Limited budget for ebike, are budget used ones worth the gamble? (UK market)
Posted by No_Elderberry_767@reddit | ebikes | View on Reddit | 2 comments
Hi all,
I'm considering getting an ebike and doing some deliveries on my days off work, but have quite a limited budget (around £500) at these prices is it worth taking the chances on used ebikes or am I most likely going to end up with only rubbish/knackered battery ones to choose from at that price point?
I'd want one with a branded battery (Samsung, Bosch etc) as I'm a bit paranoid about all the horror stories of the cheap generic batteries. As far as I can tell this limits me mostly to used Decathlon or Halfords branded models, and maybe some older Raleigh models, but most of the ones which had decent range batteries in my budget tend to be from around 2020 or earlier, at that age am I most likely going to be getting batteries at the end of their life with hardly any power or range left? Where I am is relatively flat with some gradual 3% inclines and the occasionally short steep 6-8% hill, and those are the bits I'd need the assist for.
Alternatively am I best off sticking to a push bike for now (I can keep to the flatter areas of the city and just not take deliveries in the hillier parts, will just mean I can accept fewer orders) and try to save for a much higher budget? I've seen ex-display makes like Falcon or Fido models for about £750 down from £1000, they seem to get good reviews but I'm not sure if they're just cheap generic brands with unbranded batteries, dressed up nicely with fancy marketing and fake reviews.
Any advice would be appreciated
maluket@reddit
With that budget, build your own. At least start with a bike that come with disc brakes.
SlashNreap@reddit
The important thing is not exactly how much your Ebike costs it's what your components are. Look for certified components with actual EU safety ratings, not "Waterproof", not "Samsung Battery" but actual safety standards. Look them up online and research your components that are a match.
This is sadly highly controversial to say on here, because people here like to justify their purchases, and put the "Less costly but decent" Ebikes down for that reason. Regardless if whether or not you end up going for a "cheap" or expensive Ebike down the line, never neglect your basic maintenance. Take a good look at this sub, you often see brands that people praise, and cheaper brands having issues, usually something preventable with basic maintenance, because people assume electric = maintenance-free.
Secondhand is great unless the market is saturated by scammers who will sell you faulty Ebikes under false promises, but that's more of a general thing. Alternatively, if you're handy, build one yourself. This'll always be one of the the cheapest option.
Good luck and have fun.