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Potentially stupid question: I have an ebike that I want to sell but the internal battery failed completely a couple of weeks ago. The warranty expired 3 months ago so it'll be about 750 quid to replace the battery.
It's a Ribble CGR Al-e gravel bike with a mahle hub drive. I bought it new in 2021 for £2.8k and I've done about 5000 miles on it. It rides well with no mechanical problems other than the battery, but with a couple of scratches etc. on the frame and fork. AFAIK the motor etc works fine but obviously I can't confirm that with no battery. I'm selling it because I don't need it anymore - I used to have a 50 mile round commute but now I don't.
I could replace the battery then sell the bike, but I'm worried I won't get 750 quid for a second hand bike. Alternatively I could try to sell the bike without a functioning battery, and then the other choice would be to just scrap it (which I'd be very reluctant to do). I don't need the bike and replacing the battery and keeping it isn't really an option for me.
I'm a bit torn about what to do. Any advice?
I’m pretty sure someone’ll buy it on eBay or facebook marketplace, just be honest with your description and be prepared that you’re likely to take a haircut.
Have ribble said they will only sell a battery to you at full retail? Have a chat with them, you might find they knock money off if you send the knackered one back (happened to me with Specialized, so you never know)
You often hear of a "depreciation curve" sounds like with E-bikes it's a straight, steep line to £nil. Ouch!
I'd sell it broken with the battery.
Most battery's can be repaired with cell replacement
Strip the components and sell those separately.
Then sell the frame and battery as spares or repair on eBay.
I'd just sell it as is, auction with 99p start price.
Might be a good project for someone. The mahle stuff could be stripped out and replaced with a generic rear hub motor and internal battery, probably for less money than a mahle battery.
Are you sure it's 750 for the battery? Would this not fit?
https://www.swinnertoncycles.co.uk/mahle-e-bike-spares-x20-ix250w-battery-pack-p118595
Are you sure it’s 750 for the battery? Would this not fit?
750 was what Ribble quoted me to replace it - tbh I didn't ask but that may well have included pickup, labour etc.
I've not looked into replacing it myself but presumably it's reasonably straightforward?
I repaired my own e-bike battery as it was only one cell that failed, do you know anyone with the knowledge to open it up and see what the issue is/repair it?
How old are we talking? Battery should not fail even outside of 'warranty'. I'd be going down the not fit for purpose route with your retailer to get it replaced.