Refurbished Electric Bicycles: 3 Websites to Buy Used

To save money or for ecological reasons, it is possible to opt for a refurbished electric bicycle. Here are the existing solutions.

The electric bike is a practical tool for many in daily life. It is chosen for comfort, to increase travel distances, or to save compared to a motorcycle or car. But e-bikes remain expensive compared to muscle bikes. On average, the price of an electric assist bike was about 2,079 euros in France in 2021.

Of course, buying a used electric bike is possible, through classified ad sites. Prices there might be unbeatable, but there’s no guarantee of the condition or complete trust in the private seller. But between new and used, it may also be worth considering refurbished bikes. Several sites exist, here they are.

Upway: the number 1 for refurbished electric bicycles

This is the reference site for buying a refurbished electric assist bike. The company, based in Gennevilliers (92), has the largest stock on the market, and offers the expected services: 12-month warranty, return within 14 days if not satisfied, and free delivery anywhere in France including pickup at headquarters.

Regarding models, Upway features more than a hundred models. They are mainly urban bikes, from Gitane to Vanmoof, including Rad Power, Gazelle, Vélair, O2feel, or Kalkhoff. Some folding bikes, mountain e-bikes, road bikes, or cargo bikes are rare. The discounts are attractive, averaging around -25%, and you can see directly the condition, age, or mileage of the bike. Numerous photos and technical sheets provide additional reassurance.

Finally, a battery diagnosis provides the current capacity. Sometimes, it is even new! However, be aware that some capacity data may be contradictory for the same bike.

Ekstere: a very serious platform

Another specialist in refurbished e-bikes, Ekstere is also located on the outskirts of Paris, in Ivry (94). The range is smaller, with about 75 bikes, mostly city bikes and mountain e-bikes. The brands are well-known, including Granville or Winora for urban bikes, or KTM and Cannondale for mountain bikes. Delivery is free for all bikes.

High-discount bikes are guaranteed only 6 months. Nevertheless, they have a complete profile: condition, mileage, photos, original components or not, maintenance. Some have a “technical control score,” but note that battery diagnostics are not included.

BackMarket: the giant of refurbished items expands

Initially focused on computer equipment, mainly office devices, BackMarket, a French platform, has expanded its activities to other countries and sectors, including electric bikes. There are few models available, about thirty at the time of our visit.

Affordable models like Giant for less than 800 euros are available, as well as high-end brands like Riese & Muller. As with other products, discounts depend on the condition, with a one-year warranty and free delivery. However, there is a lack of images of the actual unit (replaced by manufacturer images) and a battery diagnostic is missing.

The bikes come from various services. Half are from the Lyon workshop Reco Cycle, some from Loewi, Wareega (Manche), or E-Bike Occasions.

Decathlon also offers refurbished electric bikes

Decathlon, which has been offering electric bikes for over 10 years, the French group, ventures into new territory. In addition to classic rental options like LLD and the “Rent” no-contract rental, the brand also offers refurbished “Second Life” models.

Note that the bikes are listed for a very short period due to high demand. For example, at the time of writing this content, only two models exist, both Elops 920E.

Disappointingly, no warranty information, condition, battery status, or bike age is provided. Delivery costs 25 euros.

Also worth mentioning are other sites like Wareega located in Manche (50). Additionally, some brands refurbish their own bikes, such as Cowboy via “Circular” or Vanmoof in their Outlet.

Also read: Test Véligo: how good is the electric bike rental in Île-de-France?