Buying a used electric bike from Decathlon or Upway - which is better?
Decathlon sells used electric bikes with a basic inspection starting at €700, whileUpway offers fully reconditioned bikes, with battery test and 12-month warranty, starting at €900. The difference lies in transparency, inspection and after-sales service. Here we compare the two options in terms of price, warranty and reliability.
Written by : Hanna Stevens | 10 november 2025 | Reading time: 6 minutes
More about the author: Hanna Stevens
Hanna is an avid cyclist who loves exploring new routes and sharing her experiences to inspire others to get on their bikes more often.
Key findings
- Budget under €1,000 : Decathlon - basic models for occasional use
- Commuting: Upway - complete overhaul with battery test and warranty
- Importance of brand quality: Upway - over 50 brands including Gazelle, Stromer, Cowboy
- Local pickup: Decathlon - available in-store, no shipping
Why is the used electric bike market booming?
In the Netherlands, over 650,000 e-bikes were sold in 2024, representing 57% of all new bike sales (source: RAI Vereniging, 2025). The average price of a new bike exceeds €2,500, making second-hand much more attractive.
Advantages of a used electric bike
- 30-50% less expensive than new
- Savings of up to 400 kg of CO₂ per bike (source: Upway Sustainability Report 2025).
- Largest choice of makes and models
Decathlon: how does it work?
Decathlon resells its bikes via the Trocathlon platform and store returns.
Bikes undergo a visual inspection, but not a complete overhaul.
What you get at Decathlon
- Origin: customer feedback and exhibition models
- Control: basic safety check, without battery test
- Warranty: 6 to 12 months depending on model
- Price: 20% to 35% off new
- Brands: mainly Btwin, Riverside, Elops
| Aspect | Decathlon Occasion |
|---|---|
| Origin | Return or trade-in |
| Review | Visual inspection |
| Battery test | Not included |
| Warranty | 6-12 months |
| Brands | Btwin, Elops, Riverside |
| Delivery | In-store collection |
| Price | 700-1 600 € |
Benefits
- The lowest prices on the market
- Immediate in-store collection
- Suitable for light use
Disadvantages
- No battery capacity test (unknown autonomy)
- Limited range of brands
- No national delivery
- No complete technical overhaul
Choose one if: you're looking for a low-cost bike for short trips (max. 10-15 km) and occasional use, while accepting that a battery may only have 40-60% of its capacity left.
Upway : what's new?
Upway fully reconditions each bike: complete technical inspection, replacement of parts if necessary and transparent battery report. Find out more about their detailed reconditioning process.
What you get at Upway
- Origin: leasing returns, company bicycles, private customers
- Review: 20-point technical inspection
- Battery test: capacity measurement (Wh and %) with report
- Warranty: 12 months on motor, battery and electronics
- Brands: over 50 brands including Gazelle, Cowboy, Stromer
| Aspect | Upway refurbished |
|---|---|
| Origin | Leasing, companies, selected |
| Review | Complete technical inspection |
| Battery test | Included + report |
| Warranty | 12 months |
| Brands | 50+ (Gazelle, Stromer, Cowboy...) |
| Delivery | At home within 5 days |
| Price | 900-3 000 € |
Bike control
- Motor: operation, firmware
- Battery: capacity test and charge cycles
- Frame: cracks, corrosion, play
- Brakes: discs and pads
- Electronics: display, sensors, software
- Transmission: chain/belt, gears
Benefits
- Total transparency on battery status
- 12-month warranty on all components
- 5-day home delivery
- Wide choice of premium brands
- Battery report included
Disadvantages
- Higher price (+200 to 400 €)
- No immediate in-store collection
- Delivery time
Choose if: you drive every day, want a tested and guaranteed battery, or prefer premium brands. The warranty avoids unpleasant surprises (€500-1,000 in potential repairs).
Direct comparison: Decathlon vs Upway
| Criteria | Decathlon | Upway | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admission prices | from €700 | from €900 | + 200 € |
| Battery test | No | Yes, with report | More certainty |
| Warranty | 6-12 months | 12 months standard | Best coverage |
| Brands | 3-5 internal brands | 50+ brands | Larger selection |
| Review | Basic control | Complete overhaul | Increased reliability |
| Delivery | Store pickup | Home delivery | More practical |
| Ideal use | Recreational | Daily | Different intensity |
First-year cost differential
Decathlon (€800)
- No battery test
- Battery potentially at 60
- 6-month warranty
- Risk: €400-600 in repairs after one year
Upway (€1,000)
- Battery tested (e.g. 85%)
- 12-month warranty
- Less expense risk
In other words: €200 more at Upway, but less risk and more peace of mind.
Warranty and service: face-to-face
Decathlon
- 6-12 months on frame and engine
- Battery often excluded
- In-store service only
- No post-warranty follow-up
- 12 months on motor, battery and electronics
- Approved repairer network
- Continuous after-sales service
- Guaranteed replacement in case of defect
Key difference: the battery is covered at Upway, rarely at Decathlon - a new battery costs €600 to €900.
Durability
Decathlon
- Resells returns
- Limited review
- Objective: volume rather than circularity
Upway
- Extends the life of leasing bikes (-400 kg CO₂/bike)
- Works with approved recyclers
- Circular model: revise and reuse
Conclusion: which choice to make?
Choose Decathlon if :
- Your budget is less than €1,000
- You make short trips (< 10 km)
- You want to collect your bike locally
- You accept a risk on the battery
Choose Upway if :
- You drive to work every day
- You want to know the real state of your battery
- You want a full warranty
- You prefer a high-end brand
Best value for money: Upway, with full overhaul and warranty.
Economy option: Decathlon, for occasional use and the discerning buyer.
FAQ
Are reconditioned bikes as reliable as new ones?
Yes, if they are professionally serviced. Upway offers a 12-month warranty, equivalent to that of a new bike. Decathlon offers a more limited warranty, with no battery test.
How do you know if a battery is still good?
Requires a capacity report. Upway includes it automatically, Decathlon does not. Below 70%, autonomy is significantly reduced.
Does Upway sell speed pedelecs?
Yes, with proper registration (RDW/DIV). Decathlon does not sell used speed pedelecs.
Can I trade in my old bike?
Yes, you can do both, but Upway often gives you a better return on your old model (+10-20%).
How much does a new battery cost?
Between €600 and €900 for a 500 Wh battery (source: Bosch-ebike.com). Hence the importance of a battery test.