Our guide to buying a used electric motorcycle

There’s no denying the fact that electric bikes are becoming more and more popular, are an increasingly large part of motorcycling’s future and that more new models and innovations are imminent, not least from historic ‘ICE’ manufacturers such as Triumph, Yamaha and Ducati.
But what about the existing used models that are already out there? Is there anything used bike buyers should be aware of when looking for a second hand electric bike? Are there any variations between models and types and what experiences have used electric bike buyers had? To find out, we spoke to expert Alec Sharp is the owner/founder of English Electric Motor Company, the UK’s biggest and oldest all-electric multi-franchise electric bike dealer and the UK’s No. 1 electric bike re-seller. He talked us through what to look out for on some of the UK’s most popular used electric bikes and we also spoke to a genuine used electric bike buyer who talked us through his experience.

“It’s my second electric bike. I briefly had a Super Soco TC Max but needed something with more power, range and the option to use EV charge points. I also wanted something fairly light as I’m still new to riding. I was looking around and saw this in decent nick and it was a little cheaper than new. The mileage was fairly low still, too, so there was little risk the battery had lost charge so I didn’t really have any concerns and Alec and the guys at EEMC were very open about the work they were doing to the bike pre-sale. I also had a ‘charge tank’ installed so I can use standard EV charge points to top of when I need to. I did look at the newer model but there wasn’t really much more on offer for the additional cost.
“So far it’s been great, no issues at all, and given it’s still fairly new tech it’s not just met my expectations but actually exceeded them. The EV charging infrastructure has let me down a couple of times but the bike’s been 100% solid. “I’m out in the sticks so my riding is mostly into town and also around the countryside, not a daily commute. The fact it’s so quiet and vibration-free makes riding in the countryside a really lush experience. “My only advice for potential electric buyers is, if you’re going for a longer ride, use Zap-Map to plan the route and be prepared to sign up to a few charging services such as PodPoint and BP Pulse as each have different charging stations.”

Until the likely onslaught of new electrics from Japan and Europe, the SR/F, with 110bhp, range of around 80 miles, four-hour recharging time (two on a fast charger) and weight of 220kg, is about as good as electric bikes get.
Launched in 2019 by current market-leading Californian brand Zero, who first started producing electric bikes in volume in 2010, the SR/F was the first electric bike to combine ICE-style chassis and cycle parts (think ‘electric Ducati Monster’ and you won’t be far wrong) with ‘next generation’ electric performance, although it’s still pricey, heavy and has limited range compared to the best petrol bikes. There’s also a faired, sport SR/S version that’s also worth a look.

“Early models had a brake switch recall and some suffered water ingress around the powerpack. A dealer can check from the VIN number if both have been sorted.”
“Its drive belt should last 24,000miles but replacements are pricey at £140-160 so check for damage – cracks, embedded stones, holes etc.” “Zero batteries are good for 1500 charge cycles which should be 100,000+ miles on 70+ miles a charge, but mileage (and owner use) will give a guide. The English Electric Motor Co’s used bikes also get a ‘high voltage health check’ which checks the health of the battery.”

The Austrian-designed, Chinese built CR6 is the Yamaha XSR125 of the electric bike world boasting easy, A1-licence-friendly learner roadster manners, fashionable retro-inspired styling, plenty of modern tech (digital LCD dash, LED lights and aluminium twin spar frame) and even a reasonably affordable new price tag (just over £5K). It’s got an 8bhp motor, a range of around 50 miles, a four-hour recharge time and weighs just 134kg. On top of that there’s a useful storage space in the ‘tank’, zero road tax and minimal running costs.

“As a lower-end, more budget, Chinese-built bike it’s more likely to be kept outside and ridden through winter so check for corrosion such as on fasteners etc.”
“The CR6 is also a learner-targetted, A1 bike so is more likely to suffer from novice damage, maintenance neglect and not been serviced properly.” “The battery is fixed so check it thoroughly. If it needs to be repaired or replaced it’s more difficult and/or expensive to do.” “Battery life is less than some, at about 500 cycles, although that should still be good for well over 20,000 miles.”

New (‘NIU’, geddit?) Chinese-built electric scooter brand blends some funky European design and features (bike diagnostics via a smartphone app, for example) with affordable commuter ability. The (just about) 125-equivalent NQI is its range-topper and is stylish, well-made and effective, has two modes and has an optional second removeable battery to boost range. Power is 4bhp, range is 60 miles, there’s a five-hour full recharge time and it weighs just 112kg. As long as it’s looked after it’s an affordable used buy.

Alec says:

“High-end electrics come with built-in chargers but cheaper ones, like the NIU and Horwin have external ones which can cost £2-300 to replace. Check it comes with it and it works.”
“The electric motor is in the rear wheel hub so can be vulnerable to corrosion and/or damage if the tyres have been changed incorrectly.” “Fairly sophisticated electronics mean you can pair your phone to the bike via an app and gain information about battery health, servicing, firmware updates etc.” “It’s a commuter scoot so check for hidden corrosion and also panel damage, although replacements are quite cheap.”

The supermoto-styled ‘Dual Sport’ (hence the name) has been one of the most popular of Zero’s ‘first generation’ machines, comes in both 60bhp and 44bhp (A2-equivelent) form and, being relatively light, simple and comparatively affordable yet also perky and fun to ride, especially around town, has made it one of the California marque’s best sellers. Range is around 80 miles, recharge time about five hours and it weighs just 187kg. On the slight downside its tech and versatility is more limited than the newer SR/F & S.

Alec says:

“The on-board chargers of pre-2018 machines can be temperamental so check it’s been updated and, if not, that it works OK.”
“As with all Zeros, annual servicing is important, not least to ensure the regular firmwear updates, which can happen two or three times a year, have been done.” “Zero batteries are generally excellent, whatever the bike’s vintage, and should be good for 1500 cycles, but mileage and use is still a consideration.” “As with the SR/F (and all Zeros) the DSZ is belt-driven. Belt life should be 24,000miles but check for damage as replacements are pricey and a breakage will leave you stranded.”

The Eva Ribelle RS is an astonishingly, whistlingly potent naked version of Italian specialists’ 2016 Ego superbike (which previously formed the basis of MotoE racing). The Ribelle was introduced in 2020 and delivers arm-stretching acceleration like virtually nothing else (as it should do considering its near-£30K new price). Handling, with Brembo brakes, Marzocchi suspension, modes and more, is good too – if heavy – while this upspecced RS version was introduced in 2021 with 160bhp, a 110 mile range, three-hour recharge time and 270kg weight. Rare and exclusive, electric bikes currently don’t get any more potent than this.

Alec says:

“As a premium machine cosmetic condition is vital especially as replacement panels can be expensive.”
“As it’s heavy, drops are not uncommon, particularly on the left (due to the sidestand) which can result in damage to the water pump bracket or pump itself.” “It’s a high-performance, chain-drive machine so check for chain/sprocket wear and for correct chain adjustment. The RS has a smaller sprocket for even more enhanced acceleration.” “Regular, annual servicing, is vital – not least for firmwear updates. While motor/gearbox oil changes are due every 6000 miles.” “Check the DC fast charging option works correctly. It uses a Zero battery which has same 1500 cycle-life as before.”