We've listed the advantages and disadvantages here to help you decide whether to buy a new or used children's bike.
Sarah Schwarz
Maybe you're in the process of looking for a bike or balance bike for your child but still unsure whether it should be a new one or if a used one will do the job. To give you a little help, we've weighed up the pros and cons of new and used children's bikes and also have a few tips on what you should consider when buying a used children's bike.
New is new – the pros of buying a new children's bike
Buying a new children's bike is a special moment – for you and your child. Whether you buy online or at a bike shop, a new bike comes with these pluses and minuses:
As a parent, you have the peace of mind that your child is traveling with a reliable companion.
Should you later discover a defect due to a deficiency at the time of delivery, you benefit from a warranty or legal guarantee and can return or exchange the bike within a certain period.
You and your child have a huge variety to choose from, which means you don't have to compromise on size or – usually more important for kids – color.
It's so helpful to be able to turn to the experts in a bike shop if your knowledge is limited or you're still unsure about which bike is the right one for your child. A bike dealer can tell straight away whether a particular bike is right for your child and is sure to offer you plenty of useful tips.
Have you tried out our bike finder?
You can pick the perfect woom bike for your child in a matter of minutes with our online tool.
Of course, all of these advantages come at a higher price. But maybe one day you'll end up as a seller on an online classifieds platform. A well-maintained, high-quality bike, like one of our woom bikes, always has good resale value, which means you'll get a percentage of the original purchase price back.
If you have your heart set on buying a new woom bike for your child but you're keen to keep the costs down, take a look in our woom outlet. You'll find brand-new bikes from earlier generations and in last season's colors along with a selection of accessories at reduced prices.
From pedals to complete bikes – the range of used bikes and bike parts is vast. But what are the advantages and disadvantages of buying a used children's bike?
A used children's bike is always going to be cheaper to start with – at least in terms of the initial purchase. Online marketplaces also offer you a good opportunity to compare. And if there are any defects on the bike, you may be able to negotiate the price down a little.
If you're good with your hands and like to fix things up yourself, a bike in less-than-perfect condition may be an option for you. But we strongly advise against this option unless you know what you're doing because your child's safety always comes first.
Imagine your child has their heart set on the bike of their dreams, but unfortunately it's sold out everywhere. Diving into the world of classified ads could be well worth the effort in that case.
As cycling city dwellers, you may have already been the victim of bike theft. The loss of an inexpensive used bike can be easier to stomach – for the parents at least.
Scratches in the paint, worn tread and a dirty chain come with the territory when you're looking to buy a used bike. It all depends on how well the previous owner has taken care of their bike, but the chances are that it's not going to be in perfect condition. The quality of the installed components does come into play here too, though.
As a rule, warranties and the rights of withdrawal from a purchase don't apply when you're buying from a private seller. What's more, it falls to the buyer to prove that a bike was sold in a condition other than that advertised.
A defect usually means a trip to the repair shop. With a cheap used bike, the costs of repairs can very quickly exceed the value of the bike.
As large as the selection is and as tempting as the low prices may be in some cases, the most important thing is that a used bike fits your child to a tee. Otherwise, you may end up with a cheap compromise that your child isn't really happy with.
Make sure you always check a bike over before you buy it!
Our top tips for buying a used children's bike
Arrange a viewing
You should always arrange to view a bike before you commit to buying it. Even better if you can take along a friend who knows something about bikes.
Here's what to look out for...
Make sure that the bike matches the pictures and the description in the advertisement.
The bike should be clean to help you spot any damage.
The frame is very important – it shouldn't have any cracks (pay particular attention to the welds).
Check the condition of the rims for rust, grooves and grind marks. Repairs to frames and rims can get expensive very quickly.
An overall check also includes a test ride. That will give you and your child a chance to make sure the bike is in full working order:
A: Check the pressure point of the brakes and the braking force. Do the brake pads grind or are they already heavily worn?
B: If present, test the gears and the suspension. Do the gears engage cleanly? Does the suspension fork rebound quickly and smoothly? If there's a lockout function, is it working properly?
C: Listen carefully to whether the cranks and hubs are making noticeable noises.
If you find any serious damage to the bike, it's better to leave it and keep searching to avoid costly repairs.
Get money back with our upCYCLING scheme
Did you know? If you purchase upCYCLING membership when you buy a woom bike, it's super simple for your child to upgrade to the next size when the time comes. That way, your child will always be riding the perfect bike for them. And you'll get 30% back on the original purchase price of their old woom bike, which you can take off the price of their new bike in the next size up.
We make your life easier! When your child has outgrown their woom bike, we'll take it off your hands at no cost to you. We'll do it up and get it ready for a second life full of exciting cycling adventures. In other words, you'll be saving time and money, while helping us make our bikes last even longer. Let's cut out those carbon emissions and do our bit for the environment together!
