A good-quality electric bike usually costs between $2,000 and $4,000 at retail, though premium models can run much higher. At Upway, you can find both new and pre-owned e-Bikes from leading brands—often at discounts of up to 60%!
Can a Refurbished E-Bike Be Just as Dependable as a New One?
Written by: Rémy Rossi | September 20, 2025 | Time to read 4 min
Why pay full price for brand-new when a refurbished e-Bike can ride and look just as good? Backed by Upway’s expert inspection and 1-year warranty!
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.
Refurbished e-Bikes cost less than brand-new models, but what’s the catch? Buying a pre-owned electric bike means the bike has seen some use before making its way to you, but expert reconditioning ensures the bike is working just as it should. Used e-Bike retailers like Upway inspect and certify each bike so it’s just as dependable as a brand-new model. Over 85% of Upway buyers report their refurbished bike feels “like new.” Get the scoop on what it means to buy a reconditioned e-Bike below.
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Upway is your go-to destination for buying and selling e-Bikes online. Find your next e-Bike at up to 60% off retail, available in new or like-new condition.
What is a refurbished electric bike?
Refurbished electric bikes are used models that have been professionally inspected and certified for quality, including any required repairs. Refurbished or reconditioned e-Bikes may have cosmetic flaws such as frame scratches or slight signs of wear, but all mechanical and electrical functions are in good working order. Some refurbished models have actually never been ridden— or with extremely low mileage— but can’t be considered brand-new since they are product returns, previous-year’s model, or a demo bike from brands like Gazelle, Aventon, Rad Power Bikes, and more.
How does Upway recondition e-Bikes?
At Upway, every e-Bike goes through far more than a simple cleaning. Each one is sourced from trusted partners—including top brands, bike shops, rental fleets, and individual riders—giving you access to premium models at exceptional value. Once received, the bike enters our 50-point inspection process, where expert mechanics carefully examine everything from the frame and drivetrain to the brakes, suspension, electronics, and battery. Any issues are repaired at our UpCenter, with worn parts like tires, chains, and brake pads replaced and batteries below 80% capacity reconditioned or swapped for long-term reliability.
💸 Do you want to sell your electric bike?
After repairs, every bike is deep-cleaned, tuned, and quality-checked by a senior mechanic before it’s approved for sale. We then photograph the bike in detail— including close-ups of any cosmetic imperfections— so you know exactly what you’re getting. Finally, the bike is securely packaged with its charger, keys, tools, and accessories, and shipped directly to your door— arriving ready to ride.
Are refurbished e-Bikes reliable?
Absolutely! The master mechanics at Upway are e-Bike experts who rigorously inspect and certify all models to ensure they’re in great shape. We have special equipment to analyze diagnostic reports of battery capacity and repair electrical issues with the motor or controller. Upway stands behind the quality of all our used electric bikes with a risk-free 14-day return period and 1-year warranty.
As you browse across the internet or local shops, there are tips on how to tell if a pre-owned e-Bike is reliable, but here at Upway, we do the hard work for you. All Upway e-Bikes come with a comprehensive inspection report where you can see each inspected part and which components need to be replaced, including ownership history and source location.
As you browse across the internet or local shops, there are tips on how to tell if a pre-owned e-Bike is reliable, but here at Upway, we do the hard work for you. All Upway e-Bikes come with a comprehensive inspection report where you can see each inspected part and which components need to be replaced, including ownership history and source location.
Upway offers a 1-year warranty
Buy with confidence thanks to Upway’s 1-year warranty on all e-Bikes. Bikes are complicated machines, especially electric bikes, and we know that things can happen. That’s why we provide a full warranty for the first 12 months that covers any mechanical or electrical malfunction. We’ll work with our 200+ partner shops if you need in-person repairs or service, or facilitate sending the bike to us or a refund if necessary. Rest easy and ride safe— Upway refurbished electric bikes are dependable, reliable, and guaranteed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do electric bikes cost?
What is the warranty on Upway bikes?
Upway sells electric bikes with a one-year warranty. The warranty guarantees the bike has no defects in materials or workmanship under normal use for twelve months from the purchase date by the original buyer. 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.
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
- Refurbished doesn’t mean risky: Upway e-Bikes go through a 50-point inspection, with worn parts replaced and batteries tested for lasting performance.
- Transparency builds trust: Every bike comes with a detailed inspection report, ownership history, and close-up photos, so you know exactly what you’re getting.
- Ride with peace of mind: With a 14-day return window and 1-year warranty, Upway makes buying refurbished as safe—and often safer—than buying new.
