Buying an electric bike is expensive. You might consider turning to the resale market as a way of saving yourself a little money. While there are certainly benefits to buying a used e-bike, there are drawbacks you want to consider. You'll want to weigh up the pros and cons of a used electric bike before you decide to stop looking for a brand-new model. Here are a few things you should consider if you’re thinking of buying a used electric bike.
You’ll Save Money on The Purchase but Not Long Term!
While you might save a few hundred dollars by purchasing your bike on the second-hand market, you won’t get the same return for your money. When you buy anything used, it will always have a shorter lifespan than if you purchased it brand new. The remaining lifespan of your electric bike will depend on how its previous owner looked after its frame and components. The battery won’t be as efficient as it was when it was bought, and there will be wear and tear from use. You’ll end up having to replace your electric bike quicker than you would have if you purchased brand new.
Less Security Involved with Your Purchase
When you purchase a used e-bike, you’re relying on the seller, to be honest about the condition of the bike. If you can see the e-bike before purchasing, you might be able to see if there are any glaring issues. Unless you’re a mechanic, you probably won’t be able to spot issues with the battery or motor. If something goes wrong, you won’t have any buyer protection, and you can't return the electric bike. When you purchase an e-bike brand new, you will usually get a warranty. At Ridel, we offer a one-year warranty on all of our electric bikes.
Another thing to consider when buying a second-hand electric bike is that you don’t know the bike's history. You place a lot of trust in the person you’re purchasing from. Electric bikes are often stolen to be sold on the resale market. While people can naturally misplace documentation and receipts, you should be cautious about whether a used bike might have been stolen. Unless the seller can show you a genuine receipt and proof of purchase, you should always be mindful of its origin.
You Have More Choice but the E-Bikes Will Be Dated
If you search for a used e-bike on google, you’ll see hundreds of thousands of e-bikes for sale. While you might think you get more choice by going to the second-hand market, you’ll be restricted by what you can buy. Most of what is for sale will be older models that are from several years ago. With the speed that technology advances, an older e-bike can quickly become out of date. The e-bike might look very dated and be without the capabilities that newer models have. If you want to take advantage of the latest electric bike technology, you will want to focus on finding a new bike from a trusted manufacturer.
While buying an electric bike second-hand will save you some money on the purchase, it comes with several drawbacks that you should consider before ruling out a brand-new e-bike.
