Hiboy VE1 Pro Pole

First off, I'm a contractor and I know how to start a screw and seat it properly. I had the scooter for one year and a weld at the bottom part of the pole broke half way. I was able to use the scooter with S.S. bands as a bandaid unit the new pole arrived. I installed the new pole and when tightening down the handle bar one of the screws stripped. Not sure what's wrong with the aluminum, but I ended up using an old piece of the old pole that was still good. Hopefully the welds will hold out.