http://www.state.ia.us/government/ag/file_complaint/online_2.html
"I purchased a Chinese made XB-700Li Litium-ion battery electric scooter from Alpha Products and had it shipped to my house and received it approx. Aug 12th.
After aproximately three weeks, due to manufacturing defects, the controller overheated and caused the failure of the tail-lights, license plate lights as well as overheating of wiring to point where the plastic wiring connector covers were melted. Alpa Products sent me a new controller.
On or about November 12th, due to a manufacturing defect, the scooter lost power as a result of the rear hub-motor not working. Alpha Products again sent a new controller which I received November 20th, but this did not solve the problem and the scooter is still inoperative.
The scooter, in my opinion, is poorly constructed which is evidenced by numerous loose and/or missing screws, nuts and bolts that afix trim panels, support members and other components to one-another.
The electrical components, i.e., the controller, wiring and connectors are poorly made and expose the user to potential injury due to electrical fire or mechanical failure while on a public roadway.
While the seller, Alpha Products has made an attempt to replace components on my scooter I feel it is necessary to contact you for your assistance as this doesn't appear to be an isolated problem.
I participate in an on-line discussion group at www.visforvoltage.com and numerous owners are experiencing everyting from misaligned/defective rear wheel-tire mounting, lithium-ion battery bloating-disfiguremnet/failure, power failures, electrical shorts, bulb failures and loose compments such as front forks, etc., which jeopardize the riders safety.
Thank you for your assistance. I am at your disposal should you wish to contact me."
Don't be silent. Post your situation, file a complaint and fight back.
Ben
Rachel from Alpha Products left a voice message on my cell today. She wants me to call regarding the replacement of my 700Li. She mentioned Alpha having received correspondence from the Iowa Attorney General's Office!
Frankly, I just want a bike without ongoing problems. I will keep you all posted on how this progresses.
Happy scooting.
Ben - Modesto
Here is a nice letter I received from the ISAG:
"THis office has received your complaiont against the person or business named above (Alpha Products International), and it is being assigned to Mary L. Harper of my Consumer Protection Divison. The complaint has been forwarded to the person or business you wrote about, and we are asking them for a written response, including an explanation of what action they propose to take. As soon as we have a response, we will be in contact with you. Please allow for 4 to 6 weeks for us to obtain the reponse and get back to you.
After receiving the reponse, we will review your file to determine how to proceed. If a prompt resolution of the complaint cannot be achieved through our initial contacts, we will generally attempt to provide you with helpful information with referals which should permit you to resolve your complaint through other means.
Please note that the Consumer Protection Division is not acting as your lawyer when it deals with your complaint...etc, etc. etc."
They do act on your complaint, regardless of where you are living. My complaint was resolgved quickly and fairly by Alpha Products and my 700Li is now up and running.
Ben - Modesto
Ben,Glad to see you're up and running.How were your problems remedied? what all was wrong besides hub motor and poor service? How is the performance now?I dismantled my 700 and tightened up everything and put 1/4" firm weatherstripping in any gaps I could. a little less clunking now. Happy New Year everybody! Randel-Hanford
Randel,
Alpha extended my warranty an additional 90 days until Mar 09, refunded me the $155.00 for the new hub motor I paid for, and they paid for shippment of the old hub motor back to them.
After three controllers, the controller is no longer geting hot and melting wires when the bike has been running long distance, the cause of which may have been related to the faulty hub-motor which eventually failed.
I am still waiting for the license plate light on backorder since August 2008. I am going back to Thailand/Cambodia in May or September at which time I am bringing back bulbs of all types since Alpha can't seem to get them.
Happy scooting
Ben - Modesto
heck of a way to get light bulbs. wow.
I finally got my real lamp Friday. Ordered October 6. ArticFox came through to help. Thanks ArticFox.
Thank you for The info Benmart I may need it.
Uniprox,
Let me know if you need any help.
Ben - Modesto