I have a new Pursuit xl with a loud howell from the transaxle

This is very likely to be a binding hand brake, with a bit of help you can check this. IT IS NOT DIFFICULT BUT IF YOU DOUBT YOUR ABILITY GET A QUALIFIED MECHANIC TO DO THE FOLLOWING;

First loosen the rear right centre wheel nut ONLY and then carefully raise the back wheels off the ground and place blocks securely under the chassis frame.
Continue undoing the central wheel nut (only) and remove the rear right wheel and small axel key. With the scooter securely raised and all hands, clothing and obstructions out of harm's way switch on the scooter and use the wigwag to run the motor. With luck the noise will have gone, in which case it very probably was a binding brake pad, possibly caused by a dry, sticky cable or rusty or dry parts.
Try a spot of cable/ leaver lubrication (WD40), do NOT get grease or oil on the brake pads or on the wheel drum, clean these with a dry brush and rags. After lubrication work the hand brake leaver until it feels free and the lever returns fully.
Reassemble the right rear wheel onto the stub axel matching the groves exactly then tap the key back into the matching slot.
Test while the wheel is still off the ground, with luck the noise (which may also sound like cyclical scraping) will have gone.
NOTE! If you have any doubt about your ability to do this safely, have your brakes serviced - any good car or motorcycle mechanic would be able to thoroughly do this in about 30 minutes.