Electronic bikes, or E-Bikes, are a way to get more pedal out of your standard bicycle. They feature electrically assisted pedals, enabling greater speeds for the already versatile vehicle type. For commuting, exploration, and general cycling, this makes them an attractive choice.
At Tru-Tension, we provide e-bike maintenance tools and advice to help your second-hand e-bike feel better than new. In this article we’ll go over what makes a second-hand e-bike a good choice, how to make sure you’re getting a good deal, and methods to polish up your bike when you get it.
Get a head start with our catalogue of e-bike products!
What Makes a Second-Hand E-Bike a Good Choice
You can ride an E-Bike in the UK as long as you’re 14 or over, and they do not require a license, registration, taxation, or insurance. This makes them a great choice for anyone that doesn’t want or need to commit to getting a full driver’s license, or anyone that might be too young to apply.
Due to their range of uses and the ages of people that can apply for them, a second-hand e-bike can be the best to pick. Choosing a second-hand ride is a great, cost-effective choice for:
- First time riders
- Experienced cyclists looking to obtain a better model
- Commuters looking for an efficient, reliable bike to get to work
- Anyone looking to improve their potential either on- or off-road
However, this only applies if the e-bike is of sufficient quality to last until you think about upgrading. This means you need to be aware of what makes a second-hand e-bike a good purchase, and what you should be staying away from.
Find out about the rise of the e-bike and why it’s becoming more popular in our article >
Signs of a Quality Second-Hand E-Bike
Whether you’re buying online or in a dealership, getting a second-hand e-bike involves a fair amount of research. Not only do you need to know what kind of e-bike is right for your purposes, but you also need to know how to make sure you’re actually getting a good deal.
There’s no point in buying an e-bike that falls apart the second you try to ride it, no matter how good the deal, so we’ve outlined some of the key features to watch out for and consider when you’re purchasing an e-bike.
Advice for Buying a Second-Hand E-Bike Online
If you are buying your second-hand e-bike online, it can be a good idea to ask for a viewing. Any issues will be more obvious than in photos when you see the ride in person. Try and view it in good lighting if possible to ensure nothing is being obscured by shadows.
While you can still get a good deal on a fully online purchase of a second-hand e-bike, it is best to get a good look before you seal the deal. If the vendor refuses meet you or refuses to show you different angles and lighting when you do see the e-bike in person, it may be a sign they’re hiding something.
How Much Wear is There?
Once you get a look at the bike, you’ll first want to check it for wear. Some of the main places to look for this are:
- Brake cables
- Brake disks
- Tyre tread
- Chain quality
Our e-bike maintenance spray is a great choice for keeping your e-bike clean and running smoothly – check it out!
Essentially, anywhere that there is movement or contact with things that move, there is the chance for wear. By consciously checking these locations for excessive wear you could be saving yourself from some expensive repairs in the long run.
Is There Any Rust?
Rust is a killer for e-bikes. It can damage the frame, many of the components, and get in the circuitry. All of this spells disaster and can lead to your e-bike being scrapped if it gets bad enough.
That’s why it’s important to make sure there isn’t any rust. Check the frame, joints, and components for any orange dust build up. You’ll want to especially check for any holes in the frame as internal rust could lead to your second-hand e-bike crumbling from the inside-out.
Does It Look Cared For?
This isn’t exactly a measurable metric, but checking if the e-bike you’re thinking of buying is looked after or not can mean the difference between getting an e-bike for life and having to buy another model in just a few months.
Things like cleanliness, condition of its features, presentation, and more can all be signs of whether someone has cared for the e-bike. If there are signs of excessive wear or rust, this can be a sign that the e-bike hasn’t been properly maintained.
While these aspects may not mean the deal is a write-off, they are all worth considering as they could be indicative of a deeper, more serious issue.
Are You Getting Ripped Off?
It is likely that you’re buying a second-hand e-bike because you don’t want to commit to the cost of buying one new. With that being said, there’s no use to buying a cheaper option if you end up getting ripped off.
One aspect of this is the condition of the e-bike, but the cost is also equally important. We’ve outlined a few steps you could do to make sure you’re getting the best deal for your chosen e-bike:
- Ask how much the vendor originally purchased it for
- Look up current values of the e-bike and similarly specified models
- Research other second-hand e-bikes to see if the price is similar, or if there are any better alternatives out there
- Compare the amount it is on offer for with the amount of wear it has – is it really worth the cost? Can you haggle it down further?
If you’ve done your due diligence and you’re happy with the price, then great! You can make your purchase and get started with riding your e-bike. However, to make sure it goes the extra mile, it’s a great idea to look at some of the ways you can maintain your new ride.
Check out our top tips on how to maintain your electronic bike >
Maintain Your E-Bike with Tru-Tension
By following the steps in this guide, you’ll be in the best position when choosing a second-hand e-bike. Remember to check it for damage and wear, research the model alongside similar ones, and keep it well looked after with regular maintenance.
Get started today with e-bike maintenance products from Tru-Tension. Check out some frequently asked questions from our customers or read on with some related articles below. Above all, enjoy riding your quality second-hand e-bike!
Look after your e-bike properly with our guide on how to store it >