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 Questions Should I Ask a Seller Before Purchasing a Refurbished E-Bike?
Written by: Rémy Rossi | Sept 16, 2025 | Time to read 5 min
If you see something (weird, cool, or too-good-to-be-true), say something. Ask these important questions before purchasing a refurbished e-Bike.
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.
The art of the deal. Hunting for the best price, negotiating, and asking the important questions can move you closer to closing the deal. Upway sells pre-owned e-Bikes at competitive prices and includes comprehensive information on each model so you can spend more time browsing and less time wondering. Still, it’s a good idea to inform yourself about the electric bike as much as possible. For example, 39% of Upway buyers ask about battery age and warranty coverage first. Continue reading to learn about which questions you should ask a seller before buying a refurbished e-Bike.
Best questions to ask before buying a pre-owned e-Bike
If you know what you’re looking at, photos and listed specifications can tell you a lot about a bike. But for those who may not have as much experience with electric bikes or buying used or refurbished models, asking questions is the key to getting additional helpful information.
1. Inspect and ask about the bike’s condition
Take a good look at the photos provided by the seller— most online bike sellers should include around 8-12 quality photos— as well as the listed specifications. Compare them to ensure that they match up, and inspect them for signs of wear or damage. Professionally refurbished bikes should be clean and have quality parts that will last a long time, even if they are slightly used. Frame scratches or paint imperfections are common but won’t affect performance or safety. If it looks like it could be a crack or significant dent, ask the seller.
Don’t be afraid to inquire about the bike’s condition, including its last tune-up. Upway customers don’t have to worry about this since each e-Bike is professionally inspected and certified at our UpCenters by our master mechanics— we even include a full inspection report detailing the parts that were inspected and replaced.
Don’t be afraid to inquire about the bike’s condition, including its last tune-up. Upway customers don’t have to worry about this since each e-Bike is professionally inspected and certified at our UpCenters by our master mechanics— we even include a full inspection report detailing the parts that were inspected and replaced.
💸 Do you want to sell your electric bike?
2. Battery health and capacity
The battery is arguably the most crucial variable when buying a used e-Bike. Buying a bike with an old battery that has lost a majority of its performance can leave you on the hook for replacing it, costing up to 50% of the price of the entire bike. And it’s impossible to know the health and capacity of the battery just by looking at it, so it’s important to ask questions if information isn’t listed.
How many times has the battery gone through full charge and discharge cycles?
The number of charge cycles indicates the overall health of the battery. Batteries gradually lose performance and capacity over time, so knowing this number can tell you if the battery has been heavily used throughout its life or still has plenty of juice for years to come. Upway lists the number of charge cycles on each of its e-Bikes.
What percentage of the battery’s original capacity is still available?
Some models can show metrics like this in their displays or apps, but typically, it requires some diagnostic testing. At Upway, we test every battery and replace any that test below 80% of their original capacity with a new battery pack. Many Bosch e-Bikes can be taken to a Bosch-certified dealer to receive a diagnostic report of the bike and its power pack.
What is the specific model of the battery?
Find out the exact model of battery used by the electric bike. This will help you get an idea of how much the battery is worth and how much it may cost to replace it, if necessary. I recommend e-Bikes powered by widely available batteries from the likes of Bosch, Shimano, or Specialized, which are easier to service and replace.
3. Who was the previous owner?
Inquire about where the electric bike came from. Is the seller the original owner? Or if you’re buying from a pre-owned e-Bike retailer like Upway, where did they source the model from? Marketplaces like Upway, Buycycle, and The Pro’s Closet source bikes from different channels, including manufacturers, bike shops, and individuals. Knowing this piece of information adds peace of mind and ensures that the bike wasn’t stolen. On more casual local listings, if the price is way too low or the deal seems sketchy, the bike may be stolen, so avoid it.
4. Does the bike have a warranty?
Many Upway customers ask about the e-Bike’s warranty first thing. Refurbished electric bikes that are covered by a warranty inspire much more buyer confidence, protecting you from unexpected repair costs from any electrical or mechanical malfunction. Upway stands behind the quality and reliability of our fleet with a one-year warranty on each e-Bike. Privately sold electric bikes often do not include a warranty, while certain professionally refurbished e-Bikes may include a limited warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Upway offer a warranty?
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
- Battery First: Always ask about battery charge cycles, capacity, and replacement options.
- Ask About Warranty Options: Confirm warranty coverage for peace of mind and protection.
- Condition Matters: Check bike condition, photos, and ownership history to avoid surprises.
