Electric bikes are selling like wild, and with this massive influx of new e-bikes comes a burgeoning used e-bike market. If you’re shopping for a used e-bike and are wondering what to look for, here are some used e-bike buying tips.

First, Let’s Look at the Benefits of an E-Bike

Before we jump into things to look for when buying a used e-bike, let’s look at the benefits of owning an e-bike. You know, just in case you need a nudge in the e-bike direction. First, an e-bike can help improve your health. An e-bike allows you to get exercise without putting too much strain on your body. The motor can assist with pedaling, so you can still get a workout, but you won’t have to work as hard. Another benefit is that an e-bike is cost effective, meaning it can save you money on transportation costs. An e-bike is far more affordable than a car, both in purchase price and long-term costs, and it doesn’t require the level of maintenance that a car needs.

But Wait, There Are More E-Bike Benefits

When compared to a non-motorized bicycle, an e-bike can help you travel farther and faster. And the electric motor can help get you up hills and over rough terrain so you can ride more often and farther without getting tired. Fatigue is often the reason for avoiding longer bike rides, but an e-bike can help decrease that fatigue. This means you could use an e-bike as transportation to work, school, or for errands, even if the commute is hilly or lengthy. And one of the biggest reasons to own an e-bike is because most will agree that biking is fun.

Used E-Bike Buying Tips Start With An Overall Inspection

When it comes to purchasing a used e-bike it’s always a good idea to begin by inspecting the overall condition of the bike. Look for wear and tear items such as rust, cracks in the frame, or dents. Also check to ensure the frame is straight and all components are in good condition. Components are things like bearings, spokes, gears, derailleurs, brakes, chain, and so on. These items can be an indicator of how the bike was used and how it was maintained. It’ll also offer an insight into things like whether the e-bike was stored inside a building and whether it was used on- or off-road.

Check the Battery

If you guessed that the battery is the most expensive part of an e-bike, you’re correct. With that said, check its condition so you don’t have to fork over the money to replace it. Inspect the battery for cracks or damage. It should have neither. Check the battery’s charging plug to ensure its in good condition. Some e-bikes can provide a diagnostic report that can offer insight into the battery’s health. An example is the Bosch system. This system can provide a technician with detailed information, including the bike’s mileage, total operating time, overall distance in each mode, battery status, the number of full charge cycles, and minimum and maximum lifetime battery temperatures.

More Ways to Check the Battery

If you’re buying the e-bike from its original owner and the bike is still using its original battery, another way to estimate battery charge cycles is to divide the bike’s mileage by its range per charge. This will give you an approximate idea of how many charge cycles the battery has been through. Bosch guarantees that after 500 charge cycles its battery will have at least 60 percent capacity. Some batteries can offer information on the number of times it has been charged as well as how much energy storage capacity it has lost since new. A multimeter can also be used to check the battery’s voltage. Also, part of the battery check should include connecting the battery’s charger to confirm correct operation. Before going to look at an e-bike, research the bike to get an idea of the cost of a replacement battery.

Check the Tires

Bike tires are not overly expensive, but they’re not inexpensive either. New bike tire prices vary widely depending on diameter, width, and tread pattern. With that said, check the used e-bike’s tires for wear and cracks. If the tires look worn, factor that additional cost into the price of the bike. Never ride an e-bike that has damaged or dry-rotted tires.

Determine the Style of E-Bike You Want

Our used e-bike buying tips continues by asking: What style of e-bike do you want? The answer to this question depends on how you plan to use the bike and on what type of terrain. There are many types of used e-bikes, and each is designed for a particular use case scenario. As you shop for a used e-bike you’ll find bikes made for pavement cruising that may have a taller handlebar height and larger seat. You may also find e-bikes designed for off-road travel. Off-road bikes may have a front suspension fork and wide, aggressive tires to improve traction. If you plan to use your e-bike like a pack mule, look for one with a basket or rack to haul cargo. If you have questions on a bike, like its maximum weight rating, range, power, battery info, and so on, visit the manufacturers website to ensure the bike is right for you.

Other Used E-Bike Buying Tips

As you shop for a used e-bike, consider the bike’s weight. Will you be carrying it up and down stairs? Will you be loading it onto a bike rack? A heavy bike with racks and accessories may not be for you if you’re not comfortable lifting heavier weight. Also, if you want to ride at night, a used e-bike with a headlight and taillight is mandatory, so look for a bike with those already installed to keep costs down. And if you’re looking at a newer used e-bike, inquire if it still has an active warranty. The warranty will give you peace of mind knowing that you’re covered if something goes wrong. Furthermore, check the frame size. Not all e-bike frames are the same size, so make sure the size is comfortable for you. Finally, ensure all accessories (like battery key and charger) are included with the bike.

Take a Test Ride

Take the used e-bike for a test ride. Don your safety gear and ride the bike as you plan to use it. Be alert to how the bike tracks and confirm that things like the brakes, pedals, suspension (if equipped), and gearshift is operating correctly. Note if there are odd noises coming from the electric motor or any part of the bike. If you notice abnormalities in any of the bike’s components, determine the repair cost and add that figure to the purchase price or use it to haggle the price of the e-bike to a lower figure. Also, depending on the seller, you may be able to have the bike inspected by a e-bike technician. If you’re looking at a used e-bike from a bike shop, inquire as to whether the bike has had an inspection and ask for the bike’s diagnostic report.

Rental E-Bikes Can Be a Good Deal

Last in our used e-bike buying tips: Purchasing a rental e-bike can be a good deal. Like rental car companies, or most other companies that rent stuff, rental e-bikes are often sold after a given amount of time. These bikes are often sold at an attractive price. In most cases, these bikes have had exceptional maintenance. This makes them very desirable for buyers looking for gently used, well-maintained machines.

The Bottom Line

Purchasing a used e-bike can save you some money compared the cost of a new e-bike. This is a good thing. It’s also a cheaper way for someone unfamiliar with e-bikes to own one and decide if a e-bike is for them, prior to spending new e-bike money.

Special thanks to The Bicycle Hub in Pecatonica, Illinois, for letting us photograph one of its e-bikes.