BACK ORDERED - NEXT SHIPMENT EXPECTED LATE SEPTEMBER
XM-3500Li
$3999 plus $50 shipping
The XM-3500Li offers quick acceleration and
a 42mph top speed. It's Lithium batteries represent the best battery chemistry
on the market and will easily power the bike for ranges of 40+ miles.
The 13 inch wheels and 32 inch seat height make this bike a good choice for taller
riders. It has a maximum load capacity of 400lbs and the large stepped seat make
carrying a passenger easy.
The light weight of the scooter and batteries makes this an easy bike to handle.
Although back ordered if you place your order today you will reserve your place in
the line and your credit card won't be billed until the bike ships to you.
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| Colors | Black or Blue |
| Motor | 3500 Watt Hub Motor |
| Top Speed | 42mph (measured by GPS) / 55 mph indicated |
| Range | 48 miles indicated (unconfirmed) |
| Batteries | 20 x 40Ah LiFePO4 |
| Pack Voltage | 64V |
| Pack Capacity | 2.56kWh |
| Pack Life | 1500 cycles / 60,000 miles |
| Pack Cost | $1360 / 2.3 cents per mile |
| Electricity Cost | 30 cents per charge / 0.8 cents per mile |
| Charger Power | 10 Amp |
| Charge Time | 4 to 5 hours |
| Rear Wheel Size | 13 inches |
| Rear Wheel Tire | Cheng Shin 130/60 - 13 |
| Rear Wheel Brake | 7 inch disc, twin calipers, ABS |
| Rear Suspension | Twin shocks - coil over cartridge |
| Front Wheel Size | 13 inches |
| Front Wheel Tire | Cheng Shin 130/60 - 13 |
| Front Wheel Brake | 7 inch disc, twin calipers, ABS |
| Front Suspension | Twin shocks - cartridge |
| Weight | 276 pounds |
| Load Capacity | 400 pounds |
| Seat Height | 32 inches |
| Width (mirror to mirror) | 29.5 inches |
| Height (to top of mirror) | 52 inches |
| Wheelbase | 58 inches |
| Length | 79 inches |
| Certification | DOT compliant and Road Legal |
| Warranty | 2 year warranty on batteries, 1 year on motor and controller, 6 months on everything else |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do the batteries last?
The batteries should last anywhere between 1000 and 2000 cycles. That's a large range - but see the information about BMS below.
How much does it cost to replace the batteries?
Current price, as of August 2008, is $68 per cell - for 20 cells that's $1,360.
Indicated speed vs. real speed
Recent testing with a handheld GPS showed the top speed of the bike on level surface to be 41.9 mph, despite the speedo showing 55mph. This is about a 31% inaccuracy.
What no BMS?
Like it's little brother, the XM-3000, this bike does not have a Battery Management System. This means that the cells are not performing to their fullest capacity and won't last as long. However, LiFePO4 batteries will still last a lot longer than their lead acid counterparts. There are several BMS systems on the market - we're currently working on finding one that we think represents good value for money. The cells are still covered by the 2 year warranty.
What no Regen?
Also like the XM-3000 this bike doesn't have regnerative braking (regen). The main purpose of regen is to extend range by using the motor as a generator during braking. However, when implementing regen on a bike the size of the XM range the amount of energy recovered is insignificant and does not extend range by a noticable amount.
What is the quality / reliability of these bikes?
These bikes have, what I would call, adequate quality. They are entry level bikes manufactured in China. These are not Japanese quality bikes like Honda or Yamaha - but Honda et al. don't make an all electric bike. An all electric bike is fundamentally simpler than a gas powered bike - there are less moving parts, and thus less to go wrong. You're most likely to find issues in the first couple of hundred kilometers, but once those issues are addressed the bikes should require very little maintenance compared to their gas counterparts.
These bikes make good commuters and the quality is comparable to the competition. I have over 500 kilometers on my XM-3500Li (in a little over 2 weeks of use)
What is the ownership experience like?
The first thing to bear in mind is that you are buying these bikes direct, not through a typical bricks and mortar operation. This means that you will be the first person to see the bike since it was packed in the factory. At the very least you will need to uncrate the bike, charge the batteries and do a pre-ride inspection. There's no asssembly required (aside from afixing rearview mirrors). You might also need to replace panels damaged during shipping - these are provided under warranty, however, you need to arrange to have them delivered and also to fit them.
Another aspect to consider is that by buying an EV (any EV) at this point in time you're an "early adopter" of this relatively new technology (OK, it's old technology, but packaged in a new way). Are you ready and prepared to deal with some unexpected issues that may arise? Are you ready to do some hands on changing parts (with provided instructions)? If not, you may want to wait a while.
How do I get this bike licensed and insured?
After your bike arrives you need to contact the importer (X-Treme Scooters) and tell them the VIN of your bike. They will then issue a Manufacturers Certificate of Origin (MCO).
With a VIN you can contact your insurance agent and ask for a cycle policy. Some will want to know the CC, at this point explain it's an electric bike with a power output approximately equivalent to a 150cc motor scooter. I had no trouble insuring my bike with State Farm, others have mentioned Geiko and Progressive as possibilities.
When you have insurance and the MCO take these documents along with your bill of sale to your local DMV or Secretary of State office. You will need to apply for a motorcycle license plate and title. They will keep the MCO and issue you a title. Again, they may want to know the CC - the best approach I've found is to explain it's electric but equivalent to about a 150cc motor scooter. I had no problem getting title and a plate in Michigan.
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