification services<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/onewheel/comments/pyxob7/a_word_from_our_friends_at_jw_batteries_in/</ref>.
 
=== Legal Claims ===
Future Motion's lawsuit focused on three main claims:
Future Motion's lawsuit focused on three main claims:


* Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) violations regarding circumvention of board software
*[[Digital Millennium Copyright Act]] (DMCA) violations regarding circumvention of board software
* Computer Fraud & Abuse allegations related to "protected systems"
*[[Computer Fraud and Abuse Act]] (CFAA) allegations related to "protected systems"
* Trademark infringement regarding the use of "XR" branding on aftermarket products
*Trademark infringement regarding the use of "XR" branding on aftermarket products


The lawsuit specifically targeted JW Batteries' JWFFM chip, which allowed users to bypass Future Motion's software restrictions on battery modifications.
The lawsuit specifically targeted JW Batteries' JWFFM chip, which allowed users to bypass Future Motion's software restrictions on battery modifications.


=== Effects on Customers ===
====Effects on Customers====
This legal action had several effects on the Onewheel community:
This legal action has had several effects on the Onewheel community:


* Reduced availability of third-party repair options
*Reduced availability of third-party repair options
* Increased consumer costs for repairs & modifications
*Increased consumer costs for repairs and modifications
* Created a chilling effect on other aftermarket manufacturers that they too could be subject to expensive legal proceedings
*Created a [[chilling effect]] on other aftermarket manufacturers that they too could be subject to expensive legal proceedings
* Generated community backlash against Future Motion's practices & products
*Generated community backlash against Future Motion's practices and products


=== Legal Implications ===
====Legal implications====
This case highlights aspects of modern consumer rights:
This case highlights aspects of modern consumer rights:


* Use of DMCA to prevent physical product modifications  
*Use of DMCA to prevent physical product modifications
* Assertion of continued control over sold products through software locks; you bought it, but Future Motion dictates how you can use it.
*Assertion of continued control over sold products through software locks: you bought it, but Future Motion dictates how you can use it.
* Legal pressure against small businesses providing alternative repair methods
*Legal pressure against small businesses providing alternative repair methods


=== Response ===
====Response====
JW Batteries issued a public statement defending consumer rights:
JW Batteries issued a public statement defending consumer rights:
* JW emphasized consumers' right to modify items they bought & paid for
*JW emphasized consumers' right to modify items they bought and paid for
* Refused to be "bullied into submission" by Future Motion
*Refused to be "bullied into submission" by Future Motion
* Intended to find legal counsel to fight the claims
*Intended to find legal counsel to fight the claims
* Received lots of community support<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/onewheel/comments/pyxob7/a_word_from_our_friends_at_jw_batteries_in/</ref>
*Received lots of community support<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/onewheel/comments/pyxob7/a_word_from_our_friends_at_jw_batteries_in/</ref>
 
This lawsuit follows a theme of manufacturers using legal action to assert control over products after the sale, & prevent third-party repairs or modifications, even when such modifications may benefit consumers. The case shows the modern trend of using software-based restrictions & intellectual property law to limit consumer rights that traditionally existed for physical products.


== Negative Impacts on customers  ==
This lawsuit follows a theme of manufacturers using legal action to assert control over products after the sale, and prevent third-party repairs or modifications, even when such modifications may benefit consumers. The case shows the modern trend of using software-based restrictions and [[Intellectual property|intellectual-property]] law to limit consumer rights that traditionally existed for physical products.


===Negative impacts on customers===
====Lack of documentation====
*No release notes for firmware updates
*No technical documentation beyond basic user manual
*No communication about known issues or safety concerns
*Forces community to rely on trial and error for troubleshooting


=== Lack of Documentation ===
====Limitations on customer choice====
* No release notes for firmware updates
*Cannot repair boards independently for many issues
* No technical documentation beyond basic user manual
*Forced dependency on manufacturer for basic maintenance
* No communication about known issues or safety concerns
*Risk of permanent device disablement from basic repairs
* Forces community to rely on trial & error for troubleshooting
*International customers face high shipping costs and delays for repairs that could be performed locally


=== Customer Choice Limitations ===
==Products==
* Can't repair boards independently for many issues
*Onewheel
* Forced dependency on manufacturer for basic maintenance
*Onewheel+
* Risk of permanent device disablement from basic repairs
*Onewheel+ XR (2018)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wired.com/review/review-onewheel-xr/|first=Adrienne|last=So|title=Review: Onewheel+ XR|work=Wired|date=2018-10-05|access-date=2025-03-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181005144521/https://www.wired.com/review/review-onewheel-xr/|archive-date=2018-10-05|url-status=live}}</ref>
* International customers face high shipping costs & delays for repairs that could be performed locally
*Onewheel Pint (2019)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://onewheel.com/pages/pint|title=Onewheel Pint|work=Onewheel.com|access-date=2025-03-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231216194121/https://onewheel.com/pages/pint|archive-date=2023-12-16|url-status=live}}</ref>
*Onewheel Pint X (2021)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://onewheel.com/pages/onewheel-pint-x|title=Onewheel Pint X|work=Onewheel.com|access-date=2025-03-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231216194334/https://onewheel.com/pages/onewheel-pint-x|archive-date=2023-12-16|url-status=live}}</ref>
*Onewheel GT (2021)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://onewheel.com/pages/onewheel-gt|title=Onewheel GT|work=Onewheel.com|access-date=2025-03-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231216194121/https://onewheel.com/pages/onewheel-gt|archive-date=2023-12-16|url-status=live}}</ref>
*Onewheel GT S-Series (2023)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://onewheel.com/pages/onewheel-gt-s-series|title=Onewheel GT S-Series|work=Onewheel.com|access-date=2025-03-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231027190434/https://onewheel.com/pages/onewheel-gt-s-series|archive-date=2023-10-27|url-status=live}}</ref>
*Onewheel Pint S (2024)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://onewheel.com/pages/onewheel-pint-s|title=Onewheel Pint S|work=Onewheel.com|access-date=2025-03-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240906205015/https://onewheel.com/pages/onewheel-pint-s|archive-date=2024-09-06|url-status=live}}</ref>
*Onewheel XR Classic (2024)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://onewheel.com/pages/onewheel-xr-classic|title=Onewheel XR Classic|work=Onewheel.com|access-date=2025-03-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241108034423/https://onewheel.com/pages/onewheel-xr-classic|archive-date=2024-11-08|url-status=live}}</ref>


== References ==
==References==
<references/>
<references />


[[Category:Right to Repair]]
[[Category:Right to repair]]
[[Category:Consumer Electronics]]
[[Category:Future Motion]]
[[Category:Anti-Consumer Practices]]

Latest revision as of 00:45, 21 March 2025

Future Motion
Basic information
Founded 2013
Type Private
Industry Electric vehicle
Official website https://futuremotion.com/

Future Motion Inc. is a self-balancing electric skateboard manufacturer founded in 2013 by Kyle Doerksen.[1] Development of the Onewheel was funded through Kickstarter in 2014,[2] and Future Motion has since implemented a number of practices which have been accused of being anti-consumer.[citation needed]

Consumer-impact summary[edit | edit source]

Freedom[edit | edit source]

Privacy[edit | edit source]

In 2021, Future Motion accidentally shared a list of customer information with a customer, which included full names and home addresses.[3]

Business model[edit | edit source]

Market control[edit | edit source]

Incidents[edit | edit source]

Restrictions[edit | edit source]

Hardware restrictions[edit | edit source]

Future Motion has implemented several hardware-based repair restrictions:

  • The Onewheel GT features a "bricking" mechanism that disables the device if the battery is disconnected[4]
  • Custom fasteners designed that make repair more difficult:
    • Bespoke bolts on the Pint model prone to stripping[5]
    • Custom 5-point security pentalobe enclosure screws
    • Proprietary Ribe 8/Torx Plus 45 hub bolts on GT models

Software restrictions[edit | edit source]

  • Removed diagnostic capabilities from official app:
    • Battery cell voltage readings removed in v2.0.18[6]
    • Encrypted diagnostic data to prevent third-party apps from accessing information
    • Removed battery capacity and regeneration data
    • Eliminated board orientation angle readings

Service restrictions[edit | edit source]

Service restrictions point #1 example
  • Refuses to service boards with any missing internal components, even if unrelated to repair need[7]
  • No longer services older models like V1 or Plus, contrary to public claims[8]
  • Documented cases of removing third-party accessories during service without permission[9]

Retailer restrictions[edit | edit source]

Retailer restrictions point #2 example

Future Motion imposes strict controls on authorized retailers:

  • Prohibited from selling non-FM accessories
  • Cannot perform any board service[10]
  • Must cover costs of OEM repairs for factory-defective inventory
  • Banned from online sales

Legal actions against third parties[edit | edit source]

Lawsuits and cease-and-desist orders[edit | edit source]

Future Motion has taken aggressive legal action against:

  • JW Batteries: Sued over battery modification solutions[11]
  • The Float Life: Cease-and-desist over fender design
  • Land-Surf: Cease-and-desist regarding bumper designs
  • OneWave App: DMCA takedown of third-party diagnostic app[12]


Quality-control issues[edit | edit source]

Battery concerns[edit | edit source]

  • Used lower-quality Samsung 30Q cells in 2018 4208 XR models
  • Reintroduced these less reliable cells in 2021 Black Friday models[13]
  • Removed ability to monitor individual cell voltages, making montioring battery health impossible
  • Covered battery packs in foam to prevent visual inspection[14]

Pint X's battery design flaw[edit | edit source]

In 2022, a dangerous design flaw was found in the Onewheel Pint X model, affecting all units produced before June 2023. The flaw involves an improper battery-box design that causes wiring to chafe against the battery-balancing and thermistor wiring[15]. Over time and depending on riding conditions, this can lead to:

  • Shredded wire insulation
  • Flattened wires
  • Complete wire breaking
  • Risk of fire hazard
  • Sudden board shutdown while riding

The issue affects the XT60 power feed's negative wire, which can break and cause loss of power while riding.

Safety implications[edit | edit source]

Future Motion claimed its Battery Management System (BMS) could detect these errors and initiate "extreme pushback" as a safety measure. This claim, however, is technically impossible when wires are physically disconnected or shorting.[15] A device cannot stay powered on to do anything, including extreme pushback, when the positive and negative terminals of its main power source are shorted together.

Future Motion's response[edit | edit source]

  • Future Motion email to customer about Onewheel Pint X battery issue, part 1
    Future Motion email to customer about Onewheel Pint X battery issue, part 1
  • Future Motion email to customer about Onewheel Pint X battery issue, part 2
    Future Motion email to customer about Onewheel Pint X battery issue, part 2

The company's handling of this problem shows several concerning practices:

  • Initially offered to repair affected boards under warranty (June 2023)
  • Later reversed position, requiring customers to pay full replacement costs (October 2024)
  • Refused warranty coverage if customers had inspected their boards
  • Failed to issue a recall for pre-June 2023 boards despite ongoing issues
  • Used warranty void stickers to discourage inspection, potentially violating the Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act[15]

Effect on customers[edit | edit source]

This issue further exemplified Future Motion's commitment to anti-consumer practices:

  • Denying warranty coverage for user inspection of safety issues
  • Lack of transparency about known defects
  • Shifting repair costs to consumers for manufacturer defects
  • Using warranty terms to discourage safety inspections
  • Failing to take proactive safety measures

Legal implications[edit | edit source]

The company's warranty practices potentially violate the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which stipulates that a warranty cannot be voided by consumer actions unrelated to the product fault. Simply inspecting the battery does not cause wire chafing or damage[15].

This situation represents an example of a manufacturer:

  • Prioritizing liability protection over consumer safety
  • Using warranty terms to discourage safety inspections
  • Failing to properly address known design defects
  • Shifting costs of manufacturer defects to consumers

Lawsuit against JW Batteries[edit | edit source]

In 2021, Future Motion filed a lawsuit against JW Batteries LLC, a small business offering aftermarket battery options for Onewheel products. This case represents an example of Future Motion's legal tactics against third-party repair and modification services[16].

Legal Claims[edit | edit source]

Future Motion's lawsuit focused on three main claims:

The lawsuit specifically targeted JW Batteries' JWFFM chip, which allowed users to bypass Future Motion's software restrictions on battery modifications.

Effects on Customers[edit | edit source]

This legal action has had several effects on the Onewheel community:

  • Reduced availability of third-party repair options
  • Increased consumer costs for repairs and modifications
  • Created a chilling effect on other aftermarket manufacturers that they too could be subject to expensive legal proceedings
  • Generated community backlash against Future Motion's practices and products

Legal implications[edit | edit source]

This case highlights aspects of modern consumer rights:

  • Use of DMCA to prevent physical product modifications
  • Assertion of continued control over sold products through software locks: you bought it, but Future Motion dictates how you can use it.
  • Legal pressure against small businesses providing alternative repair methods

Response[edit | edit source]

JW Batteries issued a public statement defending consumer rights:

  • JW emphasized consumers' right to modify items they bought and paid for
  • Refused to be "bullied into submission" by Future Motion
  • Intended to find legal counsel to fight the claims
  • Received lots of community support[17]

This lawsuit follows a theme of manufacturers using legal action to assert control over products after the sale, and prevent third-party repairs or modifications, even when such modifications may benefit consumers. The case shows the modern trend of using software-based restrictions and intellectual-property law to limit consumer rights that traditionally existed for physical products.

Negative impacts on customers[edit | edit source]

Lack of documentation[edit | edit source]

  • No release notes for firmware updates
  • No technical documentation beyond basic user manual
  • No communication about known issues or safety concerns
  • Forces community to rely on trial and error for troubleshooting

Limitations on customer choice[edit | edit source]

  • Cannot repair boards independently for many issues
  • Forced dependency on manufacturer for basic maintenance
  • Risk of permanent device disablement from basic repairs
  • International customers face high shipping costs and delays for repairs that could be performed locally

Products[edit | edit source]

  • Onewheel
  • Onewheel+
  • Onewheel+ XR (2018)[18]
  • Onewheel Pint (2019)[19]
  • Onewheel Pint X (2021)[20]
  • Onewheel GT (2021)[21]
  • Onewheel GT S-Series (2023)[22]
  • Onewheel Pint S (2024)[23]
  • Onewheel XR Classic (2024)[24]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ https://onewheel.com/pages/about-us
  2. ↑ https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/4422853/onewheel-the-self-balancing-electric-skateboard
  3. ↑ Franceschi-Bicchierai, Lorenzo (2021-06-10). "Onewheel Sent Thousands of Customers' Private Data to Random Customer". Vice. Archived from the original on 2025-03-20. Retrieved 2025-03-20.
  4. ↑ https://www.facebook.com/groups/900823147225858/posts/978467216128117
  5. ↑ https://www.facebook.com/groups/onewheelownersgroup/posts/2981015408853676/
  6. ↑ https://www.facebook.com/groups/537477343058935/posts/1080100488796615/
  7. ↑ https://i.imgur.com/LtnuP3D.png
  8. ↑ https://www.facebook.com/groups/537477343058935/posts/2034357400037581/
  9. ↑ https://www.facebook.com/groups/537477343058935/posts/1943847089088613
  10. ↑ https://imgur.com/AmAGu6k
  11. ↑ https://fallman.tech/jw-batteries-sued-by-future-motion/
  12. ↑ https://github.com/ponewheel/android-ponewheel/issues/86#issuecomment-459901546
  13. ↑ https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Pnx9ACQ4fUvMoxl50AGAwsqAA-tIwwCq/view
  14. ↑ https://drive.google.com/file/d/19vcdlJElyif1Z_W55xWMeV68mavA3Wtn/view
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 https://www.pintxflaw.com/
  16. ↑ https://www.reddit.com/r/onewheel/comments/pyxob7/a_word_from_our_friends_at_jw_batteries_in/
  17. ↑ https://www.reddit.com/r/onewheel/comments/pyxob7/a_word_from_our_friends_at_jw_batteries_in/
  18. ↑ So, Adrienne (2018-10-05). "Review: Onewheel+ XR". Wired. Archived from the original on 2018-10-05. Retrieved 2025-03-20.
  19. ↑ "Onewheel Pint". Onewheel.com. Archived from the original on 2023-12-16. Retrieved 2025-03-20.
  20. ↑ "Onewheel Pint X". Onewheel.com. Archived from the original on 2023-12-16. Retrieved 2025-03-20.
  21. ↑ "Onewheel GT". Onewheel.com. Archived from the original on 2023-12-16. Retrieved 2025-03-20.
  22. ↑ "Onewheel GT S-Series". Onewheel.com. Archived from the original on 2023-10-27. Retrieved 2025-03-20.
  23. ↑ "Onewheel Pint S". Onewheel.com. Archived from the original on 2024-09-06. Retrieved 2025-03-20.
  24. ↑ "Onewheel XR Classic". Onewheel.com. Archived from the original on 2024-11-08. Retrieved 2025-03-20.
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