An e-bike costs 3,600 euros on average. But there are also many cheap used models. What to look out for when buying.
The most important things at a glance
Germany is crazy about e-bikes: We sell around two million units a year, and more than seven million e-bikes are already on the road across the country. Electric bikes are immensely popular with older people in particular. Because you stay mobile even when your tired bones don’t quite keep up.
But because the e-bike can reach a high speed and has to withstand the corresponding loads, it is particularly important here to pay attention to quality when buying. And as always, this has its price: at least 500, but more likely 1,500 euros, it is more than the cost of a bicycle without an electric motor. There are cheap and good second-hand alternatives – if you know what to look out for before you buy. t-online explains it.
The component check
In addition to going to the dealer, you can also buy a used e-bike from a private person. Although this alternative is usually cheaper, there is no guarantee. That’s why you should check the condition more closely – and not only pay attention to the drive.
- Does the lighting work?
- Are the brakes and tires in good condition?
- Is the chain taut or is it sagging?
- How about the sprockets? Strikingly pointed and slightly curved teeth on the gears indicate high wear.
If you find deficiencies here, that’s not a problem at first. Because replacements can be found and installed quite easily. But when it comes to price negotiations, these shortcomings should be discussed.
It is important to look at the frame. Because a defective frame often means a total loss. And a great danger at that. Under no circumstances should you use a bicycle in this case. Indications of a damaged frame are cracks, dents, subsequent traces of welding or repainting, especially at the welding points.
The test drive
If the components have passed the check, it’s time for a test drive. Make sure that the bike is stable and the handlebars do not wobble. Now it is also time to take a closer look at the drive – the biggest problem area of the e-bike:
- Does the drive work in all support levels?
- Does it also handle inclines without any problems?
- Do you hear suspicious noises (such as a rattle) coming from the engine?
First and foremost, three criteria determine the condition of the drive: maintenance, mileage and stress. Therefore, before you buy, have it verified that all service intervals have been complied with. If the service booklet confirms that the e-bike has been regularly serviced by a specialist company, then there shouldn’t be any nasty surprises.
The number of kilometers on the speedometer reveals the total mileage of the e-bike (battery packs are usually designed for a mileage of around 60,000 km). Doubts can be dispelled by a specialist dealer’s diagnosis report, which, in addition to the mileage, also reveals the operating time and the use of the individual driving modes. However, only a few new models offer absolute protection against manipulation, of which only a few are available second-hand.
The battery check
Either it works – or it doesn’t. You can hardly find out much more about the condition of the battery. The specialist retailer, on the other hand, has a number of options for this. His diagnostic tool can read exactly how often the battery has already been fully charged. In addition, the specialist can determine how high the total capacity of the battery is.
However, you can check whether the battery shows signs of a fall or other damage (dents, scratches or even cracks). The battery should then be replaced, as in the worst case it can catch fire. However, a replacement battery can cost a few hundred euros – and then it’s worth thinking about simply buying a new e-bike right away.
