E-bikes are not cheap. However, if you want to buy one on a budget, you may consider a used e-bike. Given below are a few tips that can help you opt for the right bike.
Check for the overall condition
First of all, you should inspect the bike to get a better idea of its overall condition. Try to find out if it was involved in a major accident. Besides, you should check the unit for flat tires, stubborn dirt, rough scratches, and rusty spots.
Check battery age and capacity
With the passage of time, batteries tend to lose their capacity and drain much quickly. Therefore, you may need to charge them more often. The batteries of modern e-bikes can give you up to 600 to 700 charge cycles.
If the battery has exhausted its charge cycles, you may want to negotiate the prices with the seller.
Age and Mileage
In most e-bikes, you can find a built-in speedometer. You can take a look at the meter to find out how many miles the bike has traveled so far. Apart from the age of the bike, mileage is also quite important. Ideally, you should get a used e-bike that has lower mileage.
Wear and tear of the parts
In a bicycle, there are some parts that tolerate a lot of wear and tear. After a few years, these parts need to be replaced. So, you may want to check the chainring, sprocket, tyres, chain, and brakes.
When purchasing a used e-bike, you may want to ask the seller about when they changed these parts last time.
Ask for a test drive
It’s not a good idea to buy a second-hand bike without taking it for a test drive. A test drive will tell you if the geometry and frame size is good enough for you. Besides, a few meters of the test drive will tell you how different parts of the bike interact.
Make sure that the brakes work properly and the suspension is soft. It’s even better to drive the bike on different types of roads.
Sign a purchase contract
Often, people tend to buy and sell second-hand bikes. However, before buying one, make sure you ask for proof of ownership. This is important if you want to be on the safe side. It’s better to draw a purchase contract and have the seller sign it.
Buy from dealers
Often, buying a used e-bike will cost you more if you buy from a dealer. A private purchase, on the other hand, can save you money. However, buying from a dealer offers a few advantages. Usually, dealers offer a warranty of up to 12 months. Also, dealers have their e-bikes serviced regularly.
In short, if you have been looking for a good electric bike for yourself or your loved ones, we suggest that you keep these tips in mind. They will help you opt for the best bike to meet your needs. Plus, these tips will ensure you save a few bucks when making this purchase.
