Where to buy an electric bike?

The electrically assisted bicycle (EAB) is the ideal compromise for sustainable, ecological and healthy mobility. 

With constant progress being made to reduce weight and increase range, the popularity of these cycles has continued 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 EV with confidence?

On the internet? At an electric bike manufacturer? In a sports store? Or are you more interested in 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 stock! 

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 in the direction of buying an electric bike is to arm yourself with knowledge about the options you need and where to buy your electric bike. The more you know where to look, the faster you will find the electric bike you need. 

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

On the web, you will find hundreds of offers and dozens of sites specialized in the sale of VAE. 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, and 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 that you stick to mainstream websites that have a good reputation that they want to maintain. They will only sell quality products that comply with safety standards and the law. 

Many "electric bike scams" have emerged, we recommend that 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 publisher of the site is usually a very bad sign, so pass.

Where to 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 on 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: 

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 buy a used 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 asa check of the battery condition. 

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. 

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. 

If you know the specific brand or model of electric bike you're interested in, a good way to shop is to go directly to the brand that makes it. 

Not all brands do this. For those that do, the process varies by brand. Some offer home delivery, while others use dealers. Manufacturers such as Le Vélo Mad (urban and sport) or Velair are only available through direct sales, Trek Bikes (road to mountain) or O2Feel Bikes are only available through partner stores. 

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. 

Many people prefer to buy their electric bikes in sports stores such as Decathlon, Go Sport or Intersport. It is a better alternative than the big stores. They are of better quality, you can get advice, even if the options are limited. 

Like leasing in the automotive industry, bike passes allow you to pay monthly to rent the electric bike of your choice .

If you only need a bike for a few months, this can be a more cost-effective solution than buying a bike new and selling it second-hand at a reduced price. For example, Le Vélo Mad offers a long-term bike rental service for individuals for 24 to 36 months, including maintenance, repair and insurance in case of theft or breakage. Holland Bikes rents VAEs from €51 per month for 12 to 48 months. The choice is yours! 

Most programs allow for normal wear and tear on the bike, but be aware that anything beyond reasonable wear and tear may result in an additional charge upon return. The terms and conditions of each subscription program are different and we recommend reading the fine print if you are considering going this route. 

Have you thought about reconditioned bikes? They're a sustainable alternative that shouldn't be overlooked! Used bikes are given a second life. Every part of the bike is rigorously inspected, checked or even dismantled and replaced. From the wheel hub to the bottom bracket to the battery, all worn parts are replaced with new ones by qualified mechanics. Bikes are tested to ensure they are in perfect working order before being offered for sale. You're sure to get a bike in top condition. What's more, every refurbished electric bike comes with a one-year warranty!

As in other industries, many new bicycles are made cheaply and spare parts are not available. As a result, they cannot be repaired effectively, are thrown away and replaced with a new one. With reconditioned bikes, the goal is to break this vicious cycle. 

This means you get a less expensive VAE, refurbished at new and with a warranty. What's more, if it doesn't suit you, you can, in most cases, return it within 14 days. 

You'll find your future refurbished VAE online on various marketplaces (👋 Upway) or at certain specialist retailers. At Upway, we offer a wide range of bikes screened by our technicians with no less than 20 checkpoints ! Don't hesitate to take a look! 🙂

It's time to make your choice! Keep in mind that it is always important to check the seriousness and reliability of the store before making an online purchase, and don't assume that the price is the only parameter to consider when making an important purchase like an electric bike. The quality of the products, the warranty, the reliability of the seller and also the return policy are parameters to be carefully evaluated when making a purchase decision. 

The most reliable suppliers are bike shops, EAB manufacturers and established websites.