"New" 2023 ebike - good idea?

[All uphill]

Health problems mean that I need an ebike.

I'm fussy about the bikes I ride and have struggled to find an ebike that I would enjoy riding. Now I have found one from a major manufacturer and on sale, as new, from a reputable dealer. Unfortunately it is a 2023 bike, so probably getting on for 3 years since being made.

I'm concerned about the likely condition of the battery after all that time in storage.

Your thoughts would be welcome - should I avoid this?

 

[Drago]

Depends how much they want. If the discount is significant that outweighs the risk somewhat.

 

[ebikeerwidnes]

A lot depends on the make of the battery/motor

I have a Bosch and it seems to react well to storage - although in my case that means a few months over winter and not 2 years!

It also depends on how it was stored - some do not like being left attached to the bike for long periods as it means there is a slight drain and the battery ends up below a level where it can properly recover

I read somewhere that if they have never been used then they store better - no idea why or even whetehr or not is true or makes and sense!

If you post the make and model someone with a similar system might be able to give some specific help

 

[All uphill]

Thanks.

The bike is a Genesis and the motor and battery are Shimano. The retailer confirms that the guarantee is valid. The original selling price was £3000 and it is now for sale at £1800, so still a decent wodge. I'd definitely be buying on my credit card, so there's some protection there

The other option is to buy a Carrera Subway and spend a few quid on making it a bit more individual.

Hmm, I think I'll keep it simple and buy the Carrera. Probably change my mind tomorrow. I'm seeing the cardiologist in a week and won't be buying until after that, just in case they can offer me a miracle cure.

 

[Drago]

I'm 5 trouble free years in on my Subway E.

 

[ebikeerwidnes]

Carrera does seem like a good bike
but the Genesis is probably better - assuming that the battery is OK

If it was a Bosch I would be happy to see the remaining range on the display - I know that on mine it is pretty accurate if the bike has at least been ridden a bit
So a short test ride should show the remaining range and comparing that to a new one would shoe the condition of the battery
but is isn't so I can;t really comment
unless someone with a similar motor/battery/controller can comment


Personally I didn;t buy a Carrera because I didn;t like the look of it and that was about it
of course I could easily have removed some of the graphics and put other ones on which would have got round that

there was also the point about buying from a LBS rather than Halfords
but on the other hand there are some rubbish LBS's around


at least if you get a big brand then you can be pretty sure the battery is new

 

[Mike Ayling]

Thanks.

The bike is a Genesis and the motor and battery are Shimano. The retailer confirms that the guarantee is valid. The original selling price was £3000 and it is now for sale at £1800, so still a decent wodge. I'd definitely be buying on my credit card, so there's some protection there

The other option is to buy a Carrera Subway and spend a few quid on making it a bit more individual.

Hmm, I think I'll keep it simple and buy the Carrera. Probably change my mind tomorrow. I'm seeing the cardiologist in a week and won't be buying until after that, just in case they can offer me a miracle cure.

Did you establish the costof a replacement battery?
Might influence the decision.

 

[wafter]

Ultimately IMO this should rest on the state of the battery. IIRC Li-Ion's keep best if stored at maybe 60-70% charge - if this has been the case it's probably fine; if not then it's likely that the elapsed time will have had some tangible effect on its capacity.

The gold standard would be to test the capacity of the battery as a percentage of its design capacity; although electrical stuff twists my melon so I'm not able to suggest how, in practical terms you might do this (although it would likely involve charging it to full capacity then draining it under load until dead / near-dead while measuring the supplied current to allow total capacity to be calculated).

 

[ebikeerwidnes]

Just been checking the diagnostic report from my bike and it shows the date of manufacture

it was made over 6 months before I originally got it but in terms of battery charge levels it seemed brand new

I presume the battery was attached to the bike for the first time fairly close to the time when I got it

having said which - when I was looking for an ebike I went to look at one at Halfords and they offered a test ride
but the 2 bikes they had in - both with batteries already attached - both had dead batteries - and when they tried to charge them they couldn;t

We did but one of those (a folding ebike) in the end - but they insisted on buying getting a brand new one ratehr than a new battery for one of the ones they had


putting that together - I would be happy to have a bike/battery combination if the battery had never been used
but if the batter had been connected to the bike a long time before then I would be a LOT more cautious!

 

[Drago]

Just buy it. Its a significant saving and the consumer rights act gives you tapered protection out to 6 years. Pay with your CC for additional protection.

 

[Saracenlad]

Battery costs for a Shimano for Genesis £300 - £500. My Specialised is nearer £800. I am new to E Biking but am so glad that I took the decision to change. Best thing ever - Without a doubt. Hope you get sorted.