We recommend one of the first things you do after arriving in Maastricht is buying a bike. Before your purchase, it is good to consider a couple of things, such as, your budget, how often you need your bike and where you can store it. You can visit one of the many bike shops to buy a new or second-hand bicycle.
What to look for in a bike
- working lights and reflectors, both on the front and back – if you’re seen cycling at night without these, you risk getting a fine
- brakes that are in good condition
- a working bell
- make sure that the tires stay inflated before buying the bike
- gears are definitely not a must but some people do opt for them
Where to buy a second-hand bike
There is so much turnover in Maastricht that you will almost certainly be able to get a decent second-hand bike for a fair price; this is one of the cheaper options for bikes, and we think it’s reasonable to expect (if you start searching on time) a used bike to cost you around €50 – €100. Bikes are the most expensive in September when all the university students are arriving and cheapest in June/July when many students who are moving away want to sell their bikes.
It’s quite easy to pick up a second-hand bike through Facebook. Popular places to search are:
- Buy / Sell a bike in Maastricht
- Bikes and Furniture in Maastricht
- Second-hand bikes Maastricht
There are also other second-hand pages that have bikes on sale.
Marktplaats
Another option is Marktplaats, which is the Dutch equivalent to Ebay. There are plenty of offerings which, unlike those on the Facebook groups mentioned, could be from any part of the Netherlands but you can set a maximum distance from your postcode to get the nearest options. Marktplaats is unfortunately only available in Dutch, but if you search fiets (Dutch for ‘bike’) and use an online translator, you should be fine.
Safely buying a second-hand bike
It’s always more risky to buy second-hand bikes from a person you don’t know, either because it could be of poor quality or a stolen bike. Buying a stolen bike is illegal, even if you weren’t aware it was stolen. So how can you avoid this?
1. Check the frame number
First, you can check whether the bike’s frame number is registered in the database on the RDW website. You can find the frame number in the frame of the bike. It could be engraved or a laminated sticker. It’s a good sign if the bike is registered on the database and it has not been reported as stolen. If you do find the bike on the database, take a screenshot so that (if necessary) you can prove that you did your best to not buy a stolen bike!
2. Ask the seller for a guarantee
If the bike doesn’t come up on the database, you can ask the seller to write and sign a document guaranteeing that they are the rightful owner of the bike. This document should also state the frame number of the bike, as well as the date, location and price you bought the bike for. This way you cover yourself against any legal liability in the event that the bike you bought ends up being a stolen one.
3. Check the bike before buying
You should always try to see the bike in person before you decide to buy it. That way you can check if the bike is in a good state, and you can write down the seller’s contact details just in case something goes wrong. Be sensible when visiting a stranger’s house, take a friend with you, or tell someone where you’re going.
4. Take a photo of your new bike
It’s a good idea to take a photo of your bike after buying it (preferably with you in the photo) and write down the bike’s frame number. These two things will come in very handy if your bike ever gets removed by the municipality or stolen.
