Jump to content

CF Moto puts previously included features behind paywall: Difference between revisions

From Consumer Rights Wiki
← Older edit
VisualWikitext
Daren Z (talk | contribs)
confirmed
1 edit
m Added a reference
No edit summary
 
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Incomplete|Issue 1=Missing some sections|Issue 2=Needs more references}}{{IncidentCargo
{{IncidentCargo
|Company=CFMoto
|Company=CFMoto
|StartDate=2025-08-16
|StartDate=2025-08-15
|Status=Active
|Status=Active
|ProductLine=Motorcycles
|ProductLine=Motorcycles
Line 7: Line 7:
|ArticleType=Product
|ArticleType=Product
|Type=Cloud lockout
|Type=Cloud lockout
|Description=CFMoto have moved to a subscription model for there CFMOTO ride app, this includes changing users for features they use to receive with their purchase
|Description=CFMoto moved to a subscription model for their CFMOTO Ride app, charging users for features they previously received with their purchase
}}
}}
The '''CFMOTO Ride App Subscription Controversy''' refers to the backlash and discussions surrounding changes to the service terms for the CFMOTO Ride mobile application, particularly the introduction of a paid subscription model for its intelligent services.<ref>{{Cite web|url= https://www.cfmoto.com/global/cfmoto-ride.html|title=CFMOTO Ride App|work=CFMOTO.com|access-date=2025-08-16}}</ref> These changes, implemented around August 2025, affected users who had purchased T-Box hardware expecting ongoing free access to features like vehicle tracking, telemetry, and diagnostics. The shift has raised concerns about lack of notice, consumer rights, and the value proposition of connected vehicle services in the powersports industry
 
'''CFMOTO''' changed the terms of service for the CFMOTO Ride mobile application by introducing a paid subscription model for its intelligent services.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cfmoto.com/global/cfmoto-ride.html|title=CFMOTO Ride App|work=CFMOTO.com|access-date=2025-08-16}}</ref> These changes, implemented on August 15, 2025, affected users who had purchased T-Box hardware expecting ongoing free access to features like vehicle tracking, telemetry, & diagnostics.  
 
==Background==
==Background==
CFMOTO, a Chinese-based manufacturer of motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility task vehicles (UTVs), and other powersports products, launched the Ride app to enhance user experience through connected features. The app integrates with the T-Box (Telematics Box), an optional or standard hardware module on select models, enabling real-time data such as location tracking, ride statistics, geofencing, over-the-air updates, and notifications for vehicle status (e.g., vibration alerts or low battery warnings).
CFMOTO, a Chinese-based manufacturer of motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility task vehicles (UTVs), and other powersports products, launched the Ride app to enhance user experience through connected features. The app integrates with the T-Box (Telematics Box), an optional or standard hardware module on select models, enabling real-time data like as location tracking, ride statistics, geofencing, over-the-air updates, & notifications for vehicle status.
Initially marketed as a free companion to T-Box-equipped vehicles, the app was positioned as a value-add for owners, with features like navigation projection onto vehicle dashboards and community services (e.g., dealer locators and brand news). The T-Box itself is sold as an accessory, with prices ranging from approximately $800 to $900 depending on the model.
By 2025, CFMOTO had expanded app functionality, including the introduction of MotoPlay (Google Navigation integration) and a migration to the RIDESYNC app for some regions.


==[Incident]==
This was initially marketed as a free companion to T-Box-equipped vehicles; the app was positioned as a value-add for owners, with features like navigation projection onto vehicle dashboards & community services. The T-Box itself is sold as an accessory, with prices ranging from approximately $800 to $900 in the US market, €570 for European retrofit kits, and £166.66 plus VAT for UK installations.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cfmoto.co.uk/cfmoto-t-box-the-smart-technology-evolving-your-riding-experience/|title=CFMOTO T-Box | Features, Benefits & Models with Connectivity|work=CFMOTO UK|access-date=2025-09-02}}</ref>
On or around August 15, 2025, CFMOTO updated the Ride app's terms to introduce a subscription-based model for "Intelligent Services." forcing users to accept the terms to maintain access to the application features.<ref>{{Cite web|url= https://www.reddit.com/r/cfmoto/comments/1mqix6v/what_why/?sort=new|title=WHAT? Why?|author=u/Smokeyrolledeyes|date=2025-08-15|work=Reddit|access-date=2025-08-16}}</ref> Key details include:


Free Period for New Users: Vehicles not bound to any app account before August 15, 2025, qualify for a 12-month complimentary intelligent service period upon initial binding. After this, users must subscribe to continue access.
The T-Box hardware includes built-in 4G cellular connectivity, GPS positioning, GPRS mobile network access, & onboard sensors capable of comprehensive vehicle monitoring. The hardware comes standard on premium models like the 800MT Explore and can be retrofitted to many CFMoto motorcycles and ATVs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://smartcarz.org/archives/23656|title=Exploring CFMoto's Revolutionary T-Box Connectivity System|work=DriveTech News|access-date=2025-09-02}}</ref>


Subscription Coverage: The paid plan includes core Ride Intelligent Services, such as tracking, telemetry, geofencing, and diagnostics, but excludes certain MMI (Man-Machine Interface) system map features. Pricing details are not publicly specified in global FAQs but are expected to vary by region and vehicle model.
By 2025, CFMOTO had expanded app functionality, including the introduction of MotoPlay (Google Navigation integration) & began transitioning from the original CFMOTO RIDE app to the newer CFMOTO RIDESYNC platform in certain regions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=cfmoto.ridesync|title=CFMOTO RIDESYNC - Apps on Google Play|work=Google Play|access-date=2025-09-02}}</ref>


Impact on Existing Users: Users with vehicles bound prior to the cutoff date reported app prompts requiring agreement to new terms, including references to upcoming paid services. In some regions like Canada, these updates explicitly mentioned the availability of paid options. It remains unclear if existing users receive any grandfathered free access or transitional benefits, leading to speculation about retroactive charges.
==Incident==
[[File:CFMOTO Ride App Notification.png|center|thumb]]
On August 15, 2025, CFMOTO updated the Ride app's terms to introduce a subscription-based model for ''"Intelligent Services,"'' requiring users to accept the new terms to maintain access to application features.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/cfmoto/comments/1mqix6v/what_why/?sort=new|title=WHAT? Why?|author=u/Smokeyrolledeyes|date=2025-08-15|work=Reddit|access-date=2025-08-16}}</ref> The implementation came with minimal advance notice to consumers, who discovered the change when previously free features suddenly required payment.
[[File:Current features now locked into Standard and Motoplay Subscriptions.png|center|thumb]]
[[File:New Zealand and Australian Pricing.png|center|frameless]]


===Subscription Structure===
The subscription model consists of two main tiers with regional price variations:<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://motorider.lt/en/page/cfmoto-ride-app|title=CFMOTO RIDE | New subscription plans and features|work=Motorider.lt|access-date=2025-09-02}}</ref>


The primary concerns raised by users include:
'''Standard Tier:''' $3.99 monthly, $9.99 quarterly, or $29.99 annually
*Real-time GPS tracking
*Ride history analytics
*Geofencing and anti-theft alerts
*Over-the-air (OTA) updates
*Remote vehicle diagnostics


Lack of Notice: Many owners claimed the subscription requirement was implemented without sufficient warning, potentially violating consumer expectations set during T-Box purchases.
'''MotoPlay Tier:''' Same pricing as Standard tier
Bait-and-Switch Perception: Purchasers of T-Box hardware (often at a premium) expected perpetual free access to app features, viewing the change as an exploitative addition of recurring costs on top of initial investments.
*Navigation integration
*Voice control
*Smartphone projection capabilities
*Available only on newer models


Data Privacy and Value: The app collects user data for services, raising questions about monetization ethics. Some users noted inconsistencies in app performance post-updates, exacerbating frustrations.
'''Bundle (Standard + MotoPlay):''' $6.99 monthly, $16.99 quarterly, or $49.90 annually


Broader Industry Implications: Critics argue this sets a precedent for subscription models in powersports, similar to automotive trends, potentially eroding trust.
===Cutoff Date and Terms===
August 14, 2025, was established as the critical cutoff date:
*Vehicles not bound to any app account before August 15, 2025, qualify for a 12-month complimentary intelligent service period upon initial binding
*Users with vehicles bound prior to the cutoff date received varying terms depending on their region
*Without an active subscription, users retain only basic Bluetooth connectivity, offline ride recording, dashboard customization, and access to dealer information<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cfmoto.com/global/cfmoto-ride/faq/cfmoto-ride-related/charging-policy/-what-features-and-services-are-included-in-the-paid-subscriptio.html|title=What features and services are included in the paid subscription?|work=CFMOTO|access-date=2025-09-02}}</ref>


[[File:CFMOTO Ride App Notification.png|center|thumb|Notification received by users about subscription changes]]
[[File:Current features now locked into Standard and Motoplay Subscriptions.png|center|thumb|Features now requiring paid subscriptions]]
[[File:New Zealand and Australian Pricing.png|center|frameless|Regional pricing differences]]


===CFMOTO's response===
==CFMOTO's response==
{{Ph-I-ComR}}
CFMOTO's parent company, Zhejiang CFMOTO Power Co. Ltd., justified the subscription model by citing ongoing 4G cellular data costs required for T-Box connectivity. The company implemented differentiated policies by region based on distributor negotiations.
[[File:Australia and New Zealand Distributor Response.png|center|frameless]]


===Australian Market Response===
Following significant customer backlash, Mojo Motorcycles (CFMOTO's Australian distributor) successfully negotiated a 24-month suspension of all subscription fees through August 14, 2027. The distributor's statement acknowledged receiving "significant feedback from Australian owners who were unhappy about the global rollout of the new charges."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://advlife.com.au/cfmoto-addresses-ride-app-access/|title=CFMOTO Addresses Feedback With Two-Year Free App Access|work=ADV LIFE|date=2025-09-01|access-date=2025-09-02}}</ref>
The Australian response specified:
*All existing users who paired vehicles before August 14, 2025, receive 24 months free service
*New users get 24 months free from their initial pairing date
*Mojo Motorcycles "makes no representation or claim about the availability, pricing, or continuity of services" after the grace period
[[File:Australia and New Zealand Distributor Response.png|center|frameless|Official distributor response to Australian customers]]
===Global Variations===
Different regions received varying responses:
*'''Europe:''' Lithuania offered 12-month extensions for new users with varying grace periods for existing customers
*'''Canada:''' Updates explicitly mentioned upcoming paid options without confirmed grace periods
*'''United States:''' No formal grace period announced as of September 2025


==Lawsuit==
==Lawsuit==
{{Ph-I-L}}
As of September 2025, no formal legal challenges have been filed specifically regarding the CFMOTO Ride app subscription model. However, the company faces potential vulnerabilities under consumer protection laws regarding:
*Bait-and-switch practices
*Breach of implied contracts
*Unfair or deceptive trade practices


CFMOTO has a history of legal challenges in other areas, including:
*Multiple product liability lawsuits for ATV recalls<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.schmidtandclark.com/cfmoto-cforce-800-atv-lawsuit|title=CFMOTO CFORCE 800 ATV Lawsuit (2025 Update)|work=Schmidt and Clark|access-date=2025-09-02}}</ref>
*A $725,000 EPA settlement in 2014 for Clean Air Act violations<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/cfmoto-powersports-inc-cfmoto-america-inc-zhejiang-cfmoto-power-co-ltd-and-chunfeng|title=CFMOTO Clean Air Settlement|work=US EPA|access-date=2025-09-02}}</ref>
*Various warranty dispute complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbb.org/us/mn/plymouth/profile/motorcycle-dealers/cfmoto-powersports-inc-0704-96120035/complaints|title=CFMOTO Powersports Inc BBB Complaints|work=Better Business Bureau|access-date=2025-09-02}}</ref>


==Consumer response==
==Consumer response==
{{Ph-I-ConR}}
Consumer backlash manifested across multiple platforms, particularly in communities focused on affected models including the 450MT, 800MTX, and 800MT.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://advlife.com.au/cfmoto-addresses-ride-app-access/|title=CFMOTO Addresses Feedback With Two-Year Free App Access|work=ADV LIFE|date=2025-09-01|access-date=2025-09-02}}</ref>


===Effectiveness of Consumer Pressure===
The Australian market demonstrated the effectiveness of organized consumer response, achieving a two-year suspension of fees within weeks of implementation. This success occurred without formal petitions or legal action, relying instead on direct feedback to distributors and public discussion of the controversy.
===Comparison to Industry Responses===
Consumer responses to CFMOTO's model reflect standard industry patterns:
*'''BMW:''' Discontinued heated seat subscriptions in 2024 after massive opposition<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thedrive.com/news/bmw-is-giving-up-on-heated-seat-subscriptions-because-people-hated-them|title=BMW Is Giving Up on Heated Seat Subscriptions Because People Hated Them|work=The Drive|date=2024|access-date=2025-09-02}}</ref>
*'''Toyota:''' Continues charging $8 monthly for key fob remote start despite ongoing criticism<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thedrive.com/news/43329/toyota-made-its-key-fob-remote-start-into-a-subscription-service|title=Toyota Made Its Key Fob Remote Start Into a Subscription Service|work=The Drive|access-date=2025-09-02}}</ref>
*'''General Motors:''' Reports only 20% retention for Super Cruise subscriptions after trial periods<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fool.com/earnings/call-transcripts/2025/01/28/general-motors-gm-q4-2024-earnings-call-transcript/|title=General Motors (GM) Q4 2024 Earnings Call Transcript|work=The Motley Fool|date=2025-01-28|access-date=2025-09-02}}</ref>
==Industry Context==
The connected motorcycle market is projected to grow from $160.28 million in 2023 to $3.95 billion by 2032.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.snsinsider.com/reports/connected-motorcycle-market-4913|title=Connected Motorcycle Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis|work=SNS Insider|access-date=2025-09-02}}</ref> Competitors have adopted varying approaches:
*'''KTM:''' Charges $7.99-8.99 for premium navigation features while keeping basic connectivity free<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://upshiftonline.com/blogs/content/2018-ktm-my-ride|title=KTM MY RIDE - Taking Motorcycle Connectivity Places|work=Upshift Online|access-date=2025-09-02}}</ref>
*'''Harley-Davidson:''' Focuses on value-added membership services rather than hardware restrictions<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.harley-davidson.com/us/en/content/membership.html|title=Harley-Davidson Membership Program|work=Harley-Davidson USA|access-date=2025-09-02}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}3. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbVTJU_dBq0 CFMoto Forces Subscriptions on Existing Customers]. Yammie Noob. (2025-08-26). YouTube.com.
{{reflist}}
 
==External links==
*[https://www.cfmoto.com/global/cfmoto-ride.html Official CFMOTO Ride App page]
 
[[Category:CFMoto]]
[[Category:CFMoto]]
[[Category:Incidents]]
[[Category:Incidents]]
[[Category:Subscription controversies]]
[[Category:2025 consumer protection incidents]]

Latest revision as of 17:26, 2 September 2025

CFMOTO changed the terms of service for the CFMOTO Ride mobile application by introducing a paid subscription model for its intelligent services.[1] These changes, implemented on August 15, 2025, affected users who had purchased T-Box hardware expecting ongoing free access to features like vehicle tracking, telemetry, & diagnostics.

Background[edit | edit source]

CFMOTO, a Chinese-based manufacturer of motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility task vehicles (UTVs), and other powersports products, launched the Ride app to enhance user experience through connected features. The app integrates with the T-Box (Telematics Box), an optional or standard hardware module on select models, enabling real-time data like as location tracking, ride statistics, geofencing, over-the-air updates, & notifications for vehicle status.

This was initially marketed as a free companion to T-Box-equipped vehicles; the app was positioned as a value-add for owners, with features like navigation projection onto vehicle dashboards & community services. The T-Box itself is sold as an accessory, with prices ranging from approximately $800 to $900 in the US market, €570 for European retrofit kits, and £166.66 plus VAT for UK installations.[2]

The T-Box hardware includes built-in 4G cellular connectivity, GPS positioning, GPRS mobile network access, & onboard sensors capable of comprehensive vehicle monitoring. The hardware comes standard on premium models like the 800MT Explore and can be retrofitted to many CFMoto motorcycles and ATVs.[3]

By 2025, CFMOTO had expanded app functionality, including the introduction of MotoPlay (Google Navigation integration) & began transitioning from the original CFMOTO RIDE app to the newer CFMOTO RIDESYNC platform in certain regions.[4]

Incident[edit | edit source]

On August 15, 2025, CFMOTO updated the Ride app's terms to introduce a subscription-based model for "Intelligent Services," requiring users to accept the new terms to maintain access to application features.[5] The implementation came with minimal advance notice to consumers, who discovered the change when previously free features suddenly required payment.

Subscription Structure[edit | edit source]

The subscription model consists of two main tiers with regional price variations:[6]

Standard Tier: $3.99 monthly, $9.99 quarterly, or $29.99 annually

  • Real-time GPS tracking
  • Ride history analytics
  • Geofencing and anti-theft alerts
  • Over-the-air (OTA) updates
  • Remote vehicle diagnostics

MotoPlay Tier: Same pricing as Standard tier

  • Navigation integration
  • Voice control
  • Smartphone projection capabilities
  • Available only on newer models

Bundle (Standard + MotoPlay): $6.99 monthly, $16.99 quarterly, or $49.90 annually

Cutoff Date and Terms[edit | edit source]

August 14, 2025, was established as the critical cutoff date:

  • Vehicles not bound to any app account before August 15, 2025, qualify for a 12-month complimentary intelligent service period upon initial binding
  • Users with vehicles bound prior to the cutoff date received varying terms depending on their region
  • Without an active subscription, users retain only basic Bluetooth connectivity, offline ride recording, dashboard customization, and access to dealer information[7]
Notification received by users about subscription changes
Features now requiring paid subscriptions
Regional pricing differences
Regional pricing differences

CFMOTO's response[edit | edit source]

CFMOTO's parent company, Zhejiang CFMOTO Power Co. Ltd., justified the subscription model by citing ongoing 4G cellular data costs required for T-Box connectivity. The company implemented differentiated policies by region based on distributor negotiations.

Australian Market Response[edit | edit source]

Following significant customer backlash, Mojo Motorcycles (CFMOTO's Australian distributor) successfully negotiated a 24-month suspension of all subscription fees through August 14, 2027. The distributor's statement acknowledged receiving "significant feedback from Australian owners who were unhappy about the global rollout of the new charges."[8]

The Australian response specified:

  • All existing users who paired vehicles before August 14, 2025, receive 24 months free service
  • New users get 24 months free from their initial pairing date
  • Mojo Motorcycles "makes no representation or claim about the availability, pricing, or continuity of services" after the grace period
Official distributor response to Australian customers
Official distributor response to Australian customers

Global Variations[edit | edit source]

Different regions received varying responses:

  • Europe: Lithuania offered 12-month extensions for new users with varying grace periods for existing customers
  • Canada: Updates explicitly mentioned upcoming paid options without confirmed grace periods
  • United States: No formal grace period announced as of September 2025

Lawsuit[edit | edit source]

As of September 2025, no formal legal challenges have been filed specifically regarding the CFMOTO Ride app subscription model. However, the company faces potential vulnerabilities under consumer protection laws regarding:

  • Bait-and-switch practices
  • Breach of implied contracts
  • Unfair or deceptive trade practices

CFMOTO has a history of legal challenges in other areas, including:

  • Multiple product liability lawsuits for ATV recalls[9]
  • A $725,000 EPA settlement in 2014 for Clean Air Act violations[10]
  • Various warranty dispute complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau[11]

Consumer response[edit | edit source]

Consumer backlash manifested across multiple platforms, particularly in communities focused on affected models including the 450MT, 800MTX, and 800MT.[12]

Effectiveness of Consumer Pressure[edit | edit source]

The Australian market demonstrated the effectiveness of organized consumer response, achieving a two-year suspension of fees within weeks of implementation. This success occurred without formal petitions or legal action, relying instead on direct feedback to distributors and public discussion of the controversy.

Comparison to Industry Responses[edit | edit source]

Consumer responses to CFMOTO's model reflect standard industry patterns:

  • BMW: Discontinued heated seat subscriptions in 2024 after massive opposition[13]
  • Toyota: Continues charging $8 monthly for key fob remote start despite ongoing criticism[14]
  • General Motors: Reports only 20% retention for Super Cruise subscriptions after trial periods[15]

Industry Context[edit | edit source]

The connected motorcycle market is projected to grow from $160.28 million in 2023 to $3.95 billion by 2032.[16] Competitors have adopted varying approaches:

  • KTM: Charges $7.99-8.99 for premium navigation features while keeping basic connectivity free[17]
  • Harley-Davidson: Focuses on value-added membership services rather than hardware restrictions[18]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "CFMOTO Ride App". CFMOTO.com. Retrieved 2025-08-16.
  2. ↑ "CFMOTO T-Box". CFMOTO UK. Retrieved 2025-09-02. {{cite web}}: Text "Features, Benefits & Models with Connectivity" ignored (help)
  3. ↑ "Exploring CFMoto's Revolutionary T-Box Connectivity System". DriveTech News. Retrieved 2025-09-02.
  4. ↑ "CFMOTO RIDESYNC - Apps on Google Play". Google Play. Retrieved 2025-09-02.
  5. ↑ u/Smokeyrolledeyes (2025-08-15). "WHAT? Why?". Reddit. Retrieved 2025-08-16.
  6. ↑ "CFMOTO RIDE". Motorider.lt. Retrieved 2025-09-02. {{cite web}}: Text "New subscription plans and features" ignored (help)
  7. ↑ "What features and services are included in the paid subscription?". CFMOTO. Retrieved 2025-09-02.
  8. ↑ "CFMOTO Addresses Feedback With Two-Year Free App Access". ADV LIFE. 2025-09-01. Retrieved 2025-09-02.
  9. ↑ "CFMOTO CFORCE 800 ATV Lawsuit (2025 Update)". Schmidt and Clark. Retrieved 2025-09-02.
  10. ↑ "CFMOTO Clean Air Settlement". US EPA. Retrieved 2025-09-02.
  11. ↑ "CFMOTO Powersports Inc BBB Complaints". Better Business Bureau. Retrieved 2025-09-02.
  12. ↑ "CFMOTO Addresses Feedback With Two-Year Free App Access". ADV LIFE. 2025-09-01. Retrieved 2025-09-02.
  13. ↑ "BMW Is Giving Up on Heated Seat Subscriptions Because People Hated Them". The Drive. 2024. Retrieved 2025-09-02.
  14. ↑ "Toyota Made Its Key Fob Remote Start Into a Subscription Service". The Drive. Retrieved 2025-09-02.
  15. ↑ "General Motors (GM) Q4 2024 Earnings Call Transcript". The Motley Fool. 2025-01-28. Retrieved 2025-09-02.
  16. ↑ "Connected Motorcycle Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis". SNS Insider. Retrieved 2025-09-02.
  17. ↑ "KTM MY RIDE - Taking Motorcycle Connectivity Places". Upshift Online. Retrieved 2025-09-02.
  18. ↑ "Harley-Davidson Membership Program". Harley-Davidson USA. Retrieved 2025-09-02.

External links[edit | edit source]

Retrieved from "https://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=CF_Moto_puts_previously_included_features_behind_paywall&oldid=23443"