For many people and daily commuters, e-Bikes can be an effective replacement for cars. Many commutes by car or other forms of transport are short enough to be comfortably substituted by riding an e-Bike. There are also cargo e-Bikes to carry passengers or haul heavy items but, of course, some car trips may not be appropriate to take via an e-Bike.
What to Expect When Selling an E-Bike: Depreciation, Condition & Market Trends
Written by: Rémy Rossi | November 17, 2025 | Time to read 5 min
Looking to sell? Learn what your e-Bike is really worth, how depreciation works, and where to sell it for the best deal.
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.
We all want top dollar when we sell a used e-Bike, but what price can we realistically expect? Electric bikes depreciate differently from standard bicycles, and where you sell your bike or trade it in can affect the final price. Over 700 bike shops across the US are registered to use Upway's trade-in tool and real-time pricing algorithm. Continue reading to find out what to expect when selling your well-loved electric bike.
👋 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).
Key considerations when selling an e-Bike
- Depreciation: E-Bikes drop in value significantly after the first year, and then around 10-20% per year after that.
- Battery health: Unique to electric bikes, the battery condition has a large impact on the bike’s value.
- Condition: Fewer miles and better condition help you reach a higher selling price. Be honest about any issues, damage, or scratches.
- Where to sell: Peer-to-peer sales can fetch a higher price, but may require much more time and effort than selling to retailers like Upway.
How fast do electric bikes depreciate?
Like most products, electric bikes lose value as time passes. The steepest decline occurs immediately after purchase, with first-year depreciation typically ranging from 30% to 50%. After that initial hit, values tend to drop by roughly 10–20% per year. Premium e-Bikes generally retain their worth better than budget-friendly models with lower-grade components.
💸 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.
How does an e-Bike’s condition affect its selling price?
The better the condition, the higher the selling price. But unless you’re selling a new electric bike, most buyers understand bikes are well-used machines and won’t expect brand-spanking-new condition. That said, it may be worth giving the used bike a tune-up, cleaning, and small replacement parts to get it ready for sale. A clean chain and frame, and properly functioning brakes and shifters, can go a long way for resale value.
Do not sell the bike if there is any critical damage to the frame, like a crack or undisclosed issues that pose a safety risk. An electric bike with fewer miles on it will have a motor and battery in better condition than those with thousands of miles.
Do not sell the bike if there is any critical damage to the frame, like a crack or undisclosed issues that pose a safety risk. An electric bike with fewer miles on it will have a motor and battery in better condition than those with thousands of miles.
Private sales and local listings: pros & cons
Naming your price and negotiating on private sales or local listings— like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist— can fetch you top dollar, but involve more work. The peer-to-peer sale means there are no added factors to consider, like a profit margin or reconditioning costs, to lower the final price. And cash payments are even better. As a seller, you can take your time waiting for an offer you like and are willing to accept.
However, selling your e-Bike this way can take more time and effort. Batting away low-ball offers, meet-ups, no-shows, and lengthy negotiations can sour the deal, even if you sell the bike for a high price.
However, selling your e-Bike this way can take more time and effort. Batting away low-ball offers, meet-ups, no-shows, and lengthy negotiations can sour the deal, even if you sell the bike for a high price.
Is selling my e-Bike to Upway worth it?
Upway makes selling your used electric bike a total breeze. Tell us about your bike and receive an instant quote— you can take up to two weeks to consider the offer. We’ll take care of the shipping costs and send you a bike box so you barely have to lift a finger. Upon receiving the electric bike at our UpCenter, we’ll process your payment quickly and even send over a $150 discount code for your next purchase on Upway.
Upway offers a competitive quote, but you may notice that it’s lower than what you could sell the e-Bike for during a private sale. That’s because of the additional costs and work we put into the bike before reselling it. We need to pay for shipping such a large and heavy item and have the bike pass through our 50-step inspection and certification process. The fair offer may be lower than you expect, but the convenience and speed of selling your bike to Upway can be a huge benefit. At Upway, rest assured that we’ll give your electric bike the love it deserves and find it a great new home!
Tips when selling your electric bike
- Know Your Market: Look up comparable e-Bike listings to get a realistic idea of what yours is worth before setting a price.
- Be Transparent: Clearly mention any wear, scratches, or mechanical issues, and share high-quality photos— honesty helps earn buyer confidence.
- Pick the Best-Selling Channel: Consider trusted e-Bike marketplaces such as Upway, which streamline the selling process and often offer fair, hassle-free deals.
Shop Upway’s best-selling Gazelle e-Bikes!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an e-Bike replace a car?
Where does Upway get its electric bikes?
Upway sources its high-quality electric bikes from manufacturers, local bike shops, and individuals selling used e-Bikes. We receive overstock directly from bike brands and shops, and we also buy pre-owned e-Bikes from cyclists like you. These sourcing strategies are a win-win for Upway and our partners, helping you get the absolute best deal on electric bikes from the top brands.
How much do electric bikes cost?
A good-quality electric bike usually costs between $2,000 and $4,000 at retail, though premium models can run much higher. At Upway, you can find both new and pre-owned e-Bikes from leading brands—often at discounts of up to 60%!
Key Takeaways
- Depreciation Demystified: Expect the biggest value drop in the first year, then 10–20% annually.
- Battery = Big Factor: A healthy battery can make or break your resale value.
- Smart Selling: Be honest, research your price, and consider trusted platforms like Upway for a simple, fair sale.
