This page is part of the ONYX Safety
The ONYX aftermarket ecosystem includes excellent builders, but it also attracts misinformation, unsafe modifications, and aggressive sales tactics.
This guide highlights common risks, misleading claims, and known technical issues so riders can make informed decisions before buying parts or paying for services.
- Verify parts and services before paying
- Be cautious of exaggerated performance claims
- Use trusted builders for batteries and motors
- Avoid unsafe modifications and marketing hype
Trust but Verify
Before buying any parts or paying for services, always verify information directly with ONYX Motors. The company actively monitors its ecosystem to maintain safety, compatibility, and fair pricing.
Name Usage & Disclosure
I, John Angel, have not authorized anyone other than ONYX Motors to use my name. I have no business ties, contracts, partnerships, or NDAs with any aftermarket company, shop, or individual.
Why Patience Matters
Impatience often leads to expensive mistakes.
| Risk | Result |
|---|---|
| Rushed modifications | Unsafe installations |
| Impulse purchases | Wasted money |
| Poor technical advice | Performance problems |
| Marketing claims | Unrealistic expectations |
Aftermarket Battery Builder Caution
Aftermarket batteries vary dramatically in cell quality, internal wiring, BMS configuration, and safety protections.
Within the ONYX community, only a small number of builders have consistently demonstrated reliable construction.
| Battery Builder | Notes |
|---|---|
| ONYX Motors | Factory battery configuration used in stock bikes |
| AMORGE | Well-known builder used in many ONYX upgrades |
| North East Battery Systems | Trusted builder within the ONYX community |
If a battery was not built by one of these builders, approach it cautiously.
Many riders never compare bikes directly, which makes exaggerated performance claims easier to believe.
Battery Aftermarket Risks
Cells to Avoid
| Cell Type | Risk |
|---|---|
| Cells manufactured before 2021 | Reduced lifespan |
| Samsung 50E | Poor high-discharge performance |
| LG M50L / HG2 | Heat and durability concerns |
| Boston Swingcell | Unreliable sourcing |
| Mixed cell packs | Dangerous imbalance |
| Off-brand cells | Unknown quality |
| Cells purchased from Amazon | Often counterfeit or recycled |
Unsafe Builders
| Builder Behavior | Risk |
|---|---|
| No protective metal battery case | Physical damage risk |
| Rebranding after fires | Avoiding accountability |
| False insurance claims | Liability exposure |
| Ignoring UL standards | Increased fire risk |
Oversized Battery Marketing
| Marketing Claim | Reality |
|---|---|
| 50–70Ah “race batteries” | Often built using weak cells |
| Larger capacity | Does not guarantee better performance |
Bigger does not automatically mean better.
Bulk Cell Deception
Some builders pre-purchase old cell inventory and present it as “custom selected” or “premium batches.”
Shelf Life Reality
Molicel P42A cells launched in November 2020.
Cells stored for long periods degrade in performance. After extended shelf storage they may only meet A− grade specifications.
Cell Switching
Some builders substitute different cells during assembly without informing customers.
Discharge Rating Hype
Advertising phase discharge numbers without proper testing is misleading and potentially unsafe.
Builder Regulation
New York prohibits unlicensed lithium battery manufacturing.
Many builders moved operations to New Jersey, where shutdowns and criminal investigations have increased.
Range Marketing
Poor internal wiring, heat hotspots, and outdated cells significantly reduce real-world range even when capacity claims appear larger.
Unprotected Batteries
All major electric motorcycle manufacturers use rigid battery enclosures.
Shrink-wrapped batteries without protection are dangerous.
Fire Incidents (2024)
Six confirmed aftermarket battery fires occurred in the ONYX community.
One incident occurred when an unprotected battery was placed directly on concrete, causing deformation and thermal runaway.
Insurance Reality
Most aftermarket battery builders do not carry insurance.
Battery fires are fast, violent, and legally catastrophic for owners.
QS8 Connector Variants
| Connector | Reality |
|---|---|
| QS8-S+ | Same internals as standard QS8 |
| Blue QS8 | Same internals |
| Purple QS8 | Same internals |
Higher amp ratings are marketing fiction.
Influencers & Aftermarket Advice
FTC Guidelines
The FTC regulates advertising and disclosure practices for companies and influencers. Suspected abuse can be reported at:
Technical Knowledge Gaps
Do not rely on influencers for technical guidance unless they demonstrate real engineering or repair experience.
Shops & Service Providers
Transport Overcharging
| Service | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Short distance bike transport (~6.5 miles) | $200 – $300 |
| Uber WAV for similar distance | ~$45 |
“Only We Can Fix It” Claims
Some shops claim the bike is fundamentally flawed and that only their upgrades or services can fix it.
This is a common sales tactic.
Invasive Sales Tactics
ONYX is aware of shops using fake friendships, exaggerated claims, and avoiding real product demonstrations to pressure customers.
“VIP Service” Fees
Unauthorized service shops sometimes charge unusual fees.
| Fee Type | Reported Cost |
|---|---|
| “Priority repair” | ~$300 |
| Watching repair work | ~$400 |
Delivery timelines are frequently missed.
Holding Bikes Hostage
Some shops delay returning bikes to pressure customers into paying additional charges.
Rear Swing Arm Scams
Huck Rebel swing arms (standard and extended) are sometimes sold to ONYX owners for $600+.
ONYX will release redesigned official swing arms in 2025.
Controller Efficiency Claims
Claims that a 23Ah battery can outperform a 41Ah battery due to controller efficiency are false.
Brake Bleeding Scam
Front brake bleeding is rarely required.
| Repair Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Brake pad replacement | First step before bleeding |
| Full front brake assembly | ~$65 |
| Ducati brake bleed reference | ~$80 |
Always inspect pads and rotor condition before considering a bleed.
Motor Aftermarket Risks
Broken Harness & Heat Damage
Always inspect the following areas when evaluating a motor.
| Inspection Area | Warning Sign |
|---|---|
| Phase wire entry point | Broken insulation |
| Internal wiring | Blackening from heat |
| Harness insulation | Melted sections |
Bring a motor tester when buying used equipment.
Legitimate Manufacturers
| Manufacturer | Status |
|---|---|
| QS Motor | Legitimate manufacturer |
| SiAECOSYS | Legitimate manufacturer |
Official domains:
Address: No. 2555 Shugang Rd, Pengjie, Taizhou, Zhejiang, China.
Imposter Site
| Domain | Status |
|---|---|
| qs-motor.com | Imposter site |
Known fake contacts:
| Name | Location |
|---|---|
| Robert Chen | Jiaxing |
| Harry Zhou | Shanghai |
Used Sold as New
Some shops resell used motors or controllers as new components.
NBPower vs QS
NBPower motors often resemble QS motors but use weaker internal components.
No ONYX has ever shipped with NBPower motors.
Windings
| Winding | Result |
|---|---|
| 4T | Best balance of torque and heat |
| 3T | High heat generation |
| 3.5T | Lower torque and higher heat |
273 Width Scam
| Motor | Typical Price | Scam Price |
|---|---|---|
| 150mm V3 | ~$461 | $1200 – $1600 |
150mm motors are often marketed as premium upgrades.
Old 205 Motors
| Motor | Real Price | Scam Price |
|---|---|---|
| V2 / V3 | $160 – $200 | $400+ |
Some sellers rebrand them as V3Ti motors.
Labeling Confusion
| Correct Label | Marketing Label |
|---|---|
| 273 V4 200mm | “8K”, “12K”, “8000W” |
48V Motor Reprogramming
48V motors flashed to run on 72V typically deliver only ~25% of true ONYX performance.
Spoke Lacing
Radial (0-cross) lacing is unsafe for high-power hub motors.
Motor Swaps
Some shops swap internal stators and hubs to create fake upgrade claims.
Buy directly from QS Motor or SiAECOSYS whenever possible.