Electric Bike Depreciation in 2026: Brands That Retain Their Value
An electric bike purchased for 3,000 euros in 2022 may still be worth about 1,800 euros four years later—or as little as 1,200. The difference is rarely due to the bike's condition.
It almost always comes down to the brand. Here are the ones that hold their value best on the used car market—and the ones that don't.
Published on: September 15, 2026 | 9-minute read
In a nutshell
- After the first year, an electric bike loses an average of 15 to 25 percent of its value each year.
- Riese & Müller, Specialized, and Trek have the flattest price decline curves.
- Cube, Giant , and Haibike remain stable thanks to their distribution networks and proven technology.
- Models without a service network or spare parts can lose 60 to 70 percent of their value in the first year.
- The condition of the battery accounts for as much as 30 to 40 percent of the resale value.
How quickly does an electric bike lose value?
Before discussing brands, we need to set the stage. An electric bike loses the most value during its first year, as is the case with almost all purchases of this type. After that, depreciation generally ranges from 15 to 25 percent per year. After about three years, many models are still worth between half and 60 percent of their original price new.
It is the variations around this average that make the topic interesting. Premium models start with a flatter depreciation curve and often retain 75 to 85 percent of their value in the first year. In contrast, inexpensive, unbranded bikes can lose half their value within twelve months. The brand, therefore, is not a minor detail—it is the key factor.
At Upway, we buy, inspect, and resell used e-bikes every day. Some very clear trends emerge from this volume of business, and we’ll detail them below.
The premium brands that hold their value best
In the high-end segment, three names consistently top the rankings.
Riese & Müller
When it comes to retaining value, Riese & Müller remains the gold standard. Models like the Supercharger maintain a high market value even after several years. The reason lies in the brand’s strategy: production volumes are deliberately kept low, and the brand has an excellent reputation for quality and durability. With limited supply and steady demand, prices remain strong.
Specialized
Specialized e-bikes, such as the Turbo Vado or the Turbo Levo, generally lose 35 to 40 percent of their price new over three to four years. The extensive dealer network and the in-house motors, which are easy to maintain, play a major role in this. For a used-bike buyer, this is a strong selling point: they know they’ll still be able to have their bike serviced several years down the line.
Trek
The situation is similar at Trek. Models like the Powerfly, the Rail, and the Allant have remained relatively stable in price. Reliable build quality, a strong brand image, and an extensive dealer network mean that used Trek bikes remain in demand even after several years.
Premium brands, in refurbished condition
It is precisely these models that retain their value—and are therefore the most attractive options in the certified pre-owned market.
View Refurbished Riese & Müller BikesPopular brands at moderate discounts
Not all brands that hold their value are in the premium segment. A second group stands out primarily for its widespread availability and a solid technical foundation.
Cube
Cube is one of the best-selling electric bike brands in Europe and is widely available on the used market. The percentage depreciation is slightly higher than with premium manufacturers, but since the price new is often lower, the loss in euros remains modest. Cube bikes are considered sturdy, reliable, and relatively easy to maintain, making them a safe bet when buying used.
Giant
As the world's largest bicycle manufacturer, Giant it enjoys a massive market presence. Models like the Explore E+ often retain about 60% of their original value after several years. The SyncDrive motor, developed in collaboration with Yamaha, further boosts confidence, as it’s backed by an established motor manufacturer.
Haibike
Haibike is one of the pioneers of electric e MTB . On the used market, many models lose about 40 to 45 percent of their value within three to four years. The brand’s long experience in the segment and solid technical foundation ensure stable demand.
The Brands That Are Losing Value the Fastest
At the other end of the spectrum, the situation is very different. Many bicycles sold at big-box stores or by little-known online brands lose their value very quickly.
Electric bikes sold by major chains and equipped with unknown motors often lose more than half their value within a few years. Buyers become wary as soon as questions arise about replacement parts or maintenance. This is even more pronounced with many lesser-known brands sold exclusively online: the price can plummet by 60 to 70 percent in the first year alone. The causes are almost always the same: a lack of after-sales service, proprietary components, and an uncertain supply of replacement parts.
The situation becomes truly critical when a brand disappears completely from the market. Without parts or a service partner, even a bike that’s in good working order becomes very difficult to resell.
What Really Determines Resale Value
Behind brand names lie a few very concrete factors. Knowing them helps you shop more wisely and resell more easily.
The Key Drivers of Value
| Factor | Why he plays on the value |
|---|---|
| Motorization System | Bosch, Shimano, and Yamaha motors have an excellent reputation. Bikes equipped with them are much easier to resell. |
| Dealer Network | Brands with numerous workshops and service partners give buyers peace of mind. |
| Parts Availability | If the parts are still available years later, the bike retains its appeal. Otherwise, the price drops. |
| Battery status | A battery with more than 80% of its remaining capacity holds its value much better than one that will soon need to be replaced. |
From a workshop perspective, the battery remains the biggest source of uncertainty. According to industry estimates, its condition accounts for as much as 30 to 40 percent of the resale value. This is precisely what makes the difference between a good deal and a bad bet. If you’re still torn between two motor options, check out our article on the electric bike motor explains the most common systems and how they differ in everyday use.
"A battery that's invisible to the naked eye can increase a bike's value by several hundred euros."
Electric bikes with Bosch mid-drive motors
A well-regarded engine remains one of the best guarantees of resale value.
Explore the Bosch selectionWhy " refurbished " is becoming more and more important
The professional " refurbished " market is significantly changing the landscape of the used car market—and largely to the buyer's advantage. The biggest source of uncertainty in a sale between private individuals is almost always the battery: from the outside, no one can tell how much charge it still has.
With a bike that has been professionally refurbished, this risk is eliminated. The battery is tested, and its condition is documented. This means you know in advance what its remaining capacity is and what range you can expect.
"When buying from a private seller, you're buying a promise. At refurbished, you're buying an inspection report."
At Upway, every electric bike undergoes a full inspection in our workshop before being put back on the market. The battery, motor, and drivetrain are tested, and you receive a one-year warranty. This is a key difference from buying from a private seller, where you’re on your own if a problem arises. You can follow each step on our page dedicated to reconditioning at Upway.
Our Opinion
The used bike market rewards brands that make a long-term investment in quality, service, and replacement parts. Premium manufacturers such as Riese & Müller, Specialized, and Trek hold their value particularly well, while established brands like Cube and Giant remain stable. Less well-known manufacturers lose value much more quickly.
If you’re already thinking about resale when you buy, a well-established brand paired with a proven motor from Bosch, Shimano, or Yamaha remains the best long-term investment. Retaining value is no accident: it depends on the brand, the drive system, and the condition of the battery. These are exactly the three factors we check on every refurbished e-bike before it hits the road again.