Used or Refurbished E-bike: Which One Should Delivery Workers Choose?

E-bikes have become essential for delivery workers in NYC, but buying an e-bike at an affordable price can be complicated, especially when choosing between a used or refurbished e-bike. Here, we’ve examined the pros and cons of used and refurbished e-bikes so you can decide which type of e-bike is best for your budget.

Used vs. refurbished e-bikes

Refurbished e-bikes

A refurbished e-bike is usually sold in like-new condition after being briefly owned, returned or resold, and given professional service by the reseller.

Refurbished e-bikes typically have very few accumulated miles and have received thorough inspections and all necessary maintenance and repairs. They are usually more reliable than used e-bikes because they undergo rigorous testing for quality and performance before being put up for sale.

While refurbished e-bikes can initially cost more than used e-bikes, they are often more affordable long-term because they need fewer replacement parts and less frequent repair.

In NYC, refurbished e-bikes range in price from around $500 to over $5,000.

At Whizz, our professional bike mechanics perform a detailed inspection of each e-bike using a rigorous 30-point checklist to ensure every component is working properly.

We use advanced diagnostic tools to ensure that each e-bike is in optimal working condition, and we are careful to use only genuine parts to make any necessary repairs or replacements.

Check out refurbished e-bikes from Whizz here.

Used e-bikes

A used e-bike has had a previous owner and is sold without any inspection or service. The general condition and number of accumulated miles on used e-bikes vary greatly.

In NYC, used e-bikes typically range in price from around $300 to over $1200 on sites like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.

They usually cost less upfront than refurbished e-bikes but cost more long-term as they often need more significant repairs. Used e-bikes are often sold directly by the previous owner, but can also be found in bike shops and through online retailers.

It's important to not that the used e-bike market includes many stolen bikes, with as many as 9,000 bikes stolen in 2020 in NYC alone, so be cautious of sellers charging suspiciously low prices or trying to make a sale very quickly.

Be especially carefull buying a used e-bike from an unknown person online, as it's never fully safe to meet someone from the internet in person.

The benefits of refurbished e-bikes

If you’re a delivery worker in NYC, you need better performance and greater reliability from your e-bike than the average rider.

You’ll also require more frequent service and may spend more on parts and repairs as your e-bike accumulates miles. If buying a used e-bike with high repair costs feels like a risky investment, consider these benefits of buying a like-new refurbished e-bike instead.

Enhanced reliability

Refurbished e-bikes accumulate very few miles before sale, making them significantly more reliable than used e-bikes. Their lifespan and need for maintenance are often identical to brand-new e-bikes, but their upfront costs are usually much lower.

Refurbished e-bikes from Whizz are especially reliable due to their long battery life, which allows you to travel up to 50 miles on a single charge. You can also double your ride time by renting an additional battery from us so you can swap out a spent battery for a fully charged one and make twice as many deliveries in one day.

Peace of mind

Because refurbished e-bikes pass high standards of safety and performance before you buy them, you gain peace of mind knowing your chances of unexpected maintenance issues are small.

At Whizz, our professional bike mechanics use the 30-point checklist to inspect every component to ensure that each e-bike is safe, reliable, and in optimal working condition.

Performance and efficiency

As a delivery rider, you are especially reliant on your e-bike’s performance and efficiency as you need it to help you earn income. A refurbished e-bike from Whizz can help you improve delivery times and keep your rating high with a long-lasting battery that allows you to cover long distances with minimal effort.

Our refurbished e-bikes also have:

• Transport speeds of up to 20 mph
• Sturdy frame to keep you safe on tough roads
• Comfortable saddle for long rides
• 300 lb capacity for heavy deliveries
• Superior grip for uneven terrain

Free test ride

If you’re still deciding whether a refurbished e-bike from Whizz is your best option, you can book a free test ride at any of our NYC locations with no social security number required. Simply make a reservation online, confirm your reservation with a phone call, and then visit a Whizz location to take your test ride out for a spin.

This will allow you to get comfortable with the e-bike you’ll be buying or familiarize yourself with an electric motor if you’ve never ridden an e-bike before.

Conclusion

Refurbished e-bikes offer higher resale values than used ones, providing a better return on your investment. If you're still unsure which e-bike to choose, our friendly staff is here to help you make the best decision.