AlienRides LLC tries and bans all importation of Electric Unicycles using patent law unless licensing fee is paid.

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Background

Electric Unicycles are a hobby in the United States where a person rides a one wheel device using the motor to power and balance itself. It is enjoyed by thousands of people with its own events and culture

ITC Docket NO. 3877

A federal investigation (ITC Docket No. 3877) has been initiated to permanently ban nearly all electric unicycles (EUCs) from entering the United States. This filing, led by Inventist and Alien Technology Group (dba Alien Rides), targets InMotion, Begode, LeaperKim, KingSong, and Nosfet. Because the USA is the largest global market for EUCs, a total U.S. cutoff is predicted to cause a global industry collapse, leading to the bankruptcy of manufacturers and the loss of all EUC-related jobs in America. Public action is required by February 3, 2026.

Reference links are provided at the end of this post. I will provide a follow-up comment with suggested templates and step-by-step instructions to submit your public comments to prevent this from happening.

The 2021 Private Monopoly Agreement

The current crisis stems from a private alliance formed in 2021. Shane Chen (Inventist) and Kevin Grandon (Alien Rides) entered into an agreement where Inventist designated Alien Rides as the sole licensed importer and manufacturer of gyroscopic vehicles using Chen’s U.S. Patent No. 8,807,250 (the "'250 patent"). By filing this complaint under Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, they are attempting to use federal trade law to enforce a private monopoly, effectively banning all competitors who do not pay a "private tax" or royalty to their partnership.

The Global Existential Threat

Electric unicycles are a specialized, high-tech industry. Manufacturers like Begode, InMotion, LeaperKim, KingSong, and Nosfet rely on the U.S. market for the vast majority of their financial solvency.

The Fallout: Unlike massive automotive corporations, these manufacturers operate on thin R&D margins; a near-immediate cutoff from their primary revenue source threatens the survival of the entire sector.

Global Impact: There is no viable secondary market that allows these companies to survive the loss of the United States. If the USA market closes, the global supply of wheels and spare parts will inevitably vanish for everyone, including riders in Europe, Australia, and Asia.

The "Domestic Industry" Mirage

To win an import ban, the complainants must prove they are a "Domestic Industry" capable of serving U.S. demand. However, their actual infrastructure does not match their claims:

Infrastructure Deficit: Industry standards for manufacturing and warehousing a single EUC manufacturer's national supply require at least 20,000+ square feet. The Alien Rides facility (located at 2256 Palou Ave, San Francisco) is a shared retail showroom, repair shop, and small warehouse of less than 5,000 square feet in total. They physically lack the capacity to support the requirements of one single manufacturer, much less the entire EUC industry.

Operational Failure: Alien Rides has largely retreated from active importation. Their own website presently (as of January 28, 2026) lists flagship models as "Sold Out" or in "perpetual Pre-order," confirming they lack the warehouse space and funding to satisfy the current U.S. market for sales—let alone the entire industry's demand for manufacturing as well.

The Legal Shield: The 2025 Ruling

On November 14, 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled in Case 24-1010 (Inventist v. Ninebot) that modern EUC designs featuring recessed or integrated side surfaces do not infringe the '250 patent. This ITC filing is a clear attempt to bypass that higher court decision to secure a forced monopoly that the courts have already signaled is non-existent for modern wheel designs.

The Private Tax on EUC Riders

These filings are often used to force manufacturers into "licensing fees" to avoid a total ban. If manufacturers are forced to pay a royalty (historically 30%) to avoid being blocked at the border, those costs are passed directly to you. You will either pay massive price increases per wheel, or you won't be able to buy one at all.

VERIFIED PUBLIC DOCUMENTATION:

Official ITC Notice (Jan 26, 2026): Federal Register - Docket No. 3877 - https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.federalregister.gov%2Fdocuments%2F2026%2F01%2F26%2F2026-01333%2Fnotice-of-receipt-of-complaint-solicitation-of-comments-relating-to-the-public-interest%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExR1AyOVZmbWJPM0F6MnFkWnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6iHCbFgzAgSWQNNIR1T0jJdzxSh0MDCmiCYx_DxQRTS80zD76b2R-Fe58NmA_aem_BIPXoS4okrs74VHOzdif2g&h=AT1SxIb1X2Ydkzix8d37r3AV0PwtoGme3XdLCVavdgGtLDMFVhDd20beo44dDmDSvINYTP98D3qgNxNg-J9GGoIWy24Z7DSLtFudvSIiI4ID5ZO7KEeI7E7S3zmFrHSsqjf0PQvMYA_3LWao9w&__tn__=-U-U-UK-R&c%5B0%5D=AT1UDZQ3GorITTx0QUpXY-mjmplmILsFN9pUJH3-h7zKuv2nO7AIOia2EPwP1BT9RO0a6vbc8cAOBQZik33jd008SjT5ED9nguhmb3idsspePSOmJ7X70LQjfeyFfk3JikDShOHcyPjnhdvsT6MqPhmBwNJjCzCMmbnpn5BgGQ

The 2025 Court Ruling Clearing EUCs from the '250 Patent: CAFC Case 24-1010 Opinion: https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cafc.uscourts.gov%2Fopinions-orders%2F24-1010.OPINION.11-14-2025_2604045.pdf%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExR1AyOVZmbWJPM0F6MnFkWnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7PJvRukg3xZMEOfVkN7ZPUIjTdqzMo2LqnMLILdCSKGheMoZvzw87e0eu2dw_aem_t8vHUbVHd8ZLfTMurjVLFQ&h=AT3Zkh8kBQ7zTUrQFK9h2eNy6mN9n9kxYQn-oYQQV2J8aEF-MaiH327-K93yEBY4nAevIU5iYXyL719Cx85cXv35GuoXeDy0wak3mWU2U4zHJez8jiUDxJxWJD722FFZ4MxCCMAKpp2JNaEbCw&__tn__=-U-U-UK-R&c%5B0%5D=AT1UDZQ3GorITTx0QUpXY-mjmplmILsFN9pUJH3-h7zKuv2nO7AIOia2EPwP1BT9RO0a6vbc8cAOBQZik33jd008SjT5ED9nguhmb3idsspePSOmJ7X70LQjfeyFfk3JikDShOHcyPjnhdvsT6MqPhmBwNJjCzCMmbnpn5BgGQ

The '250 Patent in Question: Google Patents - US8807250B2 - https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fpatents.google.com%2Fpatent%2FUS8807250B2%2Fen%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExR1AyOVZmbWJPM0F6MnFkWnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6ZAVnMfbwDDUk3pVSksdjx0Hdaq81ux6iCBgOr8xuwnXOffUH3jlKaJzDJgA_aem_TBlJduyOdbll4zjjoOQLkg&h=AT0L4RMglU6XKAClb_NoGbBAIdbvcMmyRc-84S380hw_eRH0YdF6EJ5x0MXK-ebyenE6-d4wpvFKKg0k2myr-wbnXR02ULFr-zN6waEDPz18SLuKEaH6qP1YblSQN2yJeED8cWk1ii6Z9Qf-vw&__tn__=-U-U-UK-R&c%5B0%5D=AT1UDZQ3GorITTx0QUpXY-mjmplmILsFN9pUJH3-h7zKuv2nO7AIOia2EPwP1BT9RO0a6vbc8cAOBQZik33jd008SjT5ED9nguhmb3idsspePSOmJ7X70LQjfeyFfk3JikDShOHcyPjnhdvsT6MqPhmBwNJjCzCMmbnpn5BgGQ

Alien Rides Response

Response from Kevin Granson on FB:

We understand why people are concerned, and we want to help bring some clarity to the situation.

This filing is not a sudden attempt to shut down the EUC industry. The patent involved has existed for many years, and its inventor has been trying to resolve licensing issues for a long time. For years, the technology has been used commercially without any compensation to the patent holder. That was never going to be a permanent situation.

Patent enforcement does not mean the industry has to stop. Licensing is common across every technology sector and is how inventors are paid while products remain available to customers. The existence of a licensing dispute does not automatically mean bans, monopolies, or the end of EUCs in the U.S.

It is important to separate speculation from the legal process itself. An ITC investigation is exactly that, an investigation. There are multiple possible outcomes, many of which allow EUCs to continue being sold in the U.S. Claims that this will inevitably destroy the global industry are premature and not supported by what has actually happened so far.

Regarding the 2025 Federal Circuit decision, that ruling addressed specific designs and did not eliminate the patent entirely. Questions about scope and compliance are what courts and agencies exist to resolve, and those issues should be handled through that process rather than through fear or assumptions.

Ultimately, no one benefits from reduced access, higher prices, or instability in the EUC market. The goal should be a stable and lawful environment where innovation is respected and products remain available.

We encourage everyone to stay engaged, avoid misinformation, and allow the process to play out. We will continue to act in good faith and work toward outcomes that support riders, manufacturers, and the long-term health of the EUC community.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ElectricUnicycle/posts/25736344546036832/?comment_id=25736651642672789

Consumer response

The Electric Unicycle forms and Facebook are flooded with people against Alien Rides.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ALjhSDVsQ/

Before February 6th 2026. you can file a public comment: Instructions laid out below:

Submitting a formal protest to a government agency like the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) is a precise process. The Electronic Document Information System (EDIS) is the official portal, and because it is a legal repository, it has very specific "rules of the road" that can be difficult to navigate.

Follow these step-by-step instructions to ensure your commentary is officially received and considered for Docket No. 3877.

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Phase 1: Registration (Mandatory)

You cannot submit anonymously. You must have a registered account to file.

1. Go to the Portal: Visit edis.usitc.gov.
2. Register: Click the "Register" link on the homepage.
3. User Profile: Fill out the required fields.
   • Association: If you are an individual rider, select "None/Other" or "Not Listed" for Firm/Organization.
   • Email: Use a permanent email address; you will receive your official filing receipt here.
4. Activate: Check your email for an activation link to verify your account.

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Phase 2: Preparing Your Document

The ITC will reject submissions that do not meet their technical standards.

• Format: Your document MUST be a PDF. The system will not accept Word or image files.
• Length: Your statement is limited to five (5) pages maximum, including any attachments.
• Header: Place "Docket No. 3877" in bold at the top of the first page so it is indexed correctly.
• The "Big Five" Content: To be legally valid, your PDF must address these 5 points:
  1. Usage: How you use EUCs (e.g., green commuting).
  2. Welfare: Any safety or environmental concerns (e.g., a ban forces people into cars).
  3. Competitive Articles: Are there any U.S.-made alternatives? (Currently, there are no high-performance EUCs made in the USA).
  4. Replacement Capacity: Does the complainant (Alien Rides) have the space/funding to replace the entire U.S. supply? (Reference the <4,000 sq ft facility vs the required 20,000+ sq ft).
  5. Consumer Impact: How a ban harms riders (e.g., immediate 30% price hikes or no parts).

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Phase 3: The Electronic Filing (The "Hard" Part)

Once logged into EDIS, follow this exact click-path:

1. Start Filing: Click the "Submission" tab and select "File a New Document."
2. Investigation Type: Select "Sec 337" from the dropdown menu.
3. Search for the Case: * Enter 3877 in the "Investigation Number" field.
   • Click Search.
   • Select "Certain Gyro-Stabilized Electric Unicycles" from the results.
4. Select Phase: Choose "Violation" as the investigation phase.
5. Document Metadata:
   • Document Type: Select "Public Interest Statement."
   • Document Title: Enter "Public Interest Comment - [Your Name/Company Name]."
   • Security Level: Select "Public" (and click "No" when asked if it contains confidential info).
6. Upload & Submit: * Click "Add Files" and select your PDF.
   • Review the information for accuracy.
   • Click "Submit."

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Phase 4: Confirmation

• The Receipt: You will see a confirmation screen with a 6-digit Document ID. Capture a screenshot of this.
• The Email: You will receive an automated email from the USITC confirming the filing. Keep this for your records as proof of submission.

CRITICAL DEADLINE: All submissions must be received by the close of business on February 3, 2026. Filing even 15 minutes late can result in your testimony being excluded from the record.

Suggested Commentary:

To ensure the International Trade Commission (ITC) considers your statement, it must address the five specific "Public Interest" criteria. Statements that are just emotional or generic "don't ban this" messages are often disregarded.

Below are the templates you requested, formatted to meet the specific requirements of Docket No. 3877.

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Template 1: For Individual Riders / Consumers Target Audience: Commuters, hobbyists, and environmental advocates.

TO: The Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission RE: Public Interest Comments regarding Certain Gyro-Stabilized Electric Unicycles, Docket No. 3877

I. Introduction: I am a U.S. resident and consumer who utilizes an electric unicycle (EUC) for [daily commuting/last-mile transit/recreation].

II. Public Interest Factors:

• (i) Usage in the U.S.: I use my EUC as a primary mode of green, zero-emission transportation. These devices provide critical "last-mile" connectivity to public transit and reduce urban traffic congestion.
• (ii) Public Health, Safety, and Welfare: A ban on these imports would force me and thousands of others back into gas-powered vehicles, increasing the carbon footprint and removing a safety-tested micro-mobility option from the market.
• (iii) Competitive Articles: There are currently no high-performance electric unicycles manufactured within the United States that can serve as a viable substitute for the models targeted in this complaint.
• (iv) Capacity to Replace: The complainants (Inventist and Alien Rides) operate out of a shared retail/repair facility of less than 4,000 square feet. This infrastructure is physically insufficient to store or manufacture the thousands of units required to satisfy U.S. consumer demand.
• (v) Impact on Consumers: An exclusion order would create an artificial monopoly, leading to an immediate 30% or higher increase in consumer costs and a total lack of spare parts, effectively rendering existing vehicles unserviceable and unsafe.

III. Conclusion: I urge the Commission to deny the requested exclusion order to protect consumer choice and green transit.

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Template 2: For EUC Vendors / Repair Shops Target Audience: Independent dealers, service centers, and small business owners.

TO: The Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission RE: Public Interest Comments regarding Certain Gyro-Stabilized Electric Unicycles, Docket No. 3877

I. Introduction: [Company Name] is a U.S. small business specializing in the retail and service of electric unicycles. An exclusion order would result in the immediate closure of our business and the loss of [X] American jobs.

II. Public Interest Factors:

• (iii) Competitive Articles: As a professional dealer of [X], I can verify that there are no domestic (U.S.-made) alternatives to the targeted imports from Begode, InMotion, LeaperKim, KingSong, or Nosfet.
• (iv) Capacity to Replace: To support the U.S. market, a manufacturer requires a logistics and warehousing footprint exceeding 20,000 square feet per brand. The complainant’s shared 4,000 sq ft facility lacks the operational scale to fulfill national demand. Granting a ban would leave the market entirely unserved.
• (v) Impact on Consumers: A ban would prevent U.S. owners from accessing critical safety repairs and batteries. Furthermore, the Nov 14, 2025, Court of Appeals ruling (Case 24-1010) already established that modern recessed designs are non-infringing. Pursuing a ban against these products harms the integrity of the U.S. retail market.

III. Conclusion: The Commission should decline to institute this investigation to protect U.S. small businesses and the competitive market.

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Template 3: For Accessory Manufacturers (USA & Global) Target Audience: Makers of pads, fairings, safety gear, and custom battery boxes.

TO: The Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission RE: Public Interest Comments regarding Certain Gyro-Stabilized Electric Unicycles, Docket No. 3877

I. Introduction: [Company Name] is a manufacturer of safety accessories and performance components for electric unicycles. Our business is a secondary industry that relies entirely on the healthy importation of the vehicles named in this complaint.

II. Public Interest Factors:

• (iii) Competitive Articles: Our products are designed specifically for the imported models from the "Big Five" manufacturers. If these imports are banned, there are no U.S.-made vehicles for which our products can be adapted.
• (iv) Capacity to Replace: The complainants have zero manufacturing capability for the scale required. A U.S. import ban would lead to the insolvency of global manufacturers, which in turn destroys the global accessory ecosystem.
• (v) Impact on Consumers: This ban would result in a "monopoly tax" that would increase the cost of this entire sport/industry by 30%, making specialized safety gear and performance upgrades economically unfeasible for most riders.

III. Conclusion: Protect the global innovation ecosystem by denying this request for a General Exclusion Order.

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Filing Reminder

• Format: Must be a PDF.
• Length: Maximum 5 pages.
• Deadline: Close of business, February 3, 2026.
• Case No: Docket No. 3877.

References

https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.federalregister.gov%2Fdocuments%2F2026%2F01%2F26%2F2026-01333%2Fnotice-of-receipt-of-complaint-solicitation-of-comments-relating-to-the-public-interest%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExR1AyOVZmbWJPM0F6MnFkWnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6iHCbFgzAgSWQNNIR1T0jJdzxSh0MDCmiCYx_DxQRTS80zD76b2R-Fe58NmA_aem_BIPXoS4okrs74VHOzdif2g&h=AT1SxIb1X2Ydkzix8d37r3AV0PwtoGme3XdLCVavdgGtLDMFVhDd20beo44dDmDSvINYTP98D3qgNxNg-J9GGoIWy24Z7DSLtFudvSIiI4ID5ZO7KEeI7E7S3zmFrHSsqjf0PQvMYA_3LWao9w&__tn__=-U-U-UK-R&c%5B0%5D=AT1UDZQ3GorITTx0QUpXY-mjmplmILsFN9pUJH3-h7zKuv2nO7AIOia2EPwP1BT9RO0a6vbc8cAOBQZik33jd008SjT5ED9nguhmb3idsspePSOmJ7X70LQjfeyFfk3JikDShOHcyPjnhdvsT6MqPhmBwNJjCzCMmbnpn5BgGQ https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cafc.uscourts.gov%2Fopinions-orders%2F24-1010.OPINION.11-14-2025_2604045.pdf%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExR1AyOVZmbWJPM0F6MnFkWnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7PJvRukg3xZMEOfVkN7ZPUIjTdqzMo2LqnMLILdCSKGheMoZvzw87e0eu2dw_aem_t8vHUbVHd8ZLfTMurjVLFQ&h=AT3Zkh8kBQ7zTUrQFK9h2eNy6mN9n9kxYQn-oYQQV2J8aEF-MaiH327-K93yEBY4nAevIU5iYXyL719Cx85cXv35GuoXeDy0wak3mWU2U4zHJez8jiUDxJxWJD722FFZ4MxCCMAKpp2JNaEbCw&__tn__=-U-U-UK-R&c%5B0%5D=AT1UDZQ3GorITTx0QUpXY-mjmplmILsFN9pUJH3-h7zKuv2nO7AIOia2EPwP1BT9RO0a6vbc8cAOBQZik33jd008SjT5ED9nguhmb3idsspePSOmJ7X70LQjfeyFfk3JikDShOHcyPjnhdvsT6MqPhmBwNJjCzCMmbnpn5BgGQ https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fpatents.google.com%2Fpatent%2FUS8807250B2%2Fen%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExR1AyOVZmbWJPM0F6MnFkWnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6ZAVnMfbwDDUk3pVSksdjx0Hdaq81ux6iCBgOr8xuwnXOffUH3jlKaJzDJgA_aem_TBlJduyOdbll4zjjoOQLkg&h=AT0L4RMglU6XKAClb_NoGbBAIdbvcMmyRc-84S380hw_eRH0YdF6EJ5x0MXK-ebyenE6-d4wpvFKKg0k2myr-wbnXR02ULFr-zN6waEDPz18SLuKEaH6qP1YblSQN2yJeED8cWk1ii6Z9Qf-vw&__tn__=-U-U-UK-R&c%5B0%5D=AT1UDZQ3GorITTx0QUpXY-mjmplmILsFN9pUJH3-h7zKuv2nO7AIOia2EPwP1BT9RO0a6vbc8cAOBQZik33jd008SjT5ED9nguhmb3idsspePSOmJ7X70LQjfeyFfk3JikDShOHcyPjnhdvsT6MqPhmBwNJjCzCMmbnpn5BgGQ https://www.facebook.com/groups/ElectricUnicycle/posts/25736344546036832/?comment_id=25736651642672789 https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ALjhSDVsQ/

Alien Rides Response

Add a category with the same name as the product, service, website, software, product line or company that this article is about.

The "Incidents" category is not needed.

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