Should I Trade In My Used Electric Bike?

Written by: Rémy Rossi | November 4, 2025 Time to read 5 min

Ready to upgrade without the heavy lifting? Trade in your e-Bike, skip the shipping, and roll out on a brand-new ride— same day, same shop.

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.

Rider folding Avneton Sinch folding electric bike
Treat yourself to a new electric bike by trading in your used one! A trade-in makes the upgrade easy, more affordable, and provides in-store service for an even better experience. Upway’s Trade-In Program is available at bike shops all across the US, giving used e-Bikes a second life and money in your pocket. Upway has over 200 partner bike shops in 41 US states, including Washington, D.C. Here’s all you need to know when considering whether to trade in your used electric bike. 

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Upway is your go-to destination for buying and selling e-Bikes online. Find your next e-Bike at up to 60% off retail, available in new or like-new condition.



How do bike trade-in programs work?

Trade-in programs allow riders to exchange their used electric bikes for store credit to purchase a new one. These programs help give used models a second life while making upgrades more affordable for customers. If you want another e-Bike, trading in your current model is a more streamlined way to put that money towards a new one, compared to selling.

Some local bike shops offer this service themselves, but Upway partners with shops across the country to help facilitate the program. Our real-time pricing tool provides an instant quote, and we’ll manage picking up the bike and reconditioning it so it’s ready for a second life. It’s a win for everyone— riders enjoy a hassle-free process, bike shops get more sales, and Upway sources used e-Bikes. 
Momentum PakYak+ electric cargo bike parked on sidewalk

What is Upway’s Trade-In Program?

Skip the hassle of packing and shipping your bike. With Upway’s in-person trade-in program, you can simply bring your used electric bike to one of our partner shops across the U.S. They’ll instantly provide you with Upway’s trade-in quote and take your bike on the spot.

Then, use your trade-in value toward a brand-new e-Bike right there in the shop. It’s a win-win: you enjoy a seamless upgrade experience, and your local retailer gets to keep more riders on the road. Some shops may even offer exclusive discounts on new purchases when you trade in— just ask!

💸  Do you want to sell your electric bike?

Get cash for your old electric bike -> it takes only 2 minutes to complete this form this form

How it works

1. Bring in your used e-Bike: Visit a participating bike shop near you. They’ll use Upway’s real-time valuation tool to quickly generate a trade-in quote for your bike.


2. Trade up instantly: Accept the offer and apply your trade-in credit directly toward the purchase of a new e-Bike from that same shop— no waiting, no shipping, no stress.


3. Give your bike a second life: Your used e-Bike is sent to an UpCenter, where it’s professionally refurbished and prepared for resale—helping more people access affordable electric bikes and supporting a sustainable circular economy.


Upway partners with over 200 bike shops across the country, in nearly every state. At the moment, however, there are no participating stores in Oklahoma, New Mexico, North Dakota, West Virginia, Rhode Island, Mississippi, Kansas, Alaska, or Hawaii. But that may change soon as our network of trade-in partners continues to grow! 

Benefits of trading in your electric bike

  • Gives your used e-Bike a second life
  • Makes upgrading to a new e-Bike more affordable
  • No need to post on local listings or ship your bike
  • In-person service at the partner bike shop
  • Support your local bike shop when you buy your new e-Bike

Close up of belt drive and rear hub motor of Tenways electric city bike


Selling vs. trading in a used E-Bike: which is best?

When it’s time to upgrade, you’ve got two easy ways to give your e-Bike a second life with Upway.


Option 1: Sell directly to Upway— all online.

Get an instant quote for your e-Bike in just a few clicks. We’ll handle everything from pickup to shipping—at no cost to you. Once the sale is complete, you’ll receive an extra $150 promo code to put toward your next ride on Upway, whether you’re eyeing a commuter e-Bike or a rugged e-MTB


Selling is a great option if you want the value of your used e-Bike, but may not want to buy a new bike right away, or prefer Upway’s extensive catalog to the options at your local bike shop.


Option 2: Trade in at a partner bike shop— in person.

Prefer a face-to-face experience? Bring your bike to one of our 150+ partner shops across the U.S. They’ll use Upway’s real-time pricing tool to give you the same quote you’d get online. You can then apply that trade-in value directly toward a new e-Bike at that shop. Depending on the retailer, you might also score exclusive perks—like 10% off a full-price bike or bonus in-store credit.


Whether you choose the convenience of selling online or the personal touch of trading in locally, the value of your e-Bike stays the same. It’s all about what kind of experience you prefer. Trading in is the best choice if you know you want a new e-Bike from that shop and prefer the simpler process with no box or shipping needed. 


Upgrade your used e-Bike to a new Rad Power Bikes model from Upway!


Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get cash or store credit?

When trading in your electric bike at one of our partner bike shops, you’ll receive in-store credit that goes toward the purchase of a new e-Bike at the shop. You can sell your used e-Bike directly to Upway online to receive cash and a $150 credit to buy an e-Bike on Upway.co.

What are Upway's acceptance criteria?

We only accept certain brands with certified Lithium-Ion batteries for both quality and safety reasons. Your bike must not show any structural damage (e.g., cracked frame). You must have the battery, its charger, and any keys (battery or frame lock) in your possession.

How are prices determined?

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 factor in our own reconditioning costs so that the future owner can enjoy a bike in perfect condition, with a one-year warranty.

Key Takeaways


  1. Two simple upgrade paths: Sell your e-Bike to Upway online or trade it in at one of 200+ partner shops nationwide.
  2. Same fair value either way: Whether you sell or trade in, your quote stays consistent—no surprises, no hidden fees.
  3. Extra perks for every option: Earn a $150 promo code when selling to Upway, or score in-store discounts when trading locally.




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