We get a lot of calls asking if we buy electric bikes. We definitely sell them! If you're interested in upgrading and trading your electric bike in for a Pedego from our shop, we can entertain a trade-in. If you just want to sell your electric bike, it's not part of our business model to buy used bikes, at least currently. We always want to help people who contact us in any way that we can, so we've pulled together resources for where you could sell your used electric bike, and tips to make sure you get as much money as possible.
Impatient?
Skip the fluff and get straight to the list where you can sell and electric bike.
Or skip right to our trade-in program.
Already know where you're going to sell it and just wants tips to get the most money possible? We got you!
Why Sell Your Electric Bike?
11 Common Reasons
Electric bikes for adults, electric bikes for kids, and electric bikes for seniors seem to be popping up everywhere. With increases in sales and use of electric bikes, why would anyone want to sell theirs? Let's explore that before we tell you where and how.
Upgrade to New Tech:Â With rapid advancements in electric bike technology, such as longer life batteries, lighter batteries, long range batteries, increased wattage motors, faster electric bikes, consumers are beginning to upgrade every couple of years. Similar to cellphones. Some want to have the latest and greatest, and selling their current electric bike can help finance that upgrade.
Lifestyle Shifts:Â If you bought your electric bike to commute and you get a new job further from home, or you move to a less bicycle friendly city, your electric bike may no longer be helpful to you.
Need for Cash:Â Sometimes, financial needs dictate the sale of luxury items like electric bikes.
Space Constraints:Â Limited storage space can make keeping an electric bike impractical.
Physical or Health Reasons:Â Changes in your physical condition might make electric bike riding difficult. Or perhaps you're ready to graduate to a low step thru electric bike, a fat tire electric bike, or an electric trike for adults.
Maintenance Concerns:Â If maintaining your electric bike costs more than you had imagined or is burdensome, selling it could be a relief.
Environmental Choices:Â Opting for different eco-friendly transportation like an electric scooter might mean saying goodbye to your electric bike.
Preference Change:Â Maybe your electric bike got you back into cycling and you're strong enough to ride a traditional bike, which will give you a more rigorous exercise.
Seasonal Use:Â In areas with harsh winters or blistering summers, selling your electric bike during the off-season might be the right financial choice for you.
Underuse:Â If you're not using your electric bike as much as expected, it might be better off with someone else.
It Doesn't Fit You:Â You bought your electric bike online and it's too big for you. You got your electric bike from a friend/neighbor and it's never felt right. Your husband got a bike that "you can both share", but it's too small for him and also too big for you. Or some other riding comfort reason.
Where to Sell Your E-Bike?
Friend, Neighbor, Family Member: We hear a lot of stories from people who got their first electric bike from someone they know. They are curious, try your electric bike and like it. Then you sell it to them to fund your new and improved electric bike. A win-win!
Pro: No need to establish trust or worry about getting scammed, also no need to ship an electric bike. They've also seen you having fun on your electric bike and could be ready to buy one of their own.
Con: Because they know you, they're likely looking for a good deal and might not be willing to pay as much as a third party customer.
Online Marketplaces:Â Online market places are the world's garage sale, where you can expand your search to people anywhere. Make sure you specify local pickup so you don't have to deal with packing up and shipping an electric bike. Be wary of scammers - if someone offers you full price, proceed with caution. Meet in a public place or bring someone with you.
Facebook Marketplace: A great place to sell a used electric bike. You can research similar bikes to see price expectations. In order to get eyeballs on your listing, you might need to boost it or offer a lower price than similar electric bikes. Also look for fan groups for your electric bike, e-bike ride groups, or other social groups. Those groups might have onlookers who are waiting to get their first electric bike or bike fans who are always looking to add to their collection.
eBay: the world's first online garage sale. Not always the best place to sell locally, but cannot be ignored. You could list your electric bike here and also on Facebook marketplace. Make sure you specify local pickup only unless you're willing to pack up and ship your electric bike to its new owner.
Craigslist, Let it Go, Offer Up: Other places you can list your electric bike. Probably not a bad idea to list it everywhere you can until it sells, max exposure will help you find a buyer. Follow the same safety practices we listed above. Let's make sure Keith Morrison never utters your name.
Specialized Bike Sites:Â Websites like Bike Soup, Pink Bike, and Bicycle Blue Book cater specifically to cycling enthusiasts, offering a targeted audience.
Pro: Sites that specifically cater to cyclists might attract the type of person that will see value in your electric bike, and they're designed for bike-related buying and selling.
Con: Avid cyclists can tend to be bike snobs. And these sites aren't always friendly to electric bikes.
Local Dealers and Pawn Shops:Â For a quick, in-person sale, consider these options. (See? It's not crazy to call out shop and ask.)
Pro: quick sale and cash in hand, which can be helpful if you're selling your electric bike because you're moving or you need some quick cash.
Con: these shops will also need to make money, so you're not going to get as much for your electric bike as you could if you sold it directly to someone.
Social Media and Forums:Â Engage with e-bike communities on Facebook groups and online forums. Some popular brands have their own dedicated Facebook groups with enthusiasts who would happily snap up an e-bike for a good deal.)
The Pro's Closet (TPC):Â A huge bike shop in Colorado that buys and sells used bikes, not snobby about electric bikes either. Similar to a local shop or pawn shop, you're likely to get less than you want. And you'll also have to pack it up and ship it to them. A good option if you can't find a local place for that quick cash you need.
And Finally, Our Favorite:
Upway! Remember when we said that many people are upgrading their electric bike every couple of years as technology advances? Upway seems to be on a mission to make sure those old electric bikes don't end up in landfills or dusty garages. Their model is to buy, refurbish, and resell electric bikes. And they seem to be rapidly expanding. In fact, they are our partner for trade-ins.
You can work with Upway directly to get a quote for your electric bike, ship it to them, and get paid directly. Or you can come to our shop and have us do the heavy-lifting or your next electric bike happens to be a Pedego.
Get Ready to Sell
Set Your Expectations
You may still love your electric bike and it might have only a couple of miles on it. The reality is that when people are buying a used item, they expect to get a bargain. Even if your electric bike has never been ridden, been ridden once, or has a couple of miles on it, the person buying it won't get the benefit of the manufacturers warranty. Without that protection, it will be worth less to the consumer than a new electric bike. Your heart is going to want you to get back what you paid for it, but your brain needs to prevail. To sell your electric bike, you have to be willing to offer much better than what someone could get buying it new. Set a well-informed price and be willing to settle for less because people will want to haggle.
Tips for Selling
Quality Photos:Â Thoroughly clean your electric bike and then capture it in its best light. Take it out of your garage, nice scenery will set the stage. Pose it on a trail, near a park, at a popular cafe. Part of what you're selling is the lifestyle.
Research: Look up what similar electric bikes are selling for, both in online marketplaces and through shops. This will help inform your price point
Detailed Description: Provide a comprehensive overview of your bike’s features and condition, including mileage. Be honest about any scratches or damage.
Clean and Presentable:Â A well-maintained bike sells faster, consider investing in a professional tune-up for an electric bike with some miles on it.
Beware of Scams:Â Stay vigilant, especially on online marketplaces.
Safe Transactions:Â Prefer public places for in-person sales and consider cash transactions.
Selling your electric bike can be a smooth process if you know why you're selling it and where to find the right buyers. Whether you're making room for something new, adjusting to life changes, or simply looking for an eco-friendly switch, there's a platform and a buyer for your needs. Stay informed, stay safe, and happy selling!
But seriously, if you already have an electric bike and are curious about the quality, 5-year warranty, and local service offered by Pedego, bring in your bike and let's chat.
1580 Barton Rd, Ste B, Redlands, CA 92373. 909-353-4152