Where to buy an electric bike?

The electric bike is the ideal compromise for sustainable, eco-friendly, and healthy mobility.

With constant progress being made in weight reduction and increasing range, the popularity of electric-assisted bicycles continues to grow. The global pandemic and growing awareness of environmental issues have also contributed to this phenomenon, so it can be hard to find an electric bike these days!

So, where can you buy your electric bike with confidence?

On the internet? At an electric bike manufacturer? In a sports store? Or are you more interested in a refurbished or a second-hand bike? Many options are available to you! But with so much information and offers, it can be difficult to find your way, especially if you are a newcomer on the scene. Let's take a look! 

To ensure you get a bike that will stand the test of time and not break down after two weeks, don't take chances with an unknown brand. Of course, that's easier said than done! If you're new to cycling, all the brands will probably be unfamiliar to you, but you can quickly learn the name of a trusted brand by googling it, checking review sites like TrustPilot, checking the brand's history, and looking to see if it's recommended in buying guides. 

If you buy online, stick to reputable retailers and avoid crowdfunding sites, especially if you're new to cycling. 

Another step toward buying an electric bike is to arm yourself with knowledge about the options you need and where to buy one. The more you know where to look, the faster you will find the one you need. 

On the web, you will find hundreds of offers and dozens of sites that specialize in selling electric bikes. This may seem like a good thing at first, but in reality, the abundance of choices can become a minefield and quickly lead to making the wrong choice. 

Without the advice of a knowledgeable salesperson, you may be tempted to buy a bike that doesn't fit your needs. With the often high price tag associated with electric bikes, you may take the first tempting offer and end up with an unsuitable bike. But remember, spending half as much money is not double the value if you never use it. 

We recommend you stick to mainstream websites that have a good reputation they want to maintain. They will only sell quality products that comply with local laws and safety standards. 

Many "electric bike scams" have emerged recently. We recommend you pay attention to the legal notices of the websites you are considering buying from. The absence of a "legal notice" page or incomplete information about the site's publisher is usually a very bad sign, so pass.

Where can I buy electric bikes online? We've put together a selection of classic retailers that stock electric bikes: Amazon, Bol, BikeRepublic, Raida, Cowboy, or even Decathlon, and, of course, Upway!

• A large choice of references for shopping. 
• Home delivery. 
• Occasional in-store delivery, depending on the retailer. 

• You can't try your bike before you buy it. 
• You have to assemble it yourself. 
• Lots of choices and not enough advice. 

Things to check: 

• Value for money: even the best electric bikes can vary considerably in price. Lightweight bikes are often (much) more expensive. 
• Engine efficiency: the power, efficiency and smoothness level of the engines. 
• Battery efficiency: range, power and charging speed. 
• Overall performance: What is the riding experience like? How does the bike react on climbs and descents? 

A recent case has caused a stir on the web with the discovery of a very real e-shop but whose offers were totally fictitious. The crooks behind this site pocketed the money without delivering anything to the customers. These examples remain, fortunately, isolated but it proves once again that it is necessary to be vigilant when an offer is too tempting.

Much cheaper, but a potential minefield if you are new to cycling. The list of sites for buying used goods online is extensive, from popular sites like eBay, Facebook Marketplace and Le Bon Coin to lesser-known sites specializing in cycling, such as Troc Vélo. 

However, buying a used bike from a private individual comes with an increased risk. If you choose to go this route, it is important that you know how to choose the best value lectric bike. If you know what you're looking for, this market is a good way to get a deal, but if you don't, it can quickly lead to disappointment and even scams. 

Scammers are the number one concern in the online marketplace. If you are not careful about how you pay, you can quickly fall victim to a scam. 

But in the most common case where the seller is genuine, the problem lies in the unknown quality of the product and the lack of warranty in case of problems. This is even more true with electric bikes, only a visual check is possible as well as a check of the battery condition. 

Read our guide to electric bike batteries.

Over time, lithium-ion batteries degrade, and this degradation can be accelerated by frequent use and poor maintenance. When buying a used bike, assess the overall health of the bike to try to gauge its level of use. The components should not be rusty and the housing should be free of cracks. It is a good idea to test the brakes and gears during a road test. 

Also, try to evaluate the seller. Although it's not directly about the bike, you can usually get an idea of how well he's looked after the electric bike you're about to buy. Has it arrived in a car that hasn't been cleaned in years? If so, chances are the bike has suffered the same fate. Is he well-informed about electric bike maintenance, or does he seem lost on the whole process? There will be hundreds of subtle clues you can pick up from the seller, but above all, don't feel pressured to buy. The more details, the better! That way, you'll be able to walk away if you don't feel confident.

If you want to buy a used two-wheeler online, be sure to do your research and be patient, only pay using a protected method, and if you find a deal that sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Also, never meet a stranger with large amounts of cash in your pocket, meet them in a public place and bring a friend. 

• It's economical. 
• Possibility of making good deals. 
• Give a second life to an electric bike. It's an ecological and sustainable commitment. 

• Limited or no warranty/protection.  
• Real risk of fraud. 
• More difficult to find the right size or the right model. 
• No warranty on the condition of the engine.

Do you want to be close to home? This is the place to be! When it comes to making a big-ticket purchase, it's always a good idea to seek expert advice, especially if you have limited knowledge. So it makes sense to use the staff at your nearest bike shop to get as much advice as possible. In addition, they usually have a workshop to repair bikes. 

The best way to shop is to talk to the vendors, explain your needs and take their advice. 

Also be prepared to do your own research and go to as many stores as you need to. 

Some stores also have a website, so you can see what's available in-store before you go, like Lucien or BikeRepublic. 

Do you want to be close to home? This is the place to be! When it comes to making a big-ticket purchase, it's always a good idea to seek expert advice, especially if you have limited knowledge. So it makes sense to use the staff at your nearest bike shop to get as much advice as possible. In addition, they usually have a workshop to repair bikes. 

The best way to shop is to talk to the vendors, explain your needs and take their advice. 

Also be prepared to do your own research and go to as many stores as you need to. 

Some stores also have a website, so you can see what's available in-store before you go, like Lucien or BikeRepublic. 

• Lack of choice. The proposed range is limited. 
• Less convenient than browsing online. 
• It is also possible that salespeople lack objectivity about the brands sold in stores. It is best to cross-reference sources of information.

• Discounts are rare. 
• Not always the possibility to try. 
• Bikes from previous years are not available. The usual tactic is to sell them wholesale to retail stores so that we can focus on the current collection. 

The big stores offer two-wheelers for all budgets, especially the small ones. So, if you're a moderate rider, go for it! 

If not, it is not necessarily a reason to be tempted! Electric bikes are generally low-end, and do not have a quality after-sales service. 

Perfect for those looking for a cheap electric bike, but to be avoided for those who want a high-end EV.