Comparing those retro styled large scooters again!
Here's how some newer models are stacking up for specs:
| Name | Watts | Volts | AHr | Chemistry | Max Speed | Range | Weight | Load | Brakes | Price |
| EVT-168 | 1500 | 48 | 30 | LiPoly | 30 | 45 | 198 | ? | disc/drum | $4199 |
| E-Moto Retro | 1500 | 48 | 20 | Silicon | 28* | 10-12 | 253 | ? | disc/drum | $2195 |
| E-Moto Classic | 2000 | 48 | 20 | Silicon | 28* | 30-35 | 308 | ? | disc/disc | $3095 |
| e-Cruiser 220 | 2200 | 60 | 40 | silicon/lithium* | 42 | 20-40 | 240 | 400 | disc/drum | $2995 |
| eSoho 3000li | 3000 | 60 | 55 | liPoly | 45 | 45 | 350 | 400 | disc, antilock | $4000 |
| R-30 | 3000 | 60 | 35 | lead | 45 | 30-45 | 321 | 319 | disc | $4000 |
| Zapino | 3000 | 60 | 38 | lead | 30 | 30 | 297 | 280 | disc/disc | $3495 |
| ES3000li | 3000 | 60 | 40 | liFePO4 | 42 | 60 | ? | 440 | disc/disc | $3790 |
| XM-3100 | 3000 | 60 | 38 | lithium | 40-50 | 50-85 | 306 | 282 | disc/disc | $2500 |
I think the XM-3100 has Silicon batteries not lithium (as confirmed by Mountain Chen on a different thread).
Current Motor Company is evaluating our options for an entry into this category. Would be LiFePO4 40Ah / 60V with a BMS (I doubt any of those bikes listed have a BMS). Price likely around $3500 to $4000. Probably won't be out until end of 2009 or beginning of 2010.
John H. Founder of Current Motor Company - opinions on this site belong to me; not to my employer
Remember: " 'lectric for local. diesel for distance" - JTH, Amp Bros || "No Gas.
Yeah, I saw that in another thread. X-treme keeps insisting they are lithium, so not sure who to believe. At that price it does seem to be a good deal. I am just wary of their controllers, chargers, and the lack of BMS.
Looks like my estimate for the ES3000 is off a bit. They are selling the bike for $2495 + $900 for the LiFePO4 upgrade... $3395 total. They have a BMS coming out in the fall, and right now they do offer a 'balancing charger' for about $400. Their controller is the same as the Zapino.
Still, I do like the LiFePO4 batteries at this price.
Thoughts?
Looks like there are two places selling the ES3000 - one at $4500 for the Li and the other that you list above at $3395
Things you might want to check:
(1) how many cells? Some supply 19 cells, some 20.
(2) what exactly does the balancing charger do? If there aren't 19 (or 20) per-cell connections then it's not really able to do much good
(3) who makes the cells? what is the warranty? how to claim on the warranty? can individual replacement cells be purchased?
Good luck - and if you go ahead then be sure to let us know how it goes.
John H. Founder of Current Motor Company - opinions on this site belong to me; not to my employer
Remember: " 'lectric for local. diesel for distance" - JTH, Amp Bros || "No Gas.
Yeah, I talked to them about the balancing charger; I think they would agree with you. They say that is why they are hoping to release a true BMS in fall. Time will tell if that holds true.