E bikes...recommendations please!

[CoCoJones26]

Would like a secondhand e bike and don't know where to start! I was able to hire one through a local council scheme and really enjoyed it, anything I should look for/ avoid?
I'm 5'8" and will be using it for shortish rides ( up to 20km)
Thanks!

Halfords do secondhand. Does your work to cycle to work as you can buy one there through that scheme too.

Something from a reputable manufacturer. We have e-bikes so not trying to discourage you but the dangers of cheap chinese imports are all over the news.

I am retired but wish the scheme had been around when I was working for the NHS!

Agree look for a reputable manufacturer and if you can afford it, buy from a physical bike shop, so you get the after care. They are heavy so it also really helps if you live within pushing distance of a bike shop or have the means to transport it to one should you ever need help with it.

I have a Liv bike which I love. I am short and this is the first bike that fitted me. I have relatives with a cube and a haibike.

If you can, try a few different ones to see what they are really like to ride and whether you can easily take the battery on and off. (I had massive issues with that to start with until the bike shop fixed the problem for me).

Also try to learn to ride one well. To begin with I keeping kept using the manual part of it in too high a gear and it needed to be in a much lower gear. I kept on having to replace the brakes. I get through fewer chains too now.

Definitely get one though. I use mine year round and only don't use it if the ground is frozen, frosty or it is very wet. It is so much fun, I am fitter, happier and I have just about recouped the original cost now via not spending anything like as much on petrol anymore, though I still have a car.

I made the mistake of buying a British designed and made electric bike. I bought a bike from "Volt" - I was happy enough with the bike until I came to need a new battery - after about 4 years they advise it to be changed. Unfortunately they have not been able to get the battery back in stock so I've been without a replacement battery for nearly 2 years and I can't find an alternative.... so that's £2,000 wasted. I am not happy to say the least. If you are to consider a used bike make sure you can get a replacement battery.

Try an online appointment with Skinnergate Cycles in Stockton …. Fabulous service and one the best independent bike shops in UK who have brilliant knowledge of e bikes.

They service and repair too. Great family business.

https://www.skinnergate.co.uk

I’ve been looking for a secondhand e-bike myself recently, so I get where you’re coming from. One thing I’ve noticed is that buying used can be tricky because the battery life might not be great anymore, and replacing it can get expensive. Sometimes, the motor or electrical parts might have hidden issues too, so it’s important to check those carefully or get a test ride.

A friend of mine mentioned some good Aventon deals on bikes that have a solid reputation for quality and price. They’re mostly new bikes, but checking out their lineup helped me figure out what features I want. It’s been a helpful starting point for me.

Friends have done well with EMU

Have you thought about getting the battery rebuilt https://batteryworldshop.com/pages/e-bike-battery-rebuilds-1?srsltid=AfmBOoqa8eNdQMWEMZ9PE7afrY8TJ-Hp2uWSXJ0fykTfL2vAPJI7V5Zw

I have a Liv ebike, they often do 0% finance and you can pay back monthly. I’m happy with mine.

I think the key things for me were making sure I had a generic shape of battery in case I needed a replacement and I also wanted a hub motor if I could manage it. I don't have a garage so I also wanted a detachable battery.

following for advice!

Totally agree, go for reputable manufacturer/retailer. I've seen so many sold online like FB Marketplace, but again if you're buying the battery or a replacement charger, you don't really know the quality of it.

In fact, saw this documentary/ footage which opened my eyes up a bit to how bad these e-bike fires are - seen it in the news a lot.

Don't risk buying from anywhere!

the risk with buying secondhand is you don't know the history of the battery, i.e has someone modified it?? that can be risky in itself...but also there have been so many fires relating to e-bikes and their batteries. Shared it further down, but this documentary made me think twice before buying one for a family member - Seen these fires in the news a lot recently. I live in a city in the UK and can vouch for the number of fires over here.

Stay safe all!

the risk with buying secondhand is you don't know the history of the battery and yes so many dodgy ones available that are cheaper and not safe at all. i've seen it so much, this is a pretty decent explanation as well

https://youtube.com/shorts/a-8vaDSjlK8?si=uQakRvvmCUPovtxP

We have Specialised e bikes and have been very happy with them. They are Turbo Vado and you get the odd second hand one come up or if you have a reputable bike shop near you they may know of used ones coming up.

I have seen this thread re- emerge, I bought a Liv Amiti + , absolutely love it! I have added 45 minutes a day to exercise without it being onerous. It's also faster to get across town than driving the car!