Used electric wheel: Our advice before buying

Do you urgently need or want to buy an electric wheel while avoiding exorbitant prices? Buying a second-hand electric wheel can be an excellent way of saving money. However, it's important to take certain precautions to avoid buying a product that could prove faulty or dangerous over time. Here are a few tips before buying a second-hand electric wheel.

The state of the battery

Ask the seller how long the battery has been in use and whether it has been replaced recently. If the part is old or has been used intensively, it may need replacing soon, which can be costly. It's also important to ask about the number of discharge cycles it has undergone since being put into service.

During use, the battery goes through several charging cycles. One charge cycle corresponds to the total use of the battery. If it is fully charged, you can drive for half a day without any problems.

General condition

Check the general condition of the electric wheel, including tyres, paintwork, electrical components such as lights and the braking system. The tyres must be in good condition with no cracks or cuts. The paintwork must be even, with no scratches or dents. The brakes must work properly and the electrical components must be in good condition. Here's a diagram to help you understand what an electric wheel is made of.

Maintenance history

Ask the seller if they have a maintenance history for the electric wheel. This will give you an idea of how the wheel has been maintained and whether it has undergone any major repairs. If the seller does not have such a history, this could be a red flag.

The test

Before you buy a second-hand electric wheel, make sure you try it out once it's installed on the bike to check how it works. Try it out in real conditions, such as on a slope. This will give you an idea of its performance and handling.

The guarantee

Ask the seller if they offer a warranty on the electric wheel. If they do, make sure you read the terms and conditions of the warranty carefully before you buy. If the seller does not offer a guarantee, this could be a red flag, especially if they are not prepared to answer your questions. You can compare different models on resale sites to see which ones offer a guarantee and which don't.

Curious to find out more about second-hand products? Read our articles on used Macs, used electric scooters and used electric vehicles.

Secure the purchase of your used electric wheel with Obvy

If you want to buy your electric wheel on resale platforms, we advise you to use Obvy to secure your transaction.

Obvy is a secure payment platform that helps you avoid the scams that are common in transactions between private individuals. When you make a transaction on Obvy, the funds are only credited to your seller when the buyer certifies that the goods purchased are in order. If this is not the case, you are automatically refunded and the item is returned to the seller.

By using Obvy to carry out transactions between private individuals, you can also benefit from payment in several instalments.