Future Motion: Difference between revisions

= Future Motion's Anti-Consumer Practices =

== Background ==

Future Motion, founded in 2013, manufacturers the Onewheel self-balancing electric skateboard. Development of the product was funded via Kickstarter in 2014<ref>https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/4422853/onewheel-the-self-balancing-electric-skateboard</ref>; and Future Motion have since implemented a number of practices which have been accused of being anti-consumer

== Anti-Repair Measures ==

 

=== Hardware 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>

* 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>

** 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/</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 ===

* 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>

* 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 ==

Future Motion has taken aggressive legal action against:

* OneWave App - DMCA takedown of third-party diagnostic app<ref>https://github.com/ponewheel/android-ponewheel/issues/86#issuecomment-459901546</ref>

=== Retailer Restrictions ===

Future Motion imposes strict controls on authorized retailers:

* Prohibited from selling non-FM accessories

* 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

=== Battery Concerns ===

== Pint X Battery Design Flaw ==

=== Overview ===

</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:

* 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 & cause loss of power while riding.

=== 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's Response ===

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

* 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>https://www.pintxflaw.com/</ref>

=== How this affects customers ===

* 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>https://www.pintxflaw.com/</ref>.

* 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

== JW Batteries Lawsuit ==

=== Background ===

 

=== Legal Claims ===

* Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) violations regarding circumvention of board software

* Computer Fraud & Abuse allegations related to "protected systems"

* Trademark infringement regarding the use of "XR" branding on aftermarket products

=== Effects on Customers ===

This legal action had several effects on the Onewheel community:

* Reduced availability of third-party repair options

* Increased consumer costs for repairs & 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 & products

=== Legal Implications ===

* 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 emphasized consumers' right to modify items they bought & 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/</ref>

 

=== 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 & error for troubleshooting

=== Customer Choice Limitations ===

* Can't 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 & delays for repairs that could be performed locally

== References ==

<references/>

[[Category:Right to Repair]]

[[Category:Consumer Electronics]]

[[Category:Anti-Consumer Practices]]