June 3, 20205 yr Hello I am looking for an electric bike and have a chance to view /test a Raleigh Drover. It is apparently 7 years old and I am wondering if there is anything I should look out for? What is the expected Lifespan of a battery as I believe they can be expensive. The bike is for sale at £500 can anyone give me any advise
June 3, 20205 yr At 7 yrs old if the battery is the same age it is all but scrap value, look else where. Used e bikes and batteries are not worth much tbh esp over 2 yrs old, find out how much a battery costs to replace or re-cell and then subtract that figure from the bike price.
June 3, 20205 yr Author At 7 yrs old if the battery is the same age it is all but scrap value, look else where. Used e bikes and batteries are not worth much tbh esp over 2 yrs old, find out how much a battery costs to replace or re-cell and then subtract that figure from the bike price.
June 3, 20205 yr Yup - as above factor in the cost of recelling the battery as it will be rubbish after that age it will either have been through loads of charge cycles - or it will have been unused for far too long If it is that old then I would also look at the technology used. The rules in the UK changed a lot over that time. I used to have an old ebike and it had a 180W motor as opposed to the current 250W limit - the difference is massive. On top of that battery and motor tech has improved and the control systems (battery and power control) has also improved to an incredible degree So - if I was buying an old ebike - then I would be very careful to make sure I knew what I was getting compared to a new ebike for example - I saw an 3 year old Raleigh Motus on Gumtree yesterday for £700 - but it would be based on pretty much modern technology and the battery had a current report that told you exactly the state of the battery and motor
June 3, 20205 yr Author Hi Michael Thank you for your advice. I am only starting with an electric bike and thought an old good brand would be more suitable than new cheap ! As I don’t know how I will use it I wasn’t looking to spend a lot of money and at £500 this one was in my price range. I know the cheaper models maybe aren’t as good but for a beginner at least a new one from Argos shouldn’t have a battery problem ?
June 4, 20205 yr Well, you are doing the right thing! You are asking around before leaping in. There seems to be a distinct shortage of bikes at the moment, as I am always browsing. No problem if you want to spend about four thousand, but lower down the scale seems to have been affected. Keep looking and learning! Some cheaper bikes will have steel frames and small capacity batteries. Best to get the biggest battery you can afford, and from someone who won't leave you high and dry.
June 4, 20205 yr The 2013 Raleigh Dover used the very good (but best suited to flattish terrain) 26v Panasonic drive system. You can get a clone battery with much higher capacity for about £300 https://www.allbatteries.co.uk/electric-bike-battery/panasonic-motor-26v/raleigh/dover-360-aml9121.html?utm_source=GoogleProductSearch&utm_medium=comparator&utm_campaign=GPS&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIua2eiLfn6QIVhrTtCh3WJQwLEAQYASABEgKU0fD_BwE If you don’t require massive assistance, and the bike is in good working condition and has been looked after I’d say it was worth a punt at around £200. It’s not worth £500.
June 4, 20205 yr Author The 2013 Raleigh Dover used the very good (but best suited to flattish terrain) 26v Panasonic drive system. You can get a clone battery with much higher capacity for about £300 https://www.allbatteries.co.uk/electric-bike-battery/panasonic-motor-26v/raleigh/dover-360-aml9121.html?utm_source=GoogleProductSearch&utm_medium=comparator&utm_campaign=GPS&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIua2eiLfn6QIVhrTtCh3WJQwLEAQYASABEgKU0fD_BwE If you don’t require massive assistance, and the bike is in good working condition and has been looked after I’d say it was worth a punt at around £200. It’s not worth £500. Thank you I’ve pulled out and won’t go to view it as the asking price is £500 and they haven’t replaced the battery so I think I am better keeping my money. Maybe after the summer and when people have given up on their new routines and not using hem there will be some on the market! Or they manufacture to many and have to reduce the prices to sell! I’m so grateful to everyone for their advice and assistance
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