Quick Guide to buying a secondhand electric moped or electric motorbike

The two-wheel EV market is growing in Australia with more electric mopeds, electric road-scooters, and electric motorbikes being purchased than ever before, and the trend is only going upward.

Alongside this growth, we are also beginning to see the pre-owned electric motorbike and moped market growing. 

With more riders choosing to upgrade their electric scooters, this trend will only continue with older models traded-in by owners wanting to upgrade to the latest model available.

Fonz Moto’s CEO, Michelle Nazzari, said that the company had more trade ins last month than ever before.

‍“Twenty-one of our customers traded-in their earlier model FONZ for an Arthur 6 in June 2024 alone.” says Nazzari

If you're one of those looking to go electric but make some savings by considering a used electric moped or motorbike, you're not alone.

In the case of a FONZ, a new Arthur 6 scooter spec’d up will set you back around $8,000, while pre-owned earlier models can be much cheaper, and can start from around $3,000.

There are several important factors to consider before making the switch.

This Quick Guide to buying a secondhand electric moped or electric motorbike will tell you what you need to know when considering a pre-owned electric two-wheeler.

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Battery Health

Known as “state of health” (SOH), the remaining capacity of the battery Powerpack is a big consideration for resale value. The upside of this is that if you don’t need much range for your commute, you may be able to invest in an electric moped at a lower price point.

The other consideration in battery health is how the battery Powerpack has been cared for and maintained. For example, has the previous owner stored the Powerpack correctly. Read this FONZ Knowledge Article on storing your battery Powerpack while not in use.

When purchasing through an authorised repairer you may be able to pay for a battery Powerpack assessment to help you make an informed decision. 

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Range

Like petrol motorbikes and scooters, mileage will vary depending on riding habits and conditions. The key factors which affect range include riider behaviour, Braking style, temperature, terrain and age of the vehicle’s Powerpack. See Knowledge Article on What impacts the range of an electric motorbike?

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Charging

When buying a secondhand electric motorbike, make sure that it comes with its original charger, or check that an authorised charger from the manufacturer is supplied. 

Ask to inspect the charger for signs of damage, especially damage from being dropped, or other wear and tear.

Additionally, think about where and how you will park and charge your electric scooter or motorbike. The location of the charging port might be a factor depending on your home setup or if you plan to use public charging stations frequently.

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Servicing 

Like any vehicle, an electric moped, scooter, and motorbike will need to be serviced. It is important to know the service history of the vehicle so that you have confidence that it has been properly cared for.

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Warranty

Warranties can vary between manufacturers. Check the manufacturer's general and battery warranty, if they are still valid, and what they cover. If buying privately you may not have a warranty, whereas when purchasing a second-hand vehicle through a dealer, you will have at least a 3 month warranty when in most states and territories. 

You may also like to inquire about options for any extended warranties that can be purchased by the dealer.

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General Wear & Tear

While, generally speaking, an electric motorbike will cost much less to maintain with fewer moving parts than a gasoline scooter or motorbike, the tyres will still need to be replaced periodically. A quick check to see the tyres’ tread depth could save you hundreds of dollars.

Many electric mopeds and motorbikes will have regenerative braking, and this will usually result in less wear on the brake pads and discs.

However, if the brakes are not used frequently you may find some corrosion on the discs. A quick inspection can save you from potential issues down the line

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Powerpack assessment

When properly cared for, battery Powerpack end-of-life is recommended at 7 years by Fonz Moto.

Fonz Moto completes a Powerpack assessment service for electric mopeds and motorbikes purchased through Fonz Moto, and offers this as a service for pre-purchase inspections of all Fonz vehicles.

The Powerpack assessment includes diagnostic scans, cell capacity and general checks on exterior and interior condition of the battery Powerpack and connector components.

A more detailed assessment service can also be performed for range and performance including on road-testing.

Powerpack assessment confirms that the battery Powerpack is good on the day and subject to how the Powerpack is maintained and stored may impact the overall health and longevity of the Powerpack and components. Please see the knowledge article on Maintaining the Powerpack