Electric XM-3000 Watt Deluxe How long do the batteries last?
The batteries should last anywhere between 300 and 500 cycles if properly
maintained. To extend life of the batteries, never drain them completely,
instead charge them up upon completion of your trip. Always recharge when
battery level is less than 3/4 as indicated while the bike is in motion with
a normal load. IE: True Battery level is only indicated precisely when the
bike is being used real time.
How much does it cost to replace the batteries?
Current price, as of August 2008, is $79 per battery with $20 shipping per
battery - for 5 batteries that's $495.
What is the quality / reliability of these bikes?
These bikes have, what I would call, adequate quality. They are good
especially for the price! They are entry level bikes manufactured in China.
These are not Japanese quality bikes like Honda or Yamaha - but Honda does
not make an all electric bike at this time. An all electric bike is
fundamentally simpler than a gas powered bike - there are less moving parts,
and thus less to go wrong. You're most likely to find issues in the first
couple of hundred kilometers, but once those issues are addressed the bikes
should require very little maintenance compared to their gas counterparts.
These bikes make good commuters and the quality is comparable to the
competition. I have over 800 kilometers on my Electric Bike (in a little
over 4 weeks of use) Also we try to stock all common parts for the EV bikes
we sell.
What may go wrong?
The Electric bikes I have tested and use have weak kickstands that needed
shoring up or replacing. I highly recommend never using the side kickstand
on an electric bike, always use the center stand for safety and to prevent
the bike from rolling forward. A slight forward motion to the bike while
using the side kick stand only can be a complete disaster! Also the seat
latches always need adjustment due to the spring size or alignment. I used
a spring approx 2 times the size of the factory spring, then re-aligned the
latch and have had no problems since.
What is the ownership experience like?
The first thing to bear in mind is that you are buying these bikes direct,
not through a typical bricks and mortar operation. This means that you will
be the first person to see the bike since it was packed in the factory. At
the very least you will need to uncrate the bike, charge the batteries and
do a pre-ride inspection. There's no assembly required (aside from affixing
rearview mirrors). You might also need to replace panels damaged during
shipping - these are provided under warranty, however, you need to arrange
to have them delivered and also to fit them.
Another aspect to consider is that by buying an EV (any EV) at this point in
time you're an "early adopter" of this relatively new technology (OK, it's
old technology, but packaged in a new way). Are you ready and prepared to
deal with some unexpected issues that may arise? Are you ready to do some
hands on changing parts (with provided instructions)? If not, you may want
to wait a while. If you are the least bit mechanical though, with only a
handful of tools you can maintain these bike very easily and save a lot of
money! They are much easier to maintain than a gas fired cycle. All of our
bikes disassemble and assemble very easily!
How do I get this bike licensed and insured?
After your bike arrives you need to contact the importer (X-Treme Scooters)
and tell them the VIN of your bike. They will then issue a Manufacturers
Certificate of Origin (MCO).
With a VIN you can contact your insurance agent and ask for a cycle policy.
Some will want to know the CC, at this point explain it's an electric bike
with a power output approximately equivalent to a 150cc motor scooter. I had
no trouble insuring my bike with State Farm, others have mentioned Geiko and
Progressive as possibilities.
When you have insurance and the MCO take these documents along with your
bill of sale to your local DMV or Secretary of State office. You will need
to apply for a motorcycle license plate and title. They will keep the MCO
and issue you a title. Again, they may want to know the CC - the best
approach I've found is to explain its electric but equivalent to about a
150cc motor scooter. I had no problem getting title and a plate in Arizona
and in the Philippines I need no license or registration!
How long do the batteries last?
The batteries should last anywhere between 1000 and 2000 cycles. That's a
large range - but see the information about BMS below.
How much does it cost to replace the batteries?
Current price, as of August 2008, is $68 per cell - for 20 cells that's
$1,360.
What no BMS?
Like it's little brother, the XM-3000, this bike does not have a Battery
Management System. This means that the cells are not performing to their
fullest capacity and won't last as long. However, LiFePO4 batteries will
still last a lot longer than their lead acid counterparts. There are several
BMS systems on the market - we're currently working on finding one that we
think represents good value for money. The cells are still covered by the 2
year warranty.
What no Regen?
Also like the XM-3000 this bike doesn't have regenerative braking (regen).
The main purpose of regen is to extend range by using the motor as a
generator during braking. However, when implementing regen on a bike the
size of the XM range the amount of energy recovered is insignificant and
does not extend range by a noticeable amount.
What is the quality / reliability of these bikes?
These bikes have, what I would call, adequate quality. They are good
especially for the price! They are entry level bikes manufactured in China.
These are not Japanese quality bikes like Honda or Yamaha - but Honda does
not make an all electric bike at this time. An all electric bike is
fundamentally simpler than a gas powered bike - there are less moving parts,
and thus less to go wrong. You're most likely to find issues in the first
couple of hundred kilometers, but once those issues are addressed the bikes
should require very little maintenance compared to their gas counterparts.
These bikes make good commuters and the quality is comparable to the
competition. I have over 800 kilometers on my Electric Bike (in a little
over 4 weeks of use) Also we try to stock all common parts for the EV bikes
we sell.
What may go wrong?
The Electric bikes I have tested and use have weak kickstands that needed
shoring up or replacing I highly recommend never using the side kickstand
on an electric bike, always use the center stand for safety and to prevent
the bike from rolling forward. A slight forward motion to the bike while
using the side kick stand only can be a disaster! Also the seat latches
always need adjustment due to the spring size. I used a spring approx 2
times the size of the factory spring and have had no problems since.
What is the ownership experience like?
The first thing to bear in mind is that you are buying these bikes direct,
not through a typical bricks and mortar operation. This means that you will
be the first person to see the bike since it was packed in the factory. At
the very least you will need to uncrate the bike, charge the batteries and
do a pre-ride inspection. There's no assembly required (aside from affixing
rearview mirrors). You might also need to replace panels damaged during
shipping - these are provided under warranty, however, you need to arrange
to have them delivered and also to fit them.
Another aspect to consider is that by buying an EV (any EV) at this point in
time you're an "early adopter" of this relatively new technology (OK, it's
old technology, but packaged in a new way). Are you ready and prepared to
deal with some unexpected issues that may arise? Are you ready to do some
hands on changing parts (with provided instructions)? If not, you may want
to wait a while. If you are the least bit mechanical though, with only a
handful of tools you can maintain these bike very easily. They are much
easier to maintain than a gas fired cycle!
How do I get this bike licensed and insured?
After your bike arrives you need to contact the importer (X-Treme Scooters)
and tell them the VIN of your bike. They will then issue a Manufacturers
Certificate of Origin (MCO).
With a VIN you can contact your insurance agent and ask for a cycle policy.
Some will want to know the CC, at this point explain it's an electric bike
with a power output approximately equivalent to a 150cc motor scooter. I had
no trouble insuring my bike with State Farm, others have mentioned Geiko and
Progressive as possibilities.
When you have insurance and the MCO take these documents along with your
bill of sale to your local DMV or Secretary of State office. You will need
to apply for a motorcycle license plate and title. They will keep the MCO
and issue you a title. Again, they may want to know the CC - the best
approach I've found is to explain its electric but equivalent to about a
150cc motor scooter. I had no problem getting title and a plate in Arizona
and in the Philippines I need no license or registration!
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