Future Motion: Difference between revisions
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{{ | {{Cleanup}} | ||
| | {{CompanyCargo | ||
| | |Founded=2013 | ||
| | |Industry=Electric vehicles, Skateboards | ||
| | |Logo=Future Motion Inc logo.png | ||
|ParentCompany= | |||
| | |Type=Private | ||
|Website=https://futuremotion.com/ | |||
|Description= | |||
}} | }} | ||
'''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 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260101052007/https://onewheel.com/pages/about-us Archived])</ref> Future Motion has implemented a number of practices which have been accused of being anti-consumer.{{Citation needed}} | |||
==Consumer impact summary== | ==Consumer impact summary== | ||
{{Incomplete section}} | |||
===Freedom=== | |||
In 2021, | ===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> | |||
===Business model=== | |||
===Market control=== | |||
==Incidents== | ==Incidents== | ||
This is a list of all consumer-protection incidents this company is involved in. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|{{PAGENAME}} category]]. | |||
===Restrictions=== | ===Restrictions=== | ||
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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 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250708192829/https://www.facebook.com/groups/900823147225858/posts/978467216128117 Archived])</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/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250708192813/https://www.facebook.com/groups/onewheelownersgroup/posts/2981015408853676/ Archived])</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 | ||
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====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/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250708192812/https://www.facebook.com/groups/537477343058935/posts/1080100488796615/ Archived])</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 | ||
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====Service restrictions==== | ====Service restrictions==== | ||
[[File:FutureMotion | [[File:FutureMotion lost motor email 2022.png|right|thumb|Service restrictions point #1 example]] | ||
*Refuses to service boards with any missing internal components, even if unrelated to repair need<ref>https://i.imgur.com/LtnuP3D.png</ref> | *Refuses to service boards with any missing internal components, even if unrelated to repair need<ref>https://i.imgur.com/LtnuP3D.png</ref> | ||
*No longer services older models like V1 or Plus, contrary to public claims<ref>https://www.facebook.com/groups/537477343058935/posts/2034357400037581/</ref> | *No longer services older models like V1 or Plus, contrary to public claims<ref>https://www.facebook.com/groups/537477343058935/posts/2034357400037581/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250708192831/https://www.facebook.com/groups/537477343058935/posts/2034357400037581/ Archived])</ref> | ||
*Documented cases of removing third-party accessories during service without permission<ref>https://www.facebook.com/groups/537477343058935/posts/1943847089088613</ref> | *Documented cases of removing third-party accessories during service without permission<ref>https://www.facebook.com/groups/537477343058935/posts/1943847089088613 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250708192815/https://www.facebook.com/groups/537477343058935/posts/1943847089088613 Archived])</ref> | ||
====Retailer restrictions==== | ====Retailer restrictions==== | ||
[[File:FutureMotion | [[File:FutureMotion service center email 2017.png|right|thumb|Retailer restrictions point #2 example]] | ||
Future Motion imposes strict controls on authorized retailers: | Future Motion imposes strict controls on authorized retailers: | ||
*Prohibited from selling non-FM accessories | *Prohibited from selling non-FM accessories | ||
*Cannot perform any board service<ref>https://imgur.com/AmAGu6k</ref> | *Cannot perform any board service<ref>https://imgur.com/AmAGu6k ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250120130435/https://imgur.com/AmAGu6k Archived])</ref> | ||
*Must cover costs of OEM repairs for factory-defective inventory | *Must cover costs of OEM repairs for factory-defective inventory | ||
*Banned from online sales | *Banned from online sales | ||
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Future Motion has taken aggressive legal action against: | Future Motion has taken aggressive legal action against: | ||
*JW Batteries: Sued over battery modification solutions<ref>https://fallman.tech/jw-batteries-sued-by-future-motion/</ref> | *JW Batteries: Sued over battery modification solutions<ref>https://fallman.tech/jw-batteries-sued-by-future-motion/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250708192807/https://fallman.tech/jw-batteries-sued-by-future-motion/ Archived])</ref> | ||
*The Float Life: Cease-and-desist over fender design | *The Float Life: Cease-and-desist over fender design | ||
*Land-Surf: Cease-and-desist regarding bumper designs | *Land-Surf: Cease-and-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> | *OneWave App: [[DMCA]] takedown of third-party diagnostic app<ref>https://github.com/ponewheel/android-ponewheel/issues/86#issuecomment-459901546 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250823033317/https://github.com/ponewheel/android-ponewheel/issues/86 Archived])</ref> | ||
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====Battery concerns==== | ====Battery concerns==== | ||
*Used lower-quality Samsung 30Q cells in 2018 4208 XR models | *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> | *Reintroduced these less reliable cells in 2021 Black Friday models<ref>https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Pnx9ACQ4fUvMoxl50AGAwsqAA-tIwwCq/view ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251231100203/https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Pnx9ACQ4fUvMoxl50AGAwsqAA-tIwwCq/view Archived])</ref> | ||
*Removed ability to monitor individual cell voltages, making montioring battery health impossible | *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> | *Covered battery packs in foam to prevent visual inspection<ref>https://drive.google.com/file/d/19vcdlJElyif1Z_W55xWMeV68mavA3Wtn/view ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250708192811/https://drive.google.com/file/d/19vcdlJElyif1Z_W55xWMeV68mavA3Wtn/view Archived])</ref> | ||
===Pint X's battery design flaw=== | ===Pint X's battery design flaw=== | ||
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
File: | File:Onewheel Pint X battery design flaw 6.jpg|Onewheel Pint X battery issue, customer photo, credit https://www.pintxflaw.com/ | ||
File: | File:Onewheel Pint X battery design flaw 5.jpg|Onewheel Pint X battery issue, customer photo, credit https://www.pintxflaw.com/ | ||
File: | File:Onewheel Pint X battery design flaw 4.jpg|Onewheel Pint X battery issue, customer photo, credit https://www.pintxflaw.com/ | ||
File: | File:Onewheel Pint X battery design flaw 3.jpg | ||
File: | File:Onewheel Pint X battery design flaw 2.jpg|Onewheel Pint X battery issue, customer photo, credit https://www.pintxflaw.com/ | ||
File: | File:Onewheel Pint X battery design flaw.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 and thermistor wiring<ref name="PXF">https://www.pintxflaw.com/</ref>. Over time and 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/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251110124450/https://www.pintxflaw.com/ Archived])</ref>. Over time and depending on riding conditions, this can lead to: | ||
*Shredded wire insulation | *Shredded wire insulation | ||
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====Future Motion's response==== | ====Future Motion's response==== | ||
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
File: | File:Future Motion response to customer 1.webp|Future Motion email to customer about Onewheel Pint X battery issue, part 1 | ||
File: | File:Future Motion response to customer 2.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: | ||
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====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 name="PXF" /> | 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: | ||
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===Lawsuit against JW Batteries=== | ===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:// | 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://old.reddit.com/r/onewheel/comments/pyxob7/a_word_from_our_friends_at_jw_batteries_in/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20211001014250/https://old.reddit.com/r/onewheel/comments/pyxob7/a_word_from_our_friends_at_jw_batteries_in/ Archived])</ref> | ||
====Legal Claims==== | ====Legal Claims==== | ||
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*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/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20211001014250/https://old.reddit.com/r/onewheel/comments/pyxob7/a_word_from_our_friends_at_jw_batteries_in/ Archived])</ref> | ||
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. | 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. | ||
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==References== | ==References== | ||
{{Reflist}} | |||
[[Category: | [[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Companies]] | ||