Originally Posted by MarcusT

Rental bikes are not treated as badly as rental cars. Usually one day rentals, plus, if it's a bike shop, they certainly will not sell you a damaged bike if they want to stay in business. The battery should be alright with a thousand km. that's only about 30 recharges.
If an economical hardtail is what you're looking for, the price is not bad. Give it a good look over. See that it shifts smoothly and the brakes work well, etc.

BTW, seeing as you want a small frame, many of the clearance sellers have small frames at reduced prices.
Hibike
Ridewill
etc