Used Bicycles: for the Joy of Cycling
Author: Georg Weinand
Used bikes attract customers with their low prices. However, those looking to save money should pay close attention when purchasing, as not every bike lives up to its promise in the long term.
Summer is finally here and now is the time to get your bike out of the cellar and enjoy the wind in your hair. If you don't have a bike yet, you don't have to reach deep into your pockets, as there are now plenty of analog and digital opportunities to buy affordable used bikes in various price categories.
However, caution is advised as buying a used bike can be tricky, and this applies just as much to pedelecs (often referred to as e-bikes) as it does to classic bikes without an auxiliary motor. Marc Gölz and Tilo Eilers have been dealing with all things bicycle-related at DEKRA for years and can draw on extensive experience from damage appraisals.
Increased number of accidents, higher damage
“The number of accidents involving bicycles has risen steadily in recent years,” says Marc Gölz, Product Manager for Bicycle Damage Assessments at DEKRA. This is not only due to the fact that there are far more cyclists on the roads than before. “We are also seeing more solo accidents because many cyclists with pedelecs have little riding experience and are unable to properly assess their bike and their speed.”
The nature and extent of damage has also changed significantly with the rise of pedelecs. "Expensive materials such as carbon and the now widespread e-drives have increased the amount of damage enormously. Damage to the electric motor can easily amount to 700 to 1,000 Euros. In addition, the higher average speed leads to an increase in the amount of damage", explains Tilo Eilers, bicycle expert at DEKRA.
Carbon, the material that also lightens pedelecs by several kilos, offers special properties. Damage to a carbon bike is not only much more expensive than to a comparable steel or aluminum bike, but also much more difficult to identify. "With carbon, the frame can look virtually undamaged on the outside after an accident. Cracks and delamination - that is, the separation of the bonding of the individual carbon layers due to overloading - occur on the inside and are often not visible to laypersons," Tilo Eilers describes the problem. Even damage assessors can often only detect such damage by using expensive imaging techniques such as computer tomography.
Used bikes - where to buy them?
All the more important, therefore, is the question of where to buy a used bike without experiencing unpleasant surprises afterwards. According to Götz and Eilers unanimously, buying from a specialist dealer is the most reliable option: although the prices are slightly higher here, the quality is tested. Many large bike stores now have their own second-hand departments where the bikes are professionally refurbished before being remarketed. Missing accessories can often be added straight away, you receive professional advice, can test several models on site. In countries like Germany customers also benefit from the statutory warranty for material defects of at least one year.
Customers should definitely make use of the opportunity to take a test ride. “This allows you to get to know the bike better, especially for pedelecs or electrically powered cargo bikes, whose handling should be practiced,” says Marc Gölz. Tilo Eilers points out another advantage for e-bike buyers: "You can have the motor system of a pedelec electronically read out at the bike dealer to determine the condition of the battery. How good is the performance of the battery? In our experience, the battery is usually pretty much worn out after 300 to 400 charging cycles."
Private purchases involve certain risks
If you buy from a private seller - for example via classified ads or online portals - you may be lucky enough to find a good deal, but you need to take a closer look. A test drive is often not possible in such cases, and there is no warranty. It is important -- especially in the private sector -- to carefully check out the seller. A well-maintained bike and an open and informative seller are good signs. Questions about the age of the bike, mileage, previous repairs, maintenance intervals and storage (e.g. outside or in a dry place) are very important. The number of previous owners and an original invoice also provide information about the history of the bike.
If the bike can be inspected on site before purchase, the prospective buyer should check these apects carefully: Are the front and rear wheels in line? Are the brakes and sprockets working properly? Does the bottom bracket turn easily? Does anything grind when pushing? Is there rust, scratching, worn tires or defective components? Check the frame and weld seams for cracks. A test ride is essential to answer the following questions: Do the gears shift easily and precisely? Do the brakes and suspension work? Are the lights intact? And does the bike feel safe and stable overall?
With pedelecs, you should also listen out for unusual motor noises such as loud sawing, squeaking or cracking. The condition of the pedals can also be an indicator of quality: Quirks and scratches are only present here if the bike has already fallen over once or several times. This could have affected the sensors in the bottom bracket area.
Beware of traps: fake stores and stolen goods
Buyers should be particularly vigilant when purchasing used bikes online, as the number of fraudulent fake stores is increasing. These dubious providers often look professional, lure customers in with extremely low prices and usually only offer prepayment as a payment option which is a definite warning sign. A missing or incomplete legal notice, incorrect contact details or requests for payment to foreign accounts are further indications of fraud. The warning list of the Hamburg consumer advice center, which regularly warns of current fake stores, is also helpful.
Another potential risk is the unintentional purchase of a stolen bike. It is therefore important to only purchase bicycles from traceable sellers who are known by name. Additional protection is provided by frame numbers, which can be checked by the police via the Inpol system file. But there is no such thing as absolute security: "Unfortunately, bicycle thefts are not registered centrally. And frame numbers can be forged, so there's only one thing to do: buy from a specialist dealer," says Tilo Eilers. Nevertheless: “Tracking solutions installed in the bike can determine the location of the bike and at least offer the possibility of tracking it down again,” adds Marc Gölz.
Remember to set up a purchase contract
When buying a used bike, it is also essential to conclude a written purchase agreement - whether privately or from a dealer. This should include important details such as the frame number, name and ideally also the ID number of the seller. Buyers should ask for existing documents such as purchase or repair invoices in order to be able to trace the origin of the bike. A detailed description of the bike in question helps to avoid later disputes about defects. Unlike private sellers, dealers are not allowed to exclude liability for material defects and must be liable for defects that existed at the time of delivery for at least one year.
The only remaining question is the appropriate price. Tilo Eilers advises: “Before buying, you should get an overview of the various online portals and dealer websites to see if the price of the bike is reasonable.” Eilers also has good news for anyone who still needs an e-bike: "The used bike market for pedelecs could hold some pleasant price surprises in summer 2025. Many of the leasing contracts dating back to the coronavirus era are expiring and an increased supply of used bikes is expected to hit the market, potentially driving prices down."
Want to find out how DEKRA is making cycling safer? From bike checks to battery tests for pedelecs, neutral bicycle appraisals and valuations help you correctly assess your bike:
www.dekra.com/bicycle-services