Choose an electric bike based on how you'll ride it, your budget, motor type, battery range, and whether you need features like cargo capacity, suspension, or a folding frame.
Electric Bikes: Complete Guide to Buying an E-Bike
Thinking about buying an e-Bike? Here's everything you need to know before you spend a dollar.
Finding the right electric bike at the perfect price electrifies your ride and amplifies value. Rather than comparing endless spec sheets, start with the fundamentals: what type of riding you'll do, which e-Bike category fits your lifestyle, and where you can get the best long-term value. This guide walks through every major buying decision, helping you confidently choose an e-Bike that's right for your rides and your budget.
👋 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.
What Is an Electric Bike?
Electric bikes offer rider assistance through the pedals or a throttle, powered by a battery connected to an electric motor. E-Bikes work via either a hub motor inside the wheel or a mid-drive motor placed between the pedals; the latter is typically seen on higher-quality models for a more natural-feeling boost. There are e-Bikes of all types, though they must fall within the Class 1, 2, or 3 categories to be legal in the US.
Interested in what actually turns the wheels of an e-Bike? Read more about how an electric bike works and all about the e-Bike drive units.
Interested in what actually turns the wheels of an e-Bike? Read more about how an electric bike works and all about the e-Bike drive units.
Types of Electric Bikes
There are just as many types of electric bikes as there are regular bicycles— the electric versions simply have a battery and motor attached. That means there are e-Bikes for daily commutes, mountain trails, hauling cargo, all-terrain routes, smooth roads, and more.
- Commuter e-Bike: Versatile urban e-Bikes for city use, equipped with helpful extras like fenders, racks, or baskets.
- Mountain e-Bike: Trail-ready bikes with powerful assistance up the steep climbs and rugged suspension for descents— nearly all have mid-drive motors and knobby tires.
- Cargo e-Bike: Longer frames with spacious room for cargo or passengers, either in a box up front or an extended rear rack.
- Folding e-Bike: Foldable electric bike with folding frame and handlebars for easier storage at home, the office, or transporting in a car
- Fat tire e-Bike: Comfortable, stable bikes with extra-wide 4” tires for additional cushion and grip on all types of terrain.
- Road e-Bike: Lightweight and efficient performance e-Bikes for a moderate boost when you need it.
Electric bikes either have a mid-drive performance motor at the center of the bike or a hub-drive motor, most often rear hub motors. Other big differences can be front suspension from a suspension fork up front, and a rear shock on some e-MTBs. Most e-Bikes have a removable battery, with long-range models having higher capacity (measured in watt-hours) for longer battery life and max range.
Three-Class e-Bike System
Another classification of electric bikes is based on top speed and assistance type. This is the basis of the three-class system for electric bikes in the US— the legal framework that ensures an e-Bike is okay to ride. All electric bikes sold and ridden in the US must fall into Class 1, 2, or 3 categories. The maximum power for legal electric bikes allows for a 750W motor.
How Much Does an Electric Bike Cost?
It’s no secret that electric bikes typically cost more than regular bikes (though not always!). For new models, the middle of the pack can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $3,500 while entry-level models can cost under $2,000 and high-end bikes can skyrocket beyond the $10,000 mark. But how much should you really spend on a quality e-Bike?
Being a certified pre-owned electric bike opens the door to huge savings. Upway customers can save up to 60% on electric bikes from the top brands, all in great condition and ready to ride. Buying secondhand means you can get a more premium e-Bike for significantly less money, all backed by Upway’s warranty and rigorous inspection process.
New e-Bike price range:
- Budget: $1,000–$2,000
- Mid-tier: $1,500–$3,500
- Premium/high-end: $4,000+
The advantage of buying refurbished e-Bikes: - Premium bikes available at lower prices
- Inspected and professionally reconditioned e-Bikes
- Upway’s 1-year warranty and customer support
Are Electric Bikes Worth It?
If you’re asking yourself, “Should I get an electric bike?”, there are tons of reasons the answer is a resounding yes. There are pros and cons when comparing electric bikes vs normal bikes, but when looking at whether e-Bikes are worth the extra splurge, there are big advantages to opting for a pedal-assisted ride for all types of riders with a range of budgets.
- Commuting savings: Electric bikes are a worthwhile investment for commuters, especially when compared to the daily cost of driving or public transport. Get a full charge of your e-Bike for just pennies, compared to several dollars of gas money or public transport fares— plus, parking is a breeze!
- Fitness benefits: Riding an e-Bike is a great way to stay active and is shown to still provide a large portion of the fitness benefits of using a regular bike. Studies show tons of positive consequences of riding a bike often and staying active.
- Eco-friendly ride: E-Bikes are good for the planet, especially when they can effectively replace car trips. There’s even some research that shows that the long-term environmental impact of e-Bikes is lower than that of regular bikes, despite the carbon footprint of the battery (hint: it has to do with the fact that the motor is much more efficient than our own motors, the human body).
- Accessibility for all riders: Electric bikes open up the world of cycling to more people, including seniors or people with mobility or strength issues who find it difficult to ride a regular bike.
- The joy of riding an e-Bike: Pedal-assist or a throttle makes the ride that much more fun and enjoyable. You can ride that much further, take a break when you need, and zip along at a zestier pace, all at the toggle of a button.
How to Choose an Electric Bike
The right way to choose an electric bike comes down to picking the bike that matches the type of riding you expect to be doing most of the time. That’s the main thing to get correct, and the rest of it comes down to selecting frame size and “trim levels”, if there are different versions of the same bike available with fancier parts.
For the most part, funnel your options based on what you’ll use the bike for:
For the most part, funnel your options based on what you’ll use the bike for:
- Commuting → A commuter bike, also called a city or hybrid model. There are simple ones and fancy, fully-equipped models for the city streets and urban commuters.
- Trails → You’ll be looking at an electric mountain bike (e-MTB)— decide between hardtail, full-suspension e-MTB, and just how premium you want to go.
- Carrying kids or cargo → Get cargo e-Bikes, either front-loading or longtail depending on your preference. Most have a step-through frame, too.
- Apartment living or office → Folding e-Bikes save space when necessary, ideal for urban life.
- All-around cruising → Fat tire e-Bikes can take on almost any terrain comfortably, typically heavy and less premium but plenty of options at a great value.
Read Upway’s in-depth guides on how to choose the e-Bike that suits you best: - How to Choose the Right City E-Bike
- How to Choose the Right Electric Mountain Bike
- How to Choose the Right Cargo E-Bike
- How to Choose the Right Folding E-Bike
- How to Choose the Right Road E-Bike
Additional spending on an electric bike ensures high-quality components and more premium parts, such as a torque sensor, higher battery capacity, and hydraulic brakes, for example. The best models have certified electronics that meet UL 2849 and UL 2271 safety standards, and I highly recommend choosing a model that’s UL-certified.
Best Electric Bike Brands
Upway sells inspected and certified pre-owned electric bikes from top brands. We consistently stock models from dozens of different brands, while certain bike makers are especially popular among riders due to their excellent performance, value, and reliability.
Too many brands to choose from? Here are some of our favorite brands that make quality electric bikes for all types of riders:
Too many brands to choose from? Here are some of our favorite brands that make quality electric bikes for all types of riders:
- Specialized makes excellent electric and non-electric bikes of all types. The California-born bike brand collaborates exclusively with German manufacturer Brose to create its custom-built e-Bike motors. There are popular commuter models, e-MTBs ready for bike trails, cargo bikes, and much more.
- Aventon has quickly become a giant in the world of recreational electric bikes. The brand’s impressive lineup of entry-level and budget-friendly models is super popular, and more recent models feature fancier mid-drive motors and more premium parts. Upway nearly always has lots of pre-owned Aventon electric bikes for sale.
- Historic Dutch brand Gazelle has been around for more than a century, and its latest chapter involves a fleet of premium city electric bikes, complete with Bosch mid-drive units and commuter-friendly features. A great choice for dedicated commuters, city riders, and recreational pedalers who want a natural boost on a bike that’s purpose-built for exploring the town.
- Giant Bicycles is among the world's largest bike brands, and its extensive electric bike lineup builds on that big reputation. Equipped with Yamaha co-developed SyncDrive motors, EnergyPak batteries, and a rider-focused design, Giant e-Bikes offer smooth pedal assistance and a natural riding feel.
- Marin has long been known for its mountain bikes, and its electric bike lineup reflects the same practical, trail-focused approach. With Bosch or Shimano drive systems on many models, integrated batteries, and geometry designed for confident handling, Marin e-Bikes offer reliable pedal assistance for everything from daily commuting to off-road riding.
New vs Refurbished Electric Bikes
Are you better off buying brand-new or choosing a refurbished electric bike? There are convincing reasons for each, but Upway’s thorough inspection process and warranty deliver the best of both worlds: a bike that’s in great condition and is an excellent value.
What’s the actual cost difference between new vs. used electric bikes?
Secondhand models often cost 30–60% less than their new equivalents, making higher-end bikes far more affordable. New e-Bikes carry a premium, with that extra cost typically including a warranty, the latest components, and the peace of mind that comes with being the first owner.
Buying new means getting an e-Bike in peak condition: flawless paint, a fresh battery, a clean drivetrain, and components that have never been ridden. Everything should work exactly as intended, and you'll usually have the added reassurance of a warranty directly from the brand or shop where you bought it. The tradeoff is the higher price, but when expensive parts like the pedal-assist motor and battery are involved, that extra cost can be worthwhile.
A secondhand e-Bike, on the other hand, can offer outstanding value. Used bikes are typically priced much lower simply because they're no longer new. A well-maintained e-Bike with quality components can still deliver many more years of reliable riding. One risk, however, is any hidden wear or mechanical issues that can turn a bargain into expensive repairs down the road. For additional buyer confidence, Upway professionally inspects and fully reconditions each bike to ensure top performance, including a 1-year warranty.
Secondhand models often cost 30–60% less than their new equivalents, making higher-end bikes far more affordable. New e-Bikes carry a premium, with that extra cost typically including a warranty, the latest components, and the peace of mind that comes with being the first owner.
Best Electric Bikes Worth Buying
The perfect electric bike for you will depend on your preferences and riding needs, but there are several standout models that riders across the US consistently love. At Upway, we keep track of the electric bikes that are most in demand, and these best-selling models offer great value and pedal-assist fun, especially considering the deep discount available on Upway.
Get your search started with these in-depth reviews of great electric bikes that are totally worth your money:
- Aventon Aventure all-terrain e-Bike
- Aventon Level commuter e-Bike
- Super73 S2 moped-style e-Bikes cruiser
- Cannondale Neo Moterra e-MTB
- Specialized Turbo Vado hybrid electric bike
How To Find E-Bikes Near You
A quality electric bike is never far away, thanks to Upway’s large online selection and in-house inventory at our UpCenters in Los Angeles and New York City. Upway ships anywhere in the lower 48 states, delivering the electric bike nearly completely assembled right to your door so you can get to riding straight away. And if you live in Southern California or near New York, come by our UpCenters open 6 days a week for in-person test rides, customer service, and to receive assistance from our team to find your dream e-Bike!
For even more options, Upway’s Trade-In Program lets owners sell their used electric bike at any of our 200+ partner bike shops across the US and receive in-store credit for a new electric bike— simple trade-ins and a great way to upgrade your ride! Online, in-store, or at our flagship UpCenters, Upway has got you covered for all your electric bike needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for when buying an electric bike?
Are refurbished electric bikes worth buying?
Yes. A professionally inspected refurbished electric bike can offer the same riding experience as a new model while saving you 30–60% compared to retail prices.
What's the difference between Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 electric bikes?
Class 1 e-Bikes provide pedal assist up to 20 mph, Class 2 eBikes add a throttle with a 20 mph limit, and Class 3 bikes offer pedal assist up to 28 mph.
How much does a good electric bike cost?
A quality electric bike typically costs between $2,000 and $3,500 when new, while certified pre-owned models can provide significant savings without sacrificing performance.
Which type of electric bike is best for beginners?
Commuter and hybrid electric bikes are often the best choice for beginners because they're comfortable, versatile, and suitable for everyday riding on roads and bike paths.
Key Takeaways
- Choose the right e-Bike for your riding style: Whether you commute, hit the trails, haul cargo, or need a compact folding model, matching the bike to your needs is the most important buying decision.
- Understand what drives value beyond price: Compare motor type, battery capacity, components, and safety certifications— not just cost— to find the best long-term investment.
- Consider certified refurbished for maximum savings: A professionally inspected pre-owned e-Bike can deliver premium quality and performance at a significantly lower price than buying new.
