Yes, all electric bikes sold by Upway come with a one-year warranty, guaranteeing the bike will be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use for twelve months from the date of purchase by the original purchaser. Another way to protect your electric bike is with e-Bike insurance, which we offer through our partners at Sundays at the time of purchase.
How Electric Bikes Certified at Upway
Written by: Rémy Rossi | January 16, 2024 | Time to read 4 min
Upway goes above and beyond to ensure our pre-owned electric bikes are inspected and certified to the highest standards. Enjoy an inside look at the rigorous process below.
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.
Let me pull back the curtain and reveal how Upway inspects and reconditions all the e-Bikes that come through our doors. Well, I guess the process isn’t all that secret— we recently invited our neighbors to our UpCenter in Brooklyn for our latest garage sale and an up-close look at where it all goes down. In this article, I’ll dive into how Upway certifies and refurbishes our extensive fleet of electric bikes.
👋 Interested about Upway?
Upway is your go destination for buying and selling e-Bikes online. Explore a wide selection of e-Bikes, both new and like-new, at up to 60% off retail prices.
How Electric Bikes Get Certified at the UpCenter
Sourcing
Electric bikes make their way to Upway’s UpCenter in New York City through a few different channels. We source many of the best e-Bikes from the top brands via our partners, including manufacturers, bike shops, and individuals. We receive overstock directly from bike brands and shops and we also buy used e-Bikes from cyclists like you. This sourcing method is a win-win for Upway and our partners, helping you get the absolute best deal on high-quality electric bikes.
If you’re interested in selling your used electric bike, I’ve written a guide on what we’re looking for and how it works— it’s easy, quick, and a great deal!
50-point inspection
The e-Bikes then undergo a rigorous 50-point inspection to ensure there is no structural damage to the frame or issues with mechanical components, drive system, battery, and accessories. This extensive checklist allows our professional mechanics to identify necessary potential repairs. It covers everything on an electric bike, including frame and steering, brakes, wheels, tires, drivetrain, seat, suspension, all electric parts, accessories, safety, and detailing.
Mechanical repairs
This is where our technicians get their hands dirty (don’t worry, the bike cleaning comes later). If necessary, we replace all worn parts that are not in like-new condition, such as tires, brakes, cables, and chains. The team of mechanics will bleed hydraulic brakes, replace worn bearing systems, true the wheels, and lubricate the chain. Then they’ll run a comprehensive quality control check to make sure everything is adjusted and aligned properly. Some bikes come to us in near-perfect condition, but we still look over the entire bike to ensure it’s up to our standards.
Electrical components
Upway specializes in e-Bikes and we have the expertise to effectively refurbish and replace the electrical parts. For example, we will recondition or completely replace the battery if the residual capacity is measured below 80% of its original value— this means you’ll have a long-lasting battery right from the get-go. Other common repairs include replacing the torque sensor, display, lights, indicators, alarms, and more. We also stock e-Bikes with UL-certified batteries for that extra level of safety.
This extensive know-how and experience with advanced electric parts sets Upway apart when buying a used e-Bike. Many riders are hesitant about a 2nd hand e-Bike for sale, and rightly so— unlike conventional bicycles, e-Bikes can have critical issues you can’t see. This makes buying from uncertified platforms like Facebook Marketplace, eBay or Craiglist feel like a shot in the dark. Upway ensures you’ve got a high-quality e-Bike that’s in perfect working order, complete with a one-year warranty.
Cleaning & Quality check
To get the e-Bike ready for its new home, we get it squeaky-clean with a bath, being sure to wash behind the ears and in all those hard-to-reach spots. There’ll be a final check to ensure the brakes are aligned and adjusted to provide responsive stopping performance and the drivetrain is dialed in for crisp, precise shifting. A senior mechanic signs off on all the repairs for an extra seal of approval.
Packing and shipping
The only thing left is wrapping it up and putting on a beautiful bow. Okay, I guess our shipping boxes aren’t as cute as Christmas presents under the tree, but I think they are pretty snazzy. The holidays are over, but e-Bikes always make a great gift— switch out that box of chocolates for an Upway box on Valentine’s Day anyone?
The final step is for your bike to be carefully packaged by our UpCenter team and prepared for shipping. When it’s ready to go out to a customer, the electric bike is protected in our custom packaging and placed into our box with the appropriate accessories (charger, keys, and assembly tools).
FAQ
Does Upway offer a warranty?
Where does Upway get its bikes?
Upway sources its electric bikes from a variety of channels. We get many of our bikes directly from manufacturers that have bikes they want to send, overstock, or last year’s models. We also receive e-Bikes from bike shops across the country and individuals looking to give their used e-Bikes a second life.
Key Takeways
- Rigorous Certification Process: Upway’s electric bikes undergo a 50-point inspection, mechanical repairs, and electrical testing to ensure top quality.
- Trusted Second-Hand e-Bikes: With reconditioned batteries, certified repairs, and a one-year warranty, Upway guarantees reliable, like-new e-Bikes.
- Sourcing from Top Brands: Upway partners with manufacturers, bike shops, and individuals to offer high-quality, pre-owned e-Bikes at great prices.
