E-bikes have a slightly higher carbon footprint than traditional bikes due to battery production and electricity use. It takes around 38-65kg of additional CO2 emissions to produce an e-Bike and they produce 3-5 times more CO2 per kilometer than standard bicycles. Both are significantly lower than cars, making them eco-friendly transportation options.
Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Buying a Brand-New E-Bike: Certified Pre-Owned Goes Green
Written by: Rémy Rossi | October 22, 2025 | Time to read 3 min
Why buy new when you can ride nearly new? Upway stocks hundreds of nearly-new electric bikes that show single digits on their odometers.
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.
Bikes are one of the greenest forms of transportation, but even they have a carbon footprint. Opting for an alternative to a brand-new electric bike avoids the emissions from the initial production of the bike and supports a circular, more sustainable economy.
Pre-owned electric bikes, conversion kits, and pedal-assist bike-shares are all great ways to get around that boost you and the planet. And even if you are looking for shiny wheels and brand-new specs, around 36% of Upway electric bikes have been ridden fewer than 5 miles. Give these like-new models a second life that’s more sustainable and affordable!
Pre-owned electric bikes, conversion kits, and pedal-assist bike-shares are all great ways to get around that boost you and the planet. And even if you are looking for shiny wheels and brand-new specs, around 36% of Upway electric bikes have been ridden fewer than 5 miles. Give these like-new models a second life that’s more sustainable and affordable!
Alternatives to buying a brand-new e-Bike
Buying a brand-new electric bike isn’t the only way to score a new set of wheels. Bikes are long-lasting and incredibly serviceable, meaning they can have multiple owners and receive upgrades. Upcycling pre-existing bikes is more sustainable and reduces the chance that they end up in landfills. And when more people seek alternatives within the circular economy, this lower demand for brand-new bikes can ease pressure for higher production— and the carbon emissions that come with producing a new bike.
Here are some great alternatives to a brand-new electric bike:
- Used or secondhand e-Bikes: Often big savings, varying condition
- Certified pre-owned electric bike: Inspected, high-quality electric bikes for less
- Electric bike conversion kit: Transform your current bicycle into an e-Bike
- Bike-share programs: Bike-share fleets often have electric bike options
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Barely ridden e-Bikes are eco-friendly and affordable
Did you know that there are tons of electric bikes out there that have barely been used? I’m talking a total mileage of less than 5 miles, meaning they are virtually brand-new. These barely-ridden bikes are returns, overstock, previous-year models, or demo bikes. But the brands or shops can’t technically sell them as brand-new, or will offer them at a discount anyway.
Buying up these models is a secret hack that certain bike insiders have known about for a long time, but it’s worth expanding the availability for everyone. Upway works with top brands and professional bike shops to source these like-new models and used e-Bikes to give them a second life. Our strong partnerships with brands like Aventon, Rad Power, and Trek allow us to source these barely-ridden electric bikes, certify them, and sell them to you for up to 60% less than retail.
As a bike geek myself, I totally understand the desire for a brand-new bike. Shiny paint job and never-used components, and being the bike’s original owner has its perks too, even if only sentimental. Upway’s selection of new e-Bikes comes with the same standard of quality, as well as a warranty, just like a brand-new model. Upway conducts a rigorous inspection and certification process of each e-Bike, backed by the full-coverage 1-year warranty.
Upway has a large selection of new e-Bikes
Upway isn’t your typical used e-Bike seller. More than a third of our huge selection of electric bikes have been ridden less than five miles, meaning they’re in top shape and brand-new condition. Browse all categories like cargo, mountain, road, folding, and commuter e-Bikes from top brands. Each model listing includes the bike’s total mileage, as well as a full inspection and history report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the carbon footprint of e-Bikes vs. traditional bikes?
How can I recycle my e-Bike battery?
It’s important to dispose of your e-Bike battery when it’s time to replace it. You can recycle your e-bike battery by taking it to a certified e-waste recycling center, the retailer where you purchased it, or a manufacturer-sponsored recycling program.
How much power does an electric bike use?
Studies have shown that e-Bikes with a Bosch drive unit use about 11Wh per mile. This energy consumption translates to an average CO2 emissions amount of around 3.5g per mile. In comparison, a car emits about 240g of CO2 per passenger mile and public transportation emits 80-176g of CO2 per passenger mile.
Key Takeaways
- Certified pre-owned e-Bikes cut carbon emissions by avoiding new production and extending bike lifecycles.
- 36% of Upway’s electric bikes have been ridden fewer than five miles — offering like-new performance at up to 60% off retail.
- Buying barely-ridden or certified models supports the circular economy and keeps high-quality bikes out of landfills.
