Future Motion: Difference between revisions
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{{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== | ||
{{Incomplete section}} | |||
===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> | |||
===Business model=== | |||
===Market control=== | |||
==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=== | |||
====Hardware 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 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250708192829/https://www.facebook.com/groups/900823147225858/posts/978467216128117 Archived])</ref> | |||
*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/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250708192813/https://www.facebook.com/groups/onewheelownersgroup/posts/2981015408853676/ Archived])</ref> | |||
**Custom 5-point security pentalobe enclosure screws | |||
**Proprietary Ribe 8/Torx Plus 45 hub bolts on GT models | |||
====Software restrictions==== | |||
*Removed diagnostic capabilities from official app: | |||
**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 | |||
**Removed battery capacity and regeneration data | |||
**Eliminated board orientation angle readings | |||
====Service restrictions==== | |||
[[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> | |||
*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 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250708192815/https://www.facebook.com/groups/537477343058935/posts/1943847089088613 Archived])</ref> | |||
====Retailer restrictions==== | |||
[[File:FutureMotion service center email 2017.png|right|thumb|Retailer restrictions point #2 example]] | |||
Future Motion imposes strict controls on authorized retailers: | |||
*Prohibited from selling non-FM accessories | |||
*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 | |||
*Banned from online sales | |||
===Legal actions against third parties=== | |||
====Lawsuits and cease-and-desist orders==== | |||
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/ ([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 | |||
*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 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250823033317/https://github.com/ponewheel/android-ponewheel/issues/86 Archived])</ref> | |||
===Quality-control issues=== | |||
battery | ====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 ([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 | |||
*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> | |||
that | ===Pint X's battery design flaw=== | ||
<gallery> | |||
File:Onewheel Pint X battery design flaw 6.jpg|Onewheel Pint X battery issue, customer photo, credit https://www.pintxflaw.com/ | |||
File:Onewheel Pint X battery design flaw 5.jpg|Onewheel Pint X battery issue, customer photo, credit https://www.pintxflaw.com/ | |||
File:Onewheel Pint X battery design flaw 4.jpg|Onewheel Pint X battery issue, customer photo, credit https://www.pintxflaw.com/ | |||
File:Onewheel Pint X battery design flaw 3.jpg | |||
File:Onewheel Pint X battery design flaw 2.jpg|Onewheel Pint X battery issue, customer photo, credit https://www.pintxflaw.com/ | |||
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/ ([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 | |||
*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==== | |||
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==== | |||
<gallery> | |||
File:Future Motion response to customer 1.webp|Future Motion email to customer about Onewheel Pint X battery issue, part 1 | |||
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: | |||
*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]]<ref name="PXF" /> | |||
====Effect on customers==== | |||
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==== | |||
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" /> | |||
a | 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=== | |||
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==== | |||
Future Motion's lawsuit focused on three main claims: | |||
*[[Digital Millennium Copyright Act]] (DMCA) violations regarding circumvention of board software | |||
*[[Computer Fraud and Abuse Act]] (CFAA) allegations related to "protected systems" | |||
*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. | |||
====Effects on Customers==== | |||
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==== | |||
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==== | |||
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<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. | |||
===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 | |||
====Limitations on customer choice==== | |||
*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== | |||
*Onewheel | |||
*Onewheel+ | |||
*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> | |||
*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== | |||
{{Reflist}} | |||
[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]] | |||
[[Category:Companies]] | |||
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