Buying a used e-bike: judging battery, motor and price correctly

E-bikes lose a lot of value in their first two years – which makes the second-hand market an opportunity for buyers. At the same time, a single component determines a large share of an e-bike's residual value: the battery. If you systematically check the three core areas – battery, motor and wear – you can buy used remarkably well.

The battery: the most expensive part first

A replacement battery costs 500 to 900 francs depending on the system – so the battery's condition belongs at the start of every viewing.

• ·Ask for the number of charge cycles and the remaining capacity. For Bosch, Shimano and co., any specialist dealer can read out a battery report; a recent printout is a strong selling point, or a fair demand.
• ·Rule of thumb: under 300 cycles and over 80 percent remaining capacity is good; from 500 cycles, price it in clearly.
• ·Visual check: no cracks or bulges in the casing, clean contacts, battery locks in firmly.
• ·Original charger and a second key for the battery lock present?

Motor and electronics

• ·Read total kilometres from the display and compare with the bike's condition – 500 km and badly worn brakes do not go together.
• ·Test ride in every assist level: the motor should engage quietly and evenly; jerking, clacking or dropouts are expensive warning signs.
• ·Error memory and software: proof of servicing at a brand workshop (updates, inspections) adds real reassurance.
• ·Test the display, lights, walk assist and every button.

Mechanics and frame

• ·Drivetrain: chain and cassette wear faster on an e-bike; an overdue drivetrain overhaul quickly costs 150 to 300 francs.
• ·Brakes: check pad thickness and rotors; rubbing or glazed brakes go into the price.
• ·Frame and fork: cracks, dents and fresh paint touch-ups at welds are deal-breakers.
• ·Suspension fork/shock: ask for the service history, check stanchions for scratches.

Provenance and paperwork

Ask to see the purchase receipt or invoice and note the frame number. A serious seller has no problem with that. Checking the frame number against a stolen-bike register takes two minutes and protects you from buying stolen goods – which you would have to hand back without compensation.

Watch out with fast e-bikes (up to 45 km/h): they require a yellow number plate, a driving licence and liability insurance. On shopitnow they are treated like motor vehicles and published as contact-only listings – viewing and closing happen directly between the parties.

What is a fair price?

As a guide: after the first year the market value is typically 25 to 35 percent below the new price, after three years around half – well-kept premium bikes hold value better, budget-store bikes worse. Deduct concrete due items (battery condition, drivetrain overhaul, brakes) from the asking price rather than haggling in the abstract. Also compare three to five similar listings by model year, mileage and battery report.

Frequently asked questions