It has become more commonplace in recent times, for people to purchase second-hand items. With the boom in services like Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree, becoming more popular, more people than ever are looking for ways to get the goods that they want, without paying excessive amounts of money.
Not surprisingly, this trend also extends to vehicles. When it comes to buying a second-hand scooter, there are lots of things to be aware of. Especially when it comes to buying the newer electric options, which may require some replacement parts, and are not subject to an MOT.
With that in mind, let’s explore the pros and cons of buying a second-hand electric scooter.
Pros
A used scooter might be right up your street!
More Affordable
One of the main advantages of buying any item second-hand, is that it will be more affordable. And this also applies to electric vehicles, but you still need to shop around to find the best prices. Check out the second-hand scooter prices at bmgscooters.com – a reputable seller of new and used electric bikes. Another bonus to owning a pre-owned bike, is paying less insurance.
Free Warranty!
A used e-scooter that is only a few years old, may be still covered by the warranty, which can last up to 5 years.
Greener
Recycling, upcycling, and reuse are becoming trendier. Sustainability is always a good reason to be more eco-friendly and purchase items second-hand - it’s good to know, you’re saving a bike from ending up in landfill. Just make sure that you ask all of the relevant questions when buying a second-hand electric scooter.
Cons
Unfortunately, the world of second-hand goods is also an area where shady people exist, to try and con you out of your money. Here are some of the more common drawbacks of buying items second-hand.
Reputable?
Firstly, there’s no way to check that the seller is genuine, unless you go onto a site like eBay where they may have left reviews. The reality is, that you will probably be purchasing a second-hand E scooter from a site like Gumtree, due to convenience. In which case, there’s no way to ensure the buyer’s reputable or trustworthy.
No returns policy
The sobering reality is, if your E scooter breaks down, you have no means of returning it - that is the gamble of buying second-hand. If you buy an E scooter that is damaged and breaks down, you will be responsible for replacing all of the essential parts, which can cost a fair amount of money.
Longevity
Electric vehicles come with a warranty when they are purchased first-hand. So, if they develop problems, or completely break down within the first two months after purchase, the company will repair them, or replace them, for free. If you purchase second-hand, this option is unavailable, so, it’s more likely that any unseen damages will go unrepaired, which can impact negatively on the longevity of an E scooter. This can create a costly issue in the long term, especially if you have to keep replacing broken parts for your scooter.
So, keep a sharp eye out and ask all the key questions to ensure you get a good deal!