Store your e-bike or use it for a pawn loan - your options

E-bikes are an environmentally friendly and efficient way to get around the city. But what if you don't need it at the moment or want to store it somewhere over the winter?

In this article, we compare different options for storing e-bikes in self-storage facilities, with friends and relatives, in bike cellars or even in pawn shops. What costs will you incur and what aspects should you consider? We'll tell you.

Where can I store my e-bike?

There are many different ways to store your e-bike safely and conveniently in Austria. Below you will find the most common options:

1. bicycle cellar/storage room: Check whether your residential building has a storage room or bicycle cellar. If you cannot find anyone in the building who knows, it is worth contacting the property management. Your e-bike would be protected from the weather and often also from theft in these rooms.

2. bicycle garage: Bicycle garages are increasingly being offered both on private properties and in public places. These are lockable boxes that are specially designed for storing bicycles. These boxes are available in different designs and sizes - some even offer charging facilities for e-bikes.

3. bike racks and mounts: There are many space-saving storage options that can be easily mounted. Perhaps you have space in your home or garage and can use such a special wall mount to store your e-bike.

5. bike stations: In larger cities, there are often guarded bike stations or parking garages available. These are particularly suitable if you don't want to store your e-bike, but perhaps want to use it for your daily commute.

6. rental boxes: Rental boxes are often offered near train stations or central locations where you can safely store your e-bike.

7. shared bicycle parking spaces: In cities, low-cost and well-secured communal bicycle parking is becoming increasingly common. This initiative offers a low-cost storage option.

8. company bicycle parking facilities: Check whether your employer offers parking facilities for e-bikes.

9. self-storage: Small self-storage boxes may be suitable for storing your e-bike. The advantage of this is that you may also be able to use space for other items.

10. friends or relatives: Do you have friends or relatives who have more space than you? You could ask them if you can store your e-bike in a dry and safe place. Even if you offer a monthly fee, this could be lower than with a commercial provider.

11. pawn loan: If you can't find a place for your e-bike and are short of cash, you could also take out a pawn loan for your e-bike. This will give you immediate liquidity and you will pay lower monthly fees than for a self-storage box.

Our tip: Use a high-quality lock for your e-bike in communal areas. Make sure that the storage location is dry and at a suitable temperature. Ask about the insurance benefits.

What costs can I expect to incur for storage?

The costs can vary greatly depending on location and availability. Here you will find an overview of the costs that you may incur for individual setting options:

Bicycle stations

€ 10,- to € 30,-

These stations are often guarded and close to important transport hubs. However, the available spaces are often already fully occupied.

Rental boxes

€ 10,- to € 50,-

The choice of size is often flexible, the boxes are weatherproof, but can be expensive in comparison.

Shared parking spaces

€ 5,- to € 15,-

These spaces are often inexpensive and are available directly in residential complexes. However, safety is not 100% guaranteed due to accessibility for others.

Self-storage

€ 30,- to € 100,-

These storage areas offer a high level of security and are protected from the weather, but they are usually the most expensive option in comparison.

Pawn loan with CASHY

€ 28.50 per month with a 3-month term for a € 500 loan.

With this option, you can borrow money (without a KSV query or entry) and pay the monthly fees. Your e-bike is kept dry and insured in video-monitored storage during the term of the loan.

Can I store my e-bike in self-storage in winter only?

Renting only during the winter months is possible with most providers. Check the minimum duration for each provider so that you don't sign your rental contract for longer than necessary.

How expensive is self-storage?

The costs for Storebox vary depending on location, provider and size. On MyPlace you get a storage compartment with 3-5m2 from approx. € 96,- per month, at Store Room from € 73.72 for a storage compartment with approx. 2m2.

Below you will find examples in various cities of available storage compartments from Storeboxthat are large enough for your e-bike:

Vienna new building

Size: 1.5m²
Capacity: 3.8m³
Dimensions: L:1.9m / W:0.8m / H:2.5m

Costs: from € 80,- / month

Graz

Size: 2.5m²
Capacity: 7.5m³
Dimensions: L:2.2m / W:1.1m / H:3.0m

Costs: from € 90,- / month

Linz

Size: 2.2m²
Capacity: 7.0m³
Dimensions: L:1.7m / W:1.3m / H:3.2m

Costs: from € 69,- / month

Is a pawn loan cheaper than self-storage?

It depends on the amount of your pawn loan and the provider. As a rule, the monthly fees for a pawn loan of € 500 - € 1,000 with CASHY are cheaper than the monthly fee for self-storage. However, there are some advantages and disadvantages that you should consider and compare.

Advantages of a pawnshop:

• Immediate liquidity: You receive cash or a bank transfer immediately. This can be particularly useful if you urgently need money that you can pay back later. No query or entry is made in the KSV.

• Lower monthly costs: Compared to self-storage, for example, the monthly cost of a pawn loan is lower in the cities listed above.

• Insurance and security: Your e-bike is insured at the pawn shop for 1.5 times its current value and is kept safe in the warehouse under video surveillance.

Disadvantages:

• Loss of the e-bike: If you are unable to pay the monthly fees, your e-bike may be auctioned off. However, you will be paid out the surplus from the sale minus the fees.

• No use during storage: Unlike with self-storage, youdo not have continuous access to your e-bike during the term of your pawn loan. However, you can release and retrieve it at any time by repaying the pawn loan.

What should I consider before storing my e-bike?

Regardless of which option you choose, it is important that you prepare your e-bike well for storage. Pay particular attention to the following points:

• Battery: Make sure that the battery of your e-bike is charged to 50-70% of its capacity before you store it. Both discharged and fully charged batteries can be damaged if they are stored for long periods of time.

• Cleaning: Before you adjust the e-bike, it is important to remove dirt, dust and moisture to prevent corrosion and rust.

• Lubricate the chain: If you want to prevent rust from forming, you should lubricate the chain and other moving parts well before storing them.

• Regular checks: Check on your e-bike regularly and make sure it is in good condition. You can drop by the warehouse at any time. With a pawn loan, you can use an extension for an inspection appointment if you want to keep your e-bike in the pawnshop for longer than 3 months.

• Check your insurance: Check whether your e-bike is insured while you are storing it. It is also important to check the scope of cover.

• Testimonials: Customer reviews can help you form an opinion about a provider. Pay attention to the number and content of the reviews to get the right picture.

Which option is right for me?

To find out which option is right for you, you should make a cost-benefit comparison. Everyone has different needs, so different providers are suitable for different target groups. To help you with your decision, we have created a clear table with relevant information for you below.

Now you know more about e-bike storage and the possibility of storing your e-bike in a pawn shop like CASHY.

Please note that our research is a snapshot in time. Current prices and services can always be found at the respective provider.

All information without guarantee. Errors and omissions excepted.