Electric bikes on sale: Is the “ refurbished ” the smartest choice?
The popularity of e-bikes has skyrocketed in recent years. Whether you’re looking to avoid city traffic, get more exercise for your health, or simply find a greener alternative to the car, e-bikes are now a fixture of the urban landscape. However, one major hurdle remains: the purchase price. Since 2020, inflation and rising production costs have driven up the price of new e-bikes by 15 to 25 percent. A popular city e-bike, from brands like Gazelle or Cube, for example, can easily cost around €3,000 as- new.
It's no wonder that many people turn to an e-bike outlet or a classifieds website to find a good deal. But is a traditional outlet really the best option? Or is an electric bike refurbished purchased from professionals the smartest, safest, and most eco-friendly alternative? In this article, I’ll take you behind the scenes to explore these differences and show you why riding refurbished with Upway offers you the best experience and the biggest savings.
To remember
- Greater savings, without compromising on quality: while an outlet store often offers limited discounts on older inventory, an “ refurbished ” e-bike at Upway saves you up to 60% off the price at new —for a bike that’s technically the same as the one at new.
- Guaranteed reliability: Unlike risky secondhand purchases sold “as is,” bikes refurbished at Upway undergo a rigorous inspection by professional mechanics and come with a one-year warranty on the motor and battery.
- The most eco-friendly choice: By choosing refurbished, you’re extending the life cycle of high-quality transportation. This reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 85% compared to manufacturing an electric bike new.
What exactly is an electric bike outlet?
An electric bike outlet—it’s a dream come true. These are usually brick-and-mortar or online stores that sell previous-year models, display bikes, or discontinued models at discounted prices. While you can certainly find a good bike there, there are still a few drawbacks:
- Limited selection: You're limited to the discontinued models available at any given time. The likelihood of finding exactly the right frame size, color, or model with the right motor is low.
- A limited discount: Outlet discounts are often between 10 and 20 percent. So for a true premium brand, you're still paying almost full price.
- Technology that is sometimes outdated: Outlet models have sometimes sat unused in warehouses for years. For lithium-ion batteries in particular, prolonged inactivity without recharging is disastrous for their capacity.
What setsUpway 's refurbished electric bikes apart?
refurbished is nothing like a simple used bike or a dusty model from an outlet store. At Upway, we believe in a circular mobility revolution. We buy high-quality e-bikes from both individuals and business partners, and then give them a whole new lease on life.
Every bike that comes into our shop undergoes a thorough inspection by our professional mechanics. We check everything: from mechanical components like the brakes, drivetrain, and tires, to essential electrical components like the motor, electronics, and battery. Worn-out parts are immediately replaced with high-quality equivalents. The result? An e-bike that rides and feels like it just came off the assembly line—but for a fraction of the price. At Upway , you’ll find reconditioned Gazelle city bikes and the very popular Cube models, all of which are thoroughly serviced and come with a warranty.
| Features | Traditional Outlet | Used (from a private seller) | refurbished Upway) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price Advantage | Typically a 10–20% discount | Inexpensive, but unpredictable | Up to 60% cheaper |
| Warranty | Manufacturer's warranty (if still valid) | No warranty; sold "as is" | 1-year warranty on the battery and motor |
| Technical status | new, but the battery may be worn out | Unknown maintenance history; risk of hidden defects | Fully inspected & certified |
| Cooling-off period | Often limited or no returns on sale items | No right of return | 14 days to change your mind |
| Durability | Impact of a New Production | Ecological | Up to 85% reduction in CO₂ emissions |
Want to know exactly what happens to a used bike before it arrives at Upway ? Check out our article on buying an electric bike refurbished in 2025.
The Ultimate Guide to Batteries, by an Expert: How to Get the Most Out of Your E-Bike Battery?
Since the battery is the most valuable and sensitive component of an electric bike, there are often doubts about its future when it comes to reuse. In fact, a new battery can easily cost between €400 and €750. At Upway, we thoroughly test each battery to ensure it’s in excellent condition. For more information, our article on battery life provides even more context.
As an e-bike expert, I’m happy to share a few golden rules for doubling the lifespan of your reconditioned battery on your own.
Apply the 20-80% rule
Lithium-ion batteries don't like extremes. For everyday use, avoid constantly charging them to 100% and don't let them drain completely to 0%. By keeping the charge level between 20% and 80%, you significantly reduce chemical stress on the cells. This can extend the battery’s lifespan—that is, the number of charge cycles—by up to 50%!
Avoid charging in cold weather
Never charge your e-bike's battery in a garage or a cold shed where it freezes. At low temperatures, the battery's chemical process is less efficient, which can cause permanent damage to the cells during charging. Always bring the battery inside first and let it return to room temperature (about 15–20 °C) before plugging in the charger.
The Right Battery Level for Hibernation
Don't use your bike for a few weeks or months during the winter? Never store the battery when it's completely full (100%) or completely empty (0%). The ideal storage level is around 50 to 60%. Check this every two months and recharge it briefly if necessary to prevent deep discharge, which causes irreversible damage to the battery.
Hanna's tip: Personally, I set a simple reminder on my phone to check the battery every two months during the winter. This helps avoid unpleasant surprises in the spring. Do you ride a mid-drive e-bike? The battery on those is often even easier to check.
Why refurbished is the smartest choice for your wallet and for the planet
Choosing an electric bike from refurbished at Upway is a win-win situation. Financially speaking, it’s a no-brainer: you’re buying a premium electric bike from brands like Stromer, Riese & Müller, Gazelle, or Cube for the price of an entry-level model at an outlet store. Where a city bike new costs €3,000, at Upway you can ride a comparable model refurbished starting at €1,750 to €2,100. With regular use, the total cost per kilometer is, on average, 18% lower. Still unsure whether to go with an outlet store, a used bike from a private seller, or refurbished ? Our comparison guide on buying a used e-bike is an excellent place to start.
The environmental impact is also significant. The production of an electric bike new has a considerable carbon footprint. By giving an existing electric bike a second life through our meticulous refurbishment process, you save up to 85% in CO₂ emissions compared to a new model new. This represents an average reduction of 187 kg of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere. In this way, you’re directly contributing to the circular economy and helping to reduce the growing mountain of electronic waste. Curious to know if refurbished bikes really live up to their promises? Our article , “Are Refurbished Electric Bikes Reliable?” answers this question in detail.
With our fast home delivery in just a few days and our top-notch customer service, we make the transition to sustainable mobility as easy as possible. Why risk making a bad purchase from a private seller or pay full price at an outlet store, when with Upway you’re guaranteed a safe and affordable ride? Want to compare nearly-new models side by side? Check out our selection of refurbished e-bikes with less than 100 km on them.
Frequently asked questions
1. What is the difference between an electric bike outlet and an electric bike refurbished ?
At an outlet store, you’ll often find models from previous years or display models—brand-new but sometimes left sitting for a long time, which can affect the battery. Discounts there are generally limited. An electric bike from refurbished at Upway is a recent, high-quality used bike that has been professionally inspected, fully refurbished, and is up to 60% cheaper than the new, with a one-year warranty included.
2. Is the battery on a refurbished electric bike reliable?
Highly reliable. At Upway, our mechanics thoroughly test the capacity and condition of every battery. If a battery no longer meets our strict quality standards, it is repaired or replaced with a new one. That way, you can always drive with peace of mind.
3. Does an electric bike from refurbished at Upway come with a warranty?
Yes! Unlike a used purchase between private individuals, where you have no warranty, Upway automatically offers a one-year (12-month) warranty on the essential components: the motor and the battery. If you have any issues, our customer service team is here to help.
4. Should I expect to see visible signs of wear and tear?
Since our bikes have already been used, they may show slight cosmetic signs of wear, such as a small scratch or slight rust. Technically and mechanically, however, they’re in perfect condition. And let’s be honest: after a few rides, even a bike from new will start to show its first signs of wear. So why not save money right away?
5. What should I do if the bike turns out not to be right for me after I buy it?
No problem. Upway offers a flexible 14-day return policy. If, for any reason, the bike isn't quite right for you, you can return it within two weeks. This means you can buy your refurbished electric bike with complete peace of mind.
Written by: Hanna Stevens | Published on: August 18, 2026 | 9-minute read
About the Author: Hanna Stevens
Hanna is a cycling enthusiast who loves discovering new routes and sharing her experiences to inspire more people to get around by bike.