EVT America Z-20a and Z-20b

Wow $600 shipping - I sure hope for so much cash they arrive in better condition than my XM-2000. :-)

And those pictures sure look nice, and so do the pictures of the EXO8 :-)

Hmm deposit. Unfortunately, at least regarding the Z-20, EVT America has not exactly a history of keeping promises... But then again, does any of the e-scooter companies? -sigh-

And what on earth is the "R-20" mentioned in the deposit agreement?

Markus

FWIW, $600 is a reasonable cost for professionally shipping a motorcycle coast-coast. At least... a few years ago I bid on (and won) an EVT4000 on ebay, it was located in Ft. Lauderdale, and that led me to research motorcycle shipping. The costs I was coming up with for professional motorcycle shipping came to approx $700-$900.

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

EVT's problem has been announcing their product way too early - not delivering the product too late. We should regard these long delays as a GOOD thing - it shows that unlike the others, they are not letting their limited resources prevent them from thoroughly researching, developing, and testing and improving the product.

Read the whole announcement, the fact that they looked into, but rejected the Chinese silicone snake-oil battery sales pitch speaks volumes.

If I wasn't so invested in my modified e-max's at this point. I'd get a Z-20 and be quite confident in it.

I noticed that the wheels in the new Z-20a/b photos look more like the 12" variety as opposed to the 10" listed in the description. Anyone else notice this?

I sincerely wish you are right, PJD, and the Z-20 is really going to be great scooter it promises to be. It's just enormously frustrating to be on this forum sometimes with all this great stuff being announced and then you just wait and drool for literally years and years without ever seeing product, or read all the stories (or get to write them, ha :-() about the e-scoot companies screwing people left and right. Does not exactly instill confidence...

Markus

Yeah, the front fender on the Z-20a in the picture looks like it's barely clear of the front tire, if at all (as opposed to the Z-20b left of it). Wonder if the bike actually runs in the pictured configuration.

Hi,

I've been waiting on the Z-20 for a while. The wait for me, and why I did not buy any other from out-of-state earlier, is the Registration Problem I would've suffered from in Florida.

EVT America has their HQ at Miami. I don't live in Miami, I live in a town called Melbourne, about 180 miles North of Miami. Someone from my campus once got an EVT 4000e from California. It took him some 4-5 months to register the same in Melbourne, Florida. Initially the DMV guys here did not seem to even accept the existence of this bike!!

When I wrote to Fernando Pruna, they said I could meet up with them at Miami and they would help out with registration.

Has anyone had any problem with registration before, notably in Florida?

Thanks,

Venky

usatracy,
I think you have some very valid points, and I'm not expecting much myself until I see or hear some non-affiliated customer reviews. I think your going a little overkill though, did you lose money or something?

EVT has provided some decent scooters in the past from what I hear. Nothing like the Emax, in terms of quality which appeared to be pretty good. I don't think you can get a good idea of any company until you know if they deliver good results or not. We don't know if they will yet with the Z20, but thats no proof that they won't.

I'm really excited about it, and can't wait to see some real-world testing.

---
Avatar taken from http://www.electricmotorbike.org/
Anyone got one they might want to sell?
My KZ750 Project: here

The specs and color selections, from their web site, are here.

http://www.evtamerica.com/productImage/Z20a%20and%20Z-20b%20Specifications%20and%20Baisic%20Color%20Options.pdf

An as far "big deals", considering all the scooters so far that were limited to 30 mph, or 34 at best, a claimed speed of 45 is a significant consideration.

The Pruna's are the first sellers of these scooters who seem to actually have a technical understanding of the product they are selling. It could be argued that a swindler would not go through the trouble.

As far as the deposit, it seems to be a reasonable business decision, to ask for "earnest money" considering their limited resources. There is nothing shady about the request, in and of itself.

BUT it seems to me the deposit form needs to be signed by _both_ parties to have any legal force, so, I would insist on adding an extra signature line, and initial blanks for the key clauses, have the seller sign the form and would send in a deposit only when I have a seller-signed form in hand.

Hi all,

Umm, doesn't it look like the Z20 ("a" version, at least), _is_ the XM-2000? When I compare EVT's detail pictures, at http://rides.webshots.com/album/547135504fYtTcl , and the pictures in the other thread, http://visforvoltage.org/forum-topic/motorcycles-and-large-scooters/1151-x-treme-xm-2000 , even tiny details look the same. And both of them look a lot like the Erato-04 at http://erato.en.ec21.com . (Granted the EVT retro doesn't look like the Erato retro.) Is EVT just one more Erato reseller?

Kelly
Mount Joy, PA

P.S. And I'd like to be the first on my block to have that Erato 3000W bike...

How common is it to have to worry about the listed specs vs. real performance. At least with someplace like this? I'm looking at the R-20 as my first electric vehicle but obviously somewhat nervous... I don't like the idea of buying something that people haven't tried out and reviewed much. But it does seem like the price will go up once the deposits are done... Does anybody know about how much?

I don't think I'm quite as nervous about the deposit aspect itself because they seem like they've been around quite a while and people have dealt with them before but I'd definitely prefer a credit card to a check. It also helps that I'm not really in a big hurry at the moment.

Oh, and since the R-20 doesn't come with the windshield... How important are those really? I haven't had much experience riding them with/without and comparing. My initial reaction is that it wouldn't be a big deal because I see them a lot without them but I figured I'd ask.

Deafscooter is Here...

Craig look Topics at your Talking about Shipping Between Country and California USA

Deafscooter' EVT S.E. 168 ASIAN Version 3500 watts Hub Powered Red Electric Scooter

The Shipping From China to California About $USD 1895.00 and take 6 Week on Freight

Check out ====>>>> http://www.austinev.org/evalbum/popupimg.php?5240

Craig Uyeda
Deafscooter

Sparkawk2k

How common is it to have to worry about the listed specs vs. real performance. At least with someplace like this? I'm looking at the R-20 as my first electric vehicle but obviously somewhat nervous... I don't like the idea of buying something that people haven't tried out and reviewed much. But it does seem like the price will go up once the deposits are done... Does anybody know about how much?

Almost every electric scooter sold has inflated specs. The range listed is usually double what you will get, and the listed speed is usually higher than the actual top speed. By how much depends on the scooter. The EVT 168s did come with an inaccurate speedometer to make it seem like you are going faster.

I wouldn't worry too much about the price going up. But thats just my opinion. Would you buy a mystery product just because the price might go up?

If you are really set on getting it, than I would try very hard to find a way to test one before you buy it, and bring along a GPS to determine the top speed. Find a dealer and wait until they have some in stock, or wait until someone else tests it is the best advise I can give.

---
Avatar taken from http://www.electricmotorbike.org/
Anyone got one they want to sell?
My KZ750 Project: here

Hi. This is my first post to this group.

I placed an order for one of the "b" models. I'll keep everyone apprised of my progress - when it's delivered, in what shape, etc. I'll post pictures and whatever tests I can think of. If there are particular things you want me to find out for you, let me know.

Fred.

Hi, Fred,

Glad you took the leap for the rest of us. Like everybody else, I'm interested in the range and top speeds. I weight over 250 and would like to know how fast and far I'm able to go on a z-20. Also, take note of how it handles hills/slopes. Can it start from a dead stop on a slope?

In general, does it feel solid, or toy-like? I did get a chance to test ride and Evader scooter and it felt pretty solid. The max speed of 30 MPH (which I achieved going down a slight hill) turned me off.

Also let us know how difficult it will be to license and tab the thing. I know different states have different tolerances for EV scooters, but all the data we can get will be good.

Anyway, thanks again for your offer to test for us. I'll come up with more questions as I think of them.

`kelfy.
Welcome to our V is for Voltage Community.

kelfy;
Is EVT just one more Erato reseller?

No not to my knowledge, most China Scooters will look similar or exactly like another totally different brand, because most but there bodies for the same few places. There products are made in Taiwan I believe, it seems the Z 20 will be made somewhere else according to there site

Manufacturing Office: EVTAMERICA, Room2507, Block Jinlong, Xinshiji Huayuan, NO.200 Furong Zhong Rd. Changsha, Hunan, China

Many Scooter manufacturers are moving to China, jobs that pay $5 an hour on the island pay 60 cents an hour in mainland China, drawing droves of manufacturers.

Erato is not a manufacturer, just some stock pictures posted, I can try and find out who the manufacturer is if you like.

kelfy:
P.S. And I'd like to be the first on my block to have that Erato 3000W bike...

If your really interested in the 3000,
I understand Zapino has a sample.
If your really interested in the Erato 3000W contact me off site I may be able to get my hands on 2 or 3 samples.
BTW a 10,000 watt for export to the USA is already on the drawing board, so maybe some more waiting is in order.
Big Oil and there Auto buddies won't be silent long, and allow a reasonable price E anything to chip away at there market, so there will be a lot of hurdles. We tried to save the American made Motorcycle and lost. India is where a lot of products will soon be coming from, so Manufacturing and Customer Service will all be in India some day. That's a whole new thread for discussion.
BTW I have been reading the EV America SOS documents, they did change there name several years ago.

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

` ;)
It seems Yixiang Machinery&Equipment LTD and EVTAMERICA are connected in some way.
Manufacturing Office: EVTAMERICA, Room2507, Block Jinlong, Xinshiji Huayuan, NO.200 Furong Zhong Rd. Changsha, Hunan, China. Telephone Number: +86-138-2883-0880. Email: kenlee [at] evtamerica.com

Company Name: Yongzhou Yixiang Machinery and Equipment Ltd.
Company Address: Room2507, Block Jinlong, Xinshiji Huayuan, No. 200 Furong Zhong Rd., Changsha, Hunan, China
City/Province: Changsha/Hunan
Country/Region: China
Zip/Postal Code: 410015
Telephone Number: 86-731-5819117
Fax Number: 86-731-5816217

Company Info

Yixiang Machinery&Equipment LTD. Is the corporation which engaged in the construction mechanical along with the sales of correlation profession equipment and the after-sale service. It has developed into the suitable scale and strength enterprise yet. Presently it has been the sales and after-sales service sole agent of the Putzmeister's Truck mounted concrete pump in Hunan. Simultaneously also is biggest agent and client of the domestic biggest project mechanical company- XCMG.

The company depends on the self operation channel and the domestic other functional departments's cooperate, participates in the public bidding of international construction project positively. Cooperate with domestic in construction aid project of the third world country, recommend the domestic outstanding project mechanical enterprise to the overseas project and the market.

The product which we main agent: ZOOMLION's Truck mounted concrete pump, Motor Grader and other road surface machinery; XCMG's Truck crane; YTO's Vibratory Roller; Putzmeister's Concrete Pumps; Shannxi Automobile's Truck; Ingersoll Rand's Vibratory Roller and so on.

We are customer focussed and provide a superior quality service, take perfect service network, enthusiasm service attitude and strict service as norm from pre-sales to after-sales. We have our own office building and high character management team; We guarantee provide more perfect and satisfaction after-sales service for the customer.

In addition, the company also deal in electric appliances and spare part, motorcycle, sports equipment, toy, office supplies and so on.

Obtain the need of local and international market in time, strives for the largest market quota is the YIXIANG's key task in the future.

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

`fcherny,
Welcome to our V is for Voltage Community, we're glad your here.
If there is anything we can do to help you get started, please don't hesitate to contact Forum Support. We also have added a EVT Z-20 E Scooter Collaborative Hand Books to our growing V is for Voltage Community Library.

Stleride
Moderator Team Captain

Moderators are dedicated volunteer V Team members who help keep your V Forums running smoothly and provide Forum Support.

Just got this email:

EVTAMERICA ANNOUNCES
PRODUCTION OF THE
Z-20a and Z-20b

Z-20abGray
THE LONG AWAITED ANNOUNCEMENT
IS HERE!

It is in fact a multiple announcement

* The Z-20 is now officially in production.
* We are now taking deposits to confirm your position on the Waiting List.
* The Z-20 will come in two models.
* The two models are the Z-20a and the Z-20b as seen in photo above.
* You may choose whichever model you prefer immediately.
* You may register your preference by going to the SignUp Box on our website www.evtamerica.com and editing the change there yourself.
* Or you may confirm your selection through your Deposit/Order.

The time has come, after the very long wait, to exercise your purchase. Except that now we are giving you the option to choose between two Z-20 models. They are mechanically the same and specifications are identical as far as performance is concerned. The price is also the same for both models. Only the models are somewhat different. You can read about all the changes and innovations that we have made on the Z-20 Page of our website which has just been updated with ample detail. It even explains our delays.

Our Introductory Price remains the same:$1,999.00
Plus the cost of shipping to your doorsteps.
(Trunk and Windshield Included Free)
You can make your choice now and you can confirm your order now with a deposit. All the information and instructions on how and what to do to purchase can be found on our website. The choice is now yours.
www.evtamerica.com
The Future is Now!
but wait, we have an additional surprise for you
so read on.....

R-20 Gray

The R-20 electric motorcycle
EVTAMERICA PRESENTS THE R-20

DEVELOPING NEWS UPDATE
A significant number of members of the "Z-20 Waiting List Club" have written us insisting that we build a Retro version of the Z-20. After carefully considering body characteristics, we chose one that met all practical requirements and yet was classical and refined in appearance. Most of all we were concerned with the size of the seat so that it would comfortably fit two riders and have ample leg room for the tall driver. There is also a lot of room for storage under the R-20 seat. Besides all this, we also wanted it to be a classic beauty.

We are happy to inform you that the R-20 will enter production almost immediately. Those on the "Z-20 Waiting List Club" will have the opportunity to choose their model preference NOW. From a mechanical and performance point of view both models are identical. To be sure it will be powered by a 2500-watt 60-volt brushless hub motor. Only the body of the R-20 is totally different. Everything else remains the same.
For detailed information go to the R-20 Page of our website.

This is an additional choice that EVTAMERICA is now offering you. And although we are not throwing in the Trunk and Windshield for free (sorry), we are going to offer the R-20 at the same price.
The introductory price of the R-20 is
$1,999.00
Plus the cost of shipping to your doorsteps.
You can't beat that.
And again the choice is yours.
The Future is Now!

:D

Yes, I signed up for the EVT list last week. However, I admit that i'm torn between the simplicity and silence of an electric and the power/distance of a gas-driven scooter. An electric would be nice for zipping around DC, but breaking out of my hamster habitrail and taking longer tours around the area would be nice...

I sent in my order in July. When I saw that my check had cleared this week, I sent them e-mail to see what's going on with my order. Fernando confirmed that my bike had been ordered.

I called him today to find out more. I asked him first how long it will take to have the bike assembled and shipped. He guessed it wouldn't arrive until September or maybe early October. Since I ordered a "b" model, I asked if there would be an additional delay because of that, but he said no. He's had enough orders (150 so far) that that won't be an issue. Part of the reason for the delay is that all of the parts are sent to Asia and assembled there, then sent here to their depot in Florida. But I think everyone knows that already.

All I can say at this point is, sit tight. It'll be a while before I've got one in hand that I can photograph and test. When it finally does arrive, I plan on testing it for speed, distance, ability to climb a hill, and the impact additional weight has on all of those factors.

I'll keep you posted.

`fcherny,
Welcome to our V is for Voltage Community, and thanks for keeping us updated.

Stleride
Moderator Team Captain

Moderators are dedicated volunteer V Team members who help keep your V Forums running smoothly and provide Forum Support.

fcherny,
Your post convinced me, when the owner cares enough to talk to a customer. and seems to be very accessible based on some of the other post I've read, I'm sold on them.
I'll be placing my order this month for a R-20 which I plan to personally pick up in Miami.

Category: Electric Powered Motorcycle
Body: Retro
Top Speed: 45 Miles Per Hour (72.42 PH)*
Range: 30 to 45 Miles (48 to 72 Km) W/out Recharging
Motor: 2500-Watts 60-Volt Brushless Hub Motor
Electric consumption per complete charge: 1.8 - 2.2 KWh
Noise level: Silent
Emission: Zero
Contaminants: Zero

I rode a XM-2000 and didn't really care for it at $1500 the shifting was lousy, so at $1899.99 for a XM-2000 vs $1,999.00 for a R-20 is a no brainier for me.
Electric Vehicle Transportation of America, Inc. aka EVT America has been in business since 1993.
Alpha Products International Inc. API Inc. is only a wholesale distributor and not a manufacture.

Hey all,

It looks like the R-20 is using the body design from Merato's 150 T-E. From what i can tell, it's not an uncommon new design among Chinese made scooters. at this point, who knows if it was even originally designed by Merato? Whatever the origin, their website (www.merato.com) does have more detail photos than any other out there that I've come across. There are also some youtube videos showing scooters of the same form factor if you search for "Mallorca scooter" - even some videos shot from the passenger seat while out on a cruise. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tscmSL15PQ

Hi littlebitdecker,

I'm happy for you and your choice of bike - I hope you like it and it works out well for you (no particular reason it shouldn't, right?).

However, I'd like to understand your concerns with the XM-2000 and Alpha Products International.

You said the XM-2000 "shifting was lousy" - can you explain your issue with it more? Was it the fact that you had to shift at all (as opposed to it being fully automatic)? Was it that you have to shut down the throttle, shift and then power up again? Was it that it didn't shift properly? Personally I find the shifting less than perfect but not a deal breaker - the thing I find is that the roll off the throttle, shift, roll on the throttle often kills what little momentum I have. I'm hoping at some point to do a 72V mod so as to give better acceleration and this might remove my own personal complaint with the shifter.

In general you do pay for what you get. However, it should be noted that the 1999.99 price for the R-20 is an introductory price - just like the 1500 was the intro price for the XM. I'm not sure what list for the R-20 will be? But the XM shouldn't ever be going above 1999.99 (will I live to regret that statement?). So, if one is doing a side-by-side comparison it's probably more reasonable to compare 1500 for the XM vs. 2000 for the R-20.

There are certainly worthwhile upgrades on the Z20a/Z20b/R20 over the XM - notably a higher power rating for the motor and a rear disc brake. However, all the usage specs are the same (basically the top speed and range are near enough the same as to make no difference)

Finally you note that Alpha Products (owners of the X-Treme brand) is a wholesale distributor and not a manufacturer. You also precede that with a statement that EVT America has been in business since 1993. You seem to be making the inference that EVT America is a manufacturer - I don't think they are. They have their bikes manufactured in China just like most other electric moped vendors in America. It is possible that they've had more input in the design specifications of either the bike, the motor or the controller - however they are no more or less a manufacturer than Alpha. Or am I missing something? In fact, EVT are unfortunately at a disadvantage because, as I understand it, they run the risk of their extra investment in R&D ending up benefiting other lower cost producers (i.e. copy cats, knock offs, whatever you want to call them)

It's also interesting to note that a higher wattage motor isn't necessarily going to give the end customer a better riding experience. These figures quote the constant operation rating for the motor. In the same installation (60V battery pack, 40 Amp controller) a 2.5kW motor might last longer than a 2kW one - however it all depends on the actual power usage demanded of the motor. Given the fact that the performance figures are close to the same I'm guessing that the controller characteristics and the power output is close to the same. I haven't heard of an XM-2000 motor burning out yet, has anyone else? It would be very interesting to know the specs of the two controllers. Comparing the 2kW to the 2.5kW is about as useful as comparing the size of the disc brakes in a production motorbike (yes, the disc brakes do make a difference but most people are interested in how quick the bike stops not how much extra capacity the 4 pot calipers with vented discs have over the single pot solid disc).

I'm not trying to start a "my bike is better than your bike" argument. However, I am trying to put some of these comparisons into perspective so that we can better serve the online community. "thing X about thing Y sucks" isn't a very useful data point.

I would LOVE to ride an R-20, Z-20a or Z-20b and do some back to back comparisons. So, if there's a "soon to be" EVT owner within a couple of hundred miles of Ann Arbor let's get together and do a "Car and Driver" style comparison review.

John H.
Blue XM-2000
Ann Arbor, MI

` :?

tincan
It looks like the R-20 is using the body design from Merato's 150 T-E. From what i can tell, it's not an uncommon new design among Chinese made scooters. at this point, who knows if it was even originally designed by Merato? Whatever the origin, their website (www.merato.com) does have more detail photos than any other out there that I've come across. There are also some youtube videos showing scooters of the same form factor if you search for "Mallorca scooter" - even some videos shot from the passenger seat while out on a cruise.

I'm lost with this one, the Merato is a Gas Scooter correct?
Similar body designs are very common in China and really don't tell you anything. There are factories that make nothing but bodies, they sell them to Scooter factories both Gas and Electric. It's all about the high cost of molds so that won't change that often.

Peace Out,
Gman

What is your vision for the future our growing community?

Hey Gman,

Exactly - the Merato-type models I've shared are gas, not electric, and most certainly are being cranked out by some factory in China. But a scoot is more than just what's under the seat. I know I wouldn't buy one without knowing what the thing looks like in 360 degrees. So I thought I'd share what I'd discovered about the looks of the R-20 with the group, since EVT hasn't posted good photos of their retro model.

Tincan

`tincan ,
OK, now I understand and thanks. I don't know that much about the R-20, I never cared that much for the Retro look.
BTW, stay away from those Petro Scooters, the fumes are addictive :)

Peace Out,
Gman

What is your vision for the future our growing community?