In reply to justdoit:
> going to a few shops I keep on hearing you won't have as many problems if you get a Bosch motor electric bike? can anyone confirm this.
Mmm. I’ve nothing to compare as I’ve only had Bosch on electric bikes since 2014, but let’s say they all, bar one bike, have had some problems. No doubt Bosch set up has improved over the years though. Early models for example had seal problems and this meant moisture within the motor (where the electronics are) either worked or not or a bearing in motor failed. Bosch used to say there system had a lifespan of 18k miles. I certainly didn’t get near that before problems; at least yet - current hybrid has only done 3.6k miles.
I’m not going to put you off getting a Bosch as I don’t regret having Bosch systems, but you may need to budget for maintenance/replacement parts if outwith warranty. Also budget for some extra maintenance costs eg brake pads wear quicker due to extra weight to stop, chains wear quicker (e-bike chains if used are heavier duty chains and are dearer), some bikes need higher spec e-bike tyres to cope with the extra weight, etc, etc.
Modern Bosch motors have service requirements built in and either you need to get that disabled or budget for a service at a LBS.
If buying secondhand I don’t see a big problem as such if you check the bike out and say ask for service/repairs details. All Bosch systems can give a print out from a LBS which should highlight problems as well as details of services, updates, % and time of different power settings used, mileage, time on etc. BTW, on switching on any current fault will be display either immediately or after a few turns of the wheel under power so for a test ride of any bike you will know right away of a current problem. Some errors are nothing to be worried about - eg it can throw an error if the speed sensor is very slightly out of alignment; can happen if putting bike in car and the sensor is caught accidentally for example.
Also, for 2nd hand check if it has been de-restricted (unless that’s what you want to buy of course!). Bosch do not do repairs/replacement on any de-restricted bike as warranty is voided.
Official replacement parts are not cheap if not under warranty. Unless Bosch has changed things, changing a motor had to be approved by Bosch and it was electronically tied to the bike so if you just swapped motor it would not function. Batteries were interchangeable between their bikes though. The display can also be “electronically” locked* to the bike and if this is done you just can’t replace the display without Bosch being involved. If buying secondhand, check if the lock has been activated.
* It’s a security feature so if you remove the display when leaving it, anyone stealing the bike can’t use it with another display. Used to be thieves carried any display and just putting it on the stolen bike allowed them to pedal away.
Anyway, I’ve had lots of fun on my Bosch powered ebikes. If you have any specific questions, just ask.