Electric bike batteries typically cost between $600 to $1,000, depending on the brand and capacity.
How Can I Check the Battery Health When Buying a Used E-Bike?
Written by: Rémy Rossi | September 24, 2025 | Time to read 4 min
Check battery health before buying a used e-Bike. Upway runs diagnostics and guarantees strong performance with every ride.
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.
The condition of the battery plays a significant role in determining whether a used e-Bike is worth it. A healthy battery can run well for thousands of more miles, while an old or underperforming battery may have to be replaced soon, costing you hundreds of dollars. The tricky part is accurately checking the battery condition before you buy— and that’s where we come in. Upway provides a detailed battery health report for every bike. We use all available diagnostic tools on the market; notably, every Bosch bike receives a battery diagnostic if the mileage is more than 2,000 miles.
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Always check the battery when buying a used e-Bike
An e-Bike’s battery is one of the most expensive parts, so it’s important to know that it’s in good shape. Electric bike batteries gradually lose capacity over time, meaning a decrease in performance is normal for used models, but a significant drop in range may indicate more serious issues. High-quality lithium-ion batteries can last several years and thousands of miles before experiencing a noticeable reduction in capacity. Most e-Bike batteries last between 500 and 1,000 full charge cycles, while others, like Giant’s EnergyPak system, are guaranteed for over 2,000 charge cycles. Before you buy, it’s a good idea to find out the total mileage of the bike, its age, and the number of charge cycles.
How to determine battery health on a used e-Bike
You can’t judge the health of a battery just by looking at it, but those hidden electronics actually track metrics like mileage, charge cycle, and battery capacity. You can find much of this information on the bike’s display or a compatible app, and there’s some fancier software for more in-depth diagnostics.
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Total mileage
As the easiest metric to calculate, the electric bike’s total mileage provides a rough estimate of the battery’s use and current capacity. New e-Bikes with little to no mileage have fresh batteries that are operating at their full, original capacity. Batteries with significant use and high mileage, however, may not reach the maximum range that they used to. Some estimates state that e-Bike batteries can last between 12,500 and 35,000 miles. Upway lists the total mileage of every model.
Number of charge cycles
A more precise measurement of battery health is the number of charge cycles. A charge cycle refers to the process of fully discharging a battery from 100% to 0% and then recharging it back to full capacity. Battery health is typically guaranteed for 500 or 1,000 charge cycles, and past that point, riders may notice a drop in range or performance. However, batteries can last much longer than that. Upway includes the number of charge cycles on every e-Bike listed online.
Diagnostic tests
For a more comprehensive look at battery health, there are diagnostic tests. These tests require specific software and technology, so you probably can’t do it at home, but certain e-Bike dealers and pre-owned retailers like Upway can conduct these diagnostics. For example, Upway runs a diagnostic test on every electric bike with a Bosch battery that has been ridden more than 2,000 miles. This way, we can know the exact condition of the battery. All e-Bikes with batteries operating at less than 80% of their original capacity receive a fresh one to restore range and optimal performance.
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New and used e-Bikes on Upway
Battery health on all Upway electric bikes is guaranteed, so you know you’re getting a ride that’s in excellent condition. We run diagnostic tests and will repair or replace any battery that’s not up to our standards, including a 1-year warranty on all models. There are brand-new models available and well-loved pre-owned electric bikes that have seen a thing or two. Whatever flavor you choose, rest assured that Upway has thoroughly checked the battery health on your next ride.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a new e-Bike battery cost?
Can I repair my e-Bike battery myself?
It's not recommended to repair or recondition your electric bike's battery yourself. It requires electrical expertise and any damage can be dangerous because of the stored energy and fire risk.
Is it better to have a removable battery on an electric bike?
I’m a big fan of removable batteries since they offer more options for charging, along with the advantage of swapping in a spare battery to extend the range. Most electric bikes have a removable battery so a majority of bike manufacturers and riders must agree with me. However, a non-removable battery is definitely not a deal breaker.
Should I remove my e-Bike battery when not in use?
For short-term storage, it’s encouraged to leave the battery on the bike where it’s designed to be. For long-term storage, take it out and keep it at room temperature. Modern chargers are designed to prevent overcharging, but keeping it at 100% charge levels still puts extra stress on the battery.
Key Takeaways
- Battery health drives value: A healthy battery ensures reliable range and performance, while a weak one could mean costly replacements.
- Look at mileage, cycles, and diagnostics: These metrics reveal how much life the battery has left—far more than a simple visual check.
- Upway ensures strong batteries: Any battery under 80% capacity is replaced, and every bike comes with a 1-year warranty for peace of mind.
