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Bikes are a sustainable and healthy mode of transportation
Electric bikes have sparked a significant increase in interest in cycling. However, due to the high purchase price of e-bikes, it remains a challenging decision. Fortunately, the market for second-hand electric bikes is thriving, with e-bikes available at discounts of 20 to 30 percent (or even more).
There are various options if you’re interested in purchasing a second-hand electric bike. The traditional method involves buying from a private seller. You’ll find an ad or a post on a second-hand website, contact the seller, test the bike, and negotiate the price. There are no guarantees, so you need to thoroughly inspect the second-hand e-bike before making a purchase.
A newer approach is buying a refurbished electric bike. Several online shops offer this option, such as Upway.be, where we have previously purchased a bike. With refurbished bikes, you get a warranty, and you’re buying a bike that’s fully operational. The downside is that there’s no room for negotiation. In this article, we thoroughly explore these options, highlighting their pros and cons.
Refurbished bikes: the best option?
A refurbished bike is a second-hand bike that has been fully inspected and refurbished by a professional bike mechanic, making it nearly as good as new. Refurbished bikes are often slightly more expensive than second-hand bikes purchased from individuals, but they come with a warranty.
For instance, at Upway, you can get a nearly-new second-hand bike with a one-year warranty. The bikes are sold online with discounts ranging from 15% to 60% and delivered to your door. Some bikes have barely been used and have only a few kilometers on the clock.
The biggest advantage of refurbished bikes is that you can be sure the bike is in good condition. The seller has thoroughly inspected the bike and addressed any issues. Our Multicharger comes from a refurbished seller (Upway.be), and the bike was almost like new, although there were minor scratches on the stand and a slight scratch on the frame.
Refurbished electric bikes often come with new components. The battery and motor undergo thorough maintenance and inspection, ensuring warranty coverage.
Another advantage of refurbished bikes is the wide selection available. Due to their business model, they can acquire, refurbish, and resell many e-bikes. Up to 80% of the range offered on Upway.be is sourced from and refurbished in Belgium. Quality brands such as Riese Muller, Kalkhoff, Canyon, Van Moof, Giant, Kettler, and more are all featured.
Refurbished models are particularly appealing for more expensive electric bikes or special bikes like second-hand electric cargo bikes and longtails.
When buying online, the second-hand bike is delivered to your home. The invoice is also very interesting for self-employed individuals. Electric bikes can be fully deducted. As an employee with a mobility budget, you can also invest in an electric bike.
Second-hand bike marketplace: Cheap but riskier
Another option for buying a second-hand bike is through websites like 2dehands.be. Here, you often find a wide selection of used bikes that you can purchase at a reasonable price. The major advantage is that you can negotiate the price and often take or pick up the bike immediately.
However, there are more downsides to buying a second-hand bike through such a website. You don’t always know for sure if the bike is in good condition until you inspect it. And then, you have to hope that the seller is honest and reliable. Electric bikes are different from regular bikes, they’re harder to maintain, and are more prone to breaking down.
Check everything. Inquire about any falls or accidents, maintenance history. Pay attention to sounds and smooth riding behavior. Inspect the tires, brakes, and gears, and ask about the bike’s maintenance history.
Through the bike shop: Limited selection, but reliable
A third option for buying a second-hand bike is through the bike shop. Some bike shops act as intermediaries and sell second-hand bikes on behalf of individuals. The bike shop ensures that the bike is in good condition and takes a portion of the sale price as compensation.
The major advantage of buying a second-hand bike through the bike shop is that you can be sure the bike is in good condition. Additionally, you can often rely on the expertise of the bike mechanic, and if there are any issues, you can always turn to the shop for assistance. However, the downside is that the selection is often limited, and prices may be slightly higher than with private sellers. An additional benefit (for some) is that you can purchase this on invoice.
In summary
Refurbished bikes:
- Pro’s: Wide selection (many new bikes), fully inspected and refurbished, with warranty, in good condition, often equipped with new parts, invoice, and assistance with repairs or finding a bike mechanic.
- Con’s: More expensive than other second-hand bikes.
Second-hand bikes via websites:
- Pro’s: Wide selection (slightly older bikes), reasonable price, negotiation options, immediate pickup.
- Con’s: Uncertainty about the bike’s condition and the reliability of the seller, requires extra caution.
Second-hand bikes through the bike shop:
- Pro’s: In good condition, reliable, expertise of the bike mechanic, recourse to the shop for problems.
- Con’s: Limited selection, slightly higher prices than private sellers.
