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Buying a bike is always a question of price!
Increasing battery sizes, complex system integration, long-lasting components Even if prices are currently falling again somewhat, e-mountainbiking will always remain a rather expensive leisure activityIf you want to have fun off-road with an e-bike, you need a modern fully, and there are practically no new ones for less than 4500 euros.
The differences: new, used or refurbished?
We have therefore taken a closer look at the alternatives for buying used bikes: the private second-hand market and the suppliers of refurbished bikes. At first glance, the second-hand market offers the greatest bargain potential. Serviceable models are offered privately from around €2000 - less than half the price of a new e-bike in the entry-level price segment. However, the follow-up costs can be considerable. This is because cheap used bikes are often three to four years old and wear and tear is not always easy to recognise. In addition, you often have to make do with older technology - small batteries, for example, or older motor models.
Good refurbished bikes are only available from around 3500 euros, but then often with larger batteries and newer model years, and including warranty. E-bikes that are more than two years old are the exception here, so the bargain potential is lower.
Each of these types of purchase has its advantages and disadvantages. It is important to weigh up the pros and cons: The price alone should not be the decisive criterion. When buying second-hand from a private seller, it would be good if the buyer has a certain amount of bike expertise. After all, a thoroughly cleaned bike can quickly conceal hidden technical defects, such as ailing bearings or unmaintained suspension elements.
Bike beginners are in the safest hands at stationary specialist dealers: Here they score points with advice, test rides and problem solving. Refurbishing companies work more like mail order companies and therefore require more specialist knowledge. They offer advice online and send the bikes in a box. The limited range also limits their attractiveness. In the rather small refurbishment market, it is the exception rather than the rule to find a special model of your choice. Compromises are therefore required.
The fact is: The current situation on the market tends to play into the hands of buyers. Manufacturers' and dealers' warehouses are full, causing prices to fall. And the slump in prices for new bikes is in turn putting pressure on the used and refurbished market.
>> Read more about sustainability in biking in our special:
How can cycling be even better for the environment? <<
Conclusion from Adrian Kaether, EMTB editor:
New, used from a private seller or a refurbished bike? The price should not play the central role. Much more important is the question of how much patience, willingness to compromise and expertise you have. If you have all three of these qualities, you can buy your bike second-hand. A willingness to compromise is also required for refurbished models. For everyone else, buying new is the best option, especially with the discounts currently available.
Buying a new bike
You can get a new bike from a specialist dealer around the corner and on the Internet from bike mail order companies and online retailers. The purchase is more expensive. The advantages, especially of stationary specialist dealers: advice, test ride, full warranty. The technology is state of the art, but expensive. What's more, buying new guarantees flawless integrity. Nevertheless, there are attractive prices. Discounts are currently available from both bricks-and-mortar retailers and mail order companies.
Buying an e-bike from a specialist dealer is still the most popular option. One of the main reasons for this is that many bikers are hobby mechanics, but very few are amateur mechatronics engineers. So if there are problems with the motor, battery and electronic components, you need an expert, and you can usually find one at the stationary specialist dealer where you bought the bike. Other advantages: You can test ride the bike and have it customised, and the full warranty gives you peace of mind in the event of damage or defects. The mail-order model has a harder time of it, despite the same guarantee and - as a rule - more attractive prices.
Although mail-order companies are working on the quality of their advice, you often have to travel a long way to test ride a model (to the manufacturer or to a test event), and customisation is left to you. And there is always the fear of not being able to find a helpful workshop nearby in the event of a defect. This is because the network of partner shops is very extensive for most mail order companies.
Advantages
- Full guarantee
- Latest technology
- Partly good service
- Large selection
- Suitable for beginners
Disadvantages
- Higher prices
- Sometimes long delivery times
The following bikes show different price examples as of April 2023.
2900 Euro: Bulls Copperhead Evo 2 29"
The air is thin under 3000 euros, even for price-performance brands like Bulls. The older Bosch motor is good, but the 400 battery is very small. The hardtail without a dropper post and with entry-level parts is not made for off-road use.
4800 Euro: Conway eWME 3.9
Good range thanks to 720 watt hours in the battery, the latest Shimano EP8 motor, dropper post and usable suspension characterise the Conway. The equipment is not glamorous, but should also work well off-road.
5800 Euro: Canyon Spectral:On CF8
The Koblenz-based mail order company has reduced its prices. The test winner of our all-mountain test from EMTB 6/22 is now available for the price of a mid-range bike. Full carbon frame, Fox suspension and 900 battery included.
Statement from Daniel Ciasto, Managing Director at Alpha Bikes Giant Store Munich:
A good specialist dealer should provide expert advice and set up the bike to suit the customer. In addition to the guarantee and warranty, this can be a key advantage that speaks in favour of buying new bikes from a specialist dealer. And if there are any problems with the bike, you also have a service partner to hand. My tip: If you want to save some money, you can look out for model changes. If the new bike is in the shop, older bikes and demonstrators are often available at a favourable price.
Buying used (e-)bikes
Used bikes are offered by private individuals on classified ad portals. Still the most popular: Ebay classifieds. Prices vary greatly. The risk for the buyer is high due to the lack of warranty. So: tempting because of low prices, deterrent because of the threat of follow-up costs. Experience and technical knowledge are a good prerequisite for the Second-hand purchase is worth it in the end.
Worn-out material at inflated prices, garnished with the slogan "Used, like new" - unfortunately not uncommon on the second-hand market. It is not surprising that privately-owned e-MTBs do not have a good reputation. The rapid technical development makes older bikes look antiquated. But the main deterrent is that private sellers do not have to give a guarantee. This is a high risk, especially for e-mountainbikes, as expensive components such as the motor and battery cannot usually be repaired.
But the opportunities are not to be dismissed out of hand either: There are some useful bikes for little money. E-hardtails can be found from as little as 1500 euros, fullys from 2000 euros. What's more, the selection on Ebay classifieds is so large that you can view and test ride the bikes in your neighbourhood without much effort. Specialist portals, such as the MTB News bike market, offer a smaller selection of rather high-quality, but often well-maintained bikes at fair prices. If you know your way around, you can make a good catch here. It is noticeable that light e-MTBs in particular, such as the Specialized Levo SL or the Orbea Rise, are often offered at good prices. Perhaps one person's mistake is another's good fortune.
Advantages
- Bargain potential
- More environmentally friendly than buying new
Disadvantages
- Requires a lot of expertise
- Long journeys in some cases
- Partly outdated technology
- No liability for material defects
- No right of return
2300 Euro: Ghost SLAMR Hybrid x5.7
Less than 2000 kilometres, well-maintained and riding characteristics that had testers licking their fingers at the time. The motor and battery of the 2019 Slamr are no longer up to date, but still a highlight for the price: new price € 5499.
3750 Euro: Orbea Rise H30
The entry into the world of light e-MTBs. This bike looks like new in the photos, is one year old and has only been ridden 290 kilometres. The original price was 5299 euros >> e.g. still available here for 4799 Euro. The carbon model is often offered at similarly favourable conditions.
5400 Euro: Rotwild RE 750 Pro
The Rotwild is not just a visual highlight. This e-bike is from 2021 and has covered 2800 kilometres, but has been well maintained. Unfortunately, the Brose motor is not considered very reliable. With one New price of 9500 euros still attractive.
Interview with Holger Meyer, EMTB tester and initiator of the lawnmower bike flea market:
EMTB: There's no cheaper way to get an e-MTB than with a second-hand bike. The right option for beginners?
HOLGER MEYER: Unfortunately not. Finding the right bike for you and correctly assessing prices alone requires specialised knowledge. It is even more difficult when it comes to assessing the condition of the bike. And this is important because you buy the bike as you see it. The motor and battery in particular are a black box on an e-MTB, and damage can be very expensive.
One possibility, for example, is to have the charging cycles of the battery read out by the dealer. Does this provide any clarity?
The charging cycles are a good indication of the condition of the drive system. However, I think very few people dare to ask the seller to take the bike to the dealer. And even then, the motor or battery could still be damaged by water, cold or falls and remain undetected.
For whom is buying second-hand from a private seller still a good option?
This is something for experienced bikers with expertise and knowledge of human nature. Being able to judge the seller is almost as important as the bike itself. If you have found a reputable and knowledgeable seller, the risk of buying a loser is relatively low in my opinion. And then real bargains are possible. Particularly in the high-price segment, many bikers frequently change their bikes and then offer huge discounts on models that are sometimes well-maintained and rarely ridden.
Refurbished bikes
Used, but reconditioned and with a full guarantee: this is how Rebike, Bikesale The middle ground, so to speak, between buying a new bike and buying second-hand from a private seller. Accordingly, the price level is roughly in the middle. Real bargains are rare here. So the best of both worlds?
Refurbished goods have been making a career for smartphones for some time now. The basic idea: the device is not new, but is checked for functionality, serviced and then resold with a warranty. This is more expensive than a traditional second-hand purchase from a private seller, but offers more security. More and more providers are transferring this concept to high-quality bicycles and e-bikes. They buy used bikes in large quantities from commercial suppliers. These bikes are washed, basic wear parts are replaced and then sold on to new customers.
As with the mail order company, advice is primarily provided online, the bike is delivered to the customer in a box and still has to be adjusted by the customer. It is worth taking a closer look at the conditions: The seller usually offers a warranty of twelve months, although in some cases more is possible. Off-road fullys are available from 3000 to 3500 euros, depending on the supplier, and the discount for high mileage is rather low in our eyes. However, models with few kilometres are recommended for bikers who are a little more experienced, know what they want and are patient until the desired bike is available at suitable conditions.
Advantages
- Cheaper than buying new
- Fundamentally tested
- Comprehensive guarantee
Disadvantages
- Often older technology
- More expensive than private
- Advice and service
- Limited model selection
3400 Euro: Scott Strike eRide 940
The Strike is Scott's touring all-mountain bike and a good choice for e-beginners. This model is from 2022, has been ridden about 2700 kilometres and has a scratch here and there. But well below the New price of 4799 euros.
4700 Euro: Orbea Wild M20
The carbon version of Orbea's Wild all-mountain bike clearly belongs in the premium segment. The equipment and Bosch motor system are successful, the mileage is 1300 kilometres. The Orbea originally cost 6299 euros.
5400 Euro: Specialised Levo SL Expert
As with the used bikes, there are also some light e-MTBs among the refurbished bikes. Here, for example, is a Levo SL Expert from 2020, but with only 350 kilometres. New value with the upgrade to Sram XX1 Eagle AXS fitted: over 9000 euros.
Statement by Theo Golditchuk, co-founder of Buycycle:
Guarantee and warranty make the difference for the customer. For us as a used platform and refurbisher, this is directly linked to the issue of quality. We can offer guarantees and a right of return in refurbishment, precisely because we have checked the bikes thoroughly and rectified any defects. It sounds more cumbersome in German, but refurbished actually sums it up quite well. Used, of course, and perhaps with minor visual defects, but functionally in new condition.
More articles on the used bike market:
Adrian Kaether
Editor
