Imagine you bought a used motorbike without knowing much information about it. After a few weeks, it starts giving you problems. You take it to a repair shop and discover that its electrical system is severely compromised. Of course, if you've already finished paying, you won't be able to return it, and that's a problem no one would like to have. This is why it’s necessary to carry out some checks before paying.
With that in mind, let’s dive into some tips on what to do before buying a used electric motorbike.
But first…
What are the pros and cons of a used electric motorbike?
The electric motorbike boom represents a relatively young market: sales began to climb significantly in 2019. Suffice it to say that the used e-motorbike market is no less so. Given that they are said to have a fairly decent lifespan, offers (even if advantageous) are not yet very numerous, and competition between buyers can be fierce. On the other hand, you will have no difficulty finding relatively recent used models.
Ready to get that purchase. Here’s what you should look out for before parting with your hard-earned money.
Documentation
Without a doubt, one of the most important aspects when buying any used vehicle is having as much information as possible about the documentation: the owner of the motorbike and even their address. Additionally, you can find out whether the vehicle is still being paid off (on a loan), if there are unpaid fines, whether other documentation has expired, or whether all taxes have been paid, etc. You can also check whether the vehicle has been stolen or has been involved in an accident. Remember: if you buy a used motorbike and it has outstanding debts, you will be the one who will have to pay for them.
General condition of the motorbike
Certainly, no one wants to buy a used motorbike that will cause a lot of problems in the future. Especially if many of its parts are in poor condition. Therefore, keep an eye by checking the following crucial components carefully:
- The battery: This check requires removing the seat or battery cover. Inspect every nook and cranny of the battery compartment for signs of damage, swelling, corrosion, or white powdery deposits around the terminals. If everything looks clean, it’s time to test the battery. Power on the bike and switch between the low beam and the headlight. Any flickering or noticeable dimming may indicate a weak battery or an issue with the bike’s electrical system.
- The brakes: It's imperative to check the condition of the brake pads and discs. The pads must have some lining, while the discs must be clean and free of wide and/or deep grooves. It's always best to do a test, at least if possible. Place the motorbike on a stand, spin the wheel with your hands, and brake several times. This will give you a good idea.
- The tyres: A decent advert always specifies the condition of the tyres, but you can’t afford to take everything at face value. Your first instinct is to check the age of the tyres on the sidewall of the tyre. These are four numbers that indicate the week (first two numbers) and the year (last two numbers) the tyre was manufactured. Make sure it's less than six years old. Otherwise, you'll need to consider replacing the tyre, which means an additional budget.
- The electrical system: Another part to check is the electrical system. Make sure all lights work, such as headlights, hazard lights, brake lights, etc. The dashboards of newer motorbikes usually have indicator lights to indicate the operation of certain items. Note that the exact set of indicators depends on the bike’s make, model, and price tier.
Mileage
Checking the vehicle's mileage is very important when buying a used e-motorbike. Mileage refers to the range of a vehicle i.e. the distance the e-bike can travel on a single full battery charge. Just to give an example, it is possible that newer motorbikes have a high number of kilometres driven, as this depends on how much they are used. In the same way, there are also old motorbikes with low mileage because their owners don't usually ride them much. So, check just to be sure.
Test Drive
This is one of the most important steps to take before paying for that used e-bike. Test driving helps you assess comfort, performance, and key aspects of the bike in motion. In addition to having a good idea of the weight and height of the bike while riding, you can get a good idea of whether the alignment is correct. After all, if there's an opportunity to test drive a vehicle before buying it, take advantage of it.
How to choose a used motorbike
It's important to take the time to consider several criteria before diving headfirst into the quest for your future mechanical steed. First, you need to think about the maximum budget you're willing to consider. Then, ask yourself what you'll be using your electric motorbike for: is it for commuting to and from work, weekend rides, big road trips, or for bike-hailing? This question will help you determine the model that will best suit your needs.
What if you could own a new electric motorbike right now?
We know the reason you’re probably considering buying a used vehicle is because of funds. If there was an opportunity to buy a new, straight-from-the-factory electric motorbike, but pay in instalments, would you take it? Well, here at M-KOPA, we’ve got you covered with our M-KOPA Mobility. To get your own bike and enjoy comprehensive insurance, medical cover, and more benefits, contact us today.
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