It is usually not worth doing major repairs before selling to Upway because the cost will usually be more than the gain in value. Sell your bike as is and get cash on the spot.
Can I Sell a Damaged E-Bike to Upway? What You Need to Know
Written by: Nick Cowie | August 2, 2026 | Time to read: 5 min
A used electric bike is never in perfect shape. Upway is in the business of buying used e-Bikes, so we know that. Take a look at what damage we do and don’t accept when buying a bike.
More about the Author: Nick Cowie
Nick is a writer with seven years of experience in the cycling industry. In his free time, he enjoys swimming, Jiu Jitsu, and spending time outdoors.
Upway is a reputable company that buys used electric bikes and refurbishes them to give them a second life. Using Upway is a great way to make quick and easy cash if you have an electric bike to sell. The issue is that most used electric bikes have their fair share of problems. There are plenty of issues that Upway will overlook and still give you cash for, but there are also some that will get your bike rejected.
👋 Welcome to Upway!
Upway is your top destination for buying and selling e-Bikes online. Discover your next e-Bike at up to 60% off retail prices, available in new or like-new condition.
Table of Contents
How do I sell a bike to Upway?
No one makes it as easy to sell your used bike and get paid out in cash. We deal in safe and secure payments and have a reputation in the industry, meaning there is no need to worry about scams or meeting up with a stranger. We do the hard work for you so you can make the sale and get your new bike.
- Tell us about your bike: Head over to the Upway website and fill out this simple form. It will ask you questions about your electric bike, like the brand and model year. It will also ask you to disclose any damage and to add pictures from various angles.
- Get a cash offer: Within 48 hours of receiving information about your bike, Upway will make you a cash offer to buy your bike based on current market factors and resale value. You have 14 days to accept the offer price.
- Ship the bike: If you live in New York or Los Angeles, you can stop in an Upcenter and drop off your bike in person. Otherwise, we can arrange for pickup or send you a free shipping box and instructions to make the process simple.
- Get paid: Once we receive your bike, you will be paid with funds transferred securely into your bank account to finish the selling process. You will also receive a promo code for $150 in store credit in case you want to buy your next bike at our bike shop or online.
What damage will Upway accept?
We understand that a used bike has gone through hundreds, if not thousands, of miles of riding, so we don’t expect it to be perfect when we buy. As long as the issue with your bike is one that is a relatively simple fix, we’ll take care of it.
- Cosmetic issues: Scratches on a frame or drivetrain are no problem. In fact, we generally expect it. As long as your frame is structurally intact and in working order, we can get a deal done.
- Mechanical wear: If your electric bike has seen a long life of riding, the components are probably a bit beat up. We are used to things like worn or even broken cassettes, chains, and brake pads. These are standard consumable parts, making them easy for us to replace in the refurbishment process.
💸 Want to sell your electric bike?
- In case you didn't know yet, you can sell your e-Bike to Upway and get your cash in 3 simple steps.
- Want an estimation -> It takes only 2 minutes to complete this form
What will Upway not accept?
Upway will only reject a bike if it is not rideable or does not have the standard parts needed for it to function or be properly refurbished. Make sure you have an intact frame from a reputable brand before selling to Upway.
- Broken frames: Upway does not accept cracked, twisted, or otherwise broken frames. If you have a crack in your carbon frame or an unrideable metal frame, it might be better to strip it and sell the components or sell the bike for parts.
- Electronic issues:If an e-Bike is presented to Upway with an uncertified battery, it will be rejected. We also do not accept electric bikes with malfunctioning electronics or if the original charger or keys to the battery or frame lock are missing.
- Old bikes and customs: To sell a bike to Upway, it must have been manufactured after 2017. Upway also does not accept custom builds or obscure brands due to the difficulty they cause in finding parts during the refurbishment process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I repair a bike before selling to Upway?
Is Upway better than Facebook Marketplace?
Upway is better than Facebook Marketplace if you prefer not to negotiate, meet with strangers, or take time to find a deal. Upway makes a quick offer, helps you ship, and pays securely.
What should I do with a cracked frame?
If your frame is broken, the best course of action is usually to strip the bike and sell the parts individually. If you don’t want to take the time to do that, you can often find a buyer who will buy the whole bike for parts.
Key Takeaways
- Have your electronics in order: Your electric bike must have a certified battery, the original charger, and any keys that are needed for the frame or battery.
- Check your frame condition: Before trying to sell to Upway, make sure your carbon frame is free of any cracks or that your metal frame is free of twisting or other structural damage.
- Let Upway help: Upway is always ready to help you ship your bike or answer questions about selling it to get you cash for your used electric bike.
