Absolutely— buying a used electric bike is a great way to save big bucks on your dream model. Pre-owned bike specialists like Upway professionally inspect, repair, and replace the necessary parts on each bike so it performs just as intended. Affordable prices and high-quality e-Bikes are a win-win!
Upway vs. eBay and Facebook Marketplace: Where to Buy?
Written by: Rémy Rossi | November 17, 2024 | Time to read 5 min
If you’ve caught the bike bug and are itching to purchase an e-Bike, you’re only a quick online search away from finding your dream two-wheeler. But what’s the best used bike marketplace? I’ll explain the differences between eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Upway.
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.
These days, you’re never more than a few clicks away from being able to post a used bike online or purchase a new set of wheels, and that’s great news for cyclists. However, the user experience and types of products available can vary significantly depending on which platform you go for. The most significant split is between used bike marketplaces, such as eBay and Facebook Marketplace, and certified pre-owned retailers like Upway.
Used Bike vs. Certified Pre-Owned Marketplaces
You’ve likely already browsed eBay and Facebook Marketplace before, and when deciding to buy or sell a used bike, you can easily use these sites too. Their huge selection of bike products and diversity of users means there are often good deals to be had. However, the main drawback to these marketplaces is the lack of quality control checks.
The Upway Difference
Certified pre-owned bicycle retailers like Upway rigorously inspect and refurbish the bikes they sell to ensure the highest quality. With expertly curated collections and a one-year warranty, it’s easy to shop for your new bike with confidence at Upway.
The added benefit of quality assurance will come at a cost and buyers can expect to pay slightly more for a certified used electric bike. The same can be true for sellers who may get lower offers than direct marketplaces. When it comes to electric bikes, the guarantee that everything works as it should is well worth it.
eBay vs. Facebook Marketplace
Public second-hand marketplaces can seem a bit like the Wild West for the uninitiated. Personally, I’m a fan of the undisciplined deal-hunting landscape of places like Craigslist but, as with any peer-to-peer selling site, there’s a risk for scams or disappointing buying experiences.
If you’ve got a good nose for second-hand selling, you can sniff out the “vibe” of individual sellers or postings pretty quickly. For those without such an acute sense of bargain-smelling, a brief guide like this one helps lay out the differences between some of the most popular used bike sites: eBay and Facebook Marketplace.
eBay: Huge Online Store
I used to be an eBay junkie as a kid, which is odd considering I had no money of my own to spend, but I loved diving into the endless listings of virtually infinite items. There are tons of bicycle products on eBay from all over the US and the world and there’s a robust seller rating system to discourage any online scamming.
eBay takes a cut from the seller’s profits, and shipping an entire bike can be prohibitively expensive. That said, many bikes continue to be bought and sold on eBay. eBay’s huge range of listings can be good for hunting vintage bikes or very specific models.
Facebook Marketplace: Local Listings
Facebook Marketplace leverages its social network to facilitate local transactions around where you live. Sellers can post their 2nd hand e-Bike for sale and respond to messages from potential buyers looking to negotiate or close a deal. Since buyers and sellers are nearby, there’s no need for shipping.
In my experience, quality varies when it comes to used bikes posted on Facebook Marketplace. It’s a smart option for serious local sellers who don’t want to deal with shipping, but lower quality or even stolen bikes can easily pop up on the platform. The ability to test ride is a huge benefit for buyers using Facebook Marketplace to find a bike.
Cash payments and in-person transactions can reduce the possibility of sellers getting scammed, but there’s no buyer protection on Facebook Marketplace. It’s always best to meet in a public place when making a transaction with a stranger.
💸 Do you want to sell your electric bike?
Upway: Pre-Owned and Refurbished E-Bikes
Upway specializes in certified new and pre-owned electric bikes so you can buy and sell with confidence. Our rigorous inspections and professional repairs take the guesswork out of your search for a second-life bike, completely removing the risk of getting stuck with a lemon or falling into fraud. Upway and other pre-owned bike businesses like Buycycle come with quality assurances that can’t be offered by eBay or Facebook Marketplace.
We are a one-stop shop where riders can sell their used e-Bike to us or purchase an electric bike from our extensive catalog. Each bike is inspected and refurbished by our team of expert mechanics, along with a 14-day return period and a 1-year warranty for complete peace of mind. Upway helps riders get in the saddle without overpaying for a high-quality electric bike or feeling uncertain about purchasing a pre-owned bike on classified websites. Browse high-quality models from top brands like Aventon, Cannondale, Specialized, and more!
But what's the best deal on a high-end electric bike? Compare these popular used bike platforms below:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is buying a used e-Bike worth it?
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.
How to avoid buying a stolen bike?
Stolen bikes can be easily posted to classified sites like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or eBay. To avoid buying a stolen bike, cross-reference the bike’s serial number with national bike registries such as Project 529 or BikeIndex to find out if the bike was reported stolen.
Final Thoughts: What's the best deal on a high-end electric bike?
For riders planning to purchase a higher-end e-Bike, Upway is the right choice because of its additional quality assurances. Premium electric bikes are an investment and professionally inspected bikes will last much longer. Although the cost may be slightly higher than other platforms, the peace of mind that your high-end bike will be operating at its absolute best is well worth it.
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