What Should I Look For When Buying a Refurbished E-Bike Online in the US?
Written by: Rémy Rossi | October 1, 2025 | Time to read 4 min
Not all refurbished e-Bikes are created equal— some are hidden gems, others are costly mistakes. The trick? Knowing the signs before you buy.
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.
Buying a refurbished electric bike can score you a sweet deal, but not every used e-Bike is a winner. Shop from e-Bike retailers like Upway that inspect and certify pre-owned models to ensure you’re getting a top-quality ride. Less than 1% of bikes don’t pass Upway’s quality checks, so you can pick from the best e-Bikes that have made the cut. Here’s what to consider when buying a refurbished e-Bike online.
How can I tell that a used e-Bike is worth it?
For ultimate assurance, choose an e-Bike that has been thoroughly inspected and certified by professional mechanics. Retailers like Upway and The Pro’s Closet pass their e-Bikes through a rigorous reconditioning process to make any required repairs and bring the bike to like-new condition, including a warranty and no-risk return period.
💸 Do you want to sell your electric bike?
Where can I buy a certified, pre-owned e-Bike online?
Upway specializes in reconditioned electric bikes and has the largest selection across all e-Bike types, offering a 1-year warranty and 14-day return period on all models. Upway sources top-quality models from the best brands that are in great condition.
Online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or local listings like Craigslist do not inspect or certify electric bikes, leaving buyers at risk. Prices may be lower, but there are fewer quality assurances and no refurbishment process to ensure that the pre-owned e-Bike is in good condition.
Green flags when buying a used e-Bike
- Low mileage: Less wear means better condition, but high mileage is fine if well maintained.
- Healthy battery: Check the number of charge cycles (500–1,000+ is good) and aim for a battery capacity of 80% or higher.
- Quality brand: Stick with trusted names (Trek, Gazelle, Riese & Müller, etc.).
- Ownership history: Ask for proof of purchase or receipts. Upway states whether the bike was sourced directly from the brand, from a bike shop, or an individual seller.
- Certified inspection: Prioritize bikes reconditioned with full inspection reports.
- Warranty: Look for at least some coverage (e.g., 1-year from Upway)
What should I avoid when buying a used e-Bike?
There are some red flags to watch out for when buying a used e-Bike online:
- Neglect or damage: Rusty chain, worn tires, weak brakes, frame cracks, or crash signs.
- Old battery: High mileage, reduced range, or missing original charger.
- Stolen bike risk: No receipt/ownership proof, suspiciously low price; always check the serial number.
- High repair costs: Too many fixes needed can outweigh the deal.
Key Takeaways
- Shop from e-Bike retailers like Upway that inspect and certify pre-owned models to ensure you’re getting a top-quality ride.
- Green flags: Low mileage, strong battery, trusted brands, certified inspection, and warranty.
- Red flags: Neglected components, frame damage, weak or missing battery/charger, no ownership proof, or costly repairs.
