EVT Z20 arrived! Pics and impressions

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mlh78750
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EVT Z20 arrived! Pics and impressions

First a hello to all of you I used to talk to on the old domain/forum. I moved when everyone else did, but was just lurking and it took the arrival of my z20 to register so I could start posting. :)

I am working on pics and a write up on the unpacking and assembly right now. But wanted to post and just say that I am happy with the bike. I have waited a long time and if this first impression holds it was worth the wait.

I got a blue Z-20a. It arrived around 3pm today central time.

Total time for unpacking, assembly, taking pictures, and about 7 miles of test ride was around 2 1/2 hours.

To give a little background to my impressions:
I am a owner of a eGo Cycle2 LX that I use to commute to work.
I weigh 265lbs and I am 6'5"

The packing was great! Nothing was broken and everything was locked down tight. I will post pictures and some assembly gotchas in this thread after I have a chance to thaw out and download the pics from the camera.

The z20 is fast. I don't have much to compare to other than the eGo and it blows that away. You get a little of a square wave rumble when you first start that quickly goes to a steady hum. Getting to top speed happens pretty quickly. The first block is a very quick acceleration to about 25mph and then the next block takes to you to the top end.

The speedo on this bike is off. On my test tonight it showed a top speed of 44mph. I took a hand-held GPS and used the speed feature on the GPS. For a sample size of about a min with the GPS reporting 14ft or better accuracy the GPS averaged 33.5 mph when the bike indicated 44. Looks like I might need to multiply by .75 for everything on the gauge. I am a big guy and I expect the smaller people on the forum can expect a higher top end.

The suspension is wonderful! After using the eGo with no rear suspension I was really looking forward to a real suspension. The bike feels very stable in acceleration, cruise and hard braking. Big bumps were not a problem and I never bottomed the bike out.

Anyway, I am off to get some pictures downloaded. I will add more to this thread a little later.

PJD
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Re: EVT Z20 arrived! Pics and impressions

"For a sample size of about a min with the GPS reporting 14ft or better accuracy the GPS averaged 33.5 mph when the bike indicated 44."

Not good! That's what the e-max did in 48 volt stock condition.

Assuming that you were riding on level ground and light wind, and the tires were fully inflated (hint: - overinflate them a little bit), your weight should not have much an impact.

An awful lot of people were buying Z-20's based on an honest 45 mph - enabling it to keep up with with the traffic on typical suburban strips. If I had bought one, I would be very unhappy.

But anyway, welcome back - Your were that e-go enthusiast from Sacramento, CA or thereabouts?

mlh78750
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Re: EVT Z20 arrived! Pics and impressions

I am in Austin TX. I didn't post a ton on the old forum, mostly some inquiries about a fan for the motor on the eGo and looking for impressions on balancers.

As far as the speed. It is dark and cold here right now and I am not even sure what the tire pressure is. Also, I am not sure I was at the totally top end. I kept catching up to traffic on my neighborhood streets. But the ~34 mph number is the one you get to very quickly.

mlh78750
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As it arrived.

I took some pictures showing the overall size including some with the tape measure. It also shows the messy garage!

mikes-z20a1.jpg

Width and height
mikes-z20a2.jpg
mikes-z20a3.jpg

And a picture of the broken part of the pallet (which originally had me worried, but ended up not being an issue due to the very good packaging).
mikes-z20a4.jpg

Mountain chen
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Re: EVT Z20 arrived! Pics and impressions

I told everyone since beginning,EVTA will never reach 80km/H as they showed on Video.

More disappointed would be found step by step..... this is a total new factory without any experience and any samples in USA before container production.

mlh78750
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Getting into the crate

Cut the bands and lift the cardboard off like you are taking a hat off of the bike. And you end up with:

mikes-z20a5.jpg

When I first saw this side I thought it was damaged, but it is apparent from the good condition of the box and from further inspection that the frame is designed with this bend.
mikes-z20a13.jpg

Now you remove the handlebar wire wrap and the bolts holding the bottom of the metal frame. 14mm socket and wrench help get the bolts out quickly.

mikes-z20a8.jpg
mikes-z20a9.jpg
mikes-z20a15.jpg

The bike without the frame:
mikes-z20a19.jpg

mlh78750
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Unwrapping the plastic

Took the plastic off and you can start to actually see the bike:
mikes-z20a24.jpg

The back carrier and the windshield are in the foot well. Under the seat you find the charger and the toolkit. And in the glove box you find the left handle grip and handle "covers" for the lack of a better term. And on the back deck there is a box with the rear views in it.

Back carrier:
mikes-z20a30.jpg
mikes-z20a31.jpg

Keys:
mikes-z20a27.jpg

Mirrors:
mikes-z20a29.jpg

Tool box:
mikes-z20a35.jpg

Charger:
mikes-z20a36.jpg
mikes-z20a37.jpg
mikes-z20a38.jpg

Mountain chen
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Re: Getting into the crate

Is it 60V battery or 48V battery ?

mlh78750
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Assembly

There are zero instructions on assembling the bike. Everything is very straightforward except the windshield and the carrier attachment. I will detail those in this post.

Even though there were no instructions for these steps I am not at all unhappy with EVT. I simply called them at 7pm central and the I spoke to the both Pruna brothers and they gave me instructions and asked me for feedback on the shipping and packaging. They also indicated that instructions are coming but not yet posted to the web site.

I would start with the windshield and mirrors. The support bracket is held on at the mirror attachment points. That connection is spacer, support and mirror. Note that the picture does not have the spacer since it was only the second time I had put the mirrors on and the third time was the charm. :) The support brackets should be done first and left loose while you attach the shield. The windshield has silver plates that go on the outside of the shield then rubber, then the shield, then rubber washers, then the support bracket then a nut.
mikes-z20a43.jpg

Next you need to push on the left handle and note that I may be recommending an order different than what I did, but that is just so you learn from my mistakes (particularly about the windshield)
mikes-z20a41.jpg

The windshield on correctly with the handle:
mikes-z20a45.jpg

To attach the carrier first attach this plate. Connection is screw through plate through back deck through metal channel through flat washer through lock washer to nut.
mikes-z20a46.jpg
mikes-z20a47.jpg

Next we put the carrier on and line up the holes with the nuts that are recessed in the plate. Connection is bolt, flat washer, through the carrier, through the plate to the recessed nut.
mikes-z20a48.jpg

And with the supplied liner:
mikes-z20a49.jpg

Assembled but still on the crate bottom:
mikes-z20a51.jpg

mlh78750
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It is 60V

Mountain, it is a 60v system.

mlh78750
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In all its glory!

Just some pictures I took after the test ride. Let me know what else you guys want to know and I will try to keep updating this thread.

mikes-z20a53.jpg
mikes-z20a54.jpg
mikes-z20a55.jpg
mikes-z20a56.jpg
mikes-z20a57.jpg
mikes-z20a58.jpg

PJD
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Re: Getting into the crate

Well, the charger indicates 60 volts. It's nice to see it is built by Soniel - a fairly reputable mfg.

The lower speed would be explained by it just being 48 volts - it would be comical if they came from the factory with a battery missing - but it would presumably be easy to fix.

I must have been thinking or another e-go owner in the old forum - I recall he also posted detailed pictures of the unpacking process - in his dining room.

mlh78750
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Re: Getting into the crate

I remember that guy as well, but he is not me. I prefer to show you the messy garage. :)

Tomorrow or later tonight I will test the handheld GPS speed indication in my car which I know is pretty accurate.

Mr Baker
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Re: Getting into the crate

I was looking at your pictures, reading your comments, and then I noticed at the bottom of the messages the link to click "report a violator" because it was just too much waiting for some notice involving the order I placed, and then my wife walks into the room and says that the "just shipped" notice arrived in an email (8:31pm on the left coast) for my new R-20, WooooooHoooooooo!!!!!!

Thanks for the unpacking tips. I'll post some pics in a couple weeks when it actually arrives.

ArcticFox
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Re: Getting into the crate

Now that's how a scooter is suppose to be packed!

*mumbles* stupid xm2k...

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gowens
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Re: EVT Z20 arrived! Pics and impressions

Thank you for taking the time to keep us all informed.

Keep up the good work !

mlh78750
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Re: EVT Z20 arrived! Pics and impressions

Sticker on the base of the front column states that tire pressure should be 40psi on both front and back. Mine arrived with front right on 40 and back at 72psi. They are 3.5x10 tires. I have an email out to EVT to make sure that 40 is the correct setting. The tire itself is in metric and states a max of 3.5kg/cm to seat the bead. If they mean 3.5/cm^2 that is around 50psi so I suspect the rear tire was just really really overinflated. Warning for all of those about to receive!

Mountain chen
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Re: EVT Z20 arrived! Pics and impressions

Is it 4pr tyre or 6pr tyre ? Tubeless tyre ?

Weee
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Re: EVT Z20 arrived! Pics and impressions

MLH - Kudos to you on the new bike and for all the work in detailing your first few moments with it. My wife was looking at your initial review with me and commented, "I'm impressed he had the patience to document the unpacking process so well."

I'm sure many of us are eager to hear more about your impressions of the bike in motion - especially acceleration, max speed and range. If you have not read the threads concerning battery break-in and charging, that may be something you want to look into. There is a lot of information regarding batteries on these forums. I am certainly no expert in battery maintenance, but have read enough to be mildly concerned.

Anyway, thanks again for the good reports.

andrew
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Re: EVT Z20 arrived! Pics and impressions

Thats awesome to see they are using a quality charger by Soneil. The included tools look nice too. I'll be very interested to see how the mechanical and electrical components hold up.

The top speed test needs to be done with considerable distance to allow the scooter to get up to speed. And repeat the test in the opposite direction to account for wind and slope.

It is worth mentioning that the BATTERIES WILL BE SLUGGISH BEFORE THEY ARE CYCLED A FEW TIMES! Expect a slower top speed until you give them at least a few cycles. Sorry, but being an Ego owner shouldn't you already expect this? Or were you just caught up in the excitement. In that case I can cut you some slack, I know you've been waiting a very long time!

[url=/forum-topic/motorcycles-and-large-scooters/587-my-kz750-electric-motorcycle-project]KZ750 Motorcycle Conversion[/url]
[url=/forum-topic/motorcycles-and-large-scooters/588-fixing-my-chinese-scooter]900 watt scooter[/url]
Pic from http://www.electri

mlh78750
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Re: EVT Z20 arrived! Pics and impressions

:(

Woke up this morning early to take my brother to the airport. I was going to ride the Z20 over to his house (about 2 miles away).

It is no longer working. The throttle does nothing anymore. Everything else works, but the scooter is dead in the water at this point. I checked the kickstand switch and it is working. I ensured that the bike does not work regardless of the kickstand switch position. I reset the main breaker just to make sure. The alarm is "unlocked" and everything is as it was last night. Last night everything was working great. This morning nothing. :(

I supposed if the controller is going to break it makes sense it would be in the first ~20 minutes of riding. I am just disapointed that I cannot play with my new toy.

I have several emails out to EVT. At this point I am asking about the following:

  • Were the spec sheets done using the speed-o on the scooter, or were they confirmed with a car or GPS?
  • Can the speed-o on the scooter be adjusted so that it is accurate?
  • Where is the documentation for the bike. I looked and looked through all the stuff I got in the shipment and there is no MCO or odometer statement as they state on the web site.
  • What is the recommenced pressure for the front and rear. Is the 40psi on the sticker correct? If so, you should know that my rear tire was at 72psi on arrival.
  • What troubleshooting should I do to get you the information you need to get my new z20 working again.

I will let you guys know as I learn more.

vinnie
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Re: EVT Z20 arrived! Pics and impressions

Just as an FYI, the MCO for my E-Moto was sent seperately (for "security" reasons) and arrived about a week after my bike.

Vinnie
Broomfield, CO

mlh78750
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Re: EVT Z20 arrived! Pics and impressions

Just as an FYI, the MCO for my E-Moto was sent seperately (for "security" reasons) and arrived about a week after my bike.

That is good to know. Thanks. Maybe that is what they plan. I expected with the long delays in getting the bikes here that they would have more owner info up on the web site.

mlh78750
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Re: EVT Z20 arrived! Pics and impressions

Andy just called me back on my cell and we have started the troubleshooting. They are providing support above the call as far as I am concerned.

Were the spec sheets done using the speed-o on the scooter, or were they confirmed with a car or GPS?
Can the speed-o on the scooter be adjusted so that it is accurate?
What is the recommenced pressure for the front and rear. Is the 40psi on the sticker correct? If so, you should know that my rear tire was at 72psi on arrival.

Didn't get a chance to ask about these yet.

Where is the documentation for the bike. I looked and looked through all the stuff I got in the shipment and there is no MCO or odometer statement as they state on the web site.

Docs are shipped via mail and I should have mine right after the new year.

What troubleshooting should I do to get you the information you need to get my new z20 working again.
Working on this now (and it is my top priority) Andy is working with me on the phone.

Mountain chen
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Re: EVT Z20 arrived! Pics and impressions

It maybe just a hall problem on motor,stand up mid stand and turn the wheel before throttle,it the motot run again,then it is small problem on Hall,if not,it is big trouble on controller.

Unlike gas scooter,electric scooter need at least months testing before reliable.

It is a big risk for EVTA to import such big quantity without a sample in USA.

Good Luck and Happy new year !

jdh2550_1
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Re: EVT Z20 arrived! Pics and impressions

mlh - congratulations!

Don't fret too much about the initial snafu - you'll get it sorted. I agree with chen's troubleshooting suggestion (ignoring his editorial) - spin the wheel and then open the throttle and see if you get it to move...

I'd be interested in knowing how your trip to your DMV goes.

All the best!

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.

mlh78750
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Re: EVT Z20 arrived! Pics and impressions

Don't fret too much about the initial snafu - you'll get it sorted. I agree with chen's troubleshooting suggestion (ignoring his editorial) - spin the wheel and then open the throttle and see if you get it to move...

Yea. I had already tried that. I am not at all worried about getting it working. A friend and I ordered a z20 each and mine arrived first. His arrives today so we will see how things go with the second one.

Andy from EVTA has been in contact with me over the entire weekend. I think the service I have been getting from them is great even if I don't have it fixed yet. I am about to go out of town for a bit so I will not be around to troubleshoot. If you guys do not hear from me for a while that is the reason why.

I was contrasting my eGo experience with my EVTA experience so far. My eGo had a brush short at about 15 miles. Quickly fixed at the dealer that sold it to me and then everything was great for around a year until the tail light burned out. I tried the web store and calling to get them to ship me this strange 24V rear bulb. After calling every couple days for a month I gave up and sourced one myself. I still have not ever had my order filled from eGo and frankly I feel better about my EVTA experience at this point even though I have had a year+ of trouble free scooting on the eGo.

racermike39
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Re: EVT Z20 arrived! Pics and impressions

I know this may be a stupid question, but how cold is it where the bike is stored? I know my controller has a temperature shut down below 20 Degrees C. They say this is to protect the battery pack. If it is too cold, it may not send power to the motor.

I think it only is affected by the temp when you first turn the power on, and the controller goes through the diagnostics before it allows use. I don't think it will shut down if the temp drops while riding.

Just a thought.

Mike K.

Racermike
5 years ago I met Jesus and he total ruined my life. I have never been happier.

mlh78750
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Re: EVT Z20 arrived! Pics and impressions

I know this may be a stupid question, but how cold is it where the bike is stored? I know my controller has a temperature shut down below 20 Degrees C. They say this is to protect the battery pack. If it is too cold, it may not send power to the motor.

I live in Texas. This new years eve it is 70F or 21C and it is in my garage and not outside. So I doubt this is the problem. :)

But thanks for the idea!

racermike39
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Re: EVT Z20 arrived! Pics and impressions

30 degrees F here. About 10 degrees ABOVE average in RI.
Happy New Year!

Racermike
5 years ago I met Jesus and he total ruined my life. I have never been happier.

ArcticFox
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Re: EVT Z20 arrived! Pics and impressions

Hmmmm.... This would never have happened to the XM2k - you would probably have received it in a crumpled mess, but at least it would still be running for more than 24 hours.

;)

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