Buying a used e-bike or bicycle: As with a car, there is nothing wrong with buying a used bicycle or e-bike. Anyone who is critical of the offer and their own expectations can make a good catch and largely rule out nasty surprises. The new Velomotion helps with buying and selling a new e-bike or bicycle and is fun to browse.
Bicycles are practical, sporty and stylish - and more and more people are willing to pay good money for a new two-wheeler. And not just once in a lifetime: Bikes are now a fast-moving commodity, especially in the sports sector. So if an attractive bike with new technology is available, many bikers are willing to part with the previous model. Impact-resistant protective film is often applied to the new frame before the maiden voyage to protect it from scratches. As a second buyer, you get an almost new frame without major signs of wear. So times are good for used buyers who like new sales channels velomotion.de offer many advantages: The range of high-quality second-hand bikes is so large today that the sellers have to be happy about anyone who is interested, and thanks to the photos you can get an idea of the product on offer right away - even a video of the bike on offer can be one Present providers on Velomotion.
In the meantime, numerous logistics companies also offer special transport rates for bicycles - so the distance of the dream used bike is only of secondary importance. As far as prices are concerned, the suppliers of used bikes are in strong competition with new models that are being phased out or last year and are being offered in the trade at sometimes significant discounts. Many dealers also offer these bargains on Velomotion. A used bike that has been used for a year and a half and shows moderate signs of use is therefore sold for a maximum of two-thirds of its new value; older models quickly become even cheaper. After two years, a bicycle is worth just half its new price; As a rule of thumb, the used value is then halved approximately every four years.
Lots of good photos make an offer serious
Of course, the providers also know this; many of them put a lot of effort into their advertisements and put a detailed description and meaningful photos online. Nevertheless, it is important to take a close look at an offer that seems interesting at first glance: Is the seller's asking price realistic, or is a similar model offered at a much lower price elsewhere? Does the description in the advertisement suggest that the bike is in good condition, or do the photos already give reason to suspect a defect? If the photos are not meaningful, it is worth asking again.
If you want to be on the safe side, you should personally inspect the object of your interest and, ideally, test drive it. And not even out of distrust - it's possible that the seller didn't notice a defect, for example the gradual wear of the brake pads or a suspension fork that needs service. Signs of use, which are hardly visible on photos, can be in natura also rated best. You should not have unrealistic expectations here, even with young used vehicles: the first few months usually leave clear marks compared to when they were new, but then the visible aging process is much slower. If the substance is right and the price is reasonable, worn wear parts can be quite acceptable - after all, the costs for the chain, sprocket or brake pads can be calculated well. Nevertheless, healthy realism is required here: if all wearing parts have to be replaced on a cheap used bike and there are also defects such as a worn headset or warped wheels, the bargain quickly becomes a cost trap.
Nevertheless, the following applies in any case - with or without a motor: Don't be afraid to buy a used e-bike or bicycle. You don't have to be a bike expert to snag a bargain.
Conclude a purchase contract: Also when buying or selling a used bicycle or e-bike
Especially with more expensive bikes, it is common to draw up a purchase contract; this serves the buyer not least as proof of ownership, for example in the event of an insurance claim. In the case of a first-hand purchase, the seller should be able to present the original invoice etc. It's also worth asking about any service bills for gears or chassis.
Even in the case of private sales, the seller cannot evade responsibility by using formulations such as "sold as seen" or "private sale without guarantee" in the advertisement if he has concealed a defect. A road bike advertised as "crash free" should not show any clear signs of hard ground contact. And with an e-bike, the indication “little ridden” should roughly match the total number of kilometers on the display.
Buying a used e-bike: Pay attention to the condition of the battery
Given the high new prices, it can certainly make sense to look for a used electric bike. However, you have to be aware that in addition to the typical wear and tear of brake pads, chain, etc., there is also the wear and tear of the motor components. The battery is a particular concern: On an e-bike that has to climb steep inclines every day, it can age significantly faster than on a bike that has only been ridden casually on flat ground. Improper handling, deep discharge, or extreme cold can also damage the battery, and the seller may not even be aware of this. Since a new battery can last up to 1.000 Since a second-hand pedelec can cost up to €100, it's best to consider it a real bargain to avoid risking the purchase. If you want to be on the safe side, have it inspected by a specialist workshop before purchasing, ideally a quality workshop for e-bikes.
Incidentally, looking for and finding a used bicycle or e-bike is easiest on specialized platforms. Velomotion.de offers clear search and classification criteria that make it easier to track down what you want and need – for example, you can filter by wheel size or gear type. Above all, I can search for my dream bike within my radius, which is defined by kilometers.
Checklist for second-hand purchases – you should pay attention to this
#1st Prize
Is the offer realistic, or is a similar or the same bike offered at a significantly lower price elsewhere? Is a discontinued model on the market possibly similarly cheap? Velomotion.de offers the possibility to create your own comparison tables.
Caution: Your own responsibility is required if a bike is offered as a bargain too obviously. There are many stolen bikes. If the price is too good to be true or if proof of purchase or the key to an e-bike is missing, extreme caution is required.
#2 condition
Does the condition description correspond to what can be seen in the photos? Are there defects during the inspection/test drive that were not to be expected from the description?
#3 Proof of purchase
Can the seller provide an original invoice or similar? Even with a third- or fourth-hand bike, some proof of ownership should be provided by the seller. Please also conclude a sales contract yourself.
# 4 location
Is the offer so attractive that you want to travel a long way to take a test drive? On Velomotion.de, you can also define radius searches in great detail.