Sell used e-bikes: the bicycle market is booming. Never before have so many people planned to buy a new bicycle or e-bike in the near future. Conversely, of course, this also means: NOW is the ideal time to sell your used bike and make room for something new. But how? We show step by step how to create a sales ad that attracts buyers.
Step 1: Which bike should be sold?
First of all, you should clearly determine which bike you want to sell. In addition to the manufacturer and model name, the model year is also important. If you are lucky, you will find all the necessary information on the purchase invoice. In most cases, the manufacturer and model name can also be read from the frame. If an entry is missing, some research is called for. This can usually be done very quickly using a Google image search. Simply enter the information you already know and search for the right e-bike under the pictures.
Step 2: Which components are installed?
In addition to the exact model, the description should ideally also include some basic technical data. It is usually sufficient to concentrate on the most important components: Above all, the drive, i.e. motor and battery (+ capacity), but also the built-in gears, the brakes and, if necessary, the suspension fork or damper. In addition, any components that have been changed after purchase (e.g. saddle or grips) should also be included in the description.
Step 3: What is the condition?
An honest assessment of the condition should also be part of the description. Damage or even defects have the highest priority. Scratches and abrasions are just as important as an eight in the wheel or a hole in the saddle. It becomes more difficult when assessing the wear and tear, where it is difficult to give precise information, especially as a layman. The usual wear and tear parts include not only tires but also brake pads and above all all circuit components. An approximate indication of the mileage helps, as does the date of the last service. It gets a little more complicated with the battery: If you want to reliably specify the remaining capacity here, you should have a specialist dealer carry out a diagnosis, which can be of great help in assessing the condition anyway.
Step 4: Determine a realistic selling price
Even experts sometimes have difficulty quantifying the residual value of a used e-bike - how can a layman set a fair price for the sales advertisement? A look at the leasing market is helpful here: the tax authorities are using the residual value taxation of leasing e-bikes three year old wheels worth 40% of the list price at. This is a good starting point, but of course it can vary greatly from model to model. It's also worth taking a look at Velomotion: Maybe the model is being offered here right now? A service record from a specialist retailer has an extremely positive effect.
Step 5: Photos, Photos, Photos!
An essential part of every sales advertisement are meaningful, helpful photos. Fortunately, you no longer need an expensive camera for this. A modern smartphone is sufficient. However, before you take that first picture, the wheel should be clean – and get it right!
It is best to photograph the bike outside in daylight, avoiding both direct sunlight and dark shadows. The most important photo is the overall view of the e-bike. It is best to take a picture from the side, so that the wheel is clearly visible.
A little tip from the pro: If you bend your knees a little, the picture immediately looks much higher quality. The remaining photos should ideally illustrate or supplement the description. The wearing parts are particularly important here (sprockets, chainrings, tires), but also the most important components (e.g. suspension fork or rear derailleur). Individual conversions or additions should also be photographed. Last but not least, every honest sales advertisement should also include pictures of optical and – as far as possible – technical defects. Overall, it's better to take too many photos than too few.
Step 6: Set up a sales ad
Description? Check! Photos? Check! Price? Check! Once you have all the information together, you can finally start setting up the e-bike. The advantages of the Velomotion bicycle market compared to conventional classified ad exchanges are obvious: The information collected can be entered conveniently and in an orderly manner in fields specially adapted for bicycles and e-bikes, without having to worry about the sequence, structure or anything else. This makes it much easier for potential buyers to find the right bike. In addition, there are generally more serious customers on Velomotion.de, who are willing to dig deeper into their pockets for appropriately designed sales advertisements.
Step 7: The Sale
Found a buyer? Congratulations! During the actual sales process, we recommend insisting on collection in person. Shipping an e-bike is not only very expensive, but also not very easy because of the battery - after all, it is dangerous goods. You also have to take care of safe packaging, possibly disassemble the bike - and there is a risk of transport damage. You save yourself all this if the buyer takes delivery of the bike personally. He can also convince himself of the condition and also test drive a few meters.
Sell used e-bikes – support from specialist dealers
Residual value determination: Specialist dealers are one of the few places where you can get reliable information about the real value of a used bike. Here you know the market and can assess the condition, damage and wear and tear.
Determine battery capacity: Most specialist dealers can have the capacity of the e-bike battery measured. With such an indication, you clearly set yourself apart from other sales advertisements.
Service booklet: Many dealers give you a service booklet when you buy an e-bike. If you keep to the intervals listed there and have your bike serviced regularly – great! That's worth real money when you sell it. But even if you haven't been to the workshop quite as regularly, you can have proof of the service provided.
Service before sale: For a detailed check at the dealer before the sale, possibly the replacement of various wearing parts, you have to spend some money again. The investment still makes sense, since a fresh service not only increases the sales value, but also prevents nasty surprises such as undiscovered damage or defects.
What you as a buyer should consider when buying a used e-bike, you can here read:
https://www.velomotion.de/magazin/2021/05/gebrauchtes-e-bike-kaufen-checkliste/