Guide to Buying a Used Electric Bike
Written by: Rémy Rossi | April 20, 2025 | Time to read 6 min
Skip the sticker shock— buying a used e-Bike lets you ride smart and save big. With the right know-how, you can score a high-performance bike at a fraction of the cost.
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.
If you’re thinking about purchasing an electric bike, buying used can be a smart and economical choice. There’s all the benefits of an e-Bike— less effort on hills, quicker commuting times, and lower environmental impact— without the hefty price tag. But buying second-hand can feel a bit like a minefield if you don’t know what to look for. This simple guide helps you avoid common pitfalls and take the risk out of buying a used electric bike!
Determine Your Needs
Start by identifying what you’ll use the e-Bike for. From commuting, off-road adventures, long-distance touring to leisurely neighborhood rides, there are endless uses for e-Bikes. For example, commuter or city e-Bikes come with convenient accessories like a rear rack and fenders and electric mountain bikes have wide tires and suspension to tame the trails.
Consider factors such as your ride length, expected terrain, desired top speed, and cargo needs. There are several types of e-Bikes, including city e-Bikes, electric mountain bikes, folding e-Bikes, cargo e-Bikes, and electric road bikes.
Research E-Bike Brands and Models
It’s a good idea to be familiar with some of the most popular and reliable e-Bike brands out there. As a technical product, there’s a lot going on under the hood of e-Bikes that we can’t see, and trusted brands use high-quality motors and batteries.
I can’t name them all here but several brands come to mind for a worthwhile shoutout. Long-standing brand, Cannondale, has established a reputation for durable construction and advanced technology on standard and electric bikes. Specialized has an impressively large e-Bike fleet, each model decked out with innovative technology and custom-built motors. Benno, Tern, and Urban Arrow are the brands to consider when searching for an electric cargo bike. European brands Gazelle and Riese & Müller are recognized for their sleek designs and premium components.
Check Battery Capacity and Age
When buying a used electric bike, assessing the battery’s capacity and age is crucial. The capacity determines how far you can ride on a single charge, while the age and condition will give you an idea of its remaining lifespan.
The battery’s health degrades over time, even more rapidly, if not properly cared for, reducing its range and performance. Typically, e-Bike batteries, most of which are lithium-ion, last 500 to 1,000 full charge cycles before losing around 20-30 percent of their capacity, but this can vary based on usage and maintenance.
If the battery is nearing its life end or its capacity is significantly reduced, you’ll need to factor the cost of a replacement into your budget. Replacing a battery can cost between $500 to more than $900— batteries are often the most expensive single part on an e-Bike. However, if you purchase your used electric bike through a reputable seller, you can rest assured that your bike will have an optimal battery life and won’t need replacement.
Mileage and Condition
Mileage refers to how much the bike has been ridden, which is typically more telling than the bike’s chronological age. High mileage of more than 25,000 miles could mean a lot of wear and tear on components, such as the chain, gears and tires and may also suggest that the battery has gone through more charge cycles, potentially reducing its capacity by up to 30 percent.
However, an e-Bike with low mileage but poor maintenance could also have issues. So, it’s not just about the mileage but how the e-Bike has been cared for during those miles. It’s crucial to look for a used e-Bike vendor who performs diligent inspections, maintenance and repairs. If the bike is cared for properly, mileage and age won’t need to factor into your decision-making process. Upway inspects and professionally refurbishes every e-Bike to ensure that each component is in good condition and functioning optimally.
Frame and Mechanical Components
When purchasing a used electric bike, pay close attention to the frame and mechanical components. Carefully inspect the frame for cracks or rust, as these issues can impact the bike’s safety and performance. Look for refurbished e-Bikes with frames made from durable modern materials like carbon fiber, titanium and galvanized aluminum designed to resist the elements.
Thoroughly examine the brakes, tires, chain and gears for wear and tear, as these parts are prone to deterioration over time. Investing in an e-Bike with well-maintained mechanical components can save you from unexpected repair expenses. At Upway, our technicians perform a 50-point inspection that includes an assessment of all mechanical components to ensure that your refurbished bike offers maximum performance and durability.
Thoroughly examine the brakes, tires, chain and gears for wear and tear, as these parts are prone to deterioration over time. Investing in an e-Bike with well-maintained mechanical components can save you from unexpected repair expenses. At Upway, our technicians perform a 50-point inspection that includes an assessment of all mechanical components to ensure that your refurbished bike offers maximum performance and durability.
Electrical Components
When buying a used e-Bike, ensure all the electrical components are functional and performing optimally. Start by ensuring that the motor, controller, display and lights are all in working order. Test the motor’s responsiveness and smooth operation and ensure the controller effectively adjusts the power levels. Verify that the display accurately shows battery life, speed and other relevant information.
Also, examine the wiring for any signs of damage or exposed wires; these could signal previous repairs or potential electrical issues. Being vigilant about the electrical components will help you avoid unexpected malfunctions or costly repairs in the future.
Also, examine the wiring for any signs of damage or exposed wires; these could signal previous repairs or potential electrical issues. Being vigilant about the electrical components will help you avoid unexpected malfunctions or costly repairs in the future.
To ensure that all e-Bikes in our inventory perform correctly and have electrical components in good condition, our technicians perform an in-depth assessment of the motor and assistance, battery, charger, display screen and lights.
Legal Considerations
E-Bike laws vary from state to state, covering aspects like maximum speed, power and required safety equipment. Make sure the used e-Bike complies with the laws in your area. Also, ensure it has not been stolen by checking its serial number on local or national bike registries such as Project 529.
Choose a Used Bike from Professionals
If you’re in the market for a used electric bike, Upway offers a high range of premium e-Bikes for leading brands, including Giant, Aventon and Riese & Müller. With our expertise in refurbishing e-Bikes and meticulous 20-point inspection, you can trust that you’ll be getting a high-quality product. Our 1-year warranty provides peace of mind and protection against unexpected issues. Explore the affordable electric bikes at Upway today and confidently embark on your e-Bike adventure!
Key Takeaways
- Know What You Need: Choose an e-Bike that matches your lifestyle— whether it’s for commuting, off-roading, or hauling cargo—and research trusted brands for quality and reliability.
- Battery and Component Health Matter: Always check battery life, mileage, and mechanical/electrical condition. A well-maintained e-Bike with a healthy battery can deliver excellent value, even used.
- Buy from Trusted Sources: Purchasing from a reputable seller like Upway ensures professional inspection, refurbishment, and warranty protection—helping you avoid hidden issues or scams.
