A good-quality electric bike usually costs between $2,000 and $4,000 at retail, though premium models can run much higher. At Upway, you can find both new and pre-owned e-Bikes from leading brands—often at discounts of up to 60%!
Buyer Beware: How To Avoid Cheap E-Bikes
Written by: Rémy Rossi | August 20, 2025 | Time to read 5 min
Beware of the lemons out there. Here’s how to spot the red flags before wasting money on a low-quality electric bike.
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.
You don’t have to swipe or speed date to find the perfect riding companion. Upway has a huge selection of high-quality, certified electric bikes ready to be your best friend on the trail, bike path, or daily commute.
But out there in the wild, beware of cheap e-Bikes that may cut corners and aren’t worth the hassle. Here are the red flags to watch out for when searching for an e-Bike you’ll wheely love.
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Red Flags to Watch Out For When Buying an E-Bike
Electric bikes are more popular than ever, and new brands are all vying for a piece of the action. That means there are plenty of fish in the sea, but not all models are soul-mate material. I specifically want to caution against purchasing some cheap, low-end e-Bikes.
I’m not talking about entry-level electric bikes or affordable e-Bikes from top brands, though. Instead, there are bikes made with subpar parts and low-quality electronics that may lead to big, costly headaches down the line. Many of them come from low-end Chinese brands with some pretty funky-sounding brand names, which can be a first clue.
I’m not talking about entry-level electric bikes or affordable e-Bikes from top brands, though. Instead, there are bikes made with subpar parts and low-quality electronics that may lead to big, costly headaches down the line. Many of them come from low-end Chinese brands with some pretty funky-sounding brand names, which can be a first clue.
Batteries that aren’t UL-Certified
Safety first, so make sure that the battery that powers the electric bike is UL-Certified. The bike’s specifications should state that it meets safety standards UL 2271, which is specific to lithium-ion battery packs, and UL 2849, which is for the entire electric system. This greatly reduces the risk of electrical malfunction, damage, or fire. Some places, like New York City, actually require e-Bikes to be UL-Certified to increase product and rider safety.
All Upway electric bikes have batteries that meet UL standards. Drive units from the likes of Bosch, Shimano, and Specialized all use certified batteries and high-quality electronics. If you can’t find information about the battery’s brand, capacity, or UL-Certification, something is probably up.
All Upway electric bikes have batteries that meet UL standards. Drive units from the likes of Bosch, Shimano, and Specialized all use certified batteries and high-quality electronics. If you can’t find information about the battery’s brand, capacity, or UL-Certification, something is probably up.
💸 Do you want to sell your electric bike?
Illegal top speeds
Everyone loves a bad boy, but breaking the speed limit is a big red flag when it comes to electric bikes. If the bike is boasting speeds over 28 mph with pedal-assist or over 20 mph with a throttle, it can’t be legally considered an electric bike. And in my experience, playing fast and loose with the law can be a sign that the e-Bike cuts some corners with other parts, too.
The rules are simple. Class 1 e-Bikes can travel up to 20 mph with pedal assistance. Class 2 e-Bikes can assist up to 20 mph while pedaling or in throttle mode. Faster Class 3 electric bikes can ride up to 28 mph, but only with pedal-assist (no throttle allowed).
The rules are simple. Class 1 e-Bikes can travel up to 20 mph with pedal assistance. Class 2 e-Bikes can assist up to 20 mph while pedaling or in throttle mode. Faster Class 3 electric bikes can ride up to 28 mph, but only with pedal-assist (no throttle allowed).
Some brands try to circumvent these rules by allowing riders to unlock additional classes via settings or an app, but states like California are increasingly cracking down on these types of gray-area modifications. While not technically illegal in most areas, I recommend sticking to e-Bikes with a class designation that is clearly defined.
Unbranded parts? That’s sketchy
Honesty and transparency are important in any relationship, and I don’t want my electric bike to be hiding anything from me. I’ve noticed that some low-end bikes share limited information about their specifications and components, and that raises some eyebrows. Important parts like brakes, the drivetrain, suspension, tires, saddle, motor, and battery should come from well-known manufacturers. Names like Shimano, RockShox, Schwalbe, FOX, MAXXIS, Continental, and many more. Branded parts indicate quality and help you know what you’re actually getting with the e-Bike.
Upway includes a comprehensive specification list of all the parts for every model in our catalog. You can see each component on the bike as well as other important metrics such as charge cycles, distance ridden, class, and rider height recommendation.
Mechanical disc brakes? Hydraulic is much better
You deserve the best, and hydraulic disc brakes are the crème de la crème when it comes to stopping power. More than a luxury, this type of brake is a safety must-have for electric bikes that are heavier and faster than traditional bicycles. In comparison, mechanical brakes are not as strong and are more prone to issues down the road. Hydraulic disc brakes have decreased in price in recent years, so there’s really no excuse for an e-Bike maker not to outfit their models with these better brakes. If you see a new e-Bike with mechanical disc brakes, I recommend passing on it.
Poorly reviewed customer service
E-Bike makers can significantly cut costs by compromising customer support— but you don’t want that, do you? If you’re interested in a specific brand with an attractively low price tag, do some research and look up people’s past experiences with the brand. Some affordable e-Bike manufacturers provide solid customer support, whereas others are fans of the “ghosting” approach.
Low-end electric bikes may come without warranties, and it can be difficult to get a hold of the company if an issue arises. Many local bike shops won’t touch third-party bikes because of all their funky, proprietary parts. Instead, consider getting an electric bike in-store to access dealer support or buy from Upway, including our one-year warranty and excellent customer support!
Low-end electric bikes may come without warranties, and it can be difficult to get a hold of the company if an issue arises. Many local bike shops won’t touch third-party bikes because of all their funky, proprietary parts. Instead, consider getting an electric bike in-store to access dealer support or buy from Upway, including our one-year warranty and excellent customer support!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do electric bikes cost?
What is the warranty on Upway bikes?
Upway offers a one-year limited warranty on all its e-Bikes that covers mechanical and electrical defects. We also provide guaranteed delivery and will compensate as warranted in the rare case of any shipping damage.
Are electric bikes safe?
Yes, e-Bikes are safe to ride, and they continue to get even safer due to better battery technology and safety certifications. Riders should keep in mind, however, the additional weight and higher speeds of electric bikes. Upway recommends against purchasing low-quality e-Bikes or used models that haven’t been inspected by a professional.
Key Takeaways
- Always check for UL-certified batteries to ensure safety and compliance.
- Avoid unbranded parts: Quality components from trusted manufacturers matter.
- Choose bikes with legal speed limits and reliable customer support to prevent costly headaches.
