Used Electric Mountain Bike Buying Guide

If you are new to the world of electric mountain bikes, looking at the new RRP prices from manufacturers may give you a bit of a shock! Although cheaper electric mountain bikes are available, under budgets of £2,500 - a second-hand electric mountain bike will give you access to a cheaper model at a cheaper price point - there are of course, several things to consider when buying an E-mtb on the used market.

There are several guidelines to stick to when buying a used bike - whether it’s electric or non-electric - which have been covered here. In this post, however, we look at the specifics of purchasing an electric mountain bike second-hand.

Used Electric Mountain Bike Age

When it comes to electric mountain bikes - the newer the model, the better. Whilst old road bikes can make excellent lightweight, gravity-defying machines - electric mountain bikes have come on so much in recent years with almost constant technology & geometry updates - the older models really have been left in the past. Focus on buying models younger than two years old to ride a current machine.

Used Electric Mountain Bike Mileage

The higher the mileage of an electric mountain bike, the more stress and strain the gears, brakes, suspension, tyres and bearings must undergo.

Used Electric Mountain Bike Battery Life

The most important part of an electric mountain bike is the battery, which is probably the bike’s most expensive part. Replacement electric mountain bike batteries are expensive and hard to come by. Remember that batteries do not last forever, and as a guide - Bosch claim that there batteries will hold 60% of their battery capacity when new, after 500 charge cycles. For other batteries, who do not offer such information - remaining battery life is more of a guess, but can be worked out via average battery range and total miles or KM that the bike has covered.

Note, that Bosch have also committed to providing a full set of spares for electric mountain bikes - six years after manufacture, which provides some re-assurance.

Used Electric Mountain Bike Service History

Although you will struggle to find a comprehensive service history, like some cars have - it’s important that bikes have been serviced around once a year, although some mountain bikers do this themselves. With electric mountain bikes, it’s important to check if software updates have been installed as and when they are released.

Used Electric Mountain Bike Replacement Parts

If new parts have been installed, whether that’s an upgraded part with a higher specification part, or a like for like replacement because of damage/wearing out of a consumable part. If parts have been replaced, check to the best of your ability that they have been installed correctly.

Used Electric Mountain Bike Tuned

In the UK, electric mountain bikes have strict rules on their power outputs, and how such power is delivered. The tuning of electric mountain bikes is not only illegal, but it also places greater stress on the motor & parts of the bike, whilst also invalidating warranties. If an electric mountain bike you are looking to buy has been tuned, do not be tempted by the extra speed!

Used Electric Mountain Frame Checks

Like any bike, the frame of an electric mountain bike is at the heart of the bike - but unlike normal bikes, the frame also accommodates the electric battery and the electric motor of the bike. Make sure the battery and the motor are seated correctly, and look and inspect for damage. Mountain bikes operate in harsh environments, so a battered and scruffy frame, or a frame which has been repainted shows a bike which has had a tough life.

A good test is to push the back wheel of the bike into the ground, listen for creaks and rubbing when the bike returns to it’s normal seated position. Any clattering or banging could suggest a loose battery and a costly repair.

Used Electric Mountain Battery Checks

We have shared a rough way of figuring out the lifespan of a battery and how to work out it’s current battery capacity above. Also think about where the bike has been stored, as a battery which has been left in a cold shed for 12 months - will likely have a more severe loss of power to one stored in a dry and warm environment.

Used Electric Mountain Gear And Drivetrain Checks

Power assist means great stress on the gears and drivetrain of an electric mountain bike - look for a worn chain, which has probably taken it’s fair share of damage out on the cassettes and chainrings too. On a test ride, run through all of the gears and look for crisp gear changes.

Used Electric Mountain Gear Brake Checks

Electric Mountain Bikes are heavy - so you can expect the brake pads and brake rotors to show their age. So budget in replacing these parts.

Used Electric Mountain Gear Wheel Checks

Although mountain bike wheels are pretty tough, there are still the chances that they have been dented or dinged with off road use. Look for cracks, lack of spoke tension and play in the wheel bearings.

Used Electric Mountain Bike Suspension Checks

Checking suspension can be done in a few different ways. First of all, check that there are no fluid leaks from the shocks or forks. Also, check that the suspension rebounds as you would expect it to. Ask about the last time, the suspension was serviced.

Used Electric Mountain Bike Dropper Post Checks

Sit on the saddle of the bike and note how much the seatpost sags. Look at how the Seatpost goes up and down - there will be some play, but make sure it’s not too much.

Test Riding A Used Electric Mountain Bike

You can test ride an electric mountain bike, much in the same way that you can test drive a car! Although you more than likely won’t be allowed to thrash it around the hills to see if it suits you, you can check enough to see it would be a good fit (literally!) to your size and riding requirements.