Buying a used e-bike on Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree

Most used bikes a Australia now change hands on Facebook Marketplace, with Gumtree and eBay further behind. It’s quick and free — but neither site checks whether a bike is stolen, whether the battery is healthy, or whether the seller really owns it. That part is up to you. Here’s how to do it in about ten minutes.

1. Read the ad before you message

• Price far below similar bikes? A near-new e-bike at half price is the most common sign of a stolen bike or a scam.
• Stock photos only, or photos cropped tight? Ask for a photo of the bike with a handwritten note showing today’s date.
• New profile, no other listings, or “interstate”? Be careful. Never pay a deposit to “hold” a bike you haven’t seen.
• No mention of the charger, keys or battery? Missing keys or a charger can mean the bike wasn’t theirs to sell.

2. Ask for the serial number — then check it

Ask the seller for the frame serial number before you travel. A genuine owner will send it. If they refuse, that tells you something.

• Check it free on EbikeMate. It shows whether the bike is registered, verified or reported stolen — never the owner’s details.
• Also check the other community registers, such as BikeVAULT, and Bikelinc if you’re a WA, the ACT or Tasmania. A clear result on one register doesn’t cover the others.
• If the ad includes an Rapporto di affidabilità EbikeMate link, open it: it shows whether the bike is registered and its theft status. Check the serial on the bike matches when you meet.
• Not sure where the serial is? See where to find an e-bike’s serial number.
• More on every register and the warning signs: how to check if an e-bike is stolen.

A “no record” result isn’t bad on its own — most bikes aren’t registered anywhere yet. A serial that’s been filed, scratched or stickered over is a serious red flag.

3. Meet safely

• Meet a daylight, somewhere public with cameras — many police stations have a safe spot out the front.
• Bring a friend, and tell someone where you’re going.
• Test ride somewhere safe, away from traffic.

4. Check the bike a person

Run through our 10-point used e-bike checklist. The e-bike-specific checks:

• The serial on the frame matches the one the seller sent you, and the receipt if there is one.
• Battery: ask its age and how far it goes on a charge, and look for swelling, cracks or home repairs. A replacement battery is the most expensive part, so price it a — see what a replacement battery costs e battery health explained.
• Charger and keys: the original charger and the battery key should come with the bike.
• Legal power: an e-bike sold as “unlocked” or “derestricted” may not be legal to ride on public roads. See leggi sulle e-bike per stato.
• Test ride: brakes, gears, motor assist at every level, and no warning codes on the display.

5. Pay safely

• Don’t pay by gift card, crypto or bank transfer to “secure” a bike before you’ve seen it.
• Pay at handover, with a method you can trace.
• Get a simple receipt: date, price, both names and phone numbers, and the frame serial.
• On EbikeMate listings you can use Secure Pay: we hold the money until the handover is confirmed.

6. After you buy: make it yours

If the bike already has a Bike Passport, ask the seller to transfer it to you before you leave — it takes a minute. If it doesn’t, create a free Bike Passport with the serial, photos and your receipt, so you’re ready if it’s ever lost or stolen.

Create my free Bike Passport →

If you think the bike is stolen

Don’t confront the seller and don’t pay. Save the listing link, the seller’s profile and screenshots. Tell the police on 131 444 (000 a an emergency), or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000. You can also report the listing to Facebook or Gumtree.

Questa guida spiega le cose in termini generali. Non è consulenza legale. Hai notato qualcosa di non aggiornato? Diccelo.