Between $2,500 and $3,000 hits the sweet spot for entry- to mid-tier electric mountain bikes. That price range opens up the range of e-MTBs from top brands like Trek, Giant, Specialized, and others with innovative designs and quality parts. Models that fall into that price range are typically hardtail mountain e-bikes or pre-owned full-suspension models.
Spending less than $2,000 means the e-bike will likely come with a rear hub motor, less premium mid-drive unit, or an external battery. Riders can browse the best mountain bikes for under $2,000 designed for recreational riding and lighter mountain biking.
Which Electric Bike Brands Hold Their Value Best?
Written by: Rémy Rossi | November 19, 2025 | Time to read 4 min
Before you fall in love with your next electric bike, ask yourself this: How much will it love you back when it’s time to resell?
More about the Author: Rémy 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.
Spend a little time on e-Bike forums, blogs, or articles like this one, and you’ll quickly hear electric bikes called "investments." That term is more commonly used with pedal-assist bikes because of their higher prices, and buyers want to be sure the purchase is wise before swiping their card. Aventon, Rad Power Bikes, Specialized, Gazelle, and Lectric are the five e-Bike brands with the most models within Upway’s inventory.
One way that an e-Bike can be a smarter investment is by maintaining its value over time, in case you want to sell or trade it in. Below, I’ll identify the electric bike brands that often fetch the highest resale values on the secondhand market.
One way that an e-Bike can be a smarter investment is by maintaining its value over time, in case you want to sell or trade it in. Below, I’ll identify the electric bike brands that often fetch the highest resale values on the secondhand market.
Which e-Bike brands retain their value best?
Popular e-Bike makers with high-quality models generally achieve higher resale prices. Resale value depends on brand reputation, demand, and long-term durability. Most of these brands produce higher-end electric bikes, with advanced technology and performance that buyers trust.
Models from these electric bike manufacturers typically hold their value well:
Models from these electric bike manufacturers typically hold their value well:
- Specialized
- Trek
- Riese & Müller
- Gazelle
- Cannondale
- Giant
- Orbea
- Tern
- Canyon
- Urban Arrow
- Santa Cruz
- Brompton
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Why is e-Bike resale value important?
Having an electric bike that maintains its value over time can help put some serious cash in your pocket when it's time to sell, upgrade, or trade in your used e-Bike. Just like cars and other second-hand products, e-Bikes depreciate relatively quickly, but quality models from top brands retain a larger share of their original value.
Considering the resale value helps you get a clearer picture of your bike's overall value as a smart investment. E-Bikes come with immediate benefits like faster or more affordable commutes and eco-friendly perks, but what about long-term value? Buying a model that will retain its value is an additional plus.
🤝 Why you can trust us for buying an e-Bike?
- Great prices: Get your next e-Bike for up to 60% off retail prices, in new or like-new conditions.
- Quality Guaranteed: Every e-Bike is rigorously certified by a team of professional mechanics, and comes with a 1-year warranty.
- Delivered to Your Door: Delivered to your home within a week. Change your mind? Return it thanks to our 14-day return policy.
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What factors boost the resale value of electric bikes?
There are certain things that can increase the likelihood that your electric bike is worth more on the resale market.
- Trusted brands: E-Bikes from recognized and reputable manufacturers tend to attract more buyers and sell faster.
- Current condition: The brand and model can only get you so far. Clean and well-maintained bikes that are in good condition will fetch higher prices.
- Modern components: High-quality parts, hydraulic disc brakes, and reliable electronics make your electric bike more appealing on the secondhand market. Perhaps the most recognizable e-Bike component brand is Bosch, renowned for its reliable batteries and motors.
- High-demand categories: The current season and your location may dictate which e-Bike styles are most popular, including road, gravel, e-MTBs, or hybrid e-Bikes.
- Serviceability: Secondhand e-Bikes may require extra care down the road. Mechanics are better equipped to repair models from top brands, source parts, and work with local dealers.
- Quality design: Well-designed bikes utilize good-quality components and follow commonly used standards to facilitate upgrades and maintenance later on.
High resale value supports trade-ins later on
Leverage the value of your used electric bike to upgrade to a newer model! Retailers like Upway have trade-in programs that make it easy to receive credit for your pre-owned model, making the new purchase more affordable.
Browse unbeatable deals on Riese & Müller electric bikes from Upway!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should you spend on an electric mountain bike?
Are helmets required when riding an e-Bike?
Helmets are always a good idea when riding any type of bike, and some states require them. Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Oregon are some of the states that require wearing a helmet when riding an e-Bike, though most states don’t have a legal requirement.
Is there an age limit for e-Bikes?
Some states specify a minimum age for riding an e-Bike. States like Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Oregon require that riders be 16 or older, for example. Other states permit e-Bike use at 14 or 15 years old, while others don’t have an age limit.
Key Takeaways
- Premium brands with strong engineering—like Specialized, Trek, and Riese & Müller—consistently command higher resale prices.
- Condition, component quality, and trusted motor systems (like Bosch) significantly influence secondhand value.
- High resale value makes upgrading easier, especially with trade-in programs that convert your used e-Bike into instant buying power.
