Brand New, Second Hand, or Refurbished - Which way to go?
Electric scooters have become a popular mode of transportation for short distances. They are environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and convenient. However, if you're in the market for a new travel companion, you have probably noticed that buying a brand new one isn't your only option. At Rhyde, we offer refurbished e-scooters that work and look like new, while on sites like Wallapop or Facebook Marketplace you can buy second hand electric scooters directly from other people. To wrap your head around all these options, in this article we will walk you through all the advantages and disadvantages of buying a brand new, refurbished, or second hand model.
Brand New Electric Scooters
Buying a brand new electric scooter is the most expensive option. However, it has its own benefits, namely:
- It comes with a manufacturers' warranty that will cover any defects.
- You can access the most recently launched models.
- The vehicle will come in its original packaging.
On the other hand, buying a brand new electric scooter has its cons:
- Prices can be extortionately expensive and may not be affordable for everyone.
- High carbon footprint: the manufacturing of an electric scooter or e-bike has the equivalent on the environment as cutting down over a dozen full grown trees.
- After sales service of many retailers is very poor.
- Buying from a large chain, like MediaMarkt or Amazon, means you cannot receive support from industry specialists.
Second-Hand Electric Scooters
A second-hand item is one that is bought directly from another individual, either in person or through a third-party marketplace. Buying second hand electric scooters tends to be the cheapest option. It is ideal for those who are on a tight budget. Additionally, since it is already used, there is no need to worry about the initial depreciation. Moreover, it is a good option for those who are not planning to use it for a long period of time. In terms of the environment, buying a second-hand electric scooter has a positive impact by reducing the demand for new products.
There are, however, several risks associated with buying second hand electric scooters, especially from unknown sources. One of the biggest risks is the possibility of purchasing a scooter that has undisclosed mechanical or electrical problems that may not even be apparent in your first few rides. Additionally, if the scooter has been poorly maintained or has been in an accident, it could be unsafe to ride. Another risk is the possibility of purchasing a stolen scooter, which could result in legal issues for the buyer.
Xiaomi Pro 2
€249,00
€599,00
Equipped with a 600W motor and a high-capacity 12400 mAh battery, this scooter delivers a remarkable range of 45 km on a single charge. Whether you're commuting to work or exploring the city, the Pro 2 offers reliable performance and… read more
Refurbished Electric Scooters
Refurbished Electric Scooters are a balance between buying a brand new and a second-hand scooter. Refurbished products come with a warranty and guarantee that covers any defects. Rhyde offers a one-year warranty on all of our products for customer peace of mind. Additionally, it is less risky than buying a second-hand scooter, as the faults have already been identified and repaired. We subject all of our vehicles to a 47-step quality-testing process to ensure safety. Refurbished electric scooters often have newer parts, such as batteries and motors, which means they can be just as efficient and environmentally friendly as brand new models.
Refurbished electric scooters also carry the same price benefit of second-hand scooters, giving you the opportunity to purchase high-quality vehicles at significantly lower prices. Rhyde even partners with Klarna to allow you to pay in instalments, no matter what bank you use. All of our payments are conducted securely, guaranteeing you peace of mind, and we allow a 14-day trial period, during which you can return your scooter if, for whatever reason, you decide not to keep it. Rhyde takes transparency a step further, allowing you to schedule a video conference to see the actual product you intend to buy.
Explore Our Refurbished E-Scooters
Summary
Whether to buy a brand new, second-hand, or refurbished electric scooter depends on several factors, including personal preference, budget, and environmental considerations. Brand new electric scooters are more efficient and environmentally friendly but are the most expensive option. Second-hand electric scooters are affordable and reduce the demand for new products, but may not have a warranty and pose potential safety risks. Refurbished electric scooters are a balance between buying new and second-hand scooters, and can be just as efficient and environmentally friendly as brand new models, and therefore wins our favor. At Rhyde we promise our customer the most affordable and safe experience - or their money back, guaranteed.