The process is simple and is designed to get cash for your e-bike quickly. You will first fill out all the required information about your e-bike, including details and photos, to help our experts get a complete picture. Our experts will then review your details within 12 hours, validate the bike model, and confirm your offer. Once the offer is confirmed, you just have to schedule your free pick-up and prepare your bike for shipping. After we receive and inspect your bike, we trigger payment right away. You'll receive your funds within 3 to 5 business days.
What Happens to Your Old E-Bike When You Sell It to Upway
Written by: Rémy Rossi | November 28, 2025 | Time to read 6 min
Your old e-Bike doesn’t retire— it reincarnates. At Upway, every pre-loved ride is reborn through expert care, ready to roll into its next adventure.
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.
Upway gives your used electric bike a new lease on life, getting it ready for its new owner and many more miles ahead. But reincarnation doesn’t happen in an instant— Upway’s rigorous inspection and certification process ensures every pre-owned e-Bike is serviced to the highest standards.
Before your old electric goes to two-wheeled heaven, sell it to Upway, and it’ll reach nirvana! Extend your electric bike’s full potential while receiving cash (and karma). Here’s exactly what happens to your e-Bike when you sell it to Upway.
Before your old electric goes to two-wheeled heaven, sell it to Upway, and it’ll reach nirvana! Extend your electric bike’s full potential while receiving cash (and karma). Here’s exactly what happens to your e-Bike when you sell it to Upway.
👋 Do you know Upway?
Upway is the leading online destination for buying and selling e-Bikes. Discover your next e-Bike at up to 60% off retail, available in new or like-new condition (used electric bike).
Table of Contents
How Upway’s refurbishment process works
Step 1: We pick up your e-Bike
Once you accept Upway’s offer for your electric bike, we’ll send you a bike box. You’ll package the bike for shipping, and we’ll come to pick up the bike. There's an initial $50 deposit for this shipping option, which will be refunded when the bike arrives at our UpCenter.
Step 2: E-Bike arrives at the UpCenter
Within a couple of days, your electric bike will arrive at one of Upway’s two UpCenters in the US: New York City or Los Angeles. Our operations team will process the bike and notify you that it has arrived, approving your payment and refunding the bike box deposit.
💸 Want to sell your electric bike?
- In case you didn't know yet, you can sell your e-Bike to Upway and get your cash in 3 simple steps.
- Want an estimation -> It takes only 3 steps to complete this form.
Step 3: Inspection & certification process
The electric bike now makes its way to the repair stands and work benches of Upway’s master mechanics for a closer look. Many e-Bikes that arrive at the UpCenter are already in excellent condition, but each model must pass our rigorous 50-point inspection process.
Mechanics check brake and shifting performance, electronics, bearing systems, and much more to determine if any repairs or replacement parts are required. Upway does not accept e-Bikes with malfunctioning electronics or structural damage. The most common repairs involve replacing worn-out parts such as cassettes, brake pads, tires, and chains.
Mechanics check brake and shifting performance, electronics, bearing systems, and much more to determine if any repairs or replacement parts are required. Upway does not accept e-Bikes with malfunctioning electronics or structural damage. The most common repairs involve replacing worn-out parts such as cassettes, brake pads, tires, and chains.
Step 4: Test ride
After completing the thorough reconditioning process, we’ll take the electric bike for a test ride to see how it performs in real-world conditions. A senior mechanic will conduct a final quality check to ensure the bike meets our high standards and is in like-new condition.
Step 5: Wash & clean the electric bike
A clean bike is a happy bike, so we’ll send the electric bike to Upway’s dedicated washing station for a wash. We use bike-specific cleaning products to return the bike to its original shine, removing any debris or grime that can lead to faster wear and tear.
Step 6: Professional photoshoot
With the electric bike looking its absolute best, we take high-quality images in our professional photography studio. Each model in our online catalog is listed with several photos from different angles. We also include close-up images of unique parts or any cosmetic blemishes, such as frame scratches, for full transparency.
Step 7: List the e-Bike for sale online
The e-Bike is now posted to Upway’s website. We include all model specifications, including a mechanic’s note and any repairs we made during the refurbishment process. Each model listing includes important information about total mileage, charge cycles, and the previous owner. At this point, the electric bike is stored on the main floor of the UpCenter with an Upway tote bag that holds its charger and any other e-Bike accessories.
Step 8: Ship the e-Bike to its new owner
The last step before the electric bike meets its new owner is shipping it out to them. Upway models ship from the UpCenter they are located at and can be shipped partially assembled or fully assembled. We work closely with our shipping and freight partners to facilitate a smooth shipping and delivery for all customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I sell my e-bike online with Upway?
What happens once I ship my bike?
Once you ship your bike, you can easily follow its journey on our status page. You will be able to follow each major milestone:
- We receive your bike at our facility.
- The inspection is complete, you can view the detailed inspection report.
- Your payment has been sent.
How does payment work?
After your bike passes inspection, you’ll receive an email from J.P. Morgan to accept your payment. You can choose bank transfer, Venmo, PayPal, or Zelle. If you don’t act within 30 days, we’ll mail you a check.
Key Takeaways
- Upway performs a rigorous 50-point inspection and expert refurbishment to ensure every certified e-Bike is safe, reliable, and like-new.
- The process includes professional cleaning, a real-world test ride, and detailed photography for full transparency.
- Once certified, the bike is listed with complete specs and shipped smoothly to its next owner—maximizing its lifespan and your return.
