Buying a new or used e-bike – 3 important facts

Are you wondering whether a new or used e-bike is a better deal? Price, condition, and warranty play the biggest roles. A used model often costs 40–50% less than a new one. Here are the most important factors to consider:
| factor | Influence |
|---|---|
| Price | 55% |
| sustainability | 36% |
Key findings
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A used e-bike can be up to 50% cheaper than a new one. This can save you a lot of money.
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Refurbished e-bikes They offer tested quality and a guarantee. They are a good choice for beginners.
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When buying an e-bike, pay attention to the condition of the battery and motor. These parts are crucial for the lifespan of your e-bike.
E-bike new or used – price-performance ratio
Price differences
Want to know how big the price difference is between a new and a used e-bike? The numbers speak for themselves. In 2024, new e-bikes cost an average of around €2,650. You can get a used model for as little as €750 to €800. That means you often save more than €1,800 when buying a used e-bike.
| E-bike type | Average costs (euros) |
|---|---|
| New e-bike | 2,650 |
| Used e-bike | 750–800 |
Refurbished e-bikes, like the ADO models at
Depreciation
Depreciation plays a major role when deciding between a new or used e-bike. A new e-bike loses 10–20% of its value in the first year alone. After two years, the depreciation is often as high as 30%. This is because, due to technological advancements, e-bikes depreciate faster than conventional bicycles.
| Age of the e-bike | Depreciation |
|---|---|
| 1 year | 10–20% |
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E-bikes lose about 30% of their value in the first two years.
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Traditional bicycles retain their value longer and have a more stable price development.
When you buy a used or refurbished e-bike, you benefit from the fact that the biggest depreciation has already occurred. You therefore pay a fair price and can often resell the bike later with minimal loss.
What do I get for my money?
Wondering what you get for your money? Here's a direct comparison:
| E-bike type | Condition | Price | guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|
| New e-bike | Brand new | Over 2.500 euros | Standard warranty (24 months) |
| Used e-bike | Current status | Varies | No guarantee |
| Refurbished E-Bike | Reconditioned, tested | A fraction of the original price | Includes warranty |
A new e-bike offers you a full manufacturer's warranty and the latest technology. However, you pay a high price for it and must expect rapid depreciation.
A used e-bike is significantly cheaper, but usually comes without a warranty. Its condition depends heavily on the previous owner. You should pay attention to the battery, the motor, and the mileage.
A refurbished e-bike, like at
Tip: Consider what's more important to you – the lowest possible price, maximum safety, or the latest technology. This will quickly help you determine whether a new or used e-bike is more worthwhile for you.
Which model is suitable for whom?
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A new e-bike is right for you if you value the latest technology and a full warranty.
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A used or refurbished e-bike is ideal if you want to save money and still seek tested quality.
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Refurbished models in particular offer you security, service and a wide selection – perfect for beginners and price-conscious buyers.
These facts will help you decide whether a new or used e-bike is the better choice for you.
condition and lifespan

Buying used goods: What to look out for
When buying a used e-bike, you should pay particular attention to its condition. Many buyers have concerns about the reliability of a used bike. You can minimize this uncertainty by considering a few important checkpoints:
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Test the battery and motor during a test ride. Make sure the motor assistance works smoothly and the battery indicator remains stable.
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Test the brakes. They should grip firmly and not make any unusual noises.
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Shift through all the gears. The gearshift must engage cleanly and without any clicking or crunching sounds.
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Check the tires for tread depth and straight-line stability. The wheel should ride stably.
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Check the display and the electronics. All displays and controls must be working.
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Pay attention to signs of wear and tear. Small scratches are normal, but you should avoid major damage or signs of neglect.
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Make sure the e-bike is the right size for your height.
At
Tip: Don't be put off by minor signs of wear. What's crucial is that the battery, motor, and safety-relevant parts are in good condition.
Check battery and motor
The battery and motor are the heart of every e-bike. Their lifespan determines how long you can enjoy your bike. On average, a battery lasts three to five years or about 700 to 1,000 charging cycles. The actual lifespan depends on how you care for and use the battery.

When buying, pay attention to the following points:
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The battery should ideally not be older than two years.
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Modern lithium-ion batteries are more robust than older models.
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The battery must be clean and must not show any dents, scratches or rust.
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Tampering with batteries, such as opened ones, is a warning sign.
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Store the battery in a dry and frost-free place, especially in winter.
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Check if the engine runs quietly and smoothly. Irregular noises or error codes indicate problems.
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Test the motor assistance during a test drive.
At
sustainability
Choosing a used or refurbished e-bike is a sustainable decision. Reusing a bike saves valuable resources and significantly reduces CO₂ emissions. Manufacturing a new e-bike generates around 229 kg of CO₂, while a refurbished model produces only 16 kg.
| Type of e-bike | CO₂ emissions (kg) |
|---|---|
| New e-bike | 229 |
| Refurbished E-Bike | 16 |
So you're not only saving money, but also helping the environment. If you're wondering whether a new or used e-bike is right for you, you should definitely consider this aspect.
Note: Choosing a refurbished e-bike is particularly worthwhile for beginners and price-conscious buyers. You get tested quality, a warranty, and you're also doing something good for the environment.
Warranty and service when buying an e-bike
Warranty and guarantee
When buying an e-bike, the warranty plays a major role. You usually receive a statutory warranty of at least two years on new models from a dealer. Private sellers, on the other hand, often offer no warranty or guarantee. This means that if you buy from a professional provider like...
Service and support
Good service makes all the difference. Large retailers offer you not only a warranty, but also comprehensive support. You benefit from:
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Professional inspection and refurbishment of e-bikes
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Transparent product descriptions and test reports
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Personal consultation and German customer service
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Opportunity for test drive and personal collection
Many providers offer tutorials on maintenance and repair.You can book workshop appointments flexibly. This way you stay mobile and safe on the road.
You benefit when you buy a refurbished e-bikes Certified quality, low depreciation, and a warranty. This choice is particularly worthwhile for beginners, commuters, and athletes:
| Target audience | Advantage |
|---|---|
| More exercise | Promotes activity |
| commuter | Suitable for everyday use, no sweating |
| female athletes | For challenging routes |
Your decision depends on price, condition, and service.
FAQ
How can I recognize a good used e-bike?
You check the battery, motor, and brakes. Ensure a transparent condition assessment. Test the bike with a test ride.
Is there a warranty on used e-bikes?
You can get them from reputable retailers such as
Can I test a refurbished e-bike before buying it?
You can at
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