How to Sell My E-Bike Online: 3 Ways
Written by: Rémy Rossi | November 18, 2024 | Time to read 6 min
Sell your e-Bike to give it a second life, and the extra cash isn’t bad either. It’s easier than ever to sell an electric bike online and I’ll explain a few of the best ways to close the deal.
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.
Selling a used bike can clear space in the garage and free up some spending money (hint: it’s for buying another bike). There are several ways to go about it which can vary how quickly you close the deal and the final price. I’ve done my fair share of used bike peddling and will explain where to sell bikes online, all in search of the best deal.
1. Sell your e-Bike to Upway
Upway sources many of its new and pre-owned e-Bikes directly from manufacturers and bike shops, but we also purchase bikes from individual riders like you. You’re only a few clicks away from getting an offer from Upway to buy your used electric bike. Sounds easy, right?
We’ve made the process super simple. Spend just 2 minutes to complete this form to tell us more about your specific bike. Then, you receive our offer within 48 hours that’s valid for 14 days so you have plenty of time to think it over. We help you prepare your bike for shipping and pick it up, all for free. Lastly, we securely transfer cash to your bank account. Upway isn’t the only retailer that buys used bikes— check out the differences between Buycycle vs Upway for more details.
We’ve made the process super simple. Spend just 2 minutes to complete this form to tell us more about your specific bike. Then, you receive our offer within 48 hours that’s valid for 14 days so you have plenty of time to think it over. We help you prepare your bike for shipping and pick it up, all for free. Lastly, we securely transfer cash to your bank account. Upway isn’t the only retailer that buys used bikes— check out the differences between Buycycle vs Upway for more details.
💸 Do you want to sell your electric bike?
2. Post your e-Bike online to local listings
You can also share your e-Bike to local re-selling sites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace for free. Your neighborhood may even have a specific forum or listserv for posting your 2nd hand ebike for sale. I’ve bought and sold several bicycles in my time and before the convenient, bike-specific platforms came around, Craigslist was my loyal broker during many transactions.
That said, these local classifieds sites can be a mixed bag. On the one hand, you can set your price and receive payment in cash, avoiding any seller’s fees from taking a cut. However, these platforms are open to everyone, and meeting strangers to close the deal can put some sellers off. Many sellers opt to meet in public areas like gas stations. Haggling is the norm so you can expect some low-ball offers and aggressive negotiators while trying to find the right buyer.
That said, these local classifieds sites can be a mixed bag. On the one hand, you can set your price and receive payment in cash, avoiding any seller’s fees from taking a cut. However, these platforms are open to everyone, and meeting strangers to close the deal can put some sellers off. Many sellers opt to meet in public areas like gas stations. Haggling is the norm so you can expect some low-ball offers and aggressive negotiators while trying to find the right buyer.
Before you continue reading, check out our new arrivals for sale:
3. Sell your e-Bike on eBay
eBay is a popular site for cyclists who can find nearly anything from vintage parts to complete bikes on the global platform. Users can easily upload their bike with a few nice photos and a description and it’s immediately available to customers around the world. That said, shipping a bike (especially heavy e-Bikes) is expensive and you probably won’t get an overseas buyer willing to shell out for high shipping costs.
eBay offers excellent visibility for your e-Bike to be viewed across the country and potential buyers expect to see trusted reviews on your profile, something that takes time to build. eBay also takes a small seller’s fee when you complete a sale. In related news, just last week the UK government banned the sale of electric bikes by individuals on eBay over concerns of battery fires. There’s no indication that the same regulation will be adopted in the US.
eBay offers excellent visibility for your e-Bike to be viewed across the country and potential buyers expect to see trusted reviews on your profile, something that takes time to build. eBay also takes a small seller’s fee when you complete a sale. In related news, just last week the UK government banned the sale of electric bikes by individuals on eBay over concerns of battery fires. There’s no indication that the same regulation will be adopted in the US.
Selling Used Bikes 101
- Do conduct some research before posting it. Do some Google-ing to see how similar models are priced online and compare the model year and condition to yours.
- Do give your bike a thorough clean. Not only will your bike look better in photos, but it gives buyers more confidence in you as a seller. Plus, it’s just the right thing to do.
- Don’t skimp on the photos. Post the bike online with as many high-quality photos as possible (good lighting and useful angles). This makes for a better post and avoids people flooding your inbox with requests for more photos.
- Do be honest about the condition of the bike. Be upfront about any scratches or components that need to be replaced. Nobody likes surprises when trying to close a deal.
- Do consider giving the bike a tune-up before you sell it. This can cost a pretty penny at a bike shop but can bump up the selling price and a good-condition bike will attract buyers, making it a worthwhile decision.
How to Sell Your E-Bike to Upway
Buying and selling electric bikes is Upway’s thing. We know the ins and outs of bike valuations, shipping, and payment to make the process as easy as possible.
Acceptance criteria
Upway can only accept electric bikes manufactured after 2014, all models are welcome. It’s also essential that your bike does not show any structural damage such as a cracked frame. The bike must also include the battery, its charger, and any relevant keys (for the battery or frame lock).
Accept an offer
Once you tell us about your e-Bike using this form, we’ll make you an offer. Our offer price is based on the retail value of your bike, its mileage, and market factors such as demand and seasonality for your model. We also consider our own reconditioning costs so that the next owner can enjoy a bike in perfect condition, with a one-year warranty.
Shipping and payment
Shipping costs are on us. We’ll send you a bike box (it’s big) and organize the pick-up. You’ll get paid within five days after shipping the bike.
Why sell with Upway?
- Stress-free selling: Upway ships you a box to pack your bike and takes care of pick up for free. Don’t waste your time negotiating with local buyers and protect yourself from scammers!
- Get $150 off your next bike: When you sell your bike to us, you'll receive a $150 promo code to purchase another bike on Upway. It’s a great way to upgrade to a newer model from top brands like Cannondale and Riese & Müller.
- Trusted by 5,000+ individual sellers: Trust us for a seamless selling experience and secured payment. Our US-based support team is available at every step. You can even set up a video call to ask questions about your bike.
- A second life for your e-Bike: Your bike will be repaired and reused on its way to a new home. Its new owner will be psyched and the planet appreciates a bit of recycling, too.
Key Takeaways
- Sell Your e-Bike with Ease: Upway simplifies the process with free shipping, quick offers, and secure payment, making it a hassle-free option to sell your bike for sale used.
- Explore Other Platforms: Local listings like Craigslist and global ones like eBay offer alternatives, but they may involve negotiating, fees, or shipping challenges.
- Boost Sale Success: Clean your bike, post clear photos, and price it competitively to attract buyers and maximize your earnings.
