Yes, all electric bikes sold by Upway come with a one-year warranty, guaranteeing the bike will be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use for twelve months from the date of purchase by the original purchaser. Another way to protect your electric bike is with e-Bike insurance, which we offer through our partners at Sundays at the time of purchase.
Are Refurbished E-Bike Platforms Generally Trustworthy?
Written by: Rémy Rossi | October 8, 2025 | Time to read 4 min
Do your homework to know which refurbished e-Bike sellers are trustworthy and which ones should maybe be avoided— here are some tips.
More about the Author: Remy Rossi
Rémy Rossi is a bike writer, mechanic, and educator who got his start in community-based bike shops and co-ops. With a decade in the industry, he still wrenches on bikes when he can and plays bike polo on a fixie.
Trust is the name of the game when it comes to refurbished e-Bikes and giving them a second life. With the added complexity of electronics, most of us can’t tell if there is hidden damage or battery problems just by looking at the pre-owned bike. Refurbished e-Bike platforms work hard to gain customers’ trust and ensure they’re getting an electric bike that’s in great shape. In fact, 90% of Upway buyers say they’d recommend the platform to a friend. But don’t just take their word for it— here are the signs of trustworthy sellers when shopping for a refurbished e-Bike.
Is buying a refurbished e-Bike riskier than buying new?
It's true that purchasing a used product can be riskier than opting for a brand-new electric bike, but trusted retailers take the chance out of the equation through thorough inspections and certification. Used e-Bikes can get a bad reputation from inaccurate local listings or shady sellers, with buyers getting stuck with batteries in poor health or undisclosed damage to the bike. In contrast, refurbished e-Bike platforms provide quality checks and guarantees. Of course, there are still plenty of reliable private sellers out there, but platforms like Upway ensure a safer buying process with greater peace of mind.
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Green flags for refurbished e-Bike platforms
Beyond things Google reviews and Trustpilot ratings— also decent indications of a company’s trustworthiness— there are certain positive signs that a platform is reliable.
- High-quality models: Take a look at the e-Bikes available and the inventory range. It’s a good sign if there are models from top brands like Trek, Cannondale, and Gazelle, among others. The platform may have a partnership directly with brands and professional bike shops, obtaining premium, well-built bikes from trusted sources.
- Rigorous refurbishment standards: Trusted platforms have high standards when it comes to inspecting and reconditioning the bikes they source. Professional mechanics service the bikes based on a comprehensive checklist, including any necessary repairs or replacement parts. Upway refurbishes e-Bikes according to our 50-point inspection and thorough certification process.
- Warranty: E-Bike warranties mean the platform stands behind the quality of its refurbishment process, covering any electrical or mechanical defect after purchase. Upway has a 1-year warranty on all models.
- Transparency: Sellers shouldn’t be hiding the fact that it's a pre-owned or refurbished product. Things that inspire trust include detailed photos (including close-up of any scratches or blemishes) and information on the previous owner, battery health, and any previous repairs. Upway includes an in-depth inspection and history report for each electric bike.
Upway’s inspection report for an electric bike includes:
- 50-point inspection checklist
- List of servicing tasks and repairs made
- Battery health report
- Total mileage
- Mechanic’s note
- Ownership history
Red flags when buying a refurbished e-Bike
The popular e-Bike platforms like Upway, The Pro’s Closet, and Buycycle are trustworthy, while local listings or smaller sellers can be more hit-or-miss. It’s a good idea to do your homework and keep an eye out for signs that the sweet deal may not be all it’s cracked up to be. Here are the red flags to watch out for so you don’t get the “ick” post-purchase— or worse, buy a lemon of an electric bike:
- Unclear sourcing: Steer clear of bikes with murky origins or unknown previous owners. The seller should be able to tell you where they obtained the bike and have information about the model and current condition. In the worst of cases, the used e-Bike may be stolen.
- No battery diagnosis: Batteries are often the most expensive single part of an e-Bike, and should be in good health so you don’t have to buy a replacement so soon. Trusted platforms conduct diagnostics to understand the exact capacity of the battery. The bike should also always include the appropriate charger and any battery keys.
- Limited return window or warranty: Problems can arise, but the buyer should be covered or able to return the bike when appropriate. You may accept the risk of no returns or a limited guarantee, but consider buying an e-Bike that comes with significant buyer protection or a warranty. Upway provides a 14-day return period and a 1-year warranty on all e-Bikes.
- Seems too good to be true? Then it probably is. Reconditioned or certified pre-owned e-Bikes can be a great deal, but they aren’t sold at rock-bottom prices either. Ultra-cheap models posted for sale on local listings may have damage or be stolen.
Browse Upway’s top deals on new and used e-Bikes!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Upway offer a warranty?
What is the lifespan of an electric bike?
Electric bikes that are well taken care of can last for several years, even upwards of 10 years in the best circumstances. The battery will likely have to be replaced after a few years as batteries gradually lose performance over time. The longevity of high-quality e-Bikes and Upway’s professional refurbishing process mean you can enjoy your new electric bike for many years to come.
Where does Upway get its bikes?
Upway sources its electric bikes from a variety of channels. We get many of our bikes directly from manufacturers that have bikes they want to send, overstock, or last year’s models. We also receive e-Bikes from bike shops across the country and individuals looking to give their used e-Bikes a second life.
Key Takeaways
- Trustworthy refurbishers like Upway follow strict inspection, testing, and warranty standards to ensure safety and performance.
- Transparency matters: Reliable sellers share full inspection reports, photos, and battery diagnostics before you buy.
- Watch for red flags: Unclear sourcing, no battery report, or unrealistic prices often signal untrustworthy deals.
