Is a 1-Year Warranty Standard For Certified Pre-Owned E-Bikes?


Written by: Rémy Rossi | September 4, 2025 Time to read 4 min

Most used e-Bikes lose their warranty the moment they’re resold— Upway changes the game by giving every rider a fresh 1-year guarantee.

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.

Bosch electric bike motor cover

Warranties are par for the course with brand-new electric bikes, while used models are often excluded from product guarantees and coverage. Private sales and local listings typically can’t provide a warranty, but select pre-owned retailers offer warranties for additional peace of mind. Upway, for example, includes a 12-month warranty on every refurbished e-Bike. Find out more about the warranties and return periods of the most popular electric bike retailers.


Are pre-owned electric bikes covered by a warranty?

The original manufacturer’s warranty of an e-Bike doesn’t typically carry over when the bike changes hands. The resale of a used e-Bike and intensive reconditioning work can void the warranty, and odds are that the warranty has already expired if the bike is several years old. 

But buying a pre-owned electric bike from a trusted retailer can come with extra protections and a new warranty provided by the reseller. Upway thoroughly inspects and certifies each e-Bike, and every Upway refurbished e-Bike includes a 12-month warranty that covers the motor, frame, and battery performance. This means you can purchase a secondhand e-Bike with confidence!

Upway wash station with Riese Muller electric bike


Pre-owned e-Bike warranties vary among retailers

Not all warranties or return policies are the same. The most popular pre-owned bike marketplaces— Buycycle, The Pro’s Closet, and Upway— offer different benefits when you buy. 

  • Buycycle: 12-month warranty only on bikes sold by commercial sellers
  • The Pro’s Closet: No warranty on pre-owned bikes
  • Upway: 12-month warranty on all new and pre-owned electric bikes


Buycycle warranty & return policy

Buycycle only provides a warranty on bikes sold by commercial sellers on its marketplaces, such as manufacturers and professional bike shops. New bikes come with a legal warranty of 2 years, while used bikes and used e-Bikes have a 12-month warranty. Bikes sold by commercial sellers are subject to a 14-day right of return policy. 

Buyers can find these pre-owned models in the Refurbished section of the site. Private sales on Buycycle— a majority of the transactions— don’t come with a warranty, but there’s a 48-hour buyer protection window to file a claim for issues like damage or an incorrect listing.

Specialized Levo electric bike


The Pro’s Closet warranty & return policy

The Pro's Closet (TPC) doesn’t include a warranty on pre-owned products. TPC offers Guaranteed Buyback on certain high-value new and certified pre-owned models, meaning they guarantee to buy back your bike up to 18 months after your purchase. TPC does have a 30-day return policy on most purchases for a cash refund or store credit


Upway warranty & return policy

Upway logo in UpCenter with electric bike inventory


Upway is the only pre-owned e-Bike retailer to offer a 1-year warranty on all of its products, including a 14-day return period. Upway stands behind its products and goes above and beyond to ensure your ride is in excellent condition after the 50-point inspection and rigorous reconditioning process.



How to tell if a used e-Bike is reliable

Buying a used e-Bike can feel risky, but there are clear signs that help determine reliability before purchase. A trustworthy pre-owned e-Bike should come from a reputable seller, be in good condition, and have a healthy battery with at least 80% of its original capacity. Prioritize models from well-known brands like Specialized, Cannondale, and more, with information about the previous owner, detailed photos, and specifications.

Certification is one of the most important factors—similar to certified pre-owned cars—ensuring the bike has been professionally inspected and reconditioned. Upway goes further by performing a rigorous 50-point inspection covering the motor, brakes, drivetrain, wheels, and battery performance, replacing or refurbishing parts as needed, and backing every model with a one-year warranty.


Frequently Asked Questions

Does Upway offer a warranty?

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. 

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 Takeaways


  1. A 1-year warranty is not standard across the used e-Bike industry.
  2. Buycycle offers limited coverage, while The Pro’s Closet provides none.
  3. Upway is the only retailer guaranteeing a full 12-month warranty on all refurbished e-Bikes.

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