Newbie - buying an E Bike from Europe.

[janalan]

Hi Guys

Not cycled for many years, but now thinking of re awakening the interest at the age of 70!!, but on the electric platform. Have done some research and as an entry level, I really like the look, price and reviews of the Ancheer brand. It is possible to buy direct from their website at what seems to be an advantageous price, with the option of being delivered from the US or Europe.

Question is - If I buy through the Europe option, will I be responsible for any import duties, VAT or any other costs? Has anyone gone down this path?

 

[Fat Rat]

Hi
If your in the UK you pay VAT on everything from Europe
If you import from the usa you have import duties as well
Hope this helps

 

[janalan]

Hi
If your in the UK you pay VAT on everything from Europe
If you import from the usa you have import duties as well
Hope this helps

Hi Fat Rat

Many thanks for your prompt response. Forgot to say that yes, I am in the UK. I have seen the same Ancheer bike that I'm interested in on Amazon at about £50 more expensive. Do the same VAT rules apply? Sorry for all the questions; don't want to be caught out with additional expense.

 

[jokskot]

Provided there is no excess carriage to get from Europe the prices quoted there and on UK Amazon are comparable, so buy from Europe....before 31 October, after which, you can pretty certain UK prices won't reduce!

 

[janalan]

Prices quoted on Ancheer website includes free delivery, so with conflicting answers, now confused.

 

[sjpt]

Check if importing from the US that the bike is to UK/EU standards. It may well have a slightly different motor or settings (in particular max speed) that make it illegal to use as e-bike in UK.

 

[Wicky]

Best contact Ancheer and ask them directly - I see they have a distribtion warehouse in Czech.

Also you might want to chat about what happens if you have a problem with the bike and need to return it for warranty work etc.

Plus as mentioned a 250W / 15.5mph motored bike would be legal here in the UK while the 350 & 500 ones would put you into iffy territory.

 

[Nealh]

In all aspects it is better buying from within the UK for decent warranty and CS, Woosh, Wisper, Kudos just three to mention.