Researching X-treme Scooters Before You Buy | XM-3500li, 4000, etc

When I researched the XM-3500li from X-treme Scooters, I didn't find this forum or any number of other sites that might have warned me what I was getting into. I hope that someone doing their research will find this post and explore the resources I mention, in addition to other sources they find on their own.

Most of the discussion I have seen online is among hobbyists who, while annoyed by a low quality of manufacturing, have the resources and know-how to fix them up, many of them owning multiple electric motorcycles or other scooters from X-treme. I'm just an average consumer. I just wanted a non-petroleum vehicle as an alternative to my bicycle for getting me to work, the grocery store and home.

Do check out the threads on electric motorcycles in this forum (currently http://visforvoltage.org/forums/electric-rides/motorcycles-and-large-scooters). Look for mentions of X-treme, the 3000, 3500li, 4000li, etc. These are not all angry and bashing, like my blog. That's because most of these people understood what they were buying into and enjoy tinkering...or revamping, even machining their own parts in cases. That's not me.

Even my computer has a better warranty and track record than these motorcycles, and they cost about the same. That should be your first clue as to the quality of the product. I figured there would be some chincy pieces involved, but I didn't quite expect the host of problems I got.

Some of the batteries burned out, and I'm having trouble getting Alpha Products to replace (http://visforvoltage.org/blog/glperham/8051), but when I finally do, I assume I'll have the same problem again in a few months if I don't replace whatever caused the burnout. I see talk of a "controller" in the forums, so I am currently investigating that a solution.

The brakes are the other really big problem on my mind. They just sound awful. *squeeeaaaak* *squeeeek* every revolution of the tires. I really don't know how to fix it. Already had a shop put a new rotor on, but I think the whole wheel assembly is out of alignment. The back tire is wearing unevenly on one side.

Other problems with my XM-3500li are that the brake light pops on randomly while I'm driving along, causing the motor to cut out, or stays stuck when I release the brake at a stop light; the turn signal switch doesn't always work; the seat compartment lock...just sucks...and is difficult to open; the speedometer is inaccurate; the battery meter is way inaccurate--not even worth regarding. I watch the odometer and figure on 70km per charge. That is, I used to, until the battery problems got progressively worse.

In addition to the quality of the product itself, you will want to know about the quality of the customer service and the policies of the company you're buying from. X-treme Scooters is a division of Alpha Products International (API). The V forums are a good place to start, but here's an even better one: http://www.complaints.com/2007/november/11/xtreme_scooters__alpha_products_international__in_154314.htm. This is from 2007, but if my experience is representative, API has not improved since then.

If you do decide to buy from them after all this, I understand. It might be worth the gamble. You could get a good one. You know the potential problems and don't mind. A fully electric motorcycle is such a sexy idea! You so want to support this industry. Fair enough. So if you do, lastly you will want to be concerned with registering the damn thing. As I mentioned before, the manufacturer is Alpha Products International. The model number will be XM-3500li, XM-4000li, or whatever. Check with the RMV/DMV to see if you can register it, or if you'll have to go through hoops to get it registered. Some guys did the legwork already in California. If you live in Massachusetts, you'll be able to get plates. You're welcome. I think I read someone managed to finagle registration in Illinois cause his buddy works at the DMV. Also check with your insurance company to make sure they'll cover it. I called a bunch of places that said they just didn't have it in list of vehicles in the pull down menu on the computer, so they wouldn't write a policy. Again if you're in MA, Arbella will cover you. The agent at Whalen Insurance near me negotiated this for me very helpfully.

For me, all of this has been highly aggravating and ultimately disappointing. I started down the purchase path a year and a half ago, and so far, I've only had a couple months of use out of the bike, and much of that has been with my heart in my throat wondering it was going to die a few miles from home. It has definitely not been worth the time, money, and emotional toll. Stress and aggravation have been the overall tone of my experience, pock-marked by a few blissful rides.

Best of luck!

API/X-treme Scooters on Complaints.com