2009 model built in Nov. 2008, purchased Nov 2009 with no BMS. Checked the wheel alignment and found to be perfect. Steering head bearings tight and steering light. After 50+ years on 2 wheels and 20+ on Goldwings, this thing is a hoot. It handles well on wet roads, but I'm still waiting for the slip with the small wheels. I don't use the front brake in the rain. Built by Mountain Chen (ZAP) imported and distributed by Alpha Products Inational Inc (who can't even spell their own name correctly on the VIN tag, never mind provide support or an intelligent answer to a question). Buy from someone who provides support. It is even more important with an EV. Don't get on the bleeding edge of technology without support. At the price I paid, this may be the best bang for the buck in the entire fleet. I would never pay $4000 or more for one of these limited use toys. Even if an electric scooter fills your need for a limited distance commute vehicle, include the cost of battery replacement in your comparison, not just cost of charging. My next EV will be a hubmotor conversion in a conventional motorbike with a set of Thunder Sky LFP cells with BMS and matching charger. Having a conventional motorcycle brake configuration is a good thing when an old guy goes into panic mode. Having the gyro stabilizing effect of larger wheels is also a big plus for me. Update Jan 2011; Replaced 3 lazy cells. They were OK, JUST a pain to balance every 4-5 charges. Still looking for a GOOD BMS. I've changed my mind and I am now building an ebike. Single speed rear 500W hub, 36V X 20Ah Lipo.

The XM3500Li photoshoot can be seen on my site photo.myveap.com

I am generally impressed with the bike. But the specs are over rated. Top speed was rated at 55MPH, I got 43. Range was rated at 75+ miles, mine gets about 45, depending on how I ride.

However I like the look, and this is coming from a Harley owner. It is futureistic and fun to ride. I still to this date don't really know who built the bike, as X-tremescooters is just the importer, and drop shipment provider. Their knowledge of the bike is very minimal, and tech support is almost non-available. The bike came with a "Verde" logo, which is stolen from the Verde company in Ireland that also makes electric bikes. I spoke to one of their representatives and was told the bike I have, "XM3500Li" was not manufactured by them. It originated in China, probably by Mountain Chen. But I couldn't swear by it.

It is fun zipping around town on the bike and it attracts a lot of looks and questions. When I had the bike inspected in Texas by our local motor sports shop, the mechanic had quite a thrill ride when he didn't understand that when you twist the grip, it takes off. Fortunately he got it under control before crashing in his shop.

If your interested in details of the other things I have written, please go to http://visforvoltage.org/forums/electricrides/motorcyclesandlargescooters/xm2000

For the price, it is a good value, despite poor packing and shipping and generally speaking the bike is very unique.

The XM-3500Li comes with a high-torque motor. This gives good acceleration - but a lower top speed. If you can live with a top speed of around 40mph then this is a good bike.

Yes, it would be good if it had a BMS. Yes, it would also be good if it could do 50 or 55. However, for the price it's a good entry into the Lithium Battery powered range.