Why and when and something else

[wissy]

regarding a pedelec such as a Bosch type eg mine is a KTM macina and that they cost approx. £2k and prices seem to be going up..... when is it best to upgrade, sell etc .. If at all. The battery factor .. Is that 2-4 yrs for a Bosch bike (I know the battery charge thing depends on lots of factors) but if bike is kept say more than 2 years I guess a new battery would soon be needed at £400+? Bike is used evry day to work .. Round trip 18 miles and so battery charged daily.

So.. What are pros and cons of selling the bike after 1 year say compared to 2+ years? I am thinking I may get a better return after 12 months and having now paid off cycle to work amount I own it officially and also can start another cycle to work scheme for a new replacement...

then again there's something about getting better use of the bike say for another 12 months, making it 2 year old. Hmmm? How much would second hand price be of a Bosch bike after 1 year and after 2 years.. do you think there is a big decrease in value after 2 years compared to the single one year?

another question.. 2014 models....? They are almost 'old' now aren't they so if I was in market for a new KTM or Haibike would it make sense to get new 2015 models in january ish? prices higher then? oh and as I have spare battery charger I guess a new 2015 model would have different weird motor with different charge so that is another £100+ Additional cost in getting myself a new spare charger for new model battery?

A d selling the bike should hopefully soften the blow of paying the add-on price on top of the £1k cycle to work scheme....?

Just starting to wonder about these questions. time has flown and a whole year has gone since i bought the bike. Wow.

I appreciate both sides of argument as usual!

 

[flecc]

I think they are best kept as long as possible, replacing the battery as and when necessary.

The first problem with selling at even one year is that buyers are cautious about second hand batteries so tend to look for a very large drop in price from the new level to take care of the eventuality of a failure.

The second problem with selling at one year is that you have this chore annually. As we know from those offered in here and even on ebay as well, they often stick unsold for months, even when the price is dropped well below the real value. That's because the market is so small that a customer to suit any particular model can be rare.

I've lost count of those who have tried to sell at a reasonable price, then continuously lowering it but still not selling it for 6 or even 9 months, by which time it's virtually another year older. Some have even given up the attempt and just kept the bike as an additional one, while one eventually converted his to an off-road e-bike to get something out of it when it didn't sell at any price.

An e-bike can be like a pet, it's for life, not just for Christmas!

However, if you do decide to sell regardless, start with the price low to get a result and avoid months of time wasting by gradual reductions from a high start.

 

[mike killay]

An e-bike can be like a pet, it's for life, not just for Christmas!

A motto for ebikers

 

[trex]

bike bought 15-Feb-213 for £2000.
Replacement battery: £400

Today's value: £1,200
Next year (2015) value: £800

Less ebay fees

 

[wissy]

Yes.. That is what I thought. Added to the equation is bike size compatibility and also my rural location. I guess that is why people have more than one pedelec. I was thinking how useful it would be to have a spare pedelec 'in case'.... Same they don't sell new pedelecs cheaper without batteries eh.! Looks like a haibike in addition to KTM then... I like the idea of having a spare as it is now my daily driver and as my 71 VW canper is bound to fail MOT on welding issue that becomes more important. need to start saving a bit then .. Not my forte!

 

[peerjay56]

Have the rules for cycle to work schemes changed? Although you've paid off the amount owed, I thought you didn't become the legal 'owner' for a couple more years, when a 'release' fee is payable?

 

[wissy]

over 12 months is norm our end anyhow.. Have to pay another one month dues to 'buy' rather than give bike back ...