Is your e-bike brand not on our list? Here's what really matters
You've made up your mind: it's time to say goodbye to your e-bike. Maybe you want to upgrade to a newer model, or maybe you just don't use it enough. You go to theUpway websiteUpway sell your bike, scroll through the brand drop-down menu... and there's nothing there. Your brand isn't on the list.
Don't panic—don't close the page just yet. Just because your specific brand isn’t listed in our standard overview doesn’t mean we’re not interested in your e-bike. The world of e-bikes is vast, and new—often lesser-known—brands are popping up every week. For Upway, what really matters isn’t the sticker on the frame, but what’s inside the bike.
In a nutshell
- It all comes down to the parts: Bikes equipped with standard components, such as a Bosch or Shimano motor, can almost always be resold, even if the brand itself is unknown.
- Closed systems pose a problem: brands that produce their own exclusive parts are often difficult to service, because we can neither repair nor refurbish them.
- Your little-known bike is valuable: as long as the motor and electronics are from a widely available, mainstream brand, you can definitely sell your e-bike.
Why Repairability Is Our Top Priority
To understand why some bikes are on our list and others aren’t, it helps to know how Upway . At Upway, every e-bike we buy is fully new. Our goal is to provide the next owner with a refurbished , reliable, high-quality refurbished e-bike, complete with a warranty. This brings us to the heart of our purchasing process: the most important requirement is being able to source the parts needed to repair and refurbish the bike. Without the right parts, our professional mechanics can’t do their job. Unfortunately, if we can’t restore a bike to perfect condition, we can’t offer it to a new rider.
The Trap of Exclusive Items
In recent years, some trendy and innovative brands have chosen to literally reinvent the wheel. Brands like Cowboy and VanMoof use their own proprietary parts: from the motor to the battery, the display, and sometimes even the brakes—everything is custom-made. This allows for a sleek design, but it makes repairs extremely difficult. When we cannot source these parts—or can only do so with great difficulty—we cannot guarantee the quality of the repair. That is why these types of brands, or certain specific models, are sometimes excluded from our buyback program.
The golden rule: Standardization is king
At the other end of the spectrum is every refurbisher’s ultimate dream: standard parts. Many brands—often lesser-known ones—design their own frames but rely on the industry’s established big names for the motor, brakes, and battery. Here’s the basic rule: if your bike is equipped with standard parts thatUpway source, it can almost always be bought back. Brands that use standard parts—such as a Bosch motor or a drivetrain with a Shimano motor—can almost always be bought back by Upway. These parts are widely available, extremely reliable, and our mechanics know them inside and out.
An exception: the age of technology
There is, however, one small caveat: the age of the technology. Technology evolves quickly, and unfortunately, bikes that are too old can no longer be accepted for trade-in. For systems that are significantly outdated, manufacturers simply no longer produce replacement parts, making repairs impossible. In such cases, even a very well-maintained bike cannot, unfortunately, be accepted for trade-in.
| Type of Parts | Examples of brands | Redemption Opportunity |
|---|---|---|
| Closed, proprietary system | Cowboy, VanMoof | Limited to impossible |
| Standard Transmission System | Bosch, Shimano, Bafang, Yamaha | Very high |
| Unknown brand, standard parts | "Other brand" with a Bosch or Shimano motor | High |
| Outdated technology | Legacy engines that are not supported | Impossible |
Sell Your Electric Bike Easily in Upway
Is your bike gathering dust in your garage? Find out how much it’s worth and sell it to Upway. Even if your brand isn’t on our list, you can often get a great offer by selecting the “Other Brand” option or by contacting our customer service team—as long as the bike meets our requirements for standard parts. Curious about how simple this process is? Learn how to choose the right motor for your next bike, or explore our selection of used e-bikes to see what happens to the bikes we buy back. By selling your bike, you’re not only choosing convenience and fast payment—you’re also giving it a sustainable second life.
Hanna's Tip: Not sure if your bike uses standard parts? Just take a look at your bike's motor housing. Do you see "Bosch," "Shimano," "Bafang," or "Yamaha" written on it? If so, there's a good chance we can buy your e-bike, even if you don't know the frame brand.
Frequently asked questions
My electric bike brand isn't on your buyback list. Can I still sell it?
Yes, in many cases! The most important rule of thumb is that we can buy back your electric bike if it’s built with standard parts that we can source. If we can maintain the technology, we’re interested in your bike.
Why is Upway less eager Upway brands like VanMoof or Cowboy?
At Upway, all electric bikes are fully refurbished before being resold. Brands like VanMoof and Cowboy use their own proprietary systems and parts. Since it’s difficult for us to obtain them, we can’t always repair these bikes reliably, and therefore can’t always buy them back.
Which brands of parts does Upway ?
We're big fans of the systems that are widely available on the market. E-bikes equipped with standard parts, such as a Bosch motor or Shimano components, are almost always bought back without any problems.
Upway also Upway very old e-bikes?
Unfortunately, there is a limit to what we can refurbish. Electric bikes equipped with motors that are too old cannot be purchased, because the manufacturers of these systems no longer produce replacement parts.
How can I estimate the value of my unbranded electric bike on Upway
Select the “Other Brand” option when you sign up, then submit clear photos and the specifications of your bike, specifying the brand of the motor and battery. Our experts will then assess the condition and repairability of the bike before quickly sending you a fair price quote.
Written by: Hanna Stevens | Published on: July 8, 2026 | 6-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.