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Hey everyone, I just signed up because I am in need of some help!

Sorry this is going to be long, I feel like I need to explain everything. Again sorry

I purchased a Taotao BWS 150 online 2 months ago and had it shipped. It is exactly like this one except mine is in black: itistheride.boards.net/thread/1927/new-taotao-bws-150?page=1&scrollTo=19175

I did not even know it would come not assembled so the first thing I did when I received (not knowing any better) was to have it towed to a scooter shop. They charged me $340 for everything and pretty much ripped me off. I did not know what to look for since this was my first time even touching a scooter. I recently moved for college and needed something to get around campus and to ride to work.

It worked fine, at least to the best of my extremely limited knowledge. Then a friend of mine rode it and remarked that it was weird that the throttle turned both ways. I could accelerate even when I turned the throttle away from me, although it would not go fast. I only tried it to test it but never actually rode that way. I did some research online and I read somewhere that that happens if a 2 stroke throttle cable is installed on a 4 stroke (which, now that I have learned more, was not the problem). So I called up the shop and told them what the problem was and that I thought there might be a problem with the assembly and if they could take a look at it. They were rude and uncooperative and flat out told me they do not work on Chinese Scooters. I was able to get in touch with the owner and she said to bring it in but was snappy and rude as well. I do not trust them and so decided to do my own research and fix it myself. And last week, as I was ridding, the throttle cable broke! Good thing I was on campus and was able to park it nearby.

After some research, I know where it connects to the handlebar and decided to check for the snap there. I unscrewed the nuts on the cable and was able to pull it out. The part of the cable coming from the body was able to come out completely from the part that is connected to the throttle handle. I could see the (aluminum?) wire in the plastic body and it looked broken, I could see the strands standing up like hair.

I have read that the throttle cable has to fit correctly and not be too slack or too long. I looked everywhere online to figure out what the length is for my scooter so I did not have to open it up. It is parked in an area on campus where there is high foot traffic and I am pretty sure someone will say something if I start disassembling it. My plan is to work on it at 6am some morning but I would rather not do it all twice since it will be freezing cold!

Is there any way to determine the length without removing the damaged one?

I also have another problem. About 3 weeks before the cable snapped, I noticed the scooter sounded different. I was not sure if I was just being paranoid but as I rode it more and more I noticed it definitely sounded louder. Before I could barely hear the engine(?) riding with my helmet on and now it was definitely loud even with the helmet. And then it started vibrating. When I warm it before ridding, it vibrates so much, the plastic cover on the front makes noise. And then the gas gauge stopped working, it is now permanently on empty. I have checked several times if there is gas and there does not seem to be a leak. I think the gauge in the tank is stuck.

After the hours of online research, I now have a general understanding of how scooters work and I believe I can fix the problems myself. However I may be wrong about what is causing the problems. I am planing on ordering parts online and I would like to make as many adjustments as possible now so I can avoid future headaches. Are there any parts I should change such as the CVT belt or even carburetor? I know the scooter is brand new but I keep reading about the inferior quality of Chinese scooters so I want to air on the side of caution. If you could also recommend good motor and brake oil; I used some 4 stroke motor oil I got from the shop (forgot the name) and do not mind replacing it so soon.

Any help is greatly appreciated!!!! Again sorry for the length.