E-bike forecasts for 2026: fewer promises, more proof
Last summer, I was riding with a good friend along the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal. He was on a brand new electric bike, and I was on a refurbished trekking bike. After about 20 kilometers, we stopped for a nice coffee on a terrace. He took out his phone. His e-bike needed an update, because without it, there would be no assistance.
"It should work again after that," he said hopefully.
Twenty minutes later, I left alone, without my friend and without his brand new electric bike.
This moment perfectly illustrates the direction we are taking as we approach 2026. Not because the new e-bikes are bad, but because they increasingly promise something other than what many people buy them for. The majority of users are not looking for innovation. They just want to ride, rack up miles, without complications.
And that is precisely where I see change on the horizon for 2026.
Written by: Jos Mans | January 23, 2025 | Reading time: 5minutes
About the author: Jos Mans
Jos is a writer and cyclist, most often both at the same time. With thousands of miles under his belt and just as many words on paper, he combines his two great passions: being on the move and telling stories.
Key findings
- The basic technology of e-bikes has barely evolved in 2026 compared to previous years.
- Smart software and features take up more space, but rarely solve everyday problems for cyclists.
- Refurbished e-bikes are gaining ground because they are predictable and reliable for everyday use.
What is really changing as we approach 2026
If we follow the market, it seems that a turning point is looming in 2026: new generations of engines, smarter systems, increased connectivity. In practice, I see something else.
The motors used by the vast majority of the market, such as the Bosch Performance Line, Shimano EP6, and Yamaha PW series, have been technically stable for years. They are quiet, powerful enough for cyclists' needs, and reliable.
What has changed is the layer above. Applications, accounts, updates, integrations. On paper, it sounds appealing, but I hear mechanics explaining more and more often that their work is changing. They tinker less and reset more. It's no longer about worn gears, but error codes.
A technician summed it up very accurately: "Bikes don't break down. They get lost." And this is not an isolated case, it's a trend. For cyclists who use their e-bikes on a daily basis, commuting to work, running errands, dropping off children, it's a constraint, not progress.
What I observe in cyclists who ride a lot
After around 3,000 kilometers, an e-bike shows its true colors. You can then tell whether the frame remains stable, whether the motor responds predictably, and whether the battery discharges evenly. Many reconditioned bikes have already passed this stage. They are well-run-in bikes, whose initial minor defects have been corrected.
No one wants to be a guinea pig. We want a bike that has already proven itself. Like Ellen (46) from Deventer. She works in healthcare and rides a refurbished e-bike five days a week because she didn't want any nasty surprises.
"I wanted to know exactly what I was buying. Eight months later, my battery still has 93% capacity and I haven't had any problems."
That's the beauty of refurbished Upway they're not cheaper just for the sake of being cheaper, but offer greater peace of mind when using them.
What this means in practical terms for your choice in 2026
If you ask me what to focus on in 2026, I would look less at the model year and more at your usage. How often do you ride? How long are your trips? And above all: how much hassle do you want to have with your bike?
Everyday cyclists appreciate simplicity. A proven motor, a battery with measured capacity, and as few digital dependencies as possible. Models such as the trekking bikes from 2021-2023 remain surprisingly robust. They were designed before the big software wave, while remaining technically very up-to-date.
My personal preference? A trekking bike with a proven motor and a 500 to 625 Wh battery. And for those looking for something more sporty, refurbished e-MTBs often offer much more bike for the same budget as a new model.
Buying new 2026 is not a mistake. But choosing a bike that has already proven itself is often a smarter choice and avoids the hassle of updates and software issues.
Common misconceptions about e-bikes in 2026
Many people think that an older bike is automatically inferior. That may be true for smartphones, but it certainly isn't true for e-bikes. A 2022 motor offers virtually the same performance as a recent model. The difference lies in the software, not in the assistance or riding experience.
Another misconception: more features mean more safety. In reality, the opposite is often true. The more layers between you and the engine, the greater the risk of malfunction. For some cyclists, this isn't a problem. For others, it's exhausting.
Finally, many people still confuse refurbished heavily used. But the difference lies precisely in the inspection process. Worn parts have been replaced, batteries tested, and software updated. Problems have already been identified and corrected.
My recommendation
Don't see 2026 as a race to the latest model, but as a time to choose more intelligently. The technology already exists. The real differences lie in peace of mind, predictability, and how little attention your bike demands.
For most cyclists who use their e-bike as it is intended to be used, I recommend a refurbished electric bike refurbished a new model. These bikes promise a little less, but deliver more in everyday use.
And what about that friend with update issues? He's now driving a refurbished car too. Since then, we've been talking about routes again rather than error codes.
FAQ
Will e-bikes really be better in 2026?
They will be smarter, but not necessarily better to use. The driving experience will change little; the main differences will be in software and connectivity.
Does a refurbished e-bike refurbished faster?
No. With quality brands, the basic technology remains the same for years. A well-tested bike from 2022 is technically very similar to a newer model.
Are new e-bikes unreliable?
Not unreliable, but often more complex. This means more updates, compatibility issues to manage, and sometimes a little more patience.
When new buying new make sense?
If you are looking for specific features, such as GPS tracking or integration with certain applications.
What would you be driving in 2026?
A refurbished trekking bike with a proven motor and a large battery. Because I want to ride, not tire myself out with updates and apps.