North American Made Scooters?

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ArcticFox
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North American Made Scooters?

Canada, United States, Mexico - are there any scooter/eBike companies that offer drop-shipping for small online retailers? China made is starting to upset me.

I thought about listing better scooters on my site and just marking up the retail prices, or catching some on sale and reselling them at retail, but I'm not sure if I could pull that off or the morality of doing something like that.

Comments, help?

Gman
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Re: North American Made Scooters?

` :(
Nope.
There are several in other locations, and India will probably begin doing something latter. At 62 cents a hour, it's hard for other countries to compete with China.
As they say you get what you pay for.
There was the Badsey Electric Scooters made in America, and latter became Zortch after Ken Trough, creator of the old visforvoltage.com site, purchased it. Zortch also now seems to also be out of business.
Zortch
Extreme
ShockRay Mini-Chopper
Overview – In development for over a year, the ShockRay is an excellent overall personal electric vehicle product for riders of all skill levels. We start with the super strong StingRay and install an ultra-efficient 1000W brushless DC motor at 48V. This motor includes both an internal fan for improved cooling and a sealed core design that prevents contaminates from getting to the sensitive parts of the motor providing the best features of both sealed and vented motor options. We also build a custom three speed rear wheel and add dual disc brakes. We then add a larger 26" front wheel with a Maxxis Hookworm tire for improved handling, convert the pedals to fixed forward position pegs, and add the distinctive "ape hanger" handlebars. ShockRay can climb moderate hills with average sized riders, offers a 30+mph top speed, and a 20+ mile top range. While the ShockRay is built for efficiency over raw power, the hub gearing provides an excellent overall range of use. The ShockRay recovers most of its charge in under one hour from any standard 120V outlet using the included super charger package.
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price - $3995
SwitchBlade Standard
Overview - This electric mini-chopper is for advanced riders only. The SwitchBlade runs at 48V with SVR-14 electric drag racing batteries. The motor is the powerful ETEK, the controller is the powerful 300A Alltrax AXE. This ride delivers 14,400W of power (over 15 hp) with a top speed of over 30 mph and a top range of over 20 miles. Stylish spoke wheels. Front and rear disc brakes. Custom front springer suspension. Custom gel seat. Silent Kevlar synchronous belt drive system. The dual mode digital controller keeps this monster under control. Keep it in street mode to maximize range and comfortable enjoyment. Switch to race track mode and unleash the beast, unlocking the power of this outrageous design. The SwitchBlade recovers most of its charge in under one hour from any standard 120V outlet using the included super charger package.
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price - $4995
SwitchBlade Extreme
Overview - This electric chopper takes extreme to a whole new level. The already intense SwitchBlade is juiced up to 72V with more SVR-14 drag racing batteries, the motor is upgraded to the beefy Lemco, the controller is a huge 450A Alltrax AXE. This ride delivers 27,000W of power (over 30 hp) with a top speed of over 60 mph and a top range of over 20 miles. Forged CNC machined aluminum wheels. Dual front and single rear disc brakes. Custom front springer suspension. Custom gel seat. Silent Kevlar synchronous belt drive system. The dual mode digital controller keeps this monster under control. Keep it in street mode to maximize range and comfortable enjoyment. Switch to race track mode and unleash the beast, unlocking the power of this outrageous design. The SwitchBlade Extreme recovers most of its charge in under one hour from any standard 120V outlet using the included super charger package.
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price - $9995
Available from:
*
Zortch Electric Designs, 177 Telegraph Road, Suite #279, Bellingham, WA 98226, http://www.zortch.com

Peace Out,
Gman

Now that we have clarified our beliefs, your invited to join us as we begin building on them to define our Community Mission Statement

Peace Out, <img src="http://tinyurl.com/ysafbn">
Gman

reikiman
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Re: North American Made Scooters?

There's a long history of small EV companies trying to make a go of building vehicles in the U.S. but not able to compete with small prices from China.

http://www.forsenusa.com/ - Rather proudly made in the U.S.

http://egovehicles.com/ - I think it's made in the U.S.

http://blueskydsn.com/BugE_Concept.html - This isn't a scooter, but it is made in the U.S.

http://www.myersmotors.com/ - This also isn't a scooter, but is made in the U.S.

http://www.teslamotors.com/ - This also clearly isn't a scooter, but.. er.. Hm, wait, I think the body is made in the U.K. right? I'm not sure.

- David Herron, http://davidherron.com/

ArcticFox
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Re: North American Made Scooters?

So what can we do about this [lack of attention to detail] that's coming from China? First they kill our cats and dogs with their pet food, now they're sending us scooters all banged up with missing parts (I hear they're planning a military invasion with Russia into the US). I was thinking I could have the scooters shipped directly to me first for inspection, but that just means same headaches, different person. I'd be able to troubleshoot problems a lot faster than the customer, but then will I be delaying the shipment when I'm trying to get replacement parts anyway?

I'm apparently stuck telling my customers, "good luck with that", and risk having end up with a bad reputation and charge-backs when I see it as not my fault. What can I do?

Maybe I should just stick with selling jewelry.

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kringle777
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Re: North American Made Scooters?

Arctic Fox,
I've written into X-Treme with a request for the side decal and throttle endcap for the XM-2000 and they've been very helpful and quick to respond. They shipped the new parts out immediately and were quite courteous about it. Cheap Fun echoed the same sentiments before he disappeared into the electric sunset.

Now, perhaps you have some horror stories that you'd rather not elaborate on, but I've found the system they have works just fine for me. I simply asked for the parts, uploaded a couple of photos, and they were quick to respond.

One of the things that originally kept me leery of X-Treme was reports of their cheaper toy scooter models arriving all banged up and missing parts. Is there a particular model that keeps coming up with problems? In my mind, I was thinking that they have contracts with different companies to deliver different products. With that scenario, you can certainly have varying degrees of quality.

I don't have a problem installing these new parts myself (I think I'm just going to save them for when I really need them). Maybe somebody else would. And maybe that's why they'd rather choose to take their business to a brick and mortar establishment like Zap or GreenEMotor or Electric Motorsport and pay more for the personal touch. The difference in price for what is apparently the same scooter can be up to $1500 more, and for that price, you better get good service.

kringle777
Red XM-2000
Moss Green "Charger" ebike
Sacramento, CA

kringle777
Red XM-2000
Moss Green "Charger" ebike
Sacramento, CA

reikiman
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Re: North American Made Scooters?

What can we do about it? Gosh, wasn't the point of globalization that it would save us all? That it would give everybody in the world a chance to compete in this global marketplace?

Geezopeetz... the guys who push that are so brilliant that one of them just wrote a book titled the World is Flat, what nonsense.

Anyway, I think the way to solve this is for product standards and strong enforcement. So.. in a way does it matter where the product comes from so long as it's well made? Well, okay, it does matter in a way where our products come from because if there's no businesses left in the U.S. because they've all moved to China, then the U.S. is screwed.

But there's a similar situation from the 50's where Japan was the source of crap cheap products, and today they're seen as a source of extremely well made and well thought out products. What happened was Japan put their attention on product quality. That's why I think there has to be strong standards, strong quality, and strong enforcement. If China can sell crap, they've proved they're quite willing to do so, and apparently they're quite willing to sell poisonous food etc.

But President Business-Friendly (a.k.a. President Enron) is unlikely to establish strong standards and strong enforcement because.. er.. it would hurt businesses.

You can hear the pleading cries right now from businessmen all over the country .. you can't shackle us with these evil standards and enforcement, it'll push us out of business. Sorry, I have no sympathy for that.

- David Herron, http://davidherron.com/

Gman
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Re: North American Made Scooters?

` :?
China didn't kill any pets, those products were made in North America by a company that either failed to protect there products, or there profit was there bottom line. I think we should also remember we are a world wide community, and have members in China.
Asbestos and other dangerous things have killed more people than any pet food, and it didn't come from from China, and there are plenty of other examples. Pharmaceuticals are killing people, the list is endless of things made in North America that harm us.

The button line is profits, and cost is a big part of the formula, if you stop buying items made in China, you won't have much of a selection if at all.
eGO CYCLE THE STORY OF AN IDEA . FOURTH OF A 4-DAY SERIES
I remember Sam Walton was very big on "Made In America". If you found a product he sold not made in the USA, he would even give start up Grants to companies if they could produce the item in America. A very noble idea, but it didn't last, and the rest is history.
Big Oil companies making record profits, constantly fighting Environmental issues, are not from China.
What ever you believe about the current war, and the reason for it is another example of people dying for what?
There is plenty of blame to go around, and we are our own worse enemy.
The initial question was concerning E Scooters being made in the USA, where there are problems even getting them registered.
Any thing can be made in the USA, but will the consumer purchase it, or afford it?
I am old enough to remember when the tag said made in Japan, it was cheap. Now where are the majority of our cars come from, and why?
The problem you are having is with a American company not China.
Lee Iacocca, and his EV Global Motors may be the way to go, but I don't think they will drop ship.

BTW, I don't believe Forsen is made in the USA:

Forsen Motor Corporation is a professional manufacturer of Engine Bicycle (patented), Heavy Duty Electric Moped, Electric Bicycle and Three Wheel Mobility Scooter in Taiwan.

We have designed all our products in our Taiwan head office, opened our own product moulds and apply patents of our products. We produced products in Taiwan (scooters, engine bicycles and vehicles related products) and Canton, China (UnCapper) and export our products worldwide.

Opps, there's that word China again.
A good question would be "Where have all the USA EV manufactures gone?" or "Who killed the Electric Car?" Clue, only one answer begins with a C.

Peace Out,
Gman

Now that we have clarified our beliefs, your invited to join us as we begin building on them to define our Community Mission Statement

Peace Out, <img src="http://tinyurl.com/ysafbn">
Gman

ArcticFox
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Re: North American Made Scooters?

我的道歉为我的词对中国人。 我是疯狂的。

My distributor is telling me that these products get shipped out in the same condition they arrive. That tells me they are not opening the boxes to inspect them. So when my customer receives a "brand new" product, opens the sealed box and finds pieces missing, broken or apparently used, it's because it came straight from the point of origin in that condition; which in this case is China.

I do still have a problem with my distributor's customer service. I'm still waiting for replies to several emails as well as delivery statuses and tracking number requests. Questions like, "Why aren't these inspected for damages at the warehouse before sending them to my customers?" don't get responses at all, so all I can do is guess at what's actually going on from the information I do get - which, by the way, comes mainly from my customers.

I will be happy to entertain any ideas anyone may have as to why nearly each one of these XM-2000's I've sent out has been reported with some sort of damage. I got a report on Tuesday about problems with a front wheel which I'm thinking is a wheel bearing. $1500, brand new out of the box, and there's already a mechanical problem with it. If these come straight from overseas with no one tampering with it before the customer sees it, who shall I point the finger of responsibility towards? Iran?

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Gman
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Re: North American Made Scooters?

`
Well on this one I do have some knowledge.
In my younger years, I worked for a Corrugated Box Company as a designer. If you ever look at a box made here, you'll see a weight. That's a standard that box meets. They are tested to insure they meet that standard.
Boxes from China contain a lot of recycled material to keep cost down.
There Market is right outside there front door, so there is no need to invest a lot of money in packaging using from new Trees.
Normally thjy will also include 10% parts, these are parts normally broken during shipping. A lot happens to them between point A and B and that includes damage. Drop shippers also want to keep there cost down, so they ship it just like it arrived for a number of reason, I'm sure they may shake it or something to see is things rattle around.
When I purchased my Luyuan which is suppose to be on the high end, the dealer told me they repackage each one they ship out because they are so poorly packed when they arrive. I actually got a nice discount by buying one that they had already repacked. They have 2 bricks and mortar locations, so they have to open the containers to put the product on display. When it arrived it had been repack and a wooden pallet had been also added, the box on the inside was from China and had a lot of damage, they covered it with another box and some additional protection. There was only a scuff mark on the back of the trunk, and you really had to look to see it. Since I was also planning on becoming a Dealer, another reason for the discount, I felt comfortable the product would arrive in a decent shape. All of this added cost and weight to the shipment, pallets are wooden pallets and the extra wood they used to repackage it, but it reduced the possibility it would be returned.
The owner also gave me the contact information of the person he works with, who actually works for another E Scooter company, but her product was on the low end.
Buyer beware of online EV sellers who drop ship, my plan was to only sell locally, but I couldn't find anyone that was willing to repair them, and the one that did said he was stopping because of all the problems. So I put my plans on hold until I learn more about the repair end of it.
I became suspicious of X Treme, which I also looked into, wouldn't sell some batteries to a customer that only lived 40 miles from them and to reduce his cost could just pick them up there. Anytime there is free shipping anywhere in the USA is normally a flag also, and the price is the same even if I live 2 blocks from the factory or warehouse.
There are solutions being proposed by members of this community as we speak.

Peace Out,
Gman

Now that we have clarified our beliefs, your invited to join us as we begin building on them to define our Community Mission Statement

Peace Out, <img src="http://tinyurl.com/ysafbn">
Gman

lampajoo
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Re: North American Made Scooters?

China didn't kill any pets, those products were made in North America by a company that either failed to protect there products, or there profit was there bottom line. I think we should also remember we are a world wide community, and have members in China."

If a company in china puts melamine into protein to reduce cost, then lies about it to who they sell it to from the United States, how is that not the fault of a chinese person/business? Supposedly they used to put urea into protein to do the same thing but then buyers would start to test for that. The US companies should have done better testing, but I don't think it's more their fault than the people who put the poisonous substance in in the first place AND profited off of the act.

I think we can be nice to people from China and still say that it was a chinese citizen who killed those animals. It doesn't really have to mean anything, it's a huge place and it's borders are arbitrary, encompassing plenty of different cultures and peoples. Their _business class_, however, doesn't seem to mind making shitty products.

Gman
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Re: North American Made Scooters?

`lampajoo,
Welcome to the V is for Voltage community, to each there own. I just prefer not to categorize a whole group of people, based on what a few did. The same thing is happening here to members of certain religions here in the Good old USA.
We have many members here from China, and I'm sure they don't enjoy reading here they killed our pets, or they all make cheap junk.
The truth may never be made public, but I believe others also knew about the melamine and they all weren't from China.
How ever it happen, China seems to be taking some steps to lessen the chances of anything similar happening again, China executes former head of food and drug safety watchdog for approving fake drugs.

Peace Out,
Gman

Now that we have clarified our beliefs, your invited to join us as we begin building on them to define our Community Mission Statement

Peace Out, <img src="http://tinyurl.com/ysafbn">
Gman

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