For those of you who might have visited here: http://www.x-tremescooters.com/electric_mopeds/xm-3000/xm3000.html
or here: http://www.voltsrider.net/vr/forum_posts.asp?TID=61 please don't be too alarmed.
Yes, I agree it's a shame that X-Treme can't keep their own specs straight. However, you can see more accurate specs at my site: http://www.revevllc.com/xm3000.php Bear in mind that X-Treme sell over 100,000 items per year and that their XM range includes both electric and gas mopeds but only reflects a small part of their business. That's why it makes sense to buy the scooter through someone specializing in just electric scooters.
Remember that the person who owns voltsrider.net sells a competing bike over at Nova Scooters. Nothing they report is inaccurate - however, some of it is exaggerated and/or presented to show X-Treme in the worst light possible. For example, the husband of the owner of Nova Scooters (usatracy) reported on this site (before they had their own dealership and thus a conflict of interest) that they have two XM-2000 which they received with no damage and that they ride legally in Virginia with no problems. There is no benefit to them to tell you this - but there is benefit of them telling you just the bad news. I believe there is benefit in you knowing the complete picture.
If you want to buy an electric motor scooter then I encourage you to do your homework and buy from a reputable source. I believe that Nova Scooters, LLC is a reputable source for electric motor scooters, however, so is X-Treme.
Of course, I believe the XM-3000 will represent the best value for money in the market. That's why I'm going to sell them. However, I don't intend to start selling them until I have my own XM-3000 in hand (a) that protects you from suffering from any further delays & (b) it allows me to have full confidence that the product lives up to the specs
I invite you to do your OWN comparison between the XM-3000 ($1,999) and the Nova Scooter products($3,499). You will find pros and cons on EITHER product. You will also find a big price differential (also in shipping costs - the XM-3000 has a $50 shipping cost, I believe Nova's bikes will cost around $400 to ship).
Here's what I don't get about all this business with USATracy....
First, he is the very guy that was the foremost advocate for the xm2000. He's the very guy that volunteered to test Mountain Chen's motors, MC being the manufacturer who is now exporting the same scooters (as some USAT is selling) as I understand to xtreme. I came to respect USATracy's knowledge when he contributed here on a regular basis. Then, suddenly we find out that he is actually in the "scooter selling business." That's not a problem. JD and AF both sell xtreme's products via a website. Difference is....USATracy did not disclose on here that he had gone into business at some point. I don't know if he was trying to "hide" anything or if he just felt it not necessary to divulge that here. The guy gave me some good info several times in response to questions I asked...although I could always tell he had a fairly aggressive, type A personality and didn't like to have anything he said questioned. But still, I respected his knowledge and he was helpful.
I just don't understand why he chose the route he did. I would have thought that anyone here would have thought it a great thing that USATracy went into the business....such a knowledgeable guy on electrics...one of us on here....straightforward, etc. It could have only been a bonus for him to shout the fact that he was going into business to those of us on this forum. But the way it all came down was like he was trying to hide that???? I don't understand it????
And I'm guessing from the bits I've read that he and JD are back and forth because USATracy is knocking xtreme products. But aren't those the same products he sells...for all intent and purposes?
Gushar
Gus
Gushar - As far as I know NOVA scooters is selling old stock of ERATO bikes - basically the same product as the XM-2000. The XM-3000 is actually an improvement over the XM-2000.
ScooterTech continues to post and edit his one-sided story over at voltsrider.net
One thing worth clarifying it that ScooterTech is flat out wrong about support. You do get support from X-Treme. X-Treme have consistently quickly responded and replaced damaged parts during the warranty period. They have a clearly available phone number and a straightforward ticketing system to track issues through to completion.
Really the difference is between paying a dealer to do the initial inspection out of the crate (NOVA's way) versus doing that inspection yourself (X-Treme's way). By doing it yourself you save $1500 and get the latest version of the scooter rather than the old-stock that NOVA bought at a discount price and then heavily marked up.
I'm not sure I really follow the rest of his complaints/arguments/criticisms. If they can be summarized I'd be happy to address them one by one.
But, he does clarify that NOVA scooters are only for sale in North Virginia. So, he's right, a comparison is moot - but that of course doesn't stop him from portraying X-Treme in a needlessly bad light.
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.
I see. But I still don't understand regardless why he wouldn't have announced his intentions here. Why would that have put anyone off? If anything it would have probably created some business for him! I know there at the end he came out with this offer of these xm2000s he was getting in on if anyone wanted to go in on the deal,etc. But that came off like he was trying to get a couple for himself and could get a better deal, etc. if he got a larger quantity...hence asking others if they were interested...and he would handle the deal. But then wham!...he's in business selling these and that's fine like I said. I just still can't figure out why he just didn't come off with that at the outset or as soon as he had made such a business decision. I think all of us, even his competitors of sorts (you online dealers), would have embraced another EV enthusiast in their endeavors to bring viable products to those who want them...regardless of competition. It just doesn't make sense!
Gushar
Gus
It's also my understanding that the creator of NovaScooters put this business under his wife's name? I'd be willing to bet that his wife doesn't know a single thing about scooters or selling them. (you all saw his old youtube video; the one with him barking orders to her?)
I knew someone, years ago, who put all his business finances under his mother's name. That was for lawsuit and tax evasion - if he got in trouble at his business, he could tell the feds that it wasn't his business, he just worked there.
Real slick. Not many people can see those tactics, but it happens. Wonder what the motives would be in this case.
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