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Future Motion Onewheel skateboard; design defects, repair restrictions, litigation against 3rd parties: Difference between revisions

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Video Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGzDCnjgUbc
= Future Motion's Anti-Consumer Practices =


Video Title: Unplugging the battery bricks the Onewheel GT - Future Motion is a horrible company, IMO
== 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{{Citation needed}}.


=== Youtube auto-generated transcript: ===
== Anti-Repair Measures ==
in the united states we have something


called section 1201 of the dmca where if
=== Hardware Restrictions ===
Future Motion has implemented several hardware-based repair restrictions:


you have a digital lock on something and
* 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


a company like jw electronics comes
=== 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


along and actually breaks that digital
=== 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>


lock so that you can replace the battery
== Legal Actions Against Third Parties ==


on something that you [ __ ] own you
=== Lawsuits &  Cease & Desist Orders ===
Future Motion has taken aggressive legal action against:


know what happens
* JW Batteries - Sued over battery modification solutions<ref>https://fallman.tech/jw-batteries-sued-by-future-motion/</ref>
* The Float Life - Cease & desist over fender design
* Land-Surf - Cease & 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>


you could get sued you can get shut down
=== Retailer Restrictions ===
Future Motion imposes strict controls on authorized retailers:


because that's literally against the law
* 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


right now if you wish to actually
== Quality Control Issues ==


modify your device
=== 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</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</ref>


not to do something crazy illegal so
== Pint X Battery Design Flaw ==


that you could replace the [ __ ]
=== Overview ===
<gallery>
File:Screenshot 20230701-012831 Firefox.jpg|Onewheel Pint X battery issue, customer photo, credit https://www.pintxflaw.com/
File:IMG 9387-150x150.jpg|Onewheel Pint X battery issue, customer photo, credit https://www.pintxflaw.com/
File:Screenshot 20230610-191220 Infinity-459x1536.jpg|Onewheel Pint X battery issue, customer photo, credit https://www.pintxflaw.com/
File:Screenshot 20230611-003759 Infinity-747x1536.jpg
File:20230622 133030.jpg|Onewheel Pint X battery issue, customer photo, credit https://www.pintxflaw.com/
File:Screenshot 20230622-125623 Discord-498x1024.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 & thermistor wiring<ref>https://www.pintxflaw.com/</ref>. Over time & depending on riding conditions, this can lead to:


battery
* Shredded wire insulation
* Flattened wires
* Complete wire breaking
* Risk of fire hazard
* Sudden board shutdown while riding


that is illegal in america hey everybody
The issue affects the XT60 power feed's negative wire, which can break & cause loss of power while riding.


how's it going i hope you're having a
=== 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


lovely day i usually have a lovely
=== Future Motion's Response ===
<gallery>
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
</gallery>The company's handling of this problem shows several concerning practices:


morning but today i'm being served a
* 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>


side of seasonal affective disorder
=== How this affects 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


courtesy of new hampshire weather and
=== 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>.


one of the things that i'm learning from
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


my trips to both florida and the uae for
== JW Batteries Lawsuit ==


a couple of weeks is that honestly
=== Background ===
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 & modification services<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/onewheel/comments/pyxob7/a_word_from_our_friends_at_jw_batteries_in/</ref>.


i kind of like when it's sunny all the
=== Legal Claims ===
Future Motion's lawsuit focused on three main claims:


time now those may not be the places
* 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


that i end up but when it's sunny all
The lawsuit specifically targeted JW Batteries' JWFFM chip, which allowed users to bypass Future Motion's software restrictions on battery modifications.


the time and just night decent nice
=== Effects on Customers ===
This legal action had several effects on the Onewheel community:


weather uh you know you got the
* 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


occasional hurricane but you don't wake
=== Legal Implications ===
This case highlights aspects of modern consumer rights:


up to this whole serving of seasonal
* 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


affective disorder as often as you do
=== Response ===
JW Batteries issued a public statement defending consumer rights:
* 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>


here and it really does something for
This lawsuit follows a theme of manufacturers using legal action to assert control over products after the sale, & prevent third-party repairs or modifications, even when such modifications may benefit consumers. The case shows the modern trend of using software-based restrictions & intellectual property law to limit consumer rights that traditionally existed for physical products.


your mood and i i'm happy that i rent it
== Negative Impacts on customers  ==


here rather than purchasing here because


as beautiful as the state as much as i
=== 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


love the lakes and the mountains and the
=== 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


natural beauty of many of the region the
== References ==
<references/>


areas
[[Category:Right to Repair]]
 
[[Category:Consumer Electronics]]
the weather can really screw with your
[[Category:Anti-Consumer Practices]]
 
mood after a while if you know what i'm
 
saying so today what i'd like to discuss
 
is a company that i believe is even
 
worse than apple when it comes to right
 
to repair right to repair is the idea
 
that when you purchase something you own
 
it you should be able to fix your own
 
stuff without the manufacturer getting
 
in your way and there are many ways that
 
the manufacturer gets in your way and in
 
my opinion this manufacturer gets in
 
your way way worse than apple ever could
 
i talk about apple products on this
 
channel and the repeatability of them
 
because i have a store that fixes apple
 
products it's relevant to me and i'm
 
also an expert in that area so i can
 
cite the specific ways that they do
 
specific things that in my opinion have
 
there's just no good reason for but i
 
don't talk about a lot of other
 
companies because i'm not an expert in
 
those companies but from time to time
 
people will email me or reach out and
 
point out things that they think are
 
worthy of discussing on the channel and
 
i most certainly think this is i think
 
this is worse than anything that apple's
 
ever done the company i'm talking about
 
is future motion and they make something
 
called the one wheel or the onewheel
 
plus this is about a five or a
 
six-year-old model pictured here and
 
it's just one of these little scooter
 
boards that you can use to get around
 
and they're pretty decent at getting
 
around you know the they have decent
 
range they don't have any emissions even
 
if it's powered off of electricity that
 
comes from fossil fuels it's still way
 
better than an electric car when it
 
comes to emissions you're probably going
 
to get 10 to 30 watt hours a mile on
 
this when you're probably going to be
 
getting you know 150 to 350 watt hours a
 
mile in a tesla or mustang rocky so it's
 
still much more efficient than an
 
electric car you get to travel above
 
ground rather than deal with public
 
transportation in new york city where
 
you're traveling below ground in a dark
 
depressing rat infested subway so it's
 
going to be better for your mood and
 
above all it's very portable you can
 
just carry it up with you into your
 
apartment they're nice little tools i
 
see people use them on a regular basis
 
and while i personally prefer electric
 
bicycles i think this is a fine way to
 
get around it's a modern way to get
 
around and if you're sick and tired of
 
trains and buses that are always late or
 
dark depressing subway tunnels or
 
waiting in traffic two hours because it
 
never moves this is a great way to get
 
around now the problem here is the way
 
they make them so what you saw pictured
 
as a six-year-old model which was
 
actually a pretty good model you could
 
add batteries using ego two batteries
 
you could have a fender on a
 
with a battery on it you could have a
 
battery in your backpack you could
 
replace them with ego batteries when
 
they died and it's it was a very um
 
user-friendly device when it came to
 
maintenance the battery is obviously
 
going to be the item on this that wears
 
the quickest because it's again it's
 
guaranteed to die there is no such thing
 
as a battery that is going to last
 
forever in 2018 they announced the model
 
that uses nmc batteries which last a
 
little bit longer and here's where the
 
problems start to begin hardware
 
revision 4208 blocks charging to the
 
charge port hardware revision 4210
 
blocked external batteries with the app
 
open so you have to power cycle the
 
device if you open the application
 
hardware revision 4212 blocks external
 
batteries and apps that display voltage
 
readings or cell readings it also pairs
 
the controller board to the bms so if
 
you have an issue you are screwed they
 
have one repair center in the u.s
 
one one headquarter so if you need work
 
done overseas you're kind of screwed
 
you're shipping back this thing that
 
while you know light enough to carry up
 
to your apartment is really really heavy
 
for international shipping and massively
 
inconvenient now someone came out with a
 
chip that would allow you to use other
 
batteries with this and match the
 
controller to another bms which sounds
 
great but we'll get to that in a moment
 
they changed the motor rim size on this
 
from 6 to 6.5 inches so that if you want
 
a tire change it has to go back to the
 
us and their tires suck they're not as
 
good as the ones you can get from huzio
 
or burris the stator size has not been
 
changed the motor is of equal power as
 
there was before so there's no point to
 
it a bigger rim means less air between
 
it so you're more likely to get a
 
damaged rim and you cannot use the
 
readily available tires they have made a
 
proprietary charging port but above all
 
if you disconnect the battery from the
 
bms you get an error message telling you
 
to send the device back to the company
 
that's right simply unplug the bfs and
 
plugging it back in will cause the
 
device to brick itself
 
you must then send it back and i have a
 
screenshot over here that i want to
 
share with you of this being discussed
 
and what it says so this is from this is
 
absolutely disgusting so here it says
 
corrupted memory please contact customer
 
support so if you
 
unplug
 
the battery from the bms and then just
 
plug it back in that's it you do no
 
modification to it whatsoever the board
 
is now bricked it must be sent back to
 
the us and it must be serviced by the
 
manufacturer that's your only choice
 
the battery is aware item there is no
 
device on planet earth that has a
 
battery that is going to last forever
 
every single one of these will
 
eventually have a dead battery which
 
means that there is a 100 chance 100
 
that you will require the manufacturer
 
for service because they have designed
 
this device which costs over two
 
thousand dollars in a way where if
 
anything like this ever happens you need
 
to go back to them i would like to read
 
a post that i suggest if you own this
 
scooter you follow the instructions in
 
it says here
 
tldr your gt is booby-trapped report
 
them to the ftc for it hey everyone
 
owner of atloshop here with a request
 
from gt owners who plan to maintain
 
their board themselves either because
 
you are handy or you know batteries
 
eventually die and need replacing or as
 
a shop owner who repairs your local
 
riders boards or maybe if it is just
 
plain unfeasible to send your board to
 
future motion for them to do all repairs
 
as you may have heard already if the gt
 
battery is unplugged from your bms your
 
board will get a corrupted memory error
 
future mosher claims this is for safety
 
however congress has already said safety
 
is not of being a legitimate concern to
 
not advance right to repair so future
 
motion is doing this under the guise of
 
safety isn't an excuse also jw has a
 
very telling message from one of the
 
future motion lawyers to him saying that
 
they will continue to do everything in
 
their power to prevent third-party
 
repair and modifications please if you
 
have purchased the gt and you intend to
 
maintain it yourself or sending it back
 
to future motion just as unfeasible for
 
you then i urge you to file a complaint
 
with the ftc they will ask how much you
 
paid when you bought it who the company
 
is and what the problem is go to report
 
now and then select other please keep it
 
factual the issue here is a purposeful
 
booby trap of your board to prevent you
 
from changing a normal wear item not
 
just the battery but if the bms were to
 
get damaged as well thank you to
 
everyone i hope atlo shop and other sls
 
shops will continue to be able to
 
support your love for floating in the
 
coming years and the website is report
 
fraud.ftc.gov
 
that is
 
reportfraud.ftc
 
and i highly suggest that anybody that
 
has purchased this product that wishes
 
to have the ability to either choose who
 
repairs it or repair it themselves when
 
a wear item like a battery dies that
 
they do it this costs twenty two hundred
 
dollars so if you live in a country that
 
they don't send boards to that they
 
don't provide service to
 
you're [ __ ] you just wasted twenty two
 
hundred dollars you literally just took
 
that twenty two hundred dollars and put
 
it into a paper shredder now one thing
 
that's important to understand here is
 
that they are saying that they're doing
 
this for for your safety for your safety
 
this is all for you just to keep you
 
safe and the ftc had come out with a
 
report that we went over on this channel
 
a while ago called mixing the fix and we
 
read the entire thing here on a video it
 
came out over a year ago and there were
 
some really important points that came
 
out in this report in the ftc's words
 
manufacturers provided no empirical
 
evidence to support their concerns about
 
reputational harm or potential liability
 
resulting from faulty third-party
 
repairs a senator in this ftc report was
 
talking about vehicles and he said and i
 
quote the security and safety issues we
 
heard earlier today were similar to what
 
we heard during the vermont legislative
 
task force and to me the arguments are
 
largely bogus and they fall apart when
 
we think about motor vehicles i think we
 
would all agree an automobile is one of
 
the more dangerous products that we own
 
and we control to say that consumers
 
should not be permitted to take
 
electronics to a repair shop is
 
basically insisting that our cars have
 
to be repaired by the dealer we've
 
rejected this argument as a society and
 
this has to do with a ton of steel that
 
we're hurling down the road you know
 
we'd be wise to do the same thing when
 
it comes to lightweight electronics
 
heavy washing machines and everything in
 
between this comes from the ftc they
 
specifically said that there is no
 
evidence whatsoever when these
 
manufacturers have talked about safety
 
and security that they actually have any
 
examples where safety and security has
 
been compromised by a third party repair
 
yet they move ahead with it anyway and
 
the it's just the absolute disgusting
 
part of this it gets considerably worse
 
remember that company that i said that
 
came out with a chip that would actually
 
allow you to try and get around some of
 
the stuff like this
 
they're getting sued so check this out
 
so this is from jw batteries and we
 
wanted to make you all aware that we jw
 
batteries llc are being sued by future
 
motion for providing the community with
 
products to enhance their one wheel
 
experience why is future emotion going
 
after us we can only assume it's because
 
we're the little guy and they thought
 
we'd be an easy target we're not going
 
to be bullied into submission we have
 
obtained legal counsel and intent to
 
fight for all of us and our right to
 
decide what to do with the one wheels we
 
own this is not going to be easy on us
 
and the fight is very expensive but we
 
refuse to give in we are disappointed
 
that future motion has once again
 
decided to go after anyone that tries to
 
offer the community options for
 
enhancing their one-wheel experience we
 
greatly appreciate your love and support
 
as we fight for our rights to modify
 
products we legally own now something to
 
consider here is that many people have
 
said that well listen louis if you're
 
not able to do it it's not the company's
 
fault that you can't do a repair it's
 
not the company's fault that they hide
 
the chip from you that the company's
 
fault that they hide the schematic from
 
you it's not the company's fault that
 
they pair the device to in some way you
 
should be able to reverse engineer it
 
and if you're if you're not willing to
 
reverse engineer it then while you're
 
just being lazy you're just being stupid
 
you know why don't you just reverse
 
engineer well guess what they did and
 
you know what happened when they reverse
 
engineered it they're getting [ __ ] and
 
here's the thing in the united states we
 
have something called section 1201 of
 
the dmca where if you have a digital
 
lock on something and a company like jw
 
electronics comes along and actually
 
breaks that digital lock so that you can
 
replace the battery on something that
 
you [ __ ] own you know what happens
 
you can get sued you can get shut down
 
because that's literally against the law
 
right now if you wish to actually
 
modify your device
 
not to do something crazy illegal so
 
that you could replace the [ __ ]
 
battery
 
that is illegal in america a country
 
that came up with the flag don't tread
 
on me with a little snake or no step on
 
snack if you're from fort jam this
 
is happening in america this is an
 
american company doing this
 
and we just lie down and let it happen
 
every single day and every single day i
 
read the same thing in my comments louis
 
don't buy apple and it's solved lewis
 
don't buy apple and solve just don't buy
 
apple and solve as if every single other
 
company is not following in the exact
 
same footsteps you know and there's this
 
thing that people say about boiling the
 
frog where it's kind of like being a
 
frog in water and where you just slowly
 
boil it and the frog stays in and then
 
he dies
 
and there are people that will point out
 
that that's actually a fallacy if you
 
were to do that to a frog if you were to
 
slowly boil the water that's [ __ ]
 
the frog actually hops out but that's
 
just an urban legend so if it is true
 
that even the frog with its tiny frog
 
brain is able to jump out of the pot
 
then why don't we
 
why don't we
[[Category:Videos]]

Latest revision as of 23:31, 17 January 2025

Future Motion's Anti-Consumer Practices[edit | edit source]

Background[edit | edit source]

Future Motion, founded in 2013, manufacturers the Onewheel self-balancing electric skateboard. Development of the product was funded via Kickstarter in 2014[1]; and Future Motion have since implemented a number of practices which have been accused of being anti-consumer [citation needed ] .

Anti-Repair Measures[edit | edit source]

Hardware Restrictions[edit | edit source]

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[2]
  • Custom fasteners designed that make repair more difficult:
    • Bespoke bolts on the Pint model prone to stripping[3]
    • Custom 5-point security pentalobe enclosure screws
    • Proprietary Ribe 8/Torx Plus 45 hub bolts on GT models

Software Restrictions[edit | edit source]

  • Removed diagnostic capabilities from official app:
    • Battery cell voltage readings removed in v2.0.18[4]
    • Encrypted diagnostic data to prevent third-party apps from accessing information
    • Removed battery capacity and regeneration data
    • Eliminated board orientation angle readings

Service Restrictions[edit | edit source]

  • Refuses to service boards with any missing internal components, even if unrelated to repair need[5]
  • No longer services older models like V1 or Plus, contrary to public claims[6]
  • Documented cases of removing third-party accessories during service without permission[7]

Legal Actions Against Third Parties[edit | edit source]

Lawsuits & Cease & Desist Orders[edit | edit source]

Future Motion has taken aggressive legal action against:

  • JW Batteries - Sued over battery modification solutions[8]
  • The Float Life - Cease & desist over fender design
  • Land-Surf - Cease & desist regarding bumper designs
  • OneWave App - DMCA takedown of third-party diagnostic app[9]

Retailer Restrictions[edit | edit source]

Future Motion imposes strict controls on authorized retailers:

  • Prohibited from selling non-FM accessories
  • Cannot perform any board service[10]
  • Must cover costs of OEM repairs for factory-defective inventory
  • Banned from online sales

Quality Control Issues[edit | edit source]

Battery Concerns[edit | edit source]

  • Used lower quality Samsung 30Q cells in 2018 4208 XR models
  • Reintroduced these less reliable cells in 2021 Black Friday models[11]
  • Removed ability to monitor individual cell voltages, making montioring battery health impossible
  • Covered battery packs in foam to prevent visual inspection[12]

Pint X Battery Design Flaw[edit | edit source]

Overview[edit | edit source]

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[13]. 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[edit | edit source]

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[14]. 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[edit | edit source]

  • Future Motion email to customer about Onewheel Pint X Battery issue, part 1
    Future Motion email to customer about Onewheel Pint X Battery issue, part 1
  • Future Motion email to customer about Onewheel Pint X Battery issue, part 2
    Future Motion email to customer about Onewheel Pint X Battery issue, part 2

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[15]

How this affects customers[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[16].

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

JW Batteries Lawsuit[edit | edit source]

Background[edit | edit source]

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 & modification services[17].

Legal Claims[edit | edit source]

Future Motion's lawsuit focused on three main 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

The lawsuit specifically targeted JW Batteries' JWFFM chip, which allowed users to bypass Future Motion's software restrictions on battery modifications.

Effects on Customers[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

JW Batteries issued a public statement defending consumer rights:

  • 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[18]

This lawsuit follows a theme of manufacturers using legal action to assert control over products after the sale, & prevent third-party repairs or modifications, even when such modifications may benefit consumers. The case shows the modern trend of using software-based restrictions & intellectual property law to limit consumer rights that traditionally existed for physical products.

Negative Impacts on customers[edit | edit source]

Lack of Documentation[edit | edit source]

  • 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[edit | edit source]

  • 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[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/4422853/onewheel-the-self-balancing-electric-skateboard
  2. ↑ https://www.facebook.com/groups/900823147225858/posts/978467216128117
  3. ↑ https://www.facebook.com/groups/onewheelownersgroup/posts/2981015408853676/
  4. ↑ https://www.facebook.com/groups/537477343058935/posts/1080100488796615/
  5. ↑ https://i.imgur.com/LtnuP3D.png
  6. ↑ https://www.facebook.com/groups/537477343058935/posts/2034357400037581/
  7. ↑ https://www.facebook.com/groups/537477343058935/posts/1943847089088613
  8. ↑ https://fallman.tech/jw-batteries-sued-by-future-motion/
  9. ↑ https://github.com/ponewheel/android-ponewheel/issues/86#issuecomment-459901546
  10. ↑ https://imgur.com/AmAGu6k
  11. ↑ https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Pnx9ACQ4fUvMoxl50AGAwsqAA-tIwwCq/view
  12. ↑ https://drive.google.com/file/d/19vcdlJElyif1Z_W55xWMeV68mavA3Wtn/view
  13. ↑ https://www.pintxflaw.com/
  14. ↑ https://www.pintxflaw.com/
  15. ↑ https://www.pintxflaw.com/
  16. ↑ https://www.pintxflaw.com/
  17. ↑ https://www.reddit.com/r/onewheel/comments/pyxob7/a_word_from_our_friends_at_jw_batteries_in/
  18. ↑ https://www.reddit.com/r/onewheel/comments/pyxob7/a_word_from_our_friends_at_jw_batteries_in/
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