New vs. Second-Hand E-Bikes: The Real Cost Difference

Written by: Rémy Rossi | February 26, 2025 | Time to read 7 min

What’s the better deal: a new or used electric bike? I’ll lay it all out for you to help you make the right decision.

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.

Some things are an obvious steal when buying used— others, well… not so much. Cool vintage clothes? Now, that’s a stylishly sweet deal. Second-hand socks? I’d stay away from those if I were you.

But when it comes to bicycles and electric bikes, it’s not always so clear which option is the best idea. Similar to cars, there are large markets for both new e-Bikes and used electric bikes, so you’ll have plenty to choose from no matter which way you decide to go.

But I have a hunch that snagging a 2nd hand e-Bike for sale is increasingly becoming the right decision— and I think this for two reasons:

1. Electric bikes are constantly improving and are getting even more reliable, helping them maintain performance and battery capacity over time. Buying used means you can get an electric bike in great condition at a fraction of the price, and it’ll still be operating at a high level for years to come.

2. E-Bike ridership in the US is growing, meaning there are more bikes out there that may end up on the second-hand market— and that inflated supply leads to better deals for you. Brands and bike shops may have overstock they need to get rid of or individual riders may want to unload their older e-Bike to purchase a newer model, letting you swoop in and grab a good price on a second-hand e-Bike.

In this article, I’ll discuss more about the real cost of buying a new or used electric bike and how to get the best deal when purchasing a pre-owned electric bike.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Brand-new vs. used e-Bikes: what’s the difference?

The battery is super important

How much does a used e-Bike cost?

What to consider when buying a used e-Bike

Red flags when buying used e-Bikes

Key Takeaways

Brand-new vs. used e-Bikes: what’s the difference?

Just like with cars, depreciation happens quickly with bikes, making up most of the cost difference between new and used models. But that big gap in price doesn’t necessarily indicate a difference in quality or condition. Overstock, demo models, and Upway’s never-before-ridden e-Bikes are practically brand new but are available at a fraction of the original MSRP.

Still, there are important reasons you may want to spend a bit more and buy a new electric bike. Brand new electric bikes come with warranties and quality guarantees so you can feel confident everything will work at its best and be covered in case of any issues later on. The bike is yours from the beginning so you’ll know its entire riding and maintenance history.

Used electric bikes cost significantly less and the exact price will depend on the condition of the bike. The lower price reflects the wear and tear on the parts and electrical components— for example, maximum battery capacity naturally decreases over time. The risk here is that there are unseen problems, especially in the drive unit or battery, that aren’t as easy to notice at the time of purchase.

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The battery is super important

Arguably, the single most expensive part of an electric bike is the battery, and battery condition can make or break a deal when buying a used electric bike. If you need to replace the battery on a used e-Bike, it may not be such a great deal as you initially thought.

To get a better idea of the battery’s condition, check the bike’s total mileage. The most accurate metric is the number of charge cycles the battery has gone through— this can be calculated via diagnostic software or by dividing the total mileage by the average range (for a rough estimate). Quality battery manufacturers like Bosch guarantee that batteries will have at least 60% capacity remaining after 500 charge cycles, for example. At Upway, we include the number of charge cycles in the specifications section of each of our electric bikes.

Keep in mind that it’s easier to source new batteries from trusted brands like Bosch, Specialized, and Trek compared to lower-quality or no-name manufacturers. Many cheap electric bikes use proprietary parts that are difficult (or downright impossible) to service or conveniently replace.

How much does a used e-Bike cost?

As the saying goes, prices may vary— but you can expect big savings compared to a brand-new electric bike. Customers can expect savings of around 50% when purchasing on local listings like Facebook Marketplace, but the price may be higher if the bike is in good condition and the seller isn’t in a rush. At Upway, customers can save up to 60% off retail prices and that includes a rigorous inspection, reconditioning process, and one-year warranty.

What to consider when buying a used e-Bike

Brand

Electric bikes from well-known brands maintain value over time but, more importantly, they maintain performance over time. You can’t expect a dirt cheap deal on a bike with a Bosch motor because that motor is worth a higher resale price— and it’s worth it. Quality brands make bikes that are built to last with electronics that can be repaired if there are any issues, ensuring you don’t get stuck with a lemon. Prioritize top brands when hunting for used electric bikes.

Warranty

Buying used often means you waive your right to a product warranty, but that isn’t always the case. For example, Upway certifies all of its electric bikes and includes a one-year warranty so you can rest assured you’re getting a high-quality bike. We check the battery diagnostics and replace the battery if it’s operating at anything less than 80% of its original capacity. Buying directly from a bike shop may come with a similar type of guarantee, but private sales or local listings typically don’t include these extra checks and inspections.

Parts availability and servicing

This point relates back to brand choice and reaffirms that serviceability is key when maintaining a used electric bike in the long run. If you get a used electric bike from a well-known brand, the odds are better that a bike shop near you will be able to source parts and service it when the time comes. Many bike shops won’t even go near models from low-end brands because it's either impossible to get proper parts or simply not worth their time.

Where can I buy an electric bike?

Bike shops, local listings, and used bike marketplaces like Upway can be your ticket to an excellent used e-Bike. Many cyclists like to see the bike in person to check sizing and inspect the condition of the bike up close. Online retailers make it super easy to browse tons of models that may not otherwise be available in your area.

Upway professionally inspects every bike and includes a one-year warranty with each model, including detailed specifications and photos available online. We take the guesswork out of purchasing a second-hand electric bike so you can rest easy that you scored a sweet deal on a new set of wheels!

Red flags when buying used e-Bikes

If not all the parts are there: Make sure the used electric bike has all of its parts, including keys and chargers. These can be expensive to replace and the final price should reflect any missing items.

A deal that’s too good to be true: If you see a price that’s super low, be skeptical and do your research so see what’s the deal. Avoid getting scammed by local listings and purchase a used e-Bike from a trusted seller or online marketplace.

Stolen electric bikes: Do your best to ensure that the electric bike hasn’t been stolen. Ask for proof of purchase or the original receipt. Upway checks all incoming electric bikes against the Project 529 bike registry to ensure we aren’t accepting any stolen e-Bikes.

Key Takeaways

Cost Savings Without Major Trade-Offs: Buying a used e-Bike can save you up to 60% and many second-hand options are still in great condition due to the longevity of modern e-Bikes.
Battery Condition is Crucial: The battery is the most expensive and vital component of an e-Bike. Checking charge cycles and ensuring it's from a reputable brand can help avoid unexpected replacement costs.
Buy from Trusted Sources: Whether purchasing from a bike shop, a marketplace like Upway, or a private seller, prioritize well-known brands, warranty options, and serviceability.

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