Questions To Ask Before Buying A Certified E-Bike: How Upway Answers Them

Written by: Rémy Rossi | November 2, 2025 Time to read 5 min

Ask the right questions now, thank your battery (and wallet) later. Here’s how Upway makes it easy.

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.

Woman standing next to Tenway electric city bike

As Tupac said, “Trust nobody”. Alright, you can trust most e-Bike sellers— especially certified platforms like Upway— but it’s a good idea to ask appropriate questions before purchasing. Four out of ten Upway buyers have questions about battery age and warranty before they purchase. Here’s a look at the most important questions to ask or keep in mind when hunting for your dream electric bike. 


Ask the right questions before buying a used e-Bike

Enrich your search by seeking out as much information as possible about an electric bike. Beyond getting answers to your inquiries, these responses can help you gain trust, information, and peace of mind during the buying process. And if there’s something you don’t like, you can change course.

Certified pre-owned e-Bike retailers like Upway have done the hard work for you, sourcing, inspecting, and preparing quality bikes for a second life. There’s already way more peace of mind than local listings like Facebook Marketplace, where products don’t come with a guarantee or warranty. Still, Upway encourages customers to conduct a thorough search and ask any questions they may have.

Best questions to ask before buying a pre-owned e-Bike:

  • Where did the bike come from?
  • Who was the bike’s previous owner?
  • How old is the battery?
  • Have any parts on the bike been replaced?
  • Does the e-Bike come with a warranty?

Riese Múller electric bike


These queries may simply be things you should ask yourself or keep in mind during your search. When you’re browsing e-Bikes from the most trusted retailers, the answers are likely already provided. And it’s worth a look to know the exact condition of the bike and double-check its specifications and history. Of course, if you have any additional questions or want to speak to a real person, Upway is happy to help— call, chat, email, or set up a video meeting!

1. Where did the bike come from?

Ask about the origin of the bike— did it come directly from a brand, bike shop, or individual? Certified e-Bike platforms like Upway source their bikes from different channels. Upway includes this information in the model listing. Knowing the answer to this question also helps avoid buying a stolen bike in private transactions. 

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2. Who was the bike’s previous owner?

The electric bike is used, but by whom? The exact specifics or identity aren’t so important, but a traceable chain of ownership helps create trust in the transaction. Bikes are typically in great condition if they come directly from the manufacturer or a professional bike shop. Individuals may have proof of purchase from when they originally purchased the bike, so you can determine who owned it before it reaches you. If a seller gives you the runaround on this one, something’s probably up. 

Close up image of handlebar of electric bike


3. How old is the battery?

One of the most important aspects of a pre-owned electric bike is the health and condition of the battery. Batteries are expensive to replace and gradually decrease in performance over time, meaning they can make or break the deal. Find out how old the battery is, as well as the number of charge cycles and miles ridden. Batteries typically last between 500-1,000 charge cycles with minimal reduction in range, and can last for several years. Premium batteries from Bosch, Giant, and other top brands can last even longer. 


4. Have any parts on the bike been replaced?

Inquire about any upgrades, repairs, or replacement parts on the electric bike. This may add to the value of the bike or be something to consider if there have been previous issues. In most cases, however, fresh parts are appreciated and help return the bike to like-new condition. All Upway e-Bikes pass through a rigorous 50-point inspection, and our team lists any repairs made or replaced parts, including a mechanic’s note for additional information. 

The most common repairs at the UpCenter include:

  • Cassette replacement
  • Chain replacement
  • Brake bleeding
  • Brake pad replacement
  • Disc rotor truing
  • Wheel truing
  • Tire replacement
  • Controller replacement
  • Lock core and key replacement
  • Dropper post repair

Rider on Gazelle ebike


5. Does the e-Bike come with a warranty?

One of the first questions Upway customers ask is about the e-Bike warranty. It makes sense— having warranty coverage builds confidence and shields you from surprise repair costs if something goes wrong. Every Upway e-Bike is protected by a one-year warranty, reflecting our commitment to quality and reliability. Unlike private sellers, who typically offer no warranty, some other refurbished e-Bikes might include only limited protection.

Browse Upway’s collection of long-range e-Bikes!

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. 

What is the lifespan of an electric bike?

Electric bikes that are well taken care of can last for several years, even upwards of 10 years in the best circumstances. The battery will likely have to be replaced after a few years as batteries gradually lose performance over time. The longevity of high-quality e-Bikes and Upway’s professional refurbishing process mean you can enjoy your new electric bike for many years to come.

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. Battery age matters: Know the charge cycles, range, and lifespan before you buy.
  2. Trust certified: Upway’s 50-point inspection and one-year warranty give peace of mind.
  3. Transparency wins: From origin to ownership, Upway answers the questions private sellers can’t.




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